courage

Kiss it Away: A Poem by Shel Silverstein

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Kiss it Away

Shel Silverstein

There´s a shadow on the sun I see it risin´
Kiss it away, Kiss it away
And there´s hurt down deep inside that I been hidin´
Kiss it away, Kiss it away
All the hard times we been through
We´d never mind them
We´d kiss ´em away, we´d just kiss ´em away
But now I´m lookin for the good times and I can´t find them
Guess we kissed them away, Must have kissed them away
Kiss away I keep thinkin´ the sun will shine once more
I´m never ready for the sudden rain
Don´t tell me I´m wrong, ´cause I been told
I feel so wet and cold
Come my pain
You keep hopin´ things´ll change and I keep tryin´
One of these days, maybe one of these days
But there´s a coldness in the air like somethin´ dyin’
Kiss it away, Come and kiss it away

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Embracing the Dawn: The Courage to Start Again

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Join us in Episode 64, “Embracing the Dawn: The Courage to Start Again,” where we navigate the poignant realm of life’s transitions. From the first steps into kindergarten to the final goodbyes at high school graduations, our lives are marked by ends and beginnings. We discuss how these milestones, while signifying loss—of the familiar, the comfortable, the loved—also herald the promise of new starts and new adventures.

This episode delves into the symbolism of sunrises and sunsets, the daily reminders that with every ending comes a new beginning, inviting us to release the past and welcome the future. Inspired by the wisdom of Meister Eckhart and the poetic musings of T.S. Eliot, we explore how life compels us to move forward, even when we grieve, even when the past clings to us.

Grief, a journey of its own, teaches us the tough lesson of letting go and stepping into the unknown—the valley of new beginnings. It’s an uncharted territory, absent of markers and maps, where each step is a discovery. As we ponder Jean-Paul Sartre’s reflections on the relentless passage of time and Haruki Murakami’s insights into the transformative power of surviving life’s storms, we invite listeners to embrace their own valleys of new beginnings. It’s a call to honor the memory of those we’ve lost by boldly saying yes to life’s unwritten adventure.

So, when you feel the pull towards a fresh start, step into it fearlessly. This episode is not just a conversation; it’s an affirmation that the pain of endings is real, but so is the hope and exhilaration of what lies ahead. Because life, in its relentless march forward, beckons us to live, to breathe, to discover—and most importantly, to begin again.

You can listen to Episode 64 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 64.

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Today’s Inspiring Quote: Tomorrow Will be Better

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“Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” ~  Thich Nhat Hanh

Attitude Word of the Day: Confidence

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Confidence: A feeling or consciousness of one’s powers or of reliance on one’s circumstances.

NOTE: We gain confidence in our abilities by having the courage to test them. When we test ourselves in trying circumstances and succeed our confidence grows. Sports psychologists use mental rehearsals as a way of priming confidence for upcoming events. Another way of priming your confidence is to review your personal history of challenging experiences where you succeeded. When you do, you will discover you have all you need to succeed in the moment.

Today’s Inspiring Quote: Never Quit

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“Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in face of certain defeat.” ― Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man

Good Luck and Bad: A Poem by Grantland Rice

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Good Luck and Bad

Grantland Rice

GOOD Luck is like a down hill tide
That helps to make an easy start,
Where one may paddle, drift or glide
Without much effort on his part;

But though it takes you to the goal
And brings you in the world’s acclaim,
It builds no fibre for your soul
Nor molds you for the rougher game.

Bad Luck is like an uphill sweep,
The test of courage and of class,
Where troubles grow and shadows creep
And none except the valiant pass ;

Where through raw gales that blow but ill
The entry clings to this lone dream :
The stalwart only stalks the hill
The gamefish only swims up stream.

If your main wish is but to win
Let Good Luck help to pull you through,
To know the cheering and the din
That go where laurel sprigs are due ;

But if you wish to build a heart
That scorns the fickle whims of Fate,
Take Hard Luck for the journey’s start
With rugged Trouble for a mate.

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Today’s Inspiring Quote: It’s Never too Late

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“So long as you have courage and a sense of humor, it is never too late to start life afresh.“  ~ Freeman Dyson

Today’s Inspiring Photo: Fly

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Get Healthy: Make Optimism a Way of Life

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Why Optimists Are Happier Than Pessimists

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to radiate happiness, no matter the circumstances? The secret might lie in their outlook on life. Research shows that optimists, those who generally expect good things to happen, tend to be happier than pessimists, who often anticipate unfavorable outcomes. This blog post delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon, shedding light on why adopting an optimistic viewpoint could be a key to a happier life.

Positive Expectations Shape Reality

Optimists are champions at viewing the glass as half full. This positive expectation influences their perception of life events, enabling them to see opportunities in challenges rather than mere obstacles. Their hopeful outlook makes them more resilient in the face of adversity, as they believe that negative situations are temporary and can be improved. This resilience not only helps them recover from setbacks more quickly but also contributes to a higher level of overall happiness.

Optimists Cultivate Healthier Relationships

Optimism fosters a positive environment that encourages stronger and more supportive relationships. Optimists tend to spread their cheerfulness, making them more likable and easier to be around. Their ability to see the best in people and situations can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections. These positive social interactions further enhance their happiness and well-being.

Better Health and Longevity

The benefits of optimism extend beyond mental health. Optimists often enjoy better physical health and may even live longer. Their positive outlook encourages healthier lifestyles and stress management practices. Furthermore, optimism has been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases and improved immune function. By taking proactive steps towards their health and well-being, optimists not only live happier but potentially longer lives.

In conclusion, the happiness of optimists can be attributed to their positive expectations, healthier relationships, and better physical health. Embracing an optimistic attitude may not change the world overnight, but it can certainly change one’s experience of it, leading to a more fulfilling and joyful life.

Today’s Motivating Quote

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“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
― Albert Camus

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