Worries, deadlines, imagined crisis, trying to control what can’t be controlled; we’re all guilty at some time or other. These things, real or imagined, often blind us to what is important. The following YouTube video shares important values in life as taught to us by dogs. If you like dogs as much as I do, you’ll enjoy this video and learn much from it.
What is the size of the fire in your heart? There is always a burning ember. It’s waiting for you to fan its flames. It’s waiting for you to call on it. It will respond. It will not let you down. It’s the roaring flame in your heart that will pull you through. Failure becomes a teacher. Setbacks become a setup for something better. Getting knocked down becomes an opportunity to rise again, shake it off and press onward.
The runner in this YouTube video fanned the flames of fire in his heart and he wouldn’t quit. Take a lesson from his example.
Giving up is easy. It throws away hope. It doesn’t give the heart a chance to rise to the occasion. Be stouthearted. Be courageous. Be strong. Perhaps only you will know what you had to endure. Perhaps only you will know how many times you wanted to quit, but a voice deep inside screamed, “Don’t quit. Don’t you dare to quit.” The following YouTube video is a short trailer for Ernest Shackleton’s Antartica Odessey. Get inspired. Don’t Quit.
Having a tough day? RSVP’d to a pity party? Down in the dumps? The following YouTube video shares 5 brief stories to lift you up; to put a smile on your face: and, to put a kick back into your step.
Challenges surround us, problems overwhelm us. At times we may wonder if they’ll ever end; if we’ll ever have the strength, wisdom, and courage to overcome them. The answer is YES. A resounding YES. Things may not turn out the way we want, but if we give it our best and let our Creator do the rest, something good will come from our actions. Never quit. Never give up. Give it your best.
Life is precious, not to be wasted. When we use the gifts our Creator gave to us we may inspire others, heal others, bring joy to others, the possibilities are limitless. You have unlimited possibilities. Discover them, cultivate them, and one day you’ll bring your awesome gifts to others just as Eliud Kipchoge is bringing his gift of running marathons to us.
Here’s a motivational Youtube video to inspire you to give it the effort you need to take it over the top. We are never defeated if we continue to strive. Never Quit.
I viewed this video on YouTube and the lessons offered by the Navy Seal commander at the 2014 University of Texas commencement are powerful motivators for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world.
“You are working up a sweat, Ray. Why are you trying to get in shape?”
“Why did you follow me to the Y? I’m already in shape. I’m just trying to get in better shape.”
“The Blog Master asked me to keep an eye on you. You’re on their watch list.”
“Watchlist? A blog watch list? I’m on it?”
“Right at the top, Ray. Let’s face it, I don’t think you’re going to run a marathon. You don’t look like you can make the NBA. You can’t jump high enough. And. I’ve seen you shoot basketballs, you can’t make a layup.
“You think? I almost beat Joey the other day.”
“How old is Joey?”
“Nine. But, I’m getting better. He only beat me by three baskets. Maybe I’m going to be Tom Brady’s backup this year.”
You may as well add winning the Nobel prize, Pulitzer Prize, and any other prize they give for writing to your dream of being Tom Brady’s backup. I hate to burst your bubble kid, but those dreams are not coming true.
Where did kid come from? My name is Ray. I don’t change it every other day or every day like some people I know. BTW, what’s the name today, Me Lu?
I’m glad you asked. I decided since it is summer, to call myself Sunflower.”
“Sunflower? Why not Rose, since you are filled with thorns.”
Very clever, Ray. Very clever. Not.
“Have you thought of changing your name Ray? I can come up with some good ones for you. The names I will give you will change your persona. They will cause people to respect you, women will be knocking down your door, and money will flow into your bank account.Those are the three wishes of all males in our culture.”
“I have an idea, Sunflower.What if I kept my name and chase the dreams in my heart.”
“Oh, I like that, Ray. Can I chase my heart dreams too?”
“Let’s go for it, Sunflower.”
Dreams that come from our heart are the special ones. They are the dreams that make a difference in our world. They are the dreams that give life to our talent. Our dreams are unique to each of us. Don’t let anyone convince you not to chase your dreams. Sunflower and I are off to chase our dreams. Come along and fly through the cosmos with us.
“Your hammies a bit tight, Ray?”
“Cut me some slack, Y. I’m stretching. Getting ready to do my sleeping baby, then the happy baby….”
“Who came up with these names? The brainchild of a creative writing class? It sounds more like a group of your species after happy hour. Speaking of names, I’ve changed mine.”
“Why?”
“No, I’m not Y. I said I changed it.”
“Why, with a W and an h and a y.”
“My fans said your riding this pony into the ground. You need to come up with something a bit more original. So, I changed it to M because it rhymes with gem.”
“You’re a gem alright. Zirconium.”
“Oh, touchy. Can you pull your yoga strap a little tighter?”
“I’ll tear my quad or hamstring or bicep or deltoid.”
“Do you know what you’re doing?”
“No clue. But I think I’ll look cool when I walk into the gym with my yoga mat and yoga strap.”
“Are you going to join a yoga class?”
“Not unless they have a fantasy football league this fall.”
“So, you’re trying to be cool instead of flexible?”
“I’m flexible enough. I let you hang around the blog. I call that flexibility.”
“Good point. Why don’t you leave the mat and strap at the gym tomorrow before you hurt yourself.”
“Every once in a while, you have a good thought.”
Life comes at us fast with changes and challenges requiring us to stretch and learn things we’d just as soon not learn. If we’re not flexible, we hold ourselves back from the possibilities that await us. Flexibility helps us to grow, renew, and recreate ourselves.
