NOTES OF ENCOURAGEMENT

 

"What any one woman can, all of us can do.

The question is not,"Can We?" but "How Can We?"

TOGETHER WE CAN DO THAT WHICH WE COULD NOT DO ALONE!

The Invitation:

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing. It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive. It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it. I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human. It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy. I want to know if you can see beauty, even when it’s not pretty, every day, and if you can source your own life from its presence. I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes!” I doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children. It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back. It doesn’t interest me where or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away. I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments. By Oriah Mountain Dreamer

The Beauty Of A Woman

The beauty of a woman Is not in the clothes she wears The figure she carries Or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman Must be seen from her eyes, Because that is the doorway to her heart, The place where love resides. The beauty of a woman, Is not in a facial mole, But true beauty in a woman Is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, The passion that she shows, The beauty of a woman With passing years - only grows

Bathing Suit Shopping

I have just been through the annual pilgrimage of torture and humiliation known as buying a bathing costume. When I was a child in the 1950's, the bathing costume for a woman with a mature figure was designed for a woman with a mature figure boned, trussed and reinforced, not so much sewn as engineered. They were built to hold back and uplift and they did a good job. Today's stretch fabrics are designed for the prepubescent girl with a figure chipped from marble. The mature womanhas a choice - she can either front up at the maternity department and try on afloral costume with a skirt, coming away looking like a hippopotamus who escaped from Disney's Fantasia - or she can wander around every run-of-the-mill department store trying to make a sensible choice from what amounts to a designer range of fluorescent rubberbands. What choice did I have? I wandered around, made my sensible choice and entered the chamber of horrors known as the fitting room. The first thing I noticed was the extraordinary tensile strength of the stretch material. The Lycra used in bathing costumes was developed, I believe, by NASA to launch small rockets from a slingshot, which give the added bonus that if you manage to actually lever yourself into one, you are protected from shark attacks. The reason for this is that any shark taking a swipe at your passing midriff would immediately suffer whiplash. I fought my way into the bathing costume, but as I twanged the shoulderstrap in place, I gasped in horror - my bosom had disappeared! Eventually, I found one bosom cowering under my left armpit. It took a while to find theother. At last I located it flattened beside my seventh rib. The problem is that modern bathing suits have no bra cups. The mature woman is meant to wear her bosomspread across her chest like a speed bump. I realigned my speed bump and lurched toward the mirror to take a full view assessment. The bathing costume fit all right, but unfortunately, it only fit those bits of me willing to stay inside it. The rest of me oozed out rebelliously from top, bottom, and sides. I looked like a lump of play dough wearing undersized cling wrap. As I tried to work out where all those extra bits had come from, the prepubescent sales girl popped head through the curtains, "Oh There you are!" she said, admiring the bathing suit. I responded that I wasn't so sure and asked what elseshe had to show me. I tried on a cream crinkled one that made me look like a lump of masking tape, and a floral two piece which gave the appearance of an oversized napkin in a serviette ring. I struggled into a pair of leopard skin bathers with ragged frill and came out looking like Tarzan's Jane - pregnant with triplets and having a rough day. I tried on a black number with a bare midriff and looked like a jellyfish in mourning. I tried on a bright pink pair with such a high cut leg I thought I would have to wax my eyebrows to wear them. Finally, I found a costume that fit... a two piece affair with shorts style bottom and a halter top. It was cheap, comfortable, and bulge friendly, so I bought it. When I got home, I read the label which said "Material may become transparent in water." I'm determined to wear it anyway. I'll just have to learn to do the breaststroke in the sand.

The Power Of One

One song can spark a moment, One flower can wake the dream. One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring. One smile begins a friendship, One hand clasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal. One vote can change a nation, One sunbeam lights a room. One candle wipes out darkness, One laugh will conquer gloom. One step must start each journey, One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits, One touch can show you care. One voice can speak with wisdom, One heart can knows what's true. One life can make a difference, You see it's up to you!

In The Beginning

In The Beginning, God created the Heaven and the Earth. And the Earth was without form, and void, And darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Devil said, "It doesn't get any better than this." And God said, "Let there be light" And there was light. And God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, The herb yielding seed, And the fruit tree yielding fruit," And God saw that it was good. And the Devil said, "There goes the neighbourhood." And God said, "Let us make Man in our image, After our likeness, And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, And over the fowl of the air And over the cattle, And over all the Earth, And over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the Earth." And so God created Man in His own image; Male and female He created them. And God looked upon Man and Woman And saw that they were lean and fit. And the Devil said, "I know how I can get back in this game." And God populated the earth With broccoli and cauliflower and spinach And green and yellow vegetables of all kinds, So Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives. And the Devil created McDonald's. And McDonald's brought forth The 79-cent double cheeseburger. And the Devil said to Man, "You want fries with that?" And Man said, "Super size them." And Man gained five pounds. And God created the healthful yoghurt, That woman might keep her figure That man found so fair. And the Devil brought forth chocolate. And Woman gained five pounds. And God said, "Try my crispy fresh salad." And the Devil brought forth Ben and Jerry's. And Woman gained 10 pounds. And God said, "I have sent thee heart-healthy vegetables And olive oil with which to cook them." And the Devil brought forth chicken fried steak So big it needed its own platter. And Man gained 10 pounds And his bad cholesterol went through the roof. And God brought forth running shoes. And Man resolved to lose those extra pounds. And the Devil brought forth cable TV with remote control So Man would not have to toil To change channels between ESPN and ESPN2. And Man gained another 20 pounds. And God said, "You're running up the score, Devil." And God brought forth the potato, A vegetable naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And the Devil peeled off the healthful skin And sliced the starchy centre into chips and deep-fat fried them. And the Devil created sour cream dip. And Man clutched his remote control And ate the potato chips swaddled in cholesterol. And the Devil saw and said, "It is good." And Man went into cardiac arrest. And God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery. And the Devil cancelled Man's health insurance. Then God showed Woman how to peel the skin off chicken And cook the nourishing whole grain brown rice. And the Devil created light beer So Man could poison his body, While feeling righteous because he had to drink Twice as much of the now-insipid brew to get the same buzz. And Man gained another 10 pounds. And God created the life giving tofu. And Woman ventured forth Into the land of Godiva chocolate, And upon returning asked Man, 'Do I look fat?" And the Devil said, "Always tell the truth." And Man did. And Woman went out from the presence of man And dwelt in the land of the divorce lawyer, East of the marriage counsellor. And Woman put aside the seeds of the earth And took unto herself comfort food. And God brought forth Weight-watchers. It didn't help. And God created exercise machines with easy payments. And man brought forth his Visa. And the exercise machine went to dwell In the closet of Nod east of the polyester leisure suit. And in the fullness of time, Woman received the exercise machine from Man In the property settlement. It didn't help her, either.

I CELEBRATE ME

I am worth celebrating. I am worth everything. I am unique. In this whole world, there is only one me. There is no one person with my talents, experiences, gifts. No one can take my place. God created only one me, precious in His sight. I have immense potential to love, to care, to create, to grow, to sacrifice, if I believe in myself. It doesn't matter my age, or colour, or whether my parents loved me or not. (Maybe they wanted to but couldn't). It doesn't matter what I have been, the things I have done, mistakes I have made, people I have hurt. I am forgiven. I am accepted. I am okay. I am loved in spite of everything. So I love myself and nourish seeds within me. I celebrate me. I begin now. I start anew. I give myself new birth today. I am me and that's all I need to be. Today is a new beginning. A new life, given freely. So I celebrate the miracle and I celebrate me. Author unknown

YOU JUST CAN'T QUIT

When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh; When care is pressing you down a bit Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns, And everyone of us sometimes learns, That many a fellow turned about When he might have won had he stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slow, You may succeed with one more blow.

Often the goal is nearer than It seems to a faint and faltering man. Often the struggler has given up When he might have captured the victor's cup. And he learns too late when the night comes down How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out The silver tint to the cloud of doubt. And you never can tell how close you are. It may be near when it seems so far. So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit. It's when things seem worst that you musn't quit. Author unknown

THE MAGIC ONION

Oh, I'm a magic onion, (Don't laugh - you're an onion too) There's layers and layers and layers of me, I'll never get down through. I just try to peel myself to see what I'm about, Whenever any insight comes, I laugh and dance and shout! Now, I'm not implying that self-search is such fun Sometimes I scare myself to death. I want to hide and run. When I begin to understand what others plainly see, I wonder how anyone can love the unformed self of me. If you gave me a crystal ball, I'd throw it far away. I only have the strength to bear the layer of today. Am I glad I'm an onion? Well, I used to be a rock! Nothing moved or breathed inside. I was all locked and blocked. Now that I'm an onion, although I cry, I jive. I hope to be a-peeling until I'm ninety-five. So all you other onions who've never made a strip. I'm not going to sugar-coat your first colossal rip. It may shake you up a bit, but it won't break your heart. It may truly save your life, give you a brand new start. So when you find a loving friend who is wise and strong and kind. Go to her and open up the onion of your mind. You will soon discover how the magic works for you. As the layers peel away, your sweetness will come through. For all us magic onions just smell in self-defense. Underneath lie hearts of gold, courage and common sense. And we can all be loving friends of different sorts and kinds. Who help each other open up the onions of our minds.

LORD FORGIVE ME WHEN I WHINE

Today upon the bus I saw A lovely girl with golden hair. When she rose to leave, I saw Her hobble down the aisle. She had one leg and used a crutch. But as she passed, she smiled. Oh, Lord forgive me when I whine. I have two legs. The world is mine!

I stopped to buy some candy. The lad who sold it had such charm. He seemed so glad And as I left he said to me, "Thank you. You've been so kind. It's nice to talk with folks like you. You see," he said, "I'm blind". Oh, Lord forgive me when I whine. I have two eyes. The world is mine!

Later while walking down the street. I saw a child with eyes of blue. He stood and watched the others play. I said, "Why don't you join them dear"? He looked ahead without a word. And then I knew he couldn't hear. Oh, Lord forgive me when I whine. I have two ears. The world is mine!

With feet to take me where I want to go. With eyes to see the sunset's glow. With ears to hear what I would know. Oh, Lord forgive me when I whine. I'm blessed indeed. The world is mine!

JUST FOR TODAY

Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appal me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that, "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be".

Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my luck as it comes, and fit myself to it.

Just for today I will strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.

Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn and not get found out; if anyone knows of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don't want to do, just for exercise. I will not show anyone my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.

Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, talk low, act courteously, criticize not one bit, not find fault with anything and not try to improve or regulate anybody except myself.

Just for today I will have a plan. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests; hurry and indecision. Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all to myself and relax. During this half hour, some time I will try to get a better perspective on my life.

Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the world so the world will give to me.

SERENITY PRAYER

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change

The courage To change the things I can

And the wisdom To know the difference

YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension. One of these days is yesterday with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said...yesterday is gone.

The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow with its possible burdens, its large promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise either in splendour or behind a mask of clouds - but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow for it is as yet unborn.

This leaves only one day....today. Any man can fight the battle of just one day. It is only when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities...Yesterday and Tomorrow that we break down. It is not the experience of today that drives men mad. It is remorse or bitterness for something which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring. Let us therefore, live but one day at a time.

THE OLD VIOLIN

It was battered and scarred and the auctioneer thought it scarcely worth his while, To waste much time on the old violin, but he held it up with a smile. "What am I bidden good folks," he cried. "Who'll start the bidding for me"? A dollar, a dollar, then two only two. Two dollars. Who'll make it three? Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three," But no! From the room far back a grey haired man came forward and picked up the bow. Then wiping the dust from the old violin and tightening the loosening strings. He played a melody pure and sweet as the carolling angel sings! The music ceased and the auctioneer with a voice that was quiet and low said, "What am I bid for the old violin", and he held it up with the bow. "A thousand dollars, who'll make it two, two thousand and who'll make it three? Three thousand once, three thousand twice and going and gone", said he. The people cheered but some of them cried, "We do not understand? What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply, "The touch of the Master's hand for many a man with life out of tune, battered and scarred with sin, Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd much like the old violin. A mess of potage, a glass of wine, a game and he travels on. He's going once, he's going twice, he's going and almost gone. But the Master comes and the foolish crowd can never quite understand. The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought by the touch of the Master's hand.

HAND SEWN

I was like an old piece of clothing And you were my tailor I was old, beat up, torn at the seams Ready to be discarded. You saw the silver lining And decided to remake me Into something useful and fashionable You took the needle of caring And the thread of love And you sewed me back together Now, I am ready for use once again.

IF

If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowances for their doubting too. If you can wait and not be tired of waiting, Or being lied about, don't deal in lies, Or being hated don't give way to hating, And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise. If you can dream and not make dreams your master If you can think and not make thoughts your aim. If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat these two imposters just the same. If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves and made a trap for fools. And watch the things you gave your life to broken, And stoop and build `em up with worn out tools. If you can make a heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss. And lose. And start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss. If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone. And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the will which says to them, "Hold on!" If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much. If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run. Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And, which is more, you'll be a man my son! Author Unknown

THE BRIDGEBUILDER

ALL THE TIME

All the time I thought there's only me

Crazy in a way no one else could ever be

I would have given everything I own

If someone would have said, "you're not alone"

All the time I thought that I was wrong

Wanting to be me but needing to belong

If I'd have just believed in all I had

If someone would have said, "you're not so bad"

ALL THE TIME, ALL THE WASTED TIME

ALL THE YEARS WAITING FOR A SIGN

TO THINK...I HAD IT ALL THE TIME

All the time I thought there's only me

Crazy in a way no one else could ever be

I can't believe that you were somewhere too

Thinking all the time there's only you

ALL THE TIME, ALL THE WASTED TIME

ALL THE YEARS WAITING FOR A SIGN

TO THINK WE HAD IT ALL THE TIME

Donuts, Root beer and God

There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with donuts and a six-pack of root beer, and he started his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old man. He was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry so he offered him a donut. He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. His smile was so incredible that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer. Once again, he smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug. The old man gave him his biggest smile ever. When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later; his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? He's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!" Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy on his face was asked by his son, "Father, what did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I ate donuts in the park with God." But before his son could respond, he added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected." Never underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or even the smallest act of caring! All have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Celebrate them!