Saturday, 13 April 2013

How to Stay Inspired Every Day.

Life is made up of the little things. One step at a time.

I was watching a movie with a well known, successful actor. I noticed that he was a master of subtle facial expressions. Sometimes they were so subtle that you hardly noticed them--a twitch of the eye, a small sigh, a slight shrug of the shoulders. I wonder if he practices these movements or, because in his head he is becoming the character, if those movements are just part of him that he does almost subconsciously?

But the point is that they are very, very small things, each one on its own. Often, you don't even notice the actual movement but you get the message it portrays. You know he is actually sad, even though he is smiling or you know he is nervous and doing his best to hide it. That is the essence of great acting--it is built on tiny but important movements.

So is our life built on tiny steps. Each day we need to renew our inspiration and it doesn't have to be a big long process. It can start with a simple smile and kind word first thing in the morning. You will find when you give out happiness, it has a way of returning back to you! Or think a happy thought, no matter how bad you might feel. If you like to sing, try singing a happy song! Often, when I do this, before I know it, I don't even remember what it was that was getting me down--by singing an uplifting song, I am propelled into a positive mood!

There are many steps you can take, to help you to be more positive and inspired. Then, with that kind of mindset you can tackle problems or difficulties and come up with real solutions. If you try to tackle problems when you are un-inspired it will most likely be a downward spiral.

I also recommend you read the Mottos of Success calender. There is one quote per day, for every day of the year. You can start your day with a positive and inspirational thought that you can meditate on throughout the day, to help you stay inspired and to be successful.

Just click on the picture for more information and Stay Inspired!

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Give Sincere Encouragement

I am a firm believer that when you give people sincere encouragement it can help them blossom into a confident person.

I live in an apartment building. There is a family with several young children who live in the same building. I can’t remember when I last heard such loud children! Whether they are on their way to school or coming home from school, running up or down the stairs, they are constantly shouting to each other. Everything seems like a crisis or a miracle. Whatever happens, they get very excited and shout about it. They do the same when they are out in the garden playing, which is below my windows. I don’t exactly get irritated by the sound but I marvel at how loud and excitable they can constantly be!

Occasionally I enjoy watching them play for a few moments. I had to chuckle when I saw them knock down the sign that was in the middle of the grass. It read: "NO BALL PLAYING". They conscientiously stood the sign up and put it back it it's place. Then they continued with their ball game.

One sunny afternoon I was startled by very loud banging on my front door. It sounded like an emergency and I was wondering why they weren’t using the bell. Upon opening the door I saw the boy from upstairs. “You left your mailbox open!” He shouted. Inside the front entrance to the building we have mailboxes on the wall for each apartment which is kept locked with a key. Apparently I didn’t close mine correctly after I checked it so the mailbox door was left open. I thought that was a very considerate thing to tell me and I felt like rewarding him in some way. I didn’t think a monetary reward was appropriate so instead I emphatically said to him: “Thank you VERY much! You are a VERY GOOD boy!”

He beamed at me and ran downstairs. I suppose he was still trying to help as he repeatedly started slamming the door to my box closed before I could get down there to lock it. I had to shout down to him to leave it alone before he breaks it.

MY reward came the next day when he was out in the garden playing with his friend. I wasn’t listening to what they were shouting to each other, but one thing I heard loud and clear. The boy who had come to my door the previous day told his friend: ” I am a VERY GOOD boy!”

I really don’t think he hears that phrase too often but he actually is a sweet kid–just a little wild and loud.

When we are sure to praise people for the good they do, no matter how small, instead of only pointing out the mistakes, it helps them to try harder to keep doing good. This works just as well with adults as it does children!

Monday, 31 December 2012

Welcome, 2013!

Do You see things and say, “Why?”

Or dream things that aren’t and  say, “Why not?”

Let’s make 2013 a Why Not year instead of a Why Year!

Keep doing your bit to make a difference this coming year! You never know how far your good deed or kind words might go, or how many it might effect!


Happy New Year!

Monday, 17 December 2012

Free Inspirational Downloads of Christmas Songs & Stories


 Christmas is a time for giving and for sharing love, joy and peace. This Christmas I am happy to be able to give you, as a free gift, the following songs, stories and Powerpoint.  It is my wish that you get inspiration from them and share them with others too. If you enjoy this free gift from me, please click on the title of this post and leave a comment below . With best wishes for a heart warming holiday season.


Just right click on the files you want to download.

Christmas Songs

CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM            CHRISTMAS PRAISES
CHRISTMAS TREASURES                 DECK THE HALLS
DING DONG DING                               SILENT NIGHT
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN      HAPPY SINGING
LET THE WHOLE WORLD KNOW     NOEL
O HOLY NIGHT                                   DING DONG, MERRILY ON HIGH
THERE IS BORN A CHILD               UNTO YOU IS BORN THIS DAY
WE THREE KINGS                            WHAT WILL YOU GIVE ME

Christmas Short Inspirational Stories

Forgiving Jimmy                           Calming the storm of Christmas
Gifts from Heaven                                        An African Queen
A boy learns a lesson                                  The Real Santa Claus
Dear Admiral                                                Ready for Christmas
Saint Francis & the First Manger Scene   Christmas Tree
My Christmas discovery                              Christmas is for love

 More Christmas Stories

A Christmas Dinner                                    A Christmas Love
What Goes Around Comes Around         The Student Teacher
The Lost Bowl                                           The Christmas Cookie Can
Tending the Home Fires                          Surprise Santa
Martha's Christmas Wonderland     I'm Not Scrooge I'm Just Broke
A Special Breakfast                                 A Timeless Gift

Christmas Power Point


 Four Delightful Christmas Audio Dramas for Children 


Blast from the Past: Thailand

Making a Difference in Romania