A Beloved Book

I.

Tommy sits curled up in his old brown bed. On his lap is a green and white quilted blanket. He turns his head to the right and stares outside the window. His green eyes sparkle as he watches the snowflakes dance in the morning air. Smiling, he turns back to the book on his lap.


II.

Tommy opens up the book and flips through the pages. It's a red hardcover edition of Bullfinch's Mythology. The spine is cracked, and the pages are yellowed like rotten custard. Tommy's slim white fingers turn each page, as his eyes devour the contents. Suddenly, he stops. A great gasp flees from his throat.


III.

Before his eyes, he sees a black and white picture of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. King Arthur stands in the center, with his armored knights around him. Before the king, kneels a golden-haired youth. His head is bowed, and his hands are clasped in prayer as King Arthur taps him on the shoulder with Excalibur. "Lancelot." the boy says softly, his eyes shining like stars.

A Winter Wonderland

The snow is on the ground like a big white carpet. It reminds you of cotton candy at a summer carnival. With a smile, you step into the snow. Your black hiking boots make slushing noises as you walk around. Shivering, you tuck your gloved hands into your forest-green jacket. You can see your breath in little puffs of white mist that reminds you of smoke. Pausing for a moment, you close your eyes and inhale the crisp morning air. Its coolness fills your lungs, and you feel a lightness in your body. Staring at the sun as it rises, you feel yourself flying in the clouds.

a field of snow

deep in the countryside

you look about

and feel yourself flying

in worlds of white wonder

The Smell Of The Sea

Sally walks by the shores of the sea. She stops and turns towards the water. Before her eyes is a blue carpet stretching far into the horizon. Smiling, she sits down and presses her toes deep into the golden sand. She sighs as she wriggles her toes. Then she looks back to the water. Her emerald eyes shine in the sunlight as she takes deep breaths of the salty air. The smell rushes through her body; her skin tingles, and she sighs once more.

speeding arrow

an eagle

in the clouds

The Greatest Gift

audiobook

a classroom

in your mind

What is something that everyone should have? Something absolutely essential to their needs? What is the greatest gift they could get?

The greatest gift is investing in yourself. Take the time to learn new skills and grow as a person. This is one thing that you should never deprive yourself of. Material things come and go, but the things you learn will last a lifetime.

But how do you invest in yourself? The answer is to seek out resources that will help you develop an area that you would like to improve on.

 We live in a great technological age - there is information for the taking. Look for it with free videos and books. Why pay when so many people are willing to give free advice? All you have to do is find it. Take advantage of their teaching and learn from them. Make the most of these opportunities. Two sites that I recommend to help get you started:

• Librivox (free audiobooks - you can learn faster than by reading a traditional book)
• Youtube (free videos on various subjects).

Give yourself the greatest gift. You owe it to yourself.

The Frog

Midnight in the plum garden. The full moon shines high overhead, kissing the grass with silver light. A gentle breeze blows sweetly over the plum trees, and the smell of ripe plums lingers in the air.

In the center of the garden is a small pond. The clear water shines in the moonlight like glass in a mirror. Near the edge of the pond, squats an old frog on a lily pad. Its skin is mint-green and wrinkled. Big, bulging eyes stare out into the water and then sink to slits as it begins to croak. From time to time, a slimy tongue shoots out as if kissing the air. The old frog croaks through the night.

old frog

under the moon

spring song

Mountains Of Misery

snow

on the mountain

clear streams

We all have mountains in our lives - some obstacle that blocks our way forward. These mountains can be devasting to a person. We see in front of us a solid wall of rock and think it is impossible to climb. Our hopes are crushed, and we fall into utter despair. These unsolved problems have become "mountains of misery."

But there is no need to lose hope. Instead, we must remind ourselves that there are many ways to attack a problem. Do not let fear and despair hold you back from achieving your goals. With careful thinking, there is a way to overcome any obstacle. If the mountain seems too large or intimidating to climb, do not climb it. The direct way will get you nowhere. Your best bet is to use an indirect method. See if you can go around the mountain. Often times, these indirect methods are more effective than direct action. They can lead to solutions that are much easier and better than your original plan.

The next time you see a mountain in your life, take a step back and attack the problem in your mind. If direct action seems too costly, or unattainable, look for indirect methods that can help you achieve your goals. Mind will always be better than matter. Instead of exhausting your strength with brute force, use your mind to come up with clever alternatives. By following this plan, you will never have to fear the "mountains of misery" in your life.

Nightingale

The full moon shines high above a lake. Its water is calm and clear in the silver light.  Across the water, on the shores of the lake, sings the nightingale. Her sweet song is like an angel singing - pure, high notes that linger in the air like golden bells ringing.

aria

the nightingale's song

at midnight

Learn To Listen

alone

on the telephone

static sounds

Have you ever felt that you do not understand people? That you could not relate with them? One of the ways to overcome this barrier is to listen to them.

There are many advantages when you listen to people. People can be an amazing source of information - a well of knowledge and opinions that can enrich your life. All you have to do is be polite and listen to what they have to say. Most of the time, people will be all too happy to talk to you. By being a good listener, you will be able to learn so much about yourself and the world around you.

Listening builds compassion. When people talk, they share not only their joys but their troubles as well. Deep down, most people just want a sympathetic ear to listen to. When you listen to them, you will learn how to practice kindness and compassion - you will win the respect of that person. A willing ear leads to a compassionate heart.

The next time someone wants to talk, listen to them. Both of you will benefit from this interaction. You can only grow as a person if you learn to listen.

Say No To Negativity

sitting alone

in my room

calm sea

The mind is a beautiful thing - the greatest part of your body. When used properly, it can lead to new discoveries and inventions for humanity. When used negatively, untold misery, defeat, and destruction can occur. How can you use your brain to its optimal power?

The first thing you must do is to banish negative thoughts. Negative thoughts are a poison that will infect your mind, shattering your self-confidence and leaving you weak and vulnerable to bad influences. To free yourself, you must let go of the past. Stop thinking about the past and moaning about things you cannot change. The past is history - no amount of crying or screaming will change what has already happened.

Instead, focus your efforts on the present - the here and now. This is the only thing that is within your power. You cannot change the past, and no one knows the future - all that is left to you is the present. Think of the present as a block of marble. To fulfill your dreams, you must see the image and work your way towards it. Like a patient sculptor, you will slowly chip away at the unnecessary material until you mold something of great beauty from within your mind.

Now is the time. Stop thinking of the past and focus on what you can do now. Believe in yourself and build your dreams and life with positive thinking. Say No to Negativity.

The Fear Of Failure

a turtle

in the grass

noonday sun

For many, failure is like a death sentence. It paralyzes you, making you afraid to take action. All you see is doom and gloom, darkness and defeat.

But it does not have to be this way. Your fear of failure is the result of misguided thinking. Failure is not the end of the world. Life must go on, and you must learn to adapt. With time, you will understand that a temporary setback has turned into a jewel of opportunity.

Failure is nothing more than a tool to improve yourself. Whenever you fail at something, look at the cause and effect of the problem. Try to understand what went wrong, and use it as a source of feedback on what needs to be done. By learning from your mistakes, you will grow as a person, becoming wiser and stronger in the process.

So the next time you feel hopeless and lost from a problem, remember this lesson. Use your mistakes as a springboard to renewed effort and growth. You will then know that there is nothing to fear from failure.

The Words We Use

links

in a chain

short words

To write well, we must make use of all our words. Words are stones that build our thoughts. Each one must be put in place, at the right time. Brick by brick, we build the wall to make a work of art.

Choose your words with great care. Each word is linked in a chain that flows from point to point. It must be smooth from one line to the next. Short words give strength to your work; the words are clear and make it a joy to read.

Try to use short words in your work. It is a good way to write with more skill. All my words have been one syllable (except this one). Short words will help you write in a clear and smooth way. Try it; it is well worth it.

On Books

a row

of hardcover books

on the shelf

golden keys to unlock

worlds hidden behind doors

I've always been fond of books. They are like old friends at a dinner party - always chatting away with something new to say. Indeed, it's hard not to admire a book, for within its dusty covers, are worlds waiting to be discovered. The possibilities are endless. Will I enter a world of fantasy and enroll in a wizard school? Or perhaps I will travel in time to Ancient Greece and attend a lecture at Plato's Academy. Maybe I will explore the stars and learn about the universe with Astronomy. All these choices are mine to make. They are "golden keys" that will unlock the ignorance of my mind as I strive for understanding.

Socrates once said: "I know nothing except for the fact of my ignorance." I too, have tried to live by this maxim. It is only through humility, have I learned that there is so much to learn. An open mind, an open heart, and an open book, are the surest ways I know to grow as a person. I truly believe this. Without these things, it would be much harder to grow in wisdom.

A good book is a friend for life. I will always relish the ones I've read, for many have changed my life. They are there for anyone willing to listen - to listen to their stories. I'm glad I listened.

The Truth About Tests

math problems

on a school test

building blocks

Throughout our lives, we are confronted with tests - tests for school, tests for work, tests in our personal lives - they are everywhere and for the most part, unavoidable. It is unfortunate that many people get stressed out over tests. They see it as a barrier to their ambitions. Perhaps it is, but they are seeing it in the wrong light.

The truth about tests is that they are opportunities for growth - a sort of feedback on your current progress. Failing a test means nothing in the long run - it is only a temporary setback that allows you to gain insight into areas that need improvement. Take advantage of this and learn from it. Grow as a person and develop your skills.

Now you know the truth about tests. Stop avoiding them and confront them with confidence. They will be valuable aides in your life.

The Ice Cream Shop

Jenny opens the door and walks into Bob's Big Ice Cream. She goes up to the counter and peers into the glass. Her big blue eyes brighten when she sees all the ice cream flavors - vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, - an endless rainbow of colors and choices to choose from. Smiling, she waves her hand to get the cashier's attention.

"Hey, Bob! I'll get my usual."  She opens up her black purse and fishes around for loose coins. She grabs a handful and plops them down on the counter.

Bob, an older man in his fifties, scoops up the quarters and dimes and puts them into little piles as he counts them. With a grunt, he gathers all the coins and rings up the cash register, placing them into neat rows. He bangs shut the machine, and turns to her, an amused look in his green eyes.

"Vanilla ice cream again, Jenny? We have over fifty flavors of ice cream, and you always pick vanilla. Don't you ever want to try something new?"

Jenny rolls her eyes and waves a hand in dismissal. "Nah, I like vanilla - always have. Why would I ever want to try something new? It's just bound to disappoint me." She grabs a plastic spoon and some napkins and waits for Bob to get her ice cream.

Bob scoops her vanilla ice cream into a cup and hands it to her. "No offense Jenny, but I  think you're missing out. Don't be afraid to try new things. You might discover something you truly love."

 Jenny nods and takes the cup from him. "Sure Bob, whatever." She plunges her spoon into her ice cream and eats it slowly, savoring it as she strolls out the store.

Bob watches her go. He sighs and shakes his head. "Why is everyone so afraid to try a new flavor?" he says softly to himself.

rainbow

ice cream flavors

in a shop

How To Enjoy Life

sunrise

a smiley face

in my notebook

Throughout human history, people have wondered how to enjoy life. What makes a happy life? What can we do to find happiness?

The answer is to consider the end result - death. Death is the curse of all things born into this world. What was born must die. If we understand and accept this truth, we are one step closer to unlocking the power we do have - the power of the present.

If we want to enjoy life, we must live in the present. Put away all your old fears - let those memories collect dust in the tomb of the past. No matter how much you may wish to change those distant memories, you cannot. Step away and let those memories rest in peace - the peace of an untroubled mind.

The same goes for the future. Life is too chaotic - too variable to plan your future in the minutest detail. One small misstep can make the tower of your dreams come crashing down. Plan if you wish, but do not plan so much that you live your whole life in the future waiting for something to happen.

The only thing we control is the present - one day at a time. Enjoy that day like it was your last - for it might very well be. Seek out new experiences and opportunities. Read good books and make new friends - explore yourself and your world. Never pass up a good thing in your love for life. For if you can make the most of your day, you are a lucky person. You know how to enjoy life.

The Power Of Persuasion

a lightbulb

drawn on the chalkboard

seeds in your mind

By nature, we are social animals. We thrive on the interaction of others. This feeling of togetherness is what compels us to form groups - our family, our friends, our place in society.

With this closeness comes the need to share our ideas with others - to persuade them to our way of thinking. We can achieve this through the power of persuasion.

But how do we persuade someone? What can we do without using threats or force? The answer is to look within ourselves and make use of one of our greatest gifts - the power of belief. Like it or not, we are emotional creatures. All the beauty of a perfect Aristotelian syllogism means nothing if your audience can not feel the emotion in your words. True persuasion is not won by fancy logical equations, but by the power and conviction in your words - you feel so strongly about something that your passion passes through your audience and wins the heart of the people.

Which would you rather have? The finest mathematical proof set up in perfect order, or the enthusiasm of someone who loves their subject and yearns to shares their knowledge with others? Do you favor human warmth and feeling, or a cold equation?

Remember this: People are not moved by perfect logic, but by the power of your beliefs and your enthusiasm. If you want to win the hearts of your audience, you must follow these principles. Only then will you have the power to persuade. 

The Time We Have

Dear Reader,


The following is a poem I wrote. It is a poem about time - the time in our lives. Like it or not, we are all under the yoke of time. For whatever is born of this world, must eventually die and pass away - to return to the Earth from which it came. I hope this poem will give you some insights on life and death and the time that all of us have.

The pangs of life is but the kiss of death,

One life to live before the final breath;

The sweetest song soon becomes a lament,

When cries of joy are turned into torment.

As roses bloom, so they must wither and fade,

Their pretty petals plucked, and then unmade;

The grass of spring changes to ice and snow,

As life gives way to darkness and woe.

Our life is but a spark that burns too fast,

A rising sun that must descend at last.

On Excellence

shining star

adding the numbers

one by one

The best thing you can do in your life is to invest in yourself. It is like finding a gold mine - but infinitely better. The material things you have can be taken away at any time, but the knowledge in your head is yours forever. It is a diamond beyond price. Why go through life amassing a fortune that others will take away from you? Why not build a different kind of fortune? A fortune that is yours to keep and share at your choosing.

But how do you gain wisdom? What must you do to have that priceless diamond in your mind? The answer is through self-discovery. You must see the world through the eyes of a child. Everything in your world must be new to you. You must ask questions and keep an open mind, for these are the things essential to any kind of learning. "Why?" and "How?" should be the words of your mantra - your friends in the quest for enlightenment.

With self-discovery comes the desire for continuous improvement. Repetition is the child of learning. For an hour every day, you must make a commitment to learn something new. Look for this knowledge wherever it takes you: books, the Internet, other people. It matters not as long as you learn something from it. Then practice, always practice, what you have learned.

Excellence is not hard to learn. All it takes is continuous self-discovery and the practice of it. Do not deny yourself this precious gift. Excellence is yours for the taking - reach out and grab it. Be the person you always wanted to be. 

It Pays To Be Polite

one family

one world

a smile

I often wonder - why is there so much rudeness in the world? Why are we so eager to insult others? The world seems to be flooded with hate.

I think this is a real shame. It is a shame because good manners cost nothing. They are free for the taking anytime we want. Unlike most things in this world, politeness is a gift that even the poorest person can take advantage of. Why deny yourself such a beautiful gift? Embrace it and make it your own.

Not only is politeness free, but it also offers many benefits to the daily practitioner. One of the most important is the respect and admiration of others. It is the law of reflection: what you send out to others will be returned to you. If you send out hate, you will receive hate. If you send out love, you will receive love. And so it is with all the other emotions.

If you want to master yourself and find happiness, you must begin with yourself. Conquer negativity by thinking positively. Then send out your positivity to others with kindness and politeness. You will soon notice the law of reflection at work: others will reciprocate your feelings and send you kindness as well.

Let us make this world a better place by removing the hate that infests this world. Try your best every day to be polite to everyone you meet - both on and off the internet. You will soon notice it truly does pay to be polite.

A Donkey's Tale

There once lived a donkey. He was a grouchy fellow that liked to stroll in the meadow and complain about everything he saw or did. If he stepped on daises, he would complain; if he looked at the sun, he would complain; if another animal greeted him, he would complain. It was always the same: his ears and tail would droop, and he would raise his head and bray like a bawling child. Whenever the other animals heard his braying, they would flee the field as fast as their feet could carry them. And so he moaned from dawn to dusk.

braying donkey

a little child

in the candy store

The War Of Words

screaming

in the house

molten lava

Words are a mighty weapon. They can inspire others and create works of literature. They can bond people together with the power of prayer. They can bring peace to troubled nations and people. Words can do all of this if used in a positive way.

But words can also hurt. Words are like a dagger thrust into your heart - the chill of the blade leaves you haunted and hopeless. It can scar you for life - a casualty in the war of words. 

As people, we must do our best to respect the dignity of others. Instead of being rude and hurling insults whenever we please, we should step back and ask ourselves: how would we feel if someone hurled lava at us? Would not the sting of it leave us battered and bruised with emotional wounds?

Kindness is not difficult. All it takes is a little sympathy and compassion. Use both of these traits whenever you deal with others. And above all, watch your words. For it is a bomb that can destroy friends and family. Use your words with care, and not only will you be loved and admired, but you will be the victor in the war of words.

Loving To Learn

Ann was on her way to the university library when she ran into Bobby.

"Hey, baby." Bobby grinned.

Ann's stomach gurgled. She felt like she was going to barf up her breakfast of pancakes and coffee. She rolled her eyes and sighed.

"You again?" she said.

"Yeah, it's me. Was hoping to catch you."

"What for?" Ann looked at him, a slight frown on her face.

"Well, there's this big frat party at the Alpha Kappa's. I want you to come with me. It's the whole talk of the campus - loads of music, and partying, and fun - you'll love it!" He grinned again, flashing his yellow stained teeth.

Ann shook her head. "A big party on a weekday? You know it's Thursday, right?"

Bobby shrugged. "The Alpha Kappa's don't care. They party whenever they want. Say - are you comin' or what?"

" No Bobby, I need to study. Good grades are important to me. I hope you understand that."

"Aww, c'mon Ann! All you ever do is study. Don't you want a life?"

Ann's eyes flashed and she gnashed her teeth. Her shoulders shook and she stamped her foot.

"I have a life, thank you very much! And I don't need some drunken frat boy telling me what to do. Get lost!" she glared at him.

"Huh? You get all pissed just because I invite you to a party? Wow, just wow..." he walked off, muttering to himself.

Ann watched him go. She never could understand Bobby. Sure, he was good looking in a rough kind of way, but all he ever did was guzzle down beers and eat pepperoni pizza. She couldn't even remember a time he ever studied. How he got into University was a mystery to her. She sighed and entered the library.

Here was her world - books and all the knowledge she could learn from - so many things to read about and discover. It excited her. She ran up the stairs to the second floor.

And there she saw her friends: Dani, Robin, and Rick. She flashed a smile and waved at them as she ran to their table. Setting her backpack on the floor, she pulled up a chair alongside them. Here were her friends, her family. 

flies

around a light bulb

students

The Power Of Problem Solving

math problems

on a test

lightbulb

In life, there is one fundamental truth: as long as we are alive, there will always be problems - it is unavoidable. Instead of getting stressed out and angry whenever something unexpected pops up in your life, look at it as simply another problem to solve. Getting emotional and throwing tantrums will only make things worse. Instead, stay calm and think rationally. This simple three-step process will help you solve the problems that plague your life.

Here they are:

1. Identify the problem.
2. Develop a plan.
3. Modify it until it is solved.

The first step is to identify the problem. Whatever happens in your life is always based on cause and effect. The problems are the effects of something - the reaction of an action. Your goal is to work backward: identify the effect and then search out possible causes. Keep doing this until you discover the cause that leads to the effect (problem). With practice, you will quickly internalize this simple system into your life. Practice it as often as you can, as repeated practice will help you master the tools needed to solve any problem.

Do not let the fear of problems deter you from living your life. Problems will always occur, and you must be ready for them. Use this system, and you will never have to be afraid of problems overwhelming you. Embrace the power of problem-solving.

A Rainbow Of Riches

thunderstorm

a rainbow

of riches

In life, you are faced with many fears. These problems can take you by surprise and throw your life into disorder. If unchecked, these fears will disable you, and destroy your confidence. They will leave you hurt and vulnerable to even worse influences. What can you do to conquer your fears?

The first step is to believe in yourself. Realizing and valuing your self-worth are the most important things you can do as a person. It is more valuable than gold. When you believe in yourself, you empower your life with energy and positivity. Everything is not all doom and gloom, but rather, a rainbow that shines high in the sky. It is this positivity, this rainbow, that chases away the storms of your fears. Always believe in yourself, and you will see your life brighten.

The next step to conquering your fears is to take action. Do not sit and brood and think all is lost. There is always a way around everything. With a little planning, you can begin the first step towards achieving your goals. To do this, you need to write down your thoughts on a piece of paper. This will serve as a reminder of what you plan to do. The first step is always the hardest and scariest, but it will get easier as you stay determined on your course.

There you have it. To conquer your fears, you must believe in yourself and take action. These two things will help you in your life. Behind every storm is a rainbow - a rainbow of success.

Unlock Your Potential!

sunrise

a field

of barley

In each of us, lies the potential to do great things. We all have dreams, and the desire to see them come true. But there is a door that stands in our way. We must unlock this door with a key to reach our full potential.

But how do we find this key? We find the key by discovering our strengths. We all have things we love to do, certain passions that make the hours fly by. These hobbies are often a good indicator of things we might excel at.

The other way of finding our hidden strengths is through experimentation. We should not be afraid to try new things, for in our discoveries we may unlock a hidden talent that long slumbered within us. This search for strength is an exciting journey within itself, and will provide many years of enjoyable activities. In the searching, we will discover ourselves and our role in life.

Let every day be a sunrise to you. Wake up every morning with the desire to try something new. Learn and grow from these experiences. Walk in fields of barley. 

Stormy Sea

Gather round my friends, for I have a tale to tell you. It is about a sailor on his maiden voyage, a young man of eighteen sailing the seas for the first time. It is his adventure and what he learned from the experience. Listen closely, for his words will bring much wisdom.

I wander lonely through the weary world,

Lost on a stormy sea. The waves descend

To crash against my little boat, to climb

Once again like a huge hand, and rend

My world to pieces. Is this the crime

Of sailing? I shudder to see the end.

But no! The clouds above disperse and flee;

Sunlight greets me upon a silent sea.

Stunning Simplicity

One fall day in September, Ally visited her garden. The air was cool and crisp, and the colored leaves crunched under her feet. She took a deep breath, letting the air flow freely through her lungs. Her body burned, but not from any fever. It burned with the zeal of love - her little garden was a jewel in her eyes. Here, among the plants, she was a mother tending to her carrots, cabbages, and potatoes, - her little children. Her eyes sparkled and shone as she sang to them every morning: her sweet, clear voice rung like a golden bell - the voice of an angel. Smiling, she finished her song and looked at her plants. This was her world, and it was enough.

carrots

and cabbages

little children

Master Your Mind!

planting seeds

reading an old book

at midnight

There is a famous saying: I think, therefore I am. This is certainly the truth. Our minds are the hard drives of our bodies. Here is the accumulated knowledge and experience that we have learned from ourselves and others. It is a library of thought, our thoughts. Truly, the mind is a wonderful thing.

But how do we master our minds? We do this by following these steps:

1. Read instructive books and talk to people to solve problems or learn new things.
2. Do mind exercises to strengthen your mind.

If we want to expand our knowledge, it is essential to read good books, preferably nonfiction and self-help books. Any book that teaches something is worth checking out. But you do not have to rely entirely on books. Talking to people about various subjects can be incredibly rewarding. With a question and answer format, you can get immediate feedback on your problem. You can ask questions that a book could not answer.  Do not be afraid to use this to your advantage. Knowledge is always worth pursuing.

The next step is to do daily mind strengthening exercises. The goal here is to stretch your mind to new avenues of creativity. Find an enjoyable activity that stimulates your mind. Chess, crossword puzzles, math problems, and writing are a few of the many options open to you. Explore them all and find one that you enjoy doing. Do this activity for at least thirty minutes every day.

Being a mastermind is not as hard as it sounds. By following these steps, you can grow your mind to new levels of knowledge and creativity. The power is within you and waiting to be unleashed. So, what are you waiting for? Master your mind!

Stop Being A Volcano!

lava

from a volcano

abusive words

There are many times in our lives when we feel angry and upset. We are like pent up volcanoes, ready to explode at any moment. The lava that comes out of our mouths is destructive, destroying everything we hold dear, and turning our relations with others into a barren wasteland.

But it does not have to be this way. We do not have to explode and use abusive language against others. This is not the way to win people's affection and trust. You must release this rising tension within you in a less destructive way. Instead of exploding, and hurling insults like bombs against other people, close your eyes and take a deep breath. This will calm your body and soothe your nerves. With calmness comes peace, with peace, love and affection to all. This is the way to win the love and trust of others. Not by being a volcano, but a pond of cool, clear water. 

Whenever you feel the anger rising within you, remember to step back and calm yourself. Relax your body and your mind. Let the feelings of anger and hate leave your body and embrace peace and calmness. Abusive words are a reaction, a reaction of hate. Compassion and understanding are reactions of peace and love. Aim for these emotions in your life, and you will never have to worry about volcanoes destroying the land of your happiness. 

Are You A Compromiser?

barking dogs

behind the fence

stalemate

Throughout life, we have many challenges. One such challenge is our interaction with other people. How we treat them will have a big impact on our future relations with others. Like it or not, we can not always get what we want - at least not directly. Yet, if we take the time to reason and compromise with the other person, our chances of success increase.

If we are to compromise with others, we must understand two things:

1. Understanding the other person's point of view.
2. Being flexible and willing to meet the other person halfway.

These two things are essential in compromising with others. Reflect on this knowledge, and practice it on people that you encounter during the day.

Stop being in stalemate situations. Compromise with people, and you will find yourself emerging from behind the fence.

How Risky Are You?

stormy sea

a gambit

on the chessboard

As we go about our lives, we must be aware of the risks. Risks are the seas of chance, where we can sink or swim on one decision. To have a safe voyage and reach port, we must be aware of the dangers on the way. Many problems lurk deep within the depths. Without a plan to guide us, we increase our chances of encountering danger.

If you want to go on risky adventures on the sea, you must be aware of two things:

1. Do not let fear paralyze you from making important decisions.
2.  Reduce the odds of a bad outcome by planning your risks in advance. This will help control the stormy, spur of the moment decisions that are often disastrous.

Not all risks are bad, of course. Many of them are positive and life-changing. There is something exciting about risking something for a chance of a better life. A healthy dose of ambition, combined with good common sense, will often be enough for success.

A well-thought-out voyage with calculated risks has a high chance of reaching port. Apply these two techniques whenever you are about to go on a voyage. Your ship is in port, and your crew awaits your orders. Are you ready to sail to success?

Beautiful Bumblebee

under the sky

a field of flowers

one bumblebee

We live in a world of flowers. There are so many different colors, sizes, and shapes. This wonderful diversity applies to life in general. Diversity is what makes the world so rich and interesting. Different ideas, different customs, different lands, all add to a wonderful way of looking at the world. The world is a better place because of this.

The bumblebee represents the power of the individual. We may live in a "field of flowers" under the sky, but our voices and opinions matter too. Every one of us is unique, with special gifts: some may be athletic, some may be good at mathematics, some may be endowed with musical talent. Whatever that gift is, it is important to discover and cultivate it. Throughout all the ages of humanity, no one will ever again see the world exactly as you do. You are unique, a diamond among rocks.

Learn to appreciate yourself as a person. Your voice and actions matter, and will give your life a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Do not be afraid to be a bumblebee among the flowers. Fly high. 

The Iron Of Your Will

a broken sword

lies scattered on a field

holding the hilt

I wonder why the steel

is shining in the dust

Throughout life, we are faced with numerous challenges and difficulties. They often spring at us unannounced, when we least expect them. If we are not careful, they can easily overwhelm us, leaving us defeated and exhausted.

How then, can we counter this? How do we confront the problems of life? The answer is to believe in yourself, to forge an iron will. Like a diamond, your will must be strong to resist the blows that come at you. Life is like a war, and to survive, you must keep getting up from the ground when you are struck down. Though your goals (the sword) may be shattered and broken, that does not mean you must give up. No, you pick yourself up from the ground and reforge that blade (your goals) into something stronger. Like tempered steel, the more you are struck down, the more you will be able to handle the pain of temporary defeat. Defeat can never conquer you unless you agree and give in. Fight, always fight, for your dreams and believe in yourself. Cultivate an iron will.

The Apple Of Your Eye

I wander the wide world,

Hoping to find some gold;

But all I see,

Is an apple tree,

By the ruins of an old road.

Sometimes the things we seek turn out to be detrimental to our growth. In our desires for gold, we fly down a false path, where our hunger consumes us. The more we take, the more we want. Such greed only leads to disappointment and destruction.

How can we avoid such a fate? By concentrating on the internals rather than the externals of the world. Look deep within yourself, and focus on a trait that needs development. Strive to improve yourself in this area. Make it a daily habit. With practice and determination, you will grow and conquer this limitation that holds you back. The power is within you. Be the apple of your eye. 

Are You A Sheep?

grazing sheep

in a meadow

one shepherd

Throughout our childhood, we are pressured to conform. We must obey our parents and teachers; rules must be followed without complaint. Even among children of our own age, we are pressured to fit in. For if we do not, bullying is likely to occur. It is this conformity to society's rules that leaves us wondering what to do. In our effort to blend in and be part of the group, we lose something of ourselves in the process. We do not feel whole.

What can we do to take back that missing part of our lives? We can do this by recognizing our individuality, our uniqueness in the world. We all have special gifts that set us apart from other people. Our goal is to discover what these gifts are and apply them to our lives. By doing this, we learn to value ourselves, and we become more confident, happier people.

Do not be a sheep that wanders aimlessly in life, always trying to fit in and please others. Instead, be a shepherd that takes pride in their unique talents. You are special, and the world needs a person like you. 

Sweet Sunflowers

sunflowers

in a meadow

sunshine

One morning, on a summer day, I wandered through a meadow. The robins greeted me with their sweet song as the sun awoke from her slumber. She climbed the stairs of the sky and smiled upon the land with rays of golden sunshine. I closed my eyes to better feel the warm, tingling caress that raced up and down my arms. Sighing, I breathed deeply of the morning air. A crisp coolness invaded my nostrils, a flowery perfume that made my head whirl with delirious delight. Smiling, I knew then, that nature's gifts were great indeed.

A Swan's Tale

a swan

on the lake

spring dawn

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But what is outer beauty compared to the beauty within you? Looks will fade over time, but you have a lifetime to perfect the person inside you. And this is a worthy goal that everyone should strive for. But what is inner beauty? How do we go about discovering it?

Inner beauty is nothing more than your morals and character. It is developed by good conduct and good habits. It is self-control. When others give in to their desires at every whim, a person with good character would resist these efforts if it would violate their moral code. Self-control and will power are the fundamental steps needed to become a person of great inner beauty. A love of learning and compassion for others is also required. Taken together, these four traits are the "pillars" of the temple of your character. They will hold you up as you become a more skilled student of inner beauty.

Do not be fooled by the vain delights of the flesh. Outer beauty will disappear with time, but inner beauty will last a lifetime with proper care and study. Be a person of inner beauty. Love yourself for who you are, and grow as a person. Transform yourself into a swan.

Delightful Dreams

As I wandered by the river bank, one summer day, my eyes fell on golden koi swimming in a pond. Their scales glittered like gold in the noonday sun. I sat down and watched them swim. They circled in the water, swimming in great circles as they hunted for food. Their whole being was infused with energy, with life. And I smiled when I saw this. I closed my eyes and dreamed.

golden koi

swim in a pond

of clear water

watching them

my mind races

back to spring days

Are You Planting Seeds?

planting seeds

dark clouds

in the distance

Life is like a storm. At any time it can strike. In order to be prepared, we must plant seeds. These seeds are called thinking and planning. They go hand in hand and are your best seeds in the garden of life. Without them, we are at the mercy of the storm, unable to do anything to protect ourselves. Lighting strikes and we are struck - disaster occurs.

We can prevent the storms of life by thinking ahead and planning. As much as possible, try to plan the daily activities in your life. A simple schedule can bring order to a chaotic existence. With planning, we can anticipate when these storms strike and keep the damage to a minimum. Thinking and planning will protect us.

Do not let the storms of life ruin you. Plant the seeds of thinking and planning in your daily life and watch them grow into fruits of fortune.

Is Life Biting You?

red sun

mosquito bites

on my skin

I tread the path

of Dante Alighieri

In life, we are often beset with troubles. They come out of the sky unexpected, to take us by surprise. While we cannot always avoid them, we can reduce their impact by staying calm.

Patience has always been a prized virtue. The Merriam-Webster definition for patience is "the ability to remain calm and not become annoyed when dealing with problems or with difficult people." This is a valuable insight that can help a person develop the traits needed to become more patient in life.

But how do you become more patient? The answer is to emulate the laws of nature. Just as the seasons have their own course and schedule, so should the things in your life. Everything should be done in due time and in its proper setting. By doing this you will begin to see the natural flow of things. Instead of fighting and forcing your way up a strong current, just go with the flow and let things happen as they should.

Another way to become more patient is to take timeouts. Whenever your feeling stressed, walk away from the problem and take deep breaths. Do not panic, but instead let peace and calmness flow through your body. Closing your eyes and taking slow deep breaths will force your body and emotions to relax. Once you feel calm and in control, you can then return to the problem and solve it in a rational manner. This strategy will reduce the wild emotions from a sudden crisis and help you think more strategically. You will find yourself able to handle the problems that come up in your life.

Patience is your friend. Train yourself to be a calm and collected person. Practice these strategies daily, and you will become a better and wiser person in the process.

The Sea Of Life

sailing

on the sea

sunrise

Life is full of opportunities. But many of us are afraid to take a chance. We are like sailors on a sinking ship in a storm. We would rather go down with the ship than plunge into the sea in search of opportunity.

There are many reasons for this. The greatest is fear. We fear to do something new, to have a different experience from the one we currently have. In our minds, we imagine even greater horrors than our present miseries. We then freeze up and sink into deep gloom. Our negativity has defeated us.

The greatest challenge for all us is to believe in ourselves. We must not let the fear of failure prevent us from taking new challenges and experiencing new things. In each of us is a desire to dream. To dream of better things and a better life. This is well within our power if we only place trust in ourselves. Our lives are like boats on a great sea. There will be storms, and there will be periods of calm sailing. Our goal is to avoid the storms or pass through them as quickly as possible. In our minds should be the next port of call, a goldmine of delight for the adventurous sailors of life.

Take chances in your life. Look upon new opportunities as a blessing, a chance for you to improve yourself in the stormy seas of life. With belief as your sail, the port of your dreams will soon be in sight.

The Beauty Of Breakfast

buttermilk pancakes

and coffee

morning thunder

We all need to eat. And breakfast is the most important part of the day. Why? Because of the long night spent in sleep. Think of your body as a giant furnace. It needs coal to run. And that coal is the food you eat. Without enough food, we cannot perform at our best. We become tired and sluggish and have a hard time concentrating on simple tasks. Simply put, breakfast is vital to your body and health.

But not anything will do. Ideally, you want to eat something healthy. These healthy foods will give your body the needed nutrients until noon, so it's important to have a big and healthy breakfast. By doing this, you will get through most of the morning with relative ease, being able to handle any challenges that come your way.

Do not ignore that morning thunder. Feed your body with a good, big breakfast, and you will survive and thrive in a busy day.

Special Post: Sunshine Blogger Award

I have recently been nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award, so today's post will be about this topic. You may be wondering, what exactly is this award? I will quote from Amy Maier's excellent blog, Positively Weightless. I would encourage you to visit her site as well.



"So, what is the Sunshine Blogger award I am sure you are wondering? The Sunshine Blogger Award is given to bloggers that spread creativity, positivity, and are inspiring in the blogging community. The award is completely driven through the community, nominated through fellow bloggers to recognize their inspiring and positive content."

Here are the rules for the award:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you.
• Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you.
• Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions.
• Notify your nominees about their nomination.
• List the rules and display a Sunshine Blogger Award logo on your post and/or website.

The following are eleven questions that I was asked to do:



1. Who is your biggest support system when it comes to your writing? You do not need to go into personal details, just mention your relationship, how they support you, etc.

The biggest support system, when it comes to my writing, is to read the great masters of the past. It is always inspiring to dip into their work and discover a technique that you can use to enhance your own writing.

 2. Why did you start your blog?

I started my blog because I wanted to combine the haiku form with a commentary that teaches life lessons. I felt my readers could enjoy poetry while learning something new that could instantly be applicable to their lives.

3. How emotional of a person are you, and how (if at all) does that play into your blog?

I consider myself an emotional person. As a poet, you must be willing to search deep within yourself and express what you feel. It is this search for feeling and its meaning that enables me to write for the readers of my blog.

4. What is a fun random fact readers may not know about you?

Some readers may smile at this, but I'm a big chicken and fish fan. I eat meat, of course, but I usually prefer the lean protein of chicken and fish, rather than the heavier meats.

 5. What is one thing you always do when you are writing?

Whenever I'm writing, I always make sure to have plenty of paper at my side. I like to scribble little notes of whatever pops into my head. You never know when this material can be used for a poem! Also, I'm a firm believer that every writer should have a dictionary and thesaurus at their side. It is the tools of your trade.

 6. How do you go about choosing topics for your posts?

The way I pick topics for my blog is simple: I pick a general topic, (example: positivity) and reduce it to specific examples that can help my readers improve their lives (example: think happy thoughts or smile). I have found this method extremely effective for coming up with new ideas.

 7. What is your favorite animal?

My favorite animal is the owl. I have always admired their wise nature.

8. What is your ultimate guilty pleasure?

My ultimate guilty pleasure is apple pie. It's one of my favorite desserts. It's even better as pie a la mode!

 9. Who or what was your biggest inspiration that lead you to start writing?

I started writing poetry because I found it to be a great way to relieve stress. Instead of holding your feelings inside, where it can eventually hurt you, releasing them on paper can be a satisfying and healthy way for you to vent. And the fun part is you get to create some beautiful poems in the process.

10. What is your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. It's a beautiful time of year, and it's always nice to end the year on a happy note.

11. If you could write a blog on any topic other than the topic of your current blog, what would it be?

I would love to read and review books. People are always looking for something new to read, and giving them a book review and recommendation can really help them pick something they may like. And it's fun too!


I want to thank Amy Maier for nominating me for this award. It's been such a pleasure, and I look forward to reading the work of my fellow nominees. Until then, happy reading, dear readers! 😀

Are You A Firecracker?

children play

on a summer day

firecrackers

Kids love the summer. They are out of school and get to enjoy playing in the sun. With such youthful energy, it's no wonder they are like firecrackers!

We should be more like young children. We can do this by pursuing an enjoyable hobby. It doesn't matter what it is, as long as it's fun and safe. An easy way to tell if you have picked a fun hobby is to keep track of the time - or the lack of it. If time seems to be flying when you're doing something that you love, chances are you have picked a fun hobby that you will enjoy. Make note of this, and set some free time for yourself.

Be a kid again. Don't be afraid to have a little fun. Enjoy life and do the things you love to do. Then you will be a firecracker just bursting with energy!