Snapshot of my week - Exciting

It snowed! I was so excited it snowed.

It rarely snows in my city. In fact in the last 23 years this is the second time it has snowed.

We get a lot of hail but not snow.

The picture on the left was taken when it had just started snowing (Monday, 25 July 2011)


Unfortunately we aren't high enough for the snowfall to be heavy and settle. But snow is snow and it was fun to watch. But it was so c-o-l-d.  The coldest day in the last 16 years, and we felt it.

Got to know this week that I am an aunt again to a totally adorable niece. And she has a facebook page!

Watched the All Blacks (New Zealand rugby team) thrash South Africa last night. The ABs should be called something else now as their jerseys are no longer "all black".

Went window shopping with my friend Fi. I have my eye on a few clothes but will wait for the sales.

It was an exciting week.

Check out these pics of snow in the Wellington region Snow pics 1  Snow pics 2

Hope you had an exciting and awesome week too.

Other July snapshots:   Hallelujah     Fun     A Great Week

Paint Write and be Grateful - July

Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude 
                                                                                                                  ~ Denis Waitley


I truly believe that to be grateful is to be happy. So here is my July grateful post.

All my July posts on this series were good and selecting 3 were really difficult.

My earlier post on my happiest childhood memory put me into a sentimental mood.

So in a sentimental mood, here are the ones I finally chose.

So grateful ....

Companion posts:
    My happiest childhood memory
    A beloved classroom
 
Related posts:
    Paint Write and be Grateful - May
    Paint Write and be Grateful - June

Question of the day - What is your happiest childhood memory

 


And what makes it so special?




This is a real easy one to answer.

I was six years old when my dad bought me a puzzle book. I can't remember the book but have a vague recollection of stick figures.

Each night after dinner we would sit together and solve a page of puzzles.

Doing puzzles with him was so much fun and my dad was so kind.  He was the kindest man I ever knew.

Why is this so special?  Because this was my time with dad - just him and me. After solving a page of puzzles, I always skipped to bed, I was so happy.

I love doing puzzles and I think it's because of those puzzles I did with dad as a six year old.

Over the years and right until he died, he and I often did puzzles together. Sudoku was our favourite, still is for me.

I narrated this story at his funeral because it is special to me.

Dad, someday when we meet again, we'll do those puzzles together.


Please share your memories.

List It - Karate - What it means to me.

When I started Karate 3 years ago, I took it up purely as a sport and martial art. To advance to the next belt was my only aim.

Then about a year ago it dawned on me that for me it was more than a sport and martial art and earning the next belt was no longer important or the focus for me.

I believe that we progress just enough to get what we require from an event or experience and I think I reached that with Karate a year ago.


Karate for me took on a different meaning. So what does Karate mean to me?

o  Keeps me in Balance
    Practicing kata (detailed patterns of movement) engage both the right and left side of your brain and
    body. It keeps me balanced

o  Takes me to a State of Zen
    When I am stressed or feel out of sorts, performing kata and the basic karate movements helps
    to relieve stress. The kiai (short exhalation during a strike) is particularly helpful at
    relieving stress as when done correctly, it channels the energy within into a destructive force. It
    requires timing and focus and hence a clear mind. Relieving stress takes me back to a state of Zen.

o  Sharpens the mind
    Karate demands focus as movements need to be undertaken with precision and right technique.
    In a class it also means keeping up in synchronized harmony with the rest of the karatekas.
    The mind must be engaged at every second. The same applies during kumite (sparring) as even a
    momentary lapse in concentration can lose the match for you.

o  Keeps me Fit
    Karate is very demanding on the body. My fitness levels absolutely soared after I first started.
    And I also lost a lot of weight.  It's a great fitness regime.

o  It's a Meditation
    Kata is meditative as it is a coordinated pattern of movements. As in the kiai, it requires timing,
    focus and clear thinking. After a while, it becomes quite hypnotic if you are in "the zone".

o  My Spiritual Practice
    Karate requires the synchronized engagement of body, mind and soul. Karate demonstrates the
    concept of "Be here now" perfectly which is the essence of a spiritual practice.
    Dan Millman illustrates this concept perfectly in his book "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior".
          Where are you Dan?  Here
          What time is it?  Now
          What are you?  This moment.
    To be in "the karate zone" you need to be here, now, in this moment.

o Teaches me to use circumstances to my advantage
    During kumite you always study and understand your opponent. Then you quickly learn 3 things -
        -  exploit your opponents weak points to make a strike
        -  use your opponents strengths to your advantage (eg defend instead of attack)
        -  take them by surprise - change the pattern
    You can apply the same to everyday circumstances. For example, at work,
        -  when in difficult situations use the strengths of a coworker to help you or
        -  if something isn't working and you've tried over and over again, change the pattern,
           try something different.
    In all honesty I do not enjoy kumite, I am not even good at it, but that's not important.
    What's important is that it has taught me skills that help me everyday particularly at work.

I love karate. I no longer strive for belts, I don't need to. Karate is now more a way of life for me.

Thank you Sensei Scott for introducing karate to me. You are an inspiration.

Osu.

  

Thursday Thoughts - Behave like water

The Warrior of the Light sometimes behaves like water, flowing around the obstacles he encounters.
Occasionally, resistance might mean destruction, and so he adapts to the circumstances. 
He accepts, without complaint, that stones in his path hinder his way through the mountains.
The river adapts itself to whatever route proves possible, but the river never forgets its one objective, the sea.
So fragile at its source, it gradually gathers the strength of the other rivers it encounters.
And after a certain point, it's power is absolute.
                                                                                                ~The Warrior of the Light, Paulo Coelho




I was a strong believer in permanent jobs, perhaps this was more out of fear of losing a job than belief.

I never ever considered contracting as it was too temporary and I guess the hassle of constant interviewing somehow didn't appeal.

Then redundancy hit me and it made me take a long hard look at myself and my beliefs.

I turned down 2 offers because they were contracts and I was too afraid to take that first step from permanent to contract.
But the only jobs available were contract positions and finally I was pretty much forced into taking up a contract.

I now realise that my misconceived beliefs or in other words my resistance to contracting was limiting the many possibilities and opportunities that were available.

Adapting to the circumstances has liberated me and the job market for me has grown hugely.

Behave like water, adapt and be flexible.

Haiku Wednesday

 The inspiration for this Haiku came from one of my "I need fresh air" walks

3 words that inspire

Thought I'd take a break from the Tuesday Tweets and try something else.

We all need reminders now and then to motivate and inspire us.

For the next few weeks I'll post some of my favourite 3 word quotes that I "call on" to keep me going.

I chose Hoover Dam as the backdrop for the words as this was truly an inspirational marvel.


Acknowledgement:
This idea came to me from a messy happiness

Companion post:
Question of the day - What inspires you?

Links
Photos are fun - Hoover Dam

I Love Quotes - Nelson Mandela - The walk to freedom

There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere,
and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.
                                                    ~ Nelson Mandela




Nelson Mandela celebrated his 93rd birthday last week so a quote from him seems appropriate.
I think that when we really have to work towards attaining the things or circumstances we desire, we value and appreciate them all the more.
Life would not be exciting or fulfilling if everything we ever wanted was presented to us on a platter.
Thank You Nelson Mandela. Whenever I have to walk the hard road, I will remember this quote.

Snapshot of my week - a great week

Saw the Harry Potter movie The Deathly Hallows part 2 in 3D.

There were many posts on Facebook raving about the movie so I think I expected a bit more. And the 3D wasn't as effective as Avatar.

I should've gone without any expectations. But I still enjoyed it heaps.

It's quite sad though that it is the last HP movie.


Walked from work to the cinema with a friend and went window shopping for boots. Saw some really nice ones but way too expensive even on sale.

This week I did a lot of catching up with ex colleagues from different workplaces. I love meeting up with all of them.

It was cold again this week, particularly on Friday.  The winter is starting to get quite bitter. The weather was absolutely miserable yesterday. Miserable today too and there is a possibility of snow!

And in yesterday's miserable weather, I went off to get my haircut.  It's been nearly 2 months since my last one and it was getting quite unruly. Finally it's tidy again.

Went for my yearly check to the doctor - blood pressure perfect, bloods taken and hope that those come out normal *crosses fingers and toes*. The nurse was great, she got my bloods the very first time. Usually they torture me. But my hand is quite bruised.

Faith must be the topic of the week or else the Universe is giving me a message. So many "faith" posts on twitter and blogs.

Hope your week has been a good one too. Please share the highlights of your week, I'd love to know.


Previous Snapshot posts:
17 July 2011 - a fun filled week
10 July 2011 - Hallelujah

Question of the day - How does one become a living manifestation of Divinity?

Become a living manifestation of Divinity - How?




If we believe that we are spiritual beings having a human experience then we are already living manifestations of Divinity. I so believe that.

I also believe that we arrive on earth with a purpose in mind and for our soul to learn and grow.

So to live our lives with Divinity I think we only need to live from our heart. 

Anything that makes our heart joyful and benefits us and others endorses our Divinity.

Sometimes though walking away from something even though it saddens us also takes us towards our life purpose. 

So if that's not joyful how do we know it's the right thing to do?  

Again we just know in our hearts that it is the best action to take. And I also know that the Universe will keep nudging us into taking that action should we fail to do so the first time

When we live from our hearts, we remain in tune with our life purpose. And I think when we are on our life path or in tune with our life purpose, even though it may not be an easy path, our spirit lifts. 

And of course I'll only know if all of the above are true when my journey on earth ends and I "return to sender".

Please share your thoughts would love to know what you think.

List It - What activities make me lose track of time?

     
        Activities that make me lose track of time


        o  Listening to music

        o  Blogging

        o  Walking

        o  Photography

        o  Watching Movies

        o  Visionboarding

        o  Shopping

        o  Catching up with friends

        o  Playing games with my kids

        o  Reading

        o  Sudoku

        o  My job - yes that too!

        o  A hot shower

        o  Skyping or chatting with family

        o  Karate



        Please share yours :)

Thursday Thoughts - Act According to the Situation

The Warrior of the Light has dreams. 
His dreams carry him forward, but he never makes the mistake of thinking that the way is broad and the gate wide.
He knows that the Universe functions in the same way as alchemy.
Solve et coagula - Concentrate and disperse your energies according to the situation.
There are moments when one should act and moments when one should accept.
The Warrior knows how to distinguish between these moments.
                                                                                              ~The Warrior of the Light, Paulo Coelho


There are situations in our lives when we have the choice to walk away or fight.

We cannot fight every battle so over the years we learn to discern which ones we will concede and which ones we will pursue.

But how do we know what to choose?

There are a few techniques I use to make my choice:

• Sometimes I know just by gut feel or by using my intuition. It's a very wise source and more often than not it's the right answer
• I ask myself if losing this battle would be a problem. If the answer is no, then this a battle I can walk away from
• I ask myself if I need to win this battle, if the answer is yes, then this is a battle I can consider fighting.

The same techniques can be used in situations where you need to act or accept.

These are not foolproof techniques but they are pretty good guidelines.

Fight the battles you need and want to win. Act when the outcome will benefit you or others.

Tuesday Tweets

A fun one among the philosophical.






@ShareAwakening
Don't wait. The time will never be just right ~Napoleon Hill


@Clive_Antony
If an idea entered your mind, it knew that you had what it takes to make it happen ~Andres Lara


@WomenOfHistory
I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities ~Whoopi Goldberg


@LifeRulezzs
On your darkest days remember what it feels like to have the sunshine on your face


@Marchi_Shimoff
Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe ~Voltaire


@DailyCalm
If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular? ~Unknown

I Love Quotes - Mother Teresa

         It is not how much we do, 
         but how much love we put into that action
                                                      ~Mother Teresa






This quote is so easily explained with the beautiful cards my kids give me on my birthday and mother's day. And they're always accompanied by big hugs. These are the moments I cherish.
And they are the best gifts I get because they are made with so much love.

Here are 2 cards made by my kids. I love them.

Snapshot of my week - fun filled

A fun filled week even though the electricity went off each morning at work just as I was in the middle of an important document - many wt.. moments. You have to laugh at times like that.

Met up with ex colleagues from another time and place. Always love meeting up with them. It's like the years just melt away.

Shopping for clothes with my friend Fi is always great fun. Nothing really caught my eye but it was fun. Friday night I watched the Trinny and Susannah show. Not sure about some of their clothes but loved Susannah's "Blondes have fun, but Brunettes turn heads".


On Friday we had a mini golf tournament at work. Check out my post Eye of the Tiger on my blog Photos are fun

Weather wise, a bit up and down this week - either way it's been c o l d.


Previous Snapshot of my week posts
July 10 2011

Question of the day - If you had to be someone else for one day...

   Who would you be and why?

I answered this question sometime ago on my private blog so will post the same answer for you to read here.

This was a tough one to answer and I had to think about this a lot as I like being me. 

And as the grass always seem greener on the other side until you get there, being someone else even for one day is pretty scary.

But thankfully this is only a hypothetical question.

So if I had to be someone else for one day, I would be Helen Clark in her current role as the Chief of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).  

Why? ... because I hope someday I can work in the humanitarian aid arena - managing development aid programmes globally.

Being the chief of the UNDP would definitely be too scary and overwhelming and I have no desire nor do I aspire for that role, but to experience it for one day, would be such and awesome opportunity.

                                                         Helen Clark, Chief of the UNDP

                                                               UN Building, New York

I had the privilege of visiting in 1990 when the building was open to visitors. a big thrill to be inside.

Who would you be?  

Would love to know your answer, so please share. Thanks.

List It - What makes me Smile?

   Things that make me smile





      o  my kids - they are my strength and joy. We have such fun together. Smiles galore.
   
      o  flowers - are so pretty. They always make me feel zen.

      o  friends with a sense of humour -  I have some real fun friends. They always lift me up and
          make me smile.

      o  babies - They are just so cute. They either give you the biggest toothless smile or they look at
          you and everything around them with this look of awe and wonder. How can you not smile?

      o  songs - There are very few songs that don't make me smile.

      o  singing - I love to sing and even when the kids yell "Mum please stop", the smile is on my face.

      o  dancing - I love to dance and dancing just lifts my spirits - smiling is so easy then.

      o  someone smiling at me - Smiles are like yawns, they catch on fast. So when someone smiles at
          me I have to smile back. how can I not?

      o  beautiful scenery - just makes me feel happy. And when I'm happy I smile.

      o  shopping - no explanation required.

      o  ice cream - yum. guaranteed smile.


 So what makes you smile?

      

Thursday Thoughts - Experiences Strengthen

A Warrior cannot bow his head, for if he did he would lose sight of the horizon of his dreams.
He accepts that his opponents are there to test his valour, his persistence, and his ability to make decisions. They force him to fight for his dreams.
It is the experience of battle that strengthens the Warrior of the Light
                                                                                             ~ The Warrior of the Light, Paulo Coelho


Each one of us has a major destiny to fulfill - this I call my life's work and along the way we have destiny points, like stepping stones, that lead us to that major destiny.

Those destiny points along the way are markers that prepare us for our life's work.

Some of them are easily reached and conquered and some present us with the severest test that require us to think inside and outside the square, to use the width and breadth of our knowledge, to try new avenues.

Each of these events are necessary to fulfill our major destiny. When someone tries to derail us from our track, we find a way to stay on that path, to step on that stone. And our invisible helper and constant companion, the Universe, quietly leads us on.

All our experiences define us, and the difficult ones also strengthen us.


Footnote:
This is a nice "companion" to my post   How do you find the strength to take the difficult path

Haiku Wednesday

   This week's Haiku was inspired by the hills I see from my window
   and the rain falling

 

Tuesday Tweets

     A few good tweets to share






@shareawakening
To accomplish great things we must now only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe ~Anatole France

Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude ~Zig Ziglar


@Clive_Antony
The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain ~Dolly Parton


@paulocoelho
Dreams cannot be tamed. Dreamers cannot be ruled

Wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure ~The Alchemist


@TheSingleWoman
It doesn't matter what the future holds. What matters is that you don't let the past hold you down

If no one joins you when you step outside your comfort zone, realize that some journeys can only be travelled alone.


@LifeRulezz
You cannot change the direction and forces of the wind. But you can change the setting of your own sail ~Jim Rohn


@TheDailyLove
Life is a mirror that will give you what you bring to it

I Love Quotes

      
      There is no need for temples 
      or complicated philosophies.
      My brain and my heart are my temples; 
      my philosophy is kindness
                                ~His Holiness The Dalai Lama
                                 
         

I love this quote. This resonates so much with me.

My late grandmother and my late father were living examples of this. They rarely went to the temple. Their worship of God was in the life they lived and the kindness they showed to others. They both achieved great things in their life, yet they lived simple, humble lives.  Both were the kindest, most gentle and loving souls I ever knew.

Snapshot of my week - Hallelujah

A weekly post on the highs and lows (and everything else in between) of my week. A nice journal for the future.




I'm back into my regular gym routine again so a big :D  there. Couldn't escape it before - it was on my way to the bus stop but since we moved into a new building at work, it's now further away. But I tell myself, the walk is a good warm-up. Though it's not fun on a cold, wet and windy day.

Last Saturday I went to see the Ten Tenors in concert. They were awesome and their rendition of Hallelujah was a m a z i n g.

The Hallelujah prompted me to watch the movie "King David" so I've been watching that on youtube. Richard Gere is one of my favourite actors. Not sure though about his King David role.

There must be something about Crystals this week - so many "crystal" posts on FB.

And there must be a lot of love going on in the world, so many "in a relationship" and "engaged" posts on FB too.

The weather was wild yesterday and there was a Tornado in Waikanae. I have a friend who lives there. Haven't heard from him, hope he is safe. It's pretty blustery today too. But the sun is shining and it's not too cold either.

Lots of happy skyping lately - my cutie-pie grand nephew in Florida, my 85 year old aunt I haven't seen for nearly 5 years now (so thrilled to see and speak to her), my cousins. Great fun. Thank God for skype.

I am convinced the buses eat my scarves - I've dropped 2 on the bus in the last month - 1 this week. My first one was a pinky-red pashmina - so gorgeous. But no one handed it in :( and the other was a cheap $2 shop midnight blue scarf. No tears there and won't be chasing that one. Scarf shopping is on my to-do list.

Watched the last episode of Roots (a re-run) this week. The kid enjoyed it too and is now asking to read the book - ordered online and should arrive soon. The kid does not like reading so this is a great blessing.

                                                                            ~

Question of the day - How do you find the strength to take the difficult path?

   Finding Strength to take the difficult path - a difficult question to answer




I tried to identify some moments in my life when I've had to take a difficult path and found there were several. But the following, I think, illustrate the different "strengths" that helped me walk the difficult path:

Emigrating to a new country

Leaving my home and moving to a new country was a daunting prospect for me. I had absolutely no idea what was in store for me. Besides which, I loved living in the country of my birth and leaving family and friends behind was an extremely sad event for me. But I believed that emigrating would provide my children with better opportunities and a less stressful life. Wanting the best for your child is such a great motivator and it gives you the strength and courage to do things you never thought you could do.

The death of my father

Letting go and allowing my father to pass away peacefully is the hardest decision I have made in my life to date. Watching him struggle in the last hours of his life was heartbreaking. I was very close to my dad and though as he grew older I silently prepared for the day when I would have to say goodbye to him, you are never really prepared. Letting him go in peace was the most loving thing I could do even though it broke my heart. Love gives you immense strength.

An ended relationship

Sad, angry, lonely and very, very scared do not begin to describe the emotions I went through when my 28 year relationship ended. I had immense support from my family and friends but I also had the faith that the end came for a reason and that things always happen for the best. Someday I know I will share life with the man of my dreams, my beautiful soulmate. Faith gives me strength to go on.

Taking a stand against bullying

Taking a stand against someone in a position of power is not an easy thing to do. But I tell myself in those events ... "we do not come to work to be abused and insulted. It is my human right to be treated with dignity and respect." Sometimes I feel the fear, sometimes I don't but in all circumstances, those words give me the courage to fight back. Courage and self respect give you great strength.

When I feel I am out of my depth

About 12 years ago I was given a huge project to manage at work. I had never managed a project of this scale and I know as I walked out of my managers office the words going through my mind were ... Oh my God, I am completely out of my depth here. But I love a challenge and an opportunity to learn and grow so rapidly was thrilling and exciting. I also had a manager who supported me, had the faith and trust in me, and above all encouraged me every step of the way. Encouragement gives you great strength. And when someone puts their faith and trust in you, you find the will and the way to never let them down.

List It - What motivates me to go to work each day

      My motivations





      o    To earn money - Much as I would like to say money is not important, it is. We need money
                                      to survive because we live in a physical world.

      o    To learn - Not only does every new job teach me something, but I learn something everyday.
                            I believe that every new job that I do, I am moving towards my lifework and that is
                            exciting.
                         
      o    To grow - Facing challenges at home and at work are quite different - both provide me with
                             opportunities to grow as a person. Most challenges I face are  positive and enjoyable
                             but there are others that sometimes test me and push me beyond what I think I can
                             cope with easily. These challenges are growth accelerators.

      o    To teach - Sharing of knowledge is very satisfying and watching people learn from you is very
                             gratifying

      o    To meet people - Human beings need to interact with each other. People are so fascinating.
                                       Meeting and observing people provide opportunities for relationship building.

       o   To have fun -  Doing work that you enjoy, learning, growing and interacting with people
                                  is so much fun.

Thursday Thoughts - The Three Things You Can Rely On

A Warrior of the Light knows his own faults. But he also knows his qualities.
He knows that the gazelle's power lies in its strong legs. The power of the seagull lies in its accuracy to spear a fish. He has learned that the tiger does not fear the hyena because he is aware of his own strength.
He tries to establish what he can truly rely on. And he always checks that he carries three things with him faith, hope and love.
If these three things are there, he does not hesitate to go forward.
                                                                                                         ~ Warrior of the Light  Paulo Coelho



Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.  Always live in hope even if at the time there doesn't seem to be any. Hope fosters a positive attitude to any situation.

Faith is the belief that is not based on proof. Faith is knowing that what you hope for and ask for will occur without a shadow of doubt.

Love in this context is the emotion of human kindness and compassion. That also means towards yourself.

Over the years through life experiences I have learned that not only can we not do it all on our own, but that the key to success is to

• identify and acknowledge our limitations and then find those that complement us
• know our strengths and use them well

When I live in hope, I approach life with a positive attitude. And having identified and acknowledged my strengths and weaknesses, I can move forward with the faith that success is certain.

This however does not mean that the path to success and the fulfillment of my dreams is easy.

I have found that whenever I am in a situation that tests my patience and tolerance, if I am able to treat myself and the situation with love (as in kindness in this context), I can usually deal with it a whole lot better as it keeps me calm and avoids anger. And when I am calm, I can think better.

Hope, faith and love are pathways to happiness. And when we're happy, we enjoy life.

Haiku Wednesday

   This week's Haiku is dedicated to our beautiful planet.

Tuesday Tweets

    Tweets I thought I should share






@ShareAwakening
Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive ~Howard Thurman

Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark ~Rabindranath Tagore


@6_Minutes_a_Day
Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain ~Vivian Greene


@TheSingleWoman
Whether they step into your story for minutes or years, everyone that crosses your path serves a purpose

Fight for your dream no matter how many "No's" you may get. Dreams that are never chased are never caught


@TheDailyLove
Ask for what you want and get ready for it to show up in a totally different way


@tonyrobbins
I cannot imagine a day without music! Music expresses that which cannot be put in words and that which cannot remain silent ~Victor Hugo


@GreatestQuotes
Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm ~Winston Churchill

Nothing will come of nothing. Dare for mighty things ~William Shakespeare

I Love Quotes

People will forget what you said, 
People will forget what you did,
But people will never forget how you made them feel
                                                                                  ~Maya Angelou





This is so true. We only remember how people made us feel. And when they did not make us feel good, it left us feeling unhappy and unloved.

This quote reminds me to be a kind, compassionate and loving person.

Question of the day - Is Imagination more important than Knowledge?

Albert Einstein said:  "Imagination is more important than knowledge"
and I think he was right.



The greatest inventions over the centuries were the culmination of dreams and fantasies that visionaries dared to convert into reality, not the result of available information.

Knowledge facilitates improvement but imagination creates.

Knowledge stays within the boundaries of what we know, imagination takes you beyond the limits of the mind.

Knowledge gives you the ability to experience what is known, imagination allows you to experience anything you can dream of and desire.

Knowledge is inspiring but imagination is exciting and daring.

Knowledge is the amalgamation of thoughts and experiences of many, imagination is yours and yours alone.

PS

I wrote this post a few days ago but held of publishing it - don't know why.

And just after I published this post a few minutes ago, ... these posts showed up on my "Blogs I Follow" dashboard
 Imagination - The Invisible Counselors    Lunch With God - Imagine Big

I must be in synch with the Universe today.

List It - What I tell my children

            What do I tell my children?





     o   I love you and I will always be here for you.
   
     o   Success comes to those who persevere.

     o   Dream big and hold that dream. Take small steps to get there.

     o   Have your own opinion but also respect the opinions of others.

     o   When you can't agree on something, agree to disagree.

     o   Always be kind and compassionate.

     o   Help those in need even if the amount of help you can give is small.

     o   People are more important than things.

     o   When in doubt, don't do anything that will make your mother sad.

     o   In life you win some, you lose some. Celebrate the wins.  Don't stress over the losses.

     o   Now and then, stop and smell the roses. Enjoy life. Be happy.

     o   And all the  things I would tell my teenage self