Pause For Thought

[MajestyJo]

“All journeys have secret destinations
of which the traveler is unaware.”
Martin Buber

“All the pathos and irony
of leaving one’s youth behind
is thus implicit in every joyous moment of travel:
one knows that the first joy
can never be recovered,
and the wise traveler
learns not to repeat successes
but tries new places all the time.”
Paul Fussell

“Certainly, travel is more than
the seeing of sights;
it is a change that goes on,
deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”
Miriam Beard

=====

“Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”
Franz Kafka

“A man should hear a little music,
read a little poetry,
and see a fine picture every day of his life,
in order that worldly cares
may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful
which God has implanted in the human soul.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"The wonder of the beautiful
is its ability to surprise us.
With swift sheer grace,
it is like a divine breath that blows the heart open.”

John O'Donohue

[MajestyJo]

Inspirational Quote by Maya Angelou

Learn to let go and let God

Submitted by Lauren Covington


"I know that when I pray, something wonderful happens. Not just to the person or persons for whom I'm praying, but also something wonderful happens to me. I'm grateful that I'm heard."
Maya Angelou --- Submitted by Jack Hayes --- Ohio


"Hope means: Helping Other People Every-time or Everywhere.v Written in 2014 by Tanveer Khan --- Thailand


"Sometimes, to fly you must fall."
Written in 2014 by Nora Ryan

[MajestyJo]

The Grumble Family

There's a family nobody likes to meet;
They live, it is said, on Complaining Street
In the city of Never-Are-Satisfied,
The River of Discontent beside.

They growl at that and they growl at this;
Whatever comes, there is something amiss;
And whether their station be high or humble,
They are all known by the name of Grumble.

The weather is always too hot or cold;
Summer and winter alike they scold.
Nothing goes right with the folks you meet
Down on that gloomy Complaining Street.

They growl at the rain and they growl at the sun;
In fact, their growling is never done.
And if everything pleased them, there isn't a doubt
They'd growl that they'd nothing to grumble about!

But the queerest thing is that not one of the same
Can be brought to acknowledge his family name;
For never a Grumbler will own that he
Is connected with it at all, you see.

The worst thing is that if anyone stays
Among them too long, he will learn their ways;
And before he dreams of the terrible jumble
He's adopted into the family of Grumble.

And so it were wisest to keep our feet
From wandering into Complaining Street;
And never to growl, whatever we do,
Lest we be mistaken for Grumblers, too.

Let us learn to walk with a smile and a song,
No matter if things do sometimes go wrong;
And then, be our station high or humble,
We'll never belong to the family of Grumble!

- - unknown - -



Often get the Grrrrrrrrs. Always need to remember to be grateful, a much better a Grrrrrrr than a grumble. Grumbles seem to last longer. Doing some grrrrrr tonight as my computer is really slow.

[MajestyJo]

How often we forget it is in His Time, not ours. When we check our attitude, it is generally, "I want it and I want it right now, yesterday even."



It is surprising how far that first step can take you, especially when you follow it up with other Steps.

[MajestyJo]

Thoughts for the Day

Friday, June 20, 2014

I’ll be out of the office….
No, actually, I’ll be IN the office!
I will be in San Diego over the weekend attending a conference of Life Coaches.

I’m looking forward to meeting my instructor and classmates
from the year-long, on-line course leading to certification as a Life Coach.

(If I pass everything and get all my assignments in I will be one next year!)

So, no Thoughts will be coming your way for the next couple of days.

I’ll miss you!
Marynance

“Our battered suitcases
were piled on the sidewalk again;
we had longer ways to go.
But no matter, the road is life.”
Jack Kerouac

“There are those who travel
and those who are going somewhere.
They are different and yet the same.
The success has this over his rivals:
He knows where he is going.”
Mark Caine

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry,
but by demonstrating that all peoples cry,
laugh, eat, worry, and die,
it can introduce the idea
that if we try and understand each other,
we may even become friends.”
Maya Angelou

[MajestyJo]

We become that which has influenced us the most. -Wilfred Peterson

In the past, many of us ran with a crowd whose main intent was to be high. As a consequence, we generally behaved thoughtlessly, even toward those who were dearest in our life. We weren't surrounded by positive influences and our actions reflected it. We had not chosen a warm, caring relationship with a Higher Power. We felt isolated and suspicious about situations and most people.

Most of us have observed young children who are already mean-spirited, and we can easily guess the circumstances surrounding their lives. None of us escapes being influenced by those forces and factors that, by their daily presence in our life, demand our attention.

Our program for living is daily influencing us to act from a posture of love rather than selfish- ness. We are thereby growing in our understanding that to give is to receive. We have to continue on our recovery path to ensure our well-being and the well-being of those people who will be influenced by our behavior .

My actions will influence others today, and I want to be remembered as a positive influence.

- In God's Care by Karen Casey

Most of my life was spent in rebellion. Always running away, and with an attitude that said, "Don't tell me what to do, watch me!" The stubborness of our disease is rooted in our childhood and we need to learn to heal and let go and ask our Higher Power to open our hearts to a more loving way of life.

The rebellion and anger only hurts me and the past is long gone. The fear of authority and the anger at being told what to do also stems back from those mixed messages we received long ago.

Through the fellowship of the Spirit, I am made whole and can learn my way into new living and healthier thinking. I am what I feed my body, mind and spirit.

Posted on another site in 2005

Each day I have to watch that those old thoughts don't creep in. It is important to recognize them for what they are before I act out on them.

This is a one day at a time program. I choose to live in today and not bring my past into it. I had to take and inventory of what was there and as I work the Steps, it reveals new truths ans awareness, and each day I can pick up the tools for recovery and not act out in my dis-ease.

[MajestyJo]

Thoughts for the Day

“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do.
But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

Unknown

“Courage doesn't always roar.
Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."

Mary Anne Radmacher

“At the end of a matter ask, "what will I learn from this to make me better?"

Mary Anne Radmacher

“Consider calling it a challenge rather than calling it a crisis.”

Mary Anne Radmacher

[MajestyJo]

Thoughts for the Day

Tuesday, June 24, 2014



(The conference last weekend was intense, inspiring,
challenging, enlightening, thought-provoking, and tiring!
A big thank you to everyone who sent me encouraging words!)
When faced with two choices, simply toss a coin.
It works not because it settles the question for you,
but because in that brief moment
when the coin is in the air,
you suddenly know what you are hoping for.

Cormac McCarthy

No Country for Old Men

“The heart of human excellence often begins to beat
when you discover a pursuit that absorbs you,
frees you, challenges you,
and gives you a sense of meaning, joy and passion.”

Terry Orlick

“The best part of life is not just surviving,
but thriving with passion, style, compassion,
generosity, humor and kindness.”

Maya Angelou

[MajestyJo]

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." Matthew 5:14

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

From Belief Net

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

[MajestyJo]

Letting Go of Fear

Fear is at the core of codependency. It can motivate us to control situations or neglect ourselves.

Many of us have been afraid for so long that we don't label our feelings fear. We're used to feeling upset and anxious. It feels normal.

Peace and serenity may be uncomfortable.

At one time, fear may have been appropriate and useful. We may have relied on fear to protect ourselves, much the way soldiers in a war rely on fear to help them survive. But now, in recovery, we're living life differently.

It's time to thank our old fears for helping us survive, then wave good bye to them. Welcome peace, trust, acceptance, and safety. We don't need that much fear anymore. We can listen to our healthy fears, and let go of the rest.

We can create a feeling of safety for ourselves, now. We are safe, now. We've made a commitment to take care of ourselves. We can trust and love ourselves.

God, help me let go of my need to be afraid. Replace it with a need to be at peace. Help me listen to my healthy fears and relinquish the rest.

From: Messages of Recovery (Discussion Forum)

www.Open-Mind.org/cgi-bin/bbs/YaBB.cgi

Please include link back to Antesian Road To Enlightenment in forwarded material antesianroadtoenlightenment-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Detachment and letting go doesn't mean I don't love, I think that is my biggest fear of all.

Thank goodness you don't have to like it in order to accept it.

Hugs to all.

[MajestyJo]

Heard at meetings:

"I believe G-d wants every alcoholic sober. The miracle happens when the alcoholic wants that too."

"Being on the wagon is just transportation between two drunks."

"Alcoholism is a lot like pregnancy--you're no more pregnant at eight months than you are at conception--it only shows more."

"I'm grateful G-d gave me mercy instead of justice."

"I don't like stoplights, but I still DO what they say!"
(think about that one...LOL)

And one of my favorites:

"People keep telling me to 'get in touch' with my inner-child. I don't NEED to get in touch with my inner-child! I AM my inner-child! What I NEED is to get in touch with my outter-adult!"

atience is finding something to do while you wait."

"Lord---please remove her brain. Amen." (you'd think that I think too much, huh?! LOL)

"Experience gives you the test first and the lesson afterwards."

And:

"The steps keep me from killing myself, the traditions keep me from killing everybody else!"

"The difference between a winner and a whiner is the sound the 'I' makes."

"I do NOT have to attend every arguement I'm invited to." (yep, that one worked for me to hang on to!)

"If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague!"

"If at first you don't succeed--you're running about average."

"Fate is what happens to you--destiny is what you do with it."

And....."Rudeness is a weak mans imitation of strength." Think about that one...

imitations are opportunites to open new doors."

"Be kind to your enemies--it'll drive them crazy!"

"I LIKE getting a good jump on worrying about something." LOL

And one from Karl C who taught me a whole lot--"The difference between a demand and a request is humility."

~graced~

I had to learn to apply the traditions to live long enough to work the steps.

I believe in miracles, I am one!

Don't critize, utilize.

Hesitate and meditate.

THINK THINK THINK - I can't work that slogan, I can't do three things at once.

A little thought of yesterday, a little thinking of tomorrow and keep your thoughts in today.

F - friends

I - me, myself and I

N - Need

E - Everyone (of them).

or

Frustrated

Insecure

Neurotic

Emotional (and enjoying it).

[MajestyJo]

Positive Thought Of The Day

"Acts of kindness should not be measured by how much is given to help others, but by how much care is put into thinking of others enough to give."

Written in 2014 by Jesse Marie Kavumpurath --- Connecticut


Thought For The Day

"It costs nothing to dream but are you willing to pay the price to make it reality?"

Written in 2014 by Robert Moore --- Massachusetts


Thoughts Of The Day

"Never ever will there be a dearth of growth for a person whose mind is filled with godly thoughts."

Written in 2014 by Leandro Pasamba --- Philippines

Wisdom comes when one is fond of reading articles dealing with life's lessons. Hence, moral uprightness is developed once the lessons learned are put into action. Resolve to do this thing unfailingly and reap the handsome dividend that goes with it.

[MajestyJo]

Just because I said so!

How many times I heard this phrase and got a major resentment; and yet, in later years I found myself saying it.

If you don't stop crying, I'll give you something to cry for!

How often was I to repeat this same phrase; yet I had promised myself I never would.

Don't be so stupid!

How could I have been so hurtful and repeat such a phrase, when it had been so devastating to me.

Just because it was said to me, doesn't mean I have to repeat it!

Just for today, I can learn to stop the cycle.

Just because I had a motto for years which said, "Do it with style and grace!"

Just for today, I can learn to not expect perfection of myself.

Just because I can't stand stupidity in myself; is no reason to be intolerant of others and myself.

Just for today, I choose to learn a new way of thinking.

Just because I was told, doesn't mean it was my truth.

Just for today, I will find my truth and walk in it.

Just because I remember, doesn't mean I can't forget and let go.

Just for today, I will live in the moment and deal with my past as it makes itself known instead of continuing to look over my shoulder at yesterday.

Just because I lived in fear all my life, doesn't mean I can't change it into faith today.

Just for today, I know I am not alone and that there is no room for fear and faith in the same space.

Posted on my first site http://www.harmonyandpeace.i8.com/jb.html

[MajestyJo]

BEST POEM IN THE WORLD



I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or it's decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp --
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
the alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must have made a mistake'.

'And why is everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.'
'Hush child', He said. they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'

JUDGE NOT!!

Remember....Just going to church doesn't make you a
Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

Every saint has a PAST...
Every sinner has a FUTURE!

Now it's your turn to share this poem.

[MajestyJo]

Our Quest For Happiness and Fulfillment

Nearly all of us - regardless of social status, wealth, age, gender, race, culture, et cetera - tell ourselves that I could be really happy if only...

What is it Health Money Power Intelligence Spirituality Will these things really make you happy You've heard it before but I'm telling you again - nothing will bring you happiness if you're not already happy. Sounds like a load of hooey and in some respects, it is. But almost always what we consider a solution to our unhappiness is only a quick fix. The problem is still there. The person that wins the lottery is elated but soon goes back into debt (nearly one third of lottery winners eventually file for bankruptcy - New York Post, 1997). The person that loses 50 pounds on a fad diet soon regains the weight. The person that rises in power loses friends and finds happiness only in self-delusion. There are exceptions, of course, and maybe you're one of those exceptions. Or maybe not.

What is it you most desire Why are you in such need Consider a desire for money. Are you living within your means Are you using credit cards to pay bills or buy food Those are problems that might persist even if you suddenly fell into a fortune. Are you doing fulfilling work Is there something you desire that requires a great deal of money, like travel or a house Those are legitimate reasons to want a lot of money but what are you doing about it

Have you researched inexpensive travel, like stand-by or courier services Have you pursued your dream job When you think of your needs, what do you do Make wishes to an invisible genie Light candles and cast spells Wish upon a star Pray Scream out to the aliens Consider the 6 billion people that live on earth. What makes you more deserving of a free ride that any of them Why do you plead to the sky but take no action Chances are, you're over-whelmed and confused. Your problems seem insurmountable and inaction feels better than the thought of taking action. The hardest thing is MOTIVATION

Think about what you want and why you want it. Ask yourself how it will benefit you, benefit others, what harm it might do, and how much effort it will take. Prioritize your goals according to the most rewarding and get busy achieving them. With time, dedication, and motivation, you can be healthier, smarter, wealthier.

We look at great people - people who have, through merits of intelligence, creativity and talent, made a mark on history and our lives - and we marvel.

Some of us shrug, accepting our lot in life as an unfortunate accident of birth. Others aspire but give up too soon, comparing themselves to their heroes and finding themselves far from being as great. It's true that we can't all be Einsteins but we can be more than what we are. We can be stronger, faster, achieve a greater aesthetic ideal, richer, more confident, and, yes, even smarter. Few of us use our brains to its full potential. We live our lives as if in a dream. But we can wake up. You only need to want it enough to make an effort.

Source unknown to me

Originally posted on another site in 2006

Happiness comes from within, I am responsible for my own happiness. It is a feeling like everything else, something to enjoy when it comes and realize that this too shall pass.