Sparks 10

I like this quote so much, because it has  a few important messages:

• Sometimes looking back it a good thing, because only then you can see what a long way you managed. Often we think we don’t make any progress while we are at it, and we are absolutely wrong.
• Look in the direction where you are going. Life moves forward, so look ahead most of the time.
• Finding the a good balance between looking back and looking forward is important. Looking back too often keeps you from going forward, never looking back means you are missing an opportunity to be proud of your achievements. As Kierkegaard said “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
• Never stop going, it will make your next look back such a wonderful sight!

I found the idea of sparks at McGuffy’s Reader.

Basically it’s all about making the world a better place by spreading positive thoughts. This is my contribution.

 

Sparks 9

Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.
~ Art Linkletter ~

There’s nothing wrong with having goals, but sometimes we find ourselves in situations we didn’t plan. But we have a choice how we deal with these mishaps. We can whine and moan, or we can adapt to the new setting as best as we can. We still can take every opportunity that comes our way, and seize the day. And maybe someday later we will be glad about the turn our life took at this point. Never waste your life with “what if’s”, always make the best of everything!

I found the idea of sparks at McGuffy’s Reader.

Basically it’s all about making the world a better place by spreading positive thoughts. This is my contribution.

Sparks 7

DARE TO BE

When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.
When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.
When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.
When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.
When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.
When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.
When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.
When times are tough, dare to be tougher.
When love hurts you, dare to love again.
When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.
When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.
When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.
When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.
When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.
When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.
Dare to be the best you can –
At all times, Dare to be!”
― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

When I read this for the first time, I was very impressed, but my next thought was: “That’s a lot to do. I have no superpowers!”
I read it again and noticed that some things are really easy to do. My favourite line, because I know I can do this, is “When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile”. I will start with this, and see what else I can come up with later. And maybe at the end of the day I there will be a little less darkness in the world.

I found the idea of sparks at McGuffy’s Reader.

Basically it’s all about making the world a better place by spreading positive thoughts. This is my contribution.

Sparks 6

This quote really made me think. What do we compare our lifes to?

Often the answer is: “I heard X has this wonderful car, Y has such a well-paid job, and Z is so pretty.”

Often we don’t know these people very well and compare fragments of their lives to fragments of our lives. Maybe X is chronically ill, Y works long hours and Z doesn’t think she’s pretty.

My point is: Don’t waste your life with endlessly comparing it! Every life is unique, two lifes will never match. Let go of comparing, and safe your breath for living your own life the best you can. And then the people will say about you: “W always looks so happy 😄!”

I found the idea of sparks at McGuffy’s Reader.

Basically it’s all about making the world a better place by spreading positive thoughts. This is my contribution.

B is for BEAGLE / Sparks 5

My motto for this year’s A to Z is “Animals in my life – stuffed or alive”.

My Sister-in-Law is crazy for Beagles! Their convenient size, relaxed character and soulfoul gaze made her fall in love with this breed. She also wants to help animals that are in need of a new home. The sad thing is, there are many Beagles out there for adoption. The good thing is, two of them were given the opportunity to have a new, happy life.

The first Beagle in the family was Gina. Her mother was rescued from a animal testing facility when she was pregnant. Gina was with us for about twelve years, until she devoloped cancer and finally needed to be put down.

After a short time, my SIL started looking for another Beagle needing a now home. She found Gino on the internet, he is from Greece. He was found on the streets, sitting next to another dead stray dog, who he refused to leave. To this day, he is absolutely terrified of loud popping sounds, for instance the traditional bonfire on New Year’s Eve. Maybe he has been shot at, but we will never know.

When people are short of money, as it was the case in Greece, the animals suffer, too. But one woman didn’t look away, she took Gino in and tried to get him a forever home via the internet. Well, it worked. My SIL fell in love with him at first sight, and his flight to Germany was arranged.

Gino is a very easy going, happy dog. He adjusted to his new home without any problems. He doesn’t mind sharing his home with a cat, and he is friendly to our dogs when they meet. Nobody leaves Gino without sporting a big smile, he surely has a lot of charme. But he can not roam outside without a leash – in true Beagle fashion he follows his nose whereever it takes him 🙂 My SIL still is in contact with the woman who rescued Gino. This dog made two absolutely different people meet.

I post this story also as a part of Sparks. Sometimes all it takes is a person who doesn’t look away, like the greece woman who decided to help Gino. Of course there are times when we are not able to help, but if you can – please do it. Many small things make the world a better place!

I found the idea of sparks at McGuffy’s Reader.

Basically it’s all about making the world a better place by spreading positive thoughts. This is my contribution.

Sparks 5

The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention.

– Thich Nhat Hanh –

(Found this gem over at Therapy Bits)

To those who don’t know me: My hearing isn’t the best, I’m deaf on one ear and need a hearing aid for the other. This means, I have to pay special attention when I talk to you, in person or on the phone. My focus is completely on the person I am talking to. I do not only use my ears to understand the words, I also read lips, look you in the eye and watch your body language. This is exhausting, but I notice a lot. Often I come up with something like: “I feel this is really hard for you”, and people feel relieved and understood. And then they open up and tell things they wouldn’t have dared to say to someone who just accepted their “The usual stress at work” at face value. Of course, nobody can pay attention all the time. But try it! Next time you talk to somebody, let everything else fade in the background. Maybe you’ll be surprised. You will notice the cashier at your local supermarket is really tired today, so give her an extra encouraging smile and mean it when you wish her a good day. It could be exactly what she needs to pull through her exhausting shift. Paying attention to those around you makes them feel validated.
Attention is something that can’t be bought, it is a gift. And you can be sure this will come back to you!

I found the idea of sparks at McGuffy’s Reader.

Basically it’s all about making the world a better place by spreading positive thoughts. This is my contribution.

Sparks 4

© http://sweetytextmessages.com/monday-quotes-for-your-motivation.html

Everybody is unique, and this is really a good thing, because we all have special abilities and character traits. The world is full of challenges, and your resources are needed to make the world a better place. You are full of potential that is needed and can make a difference. Nobody can do what you are capable of, this is why you matter.

I found the idea of sparks at Mc Guffy’s Reader.

Basically it’s all about making the world a better place by spreading positive thoughts. This is my contribution.

Sparks 3

You win every time you say: I am going to do better, be better and live better today.

~ Caroline Naoroji ~

What I really like about this quote is it simplicity: You can make a fresh start every morning and improve your life. Take your chance.
No regrets and endless dwelling on things that happened in the past: You just move on to become an advanced version of yourself. Learn from your mistakes, but don’t let them rule the present.
It is in your hands: Every day brings so many opportunities to shape your life. Make it better bit by bit.

I found the idea of sparks at Mc Guffy’s Reader.

Basically it’s all about making the world a better place by spreading positive thoughts. This is my contribution.

Sparks 2

This story has two meanings to me. The first is obvious and says “Ignore the negative thoughts of other people, when you really want something.” We all know from experience this is true.

But there is another thing. BE NOT LIKE THE OTHER FROGS! If another person tells you about a dream or goal, be positive and supportive. Not everybody is deaf, or can block out negative thoughts. Be the reason somebody reaches the top of a tree!

I found the idea of sparks at Mc Guffy’s Reader.

Basically it’s all about making the world a better place by spreading positive thoughts. This is my contribution.

Sparks 1

… in other words, just let go and live! This quote reminds me of happy times, and even though my life is difficult right now, I know this will pass.

I found the idea of sparks at Mc Guffy’s Reader.

Basically it’s all about making the world a better place by spreading positive thoughts. This is my contribution.