Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul Daily Inspirations (Chicken Soup for the Soul) (12 page)

Tian Dayton

If you add to the truth, you subtract from it.

The Talmud

Footnotes for Life

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F
ailure. It’s one of the most beautiful things in the world. Failure is exciting because it means I’m reaching past what I’ve always done. It means I’m willing to try new things. It keeps my mind young and energized because the focus isn’t on the failure but on the one step closer to a goal to be reached. Goals are reached one failed step at a time.

Glenda Schoonmaker

If you always do what you’ve always done, then you will always get what you’ve always gotten.

Unknown

Footnotes for Life

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T
hese days my attention is not on fixing others, but on creating a sense of well-being within myself. As I discover new ways of improving the quality of my life I can be sure that I reflect well-being to others. If I am critical of myself, I am quick to condemn and judge others. If my life is full of contradictions, resentments and insecurities, I might be sabotaging the growth of those who come to me seeking help. I must remember that as a helper, I can only be a catalyst for change. In the end, each individual must decide whether or not to embark on a different journey.

Rokelle Lerner

Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.

Albert von Szent-Györgyi

Footnotes for Life

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11

I
enjoyed fulfilling work as a sign language interpreter until a brain injury left me struggling to re-learn simple tasks. One Sunday, the chair where the interpreter sat for our church service was empty. My heart argued with my bruised brain as I saw the deaf people’s disappointment. I knew I had to try. I tookmy place, looked out into the large congregation and began to panic. But as I looked into the eyes of the deaf congregants my hands took flight. Expressed with the voice in my hands, the words landed lovingly in the hearts and minds of my deaf friends through expectant eyes. In the service of others, I had found and reclaimed my self.

Jenna Cassell

The highest of distinctions is service to others.

King George VI

Footnotes for Life

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P
ain of human experiences is universal and a safe setting and a language through which to talk about one’s experiences allow people to begin to speak their truth, to own their reality. Ultimately they can put the past behind them, let go of painful familiar scripts and be accountable for their own choices. No one deserves to live a life of fear, pain and shame.

Claudia Black

It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.

Frederick Douglas

Footnotes for Life

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J
ust for today, I release all worries.

Just for today, I release all anger.

Just for today, I shall earn my living with integrity.

Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

Just for today, I give thanks for all my many blessings.

Reiki Principle

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Melody Beattie

Footnotes for Life

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T
he gems of real value in our lives are the people who at one time or another have loved us unconditionally. These spiritual guides change from time to time, but what they have in common is their acceptance of us just the way we are. We can keep that love with us today in accepting ourselves as treasured gems. We need to accept ourselves as part of the wealth of the Universe, for without us it would be devoid of the beauty of the human spirit. That beauty is the kind of wealth that provides true happiness. Love is a richness that cannot be devalued.

Yvonne Kaye

If your riches are gems, why don’t you take them with you to the other world?

Benjamin Franklin

Footnotes for Life

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I
t is important that we laugh, sing, dance and love. Never stand on the sidelines and be left wondering “what if.” Step forward and give life all you have to give. Open doors for others as doors have opened for you. Face the challenges with hope. Meet obstacles with a smile. You never know who may be watching, so be a good example and mentor. Cherish the moments and look to God for answers.

Diane Thompson

God bears with imperfect beings even when they resist His goodness.

Francois de Fenelon

Footnotes for Life