Quotations on Life

That Is What Friends Are For

2011-08-18T18:26:00.001-03:00

Friends are truly one of the treasures in life. True friends are ones that are there for you in the good times and the bad times. There have been many friendship songs and quotes written stating exactly that. One of the songs that is my favorite is "That's What Friends Are For", written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager.

I have one particular friend that I can talk to about anything. She never judges what I say. Today I had a long conversation about challenge that I am currently facing. I think one of the best things about her is that she listens first. She then asks me questions about the challenge, and then after I asked her what she would do, she give me her thoughts.

While I have many friends there are not to many like her. I feel safe with her, I know what I say to her will not be repeated. I know she cares and would do anything to help me. And I realize as I write this I have not told her how much I appreciate her.

If I were to write a song to her it would go something like this.

I know I can always count on you.

I know you always listen.

You never judge,

You always care.

Friends like you are few and far.

I appreciate your kindness,

I appreciate your ear,

And, I just want to tell you

You are a dear!

Thank you for being there

You are a treasure in my life!

You are a living example of

that's what friends are for.

That's What Friends Are For

An Urgent Question about Your Life

2011-08-16T11:59:00.001-03:00

Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This quotation is one that we all need to remember. Many times in life we get so caught up in our own goals and desires that we forget to give back. There are many volunteer sayings that remind us of this. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr is a person who not only said this saying, but also dedicated his life to helping others. He lived by example. His life is one that sets an example for us all. What are you doing for others?

Here are more quotations said by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that you may want to consider:

A lie cannot live.

A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.

Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.

Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies - or else? The chain reaction of evil - hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars - must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

And, one of the most famous of all quotations, one that is quoted the most:

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

from Oprah Winfrey

2011-08-15T09:35:00.002-03:00

There are many inspirational sayings from Oprah Winfrey that have truly inspired millions around the world. Her life story is one that is an inspiration to many. She has motivated the young and the old, the poor and the rich, the educated and the uneducated. She has truly made a difference in the lives of others. You could read her words and say they are truly quotations on life. Here are some that we especially like.

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.
Oprah Winfrey

I've learned that you can't have everything and do everything at the same time.
Oprah Winfrey

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.
Oprah Winfrey

What I know for sure is that what you give comes back to you.
Oprah Winfrey

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.
Oprah Winfrey

I define joy as a sustained sense of well-being and internal peace - a connection to what matters.
Oprah Winfrey

Every time you state what you want or believe, you're the first to hear it. It's a message to both you and others about what you think is possible. Don't put a ceiling on yourself.
Oprah Winfrey

My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you I the best place for the next moment.
Oprah Winfrey

Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not.
Oprah Winfrey

The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work.
Oprah Winfrey

What material success does is provide you with the ability to concentrate on other things that really matter. And that is being able to make a difference, not only in your own life, but in other people's lives.
Oprah Winfrey

We hope you have found Oprah's words ones that will inspire you. They are great words to share with others!

Good Customer Service

2011-08-11T08:12:00.000-03:00

"Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and

bring their friends."
Walt Disney

There are many examples of good customer service. Recently I had the opportunity to do business with a firm that demonstrated excellent customer service. When I called they knew who I was, they had all my previous orders in front of them. They were efficient and polite. After I placed the order, I received a phone call back from their shipping department within 20 minutes telling me that they only had 7 of the color of the items I had ordered. I was so impressed that the order was filled so quickly and rather than just shipping me the items they called to see if I wanted another color. I should note the total order was only for $200. - not a big order. This is a company I would recommend to my friends.

And then there are the examples of poor service. Companies that don't seem to care about their customers. A recent example of this is a travel trailer we bought. It appeared to us once they got our money they couldn't care less about any issues or problems we were experiencing.

The difference between these two companies, the good service we received was only on a $200. purchaser, the poor service we received was on a $20,000 purchase.

And what has happened, well everyone I know has been warned about the poor customer service we received from the trailer dealer, and the company that had the good customer service is one that I have raved about to our friends.

All companies, no matter what type of business should be reminded that without customers you have no business!!!!

There are many good customer service sayings, but one that I would like to send to my trailer dealer was said by Donald Porter, "Customers don’t expect you to be perfect. They do expect you to fix things when they go wrong."

Who Will Take The Bus With You

2011-08-10T12:42:00.000-03:00

We all have friends. But how many of the friends that we have are truly friends.

To quote Oprah Winfrey, "Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down." This quote may seem like a funny friendship quote but while the quotation does make us smile, there is also wisdom in that quote.

We when we face adversity in our lives the people who will ride in the limo with us are not always there. It is the people who will take the bus with us that are true friends. True friends are ones who are there no matter what, no matter the time, no matter the place. We can always count on them.

Sometimes people who we think we can count on disappoint us. And the surprise is when people who we may only have considered an acquaintance are the people who are there for us. Life is sometimes full of surprises, and when it comes to friends you may find who you think are true friends may not be.

Quotes for the Journey Through Life (Volume 1)

Be What You Wish

2011-06-13T14:04:00.000-03:00

"We can change our lives. We can do, have, and be exactly what we wish."

Anthony Robbins

There are many people who would benefit from this quote. We all have the ability to change our life, the difference is do we have the determination and will to do it. Without determination nothings changes, we find ourselves only wishing. But when you are determined and you set your mind to something and start taking action to change you will be amazed at what happens. So rather than wishing starting doing, create the life you want!

Are You A Good Architect

2011-05-16T15:50:00.000-03:00

"Every man is his own architect."

George Boardman

This quotation reminds us of the saying, "Every life is a book, make yours a best seller." The words here are telling us we decide what we want, we make choices, we take the action. Our life can be a best seller or it can be a dust collector. We decide. We determine our destiny by what we do today, by what goals we set for ourselves, and what actions we take. So how are you designing your life.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"

How To Make Your Own Luck

2011-04-10T11:59:00.000-03:00

"The best of luck of all is

the luck you make for yourself."

Douglas MacArthur

Is there such a thing as pure luck? We truly believe in the quote by Douglas MacArthur - you make your own luck.

I remember once a friend of mine got a promotion to a well paying position. Another friend of mine said to me, "She is so lucky."

I immediately said to my friend, "Lucky, what are you talking about. She got the position because she has been working hard, taking initiative, and continuing her education. It is all her work that got her that position, not luck."

My other friend who just put in their time 9 - 5, never taking on any more jobs or showing any initiative, or continuing his education was taken back by my comment. But I was really upset that he had implied she got the position due to luck, she got the position due to hard work!

So the next time you are feeling unlucky ask yourself:
"What am I doing to make my own luck?

Success Magazine : What Achievers Read

Worry and Life

2011-04-08T10:43:00.001-03:00

Fluorite Thumb Stone/ Worry Stone/ Palm Stone

“Remember , today is the tomorrow

you worried about yesterday.”

Dale Carnegie

Worry is truly a waste of time. It is energy draining. Worrying does us no good, it only creates stress in our lives. But for those who do worry they understand how hard it is not to worry. To tell a worrier not to worry is like talking to a wall. What you need to do is focus the persons attention on something positive. Discuss the issue they are worrying about. If there is something that can be done then do it. However, if it is something they have no control over then you must point that out.

An old saying that I think of when I catch myself worrying about something is: "90% of what you worry about never happens, so keep worrying." That injects some humor makes the person laugh, and plants the seed in their mind that the thing they are worrying about will not happen.

Life is too short to waste your days with worry. The old saying, "don't worry be happy" is one we should all take to heart.

Encouragement and Life

2011-04-07T13:01:00.000-03:00

"Always be generous with your encouraging words,

you may find they will inspire others to be the best they can be."

Catherine Pulsifer

In a run of a week how many times do you actually encourage others by helping or by giving words of praise?

It is amazing what encouragement will do in others. It will build confidence and give the person the belief in themselves.

Years ago I attended a leadership course and one of the tips that I have always remembered from that course is that before criticizing someone, always find praise to give them first, then and only then point out the error and give encouragement to the person.

It always worked. By first giving praise (not phony praise but genuine praise) and then pointing out what they needed to fix or do, they always responded well. But if I had just started in with the issue you would find the persons back would go up.

So remember for all aspects in life when dealing with people - encourage and praise first!

Simple Little Words: What You Say Can Change a Life

Your Will and Life

2011-04-05T18:23:00.000-03:00

"He who has a firm will molds the world to himself."

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

This quote reminds me of something that someone once said to me: "are you a follower or a leader". A follower does what others want them to do, whereas a leader has a strong will and finds a way to accomplish their goals.

Another quotation - "where there is a will, there is a way". How true these words are. If you have the will you will find a way no matter what challenges you face. Your will will determine your success.

As they say, "Quitters never win, and, winners never quit." Winners have a strong will, they may get knocked down but they get back up again and find another way.

May your will and your determination be strong - be a winner!

Adversity and Life

2011-04-04T17:54:00.001-03:00

"Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records."

William A. Ward

WE all face adversity and challenges in our life. The difference is in how to handle it. There are those who just give up and then there are those who will not be defeated, they figure out a way and move beyond the adversity.

Having an attitude of finding the good in every situation is one that will help you deal with adversity when it strikes. There is good in every situation sometimes you just have to look a bit harder for it - it is there. As Napoleon Hill once said, "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit. "
More thoughts on adversity:
"Just as silver linings can only be found on dark clouds, rays of hopes can be found, when one is facing hardships." M. K. Soni

"A problem is a chance for you to do your best." Duke Ellington

"I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders." Jewish Proverb

"Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater." Hazlitt

"Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines." Robert Schuller

"Do not fear the winds of adversity. Remember: A kite rises against the wind rather than with it." Author Unknown

"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." Frank A. Clark

Learning and Life

2011-04-03T16:22:00.000-03:00

"It is always in season for old men to learn."

Aeschylus

You are never to old to learn. No matter what your age when you stop learning you stop living in our opinion. There is an old saying that says, "learn on new thing everyday" - we agree with this thinking.

When I hear people say I am to old to learn it really makes me want to scream. Learning is a natural part of life - from the moment you are born until you die. We should always be learning, especially when we are older. We exercise the body, and by learning we exercise the mind.

Here are some more thoughts on learning:
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. Chinese Proverb

The wisest mind has something yet to learn. George Santayana

Teaching is more than imparting knowledge, it is inspiring change. Learning is more than absorbing facts, it is acquiring understanding.William Arthur Ward

What is important is to keep learning, to enjoy challenge, and to tolerate ambiguity. In the end there are no certain answers. Martina Horner

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Henry Ford

Learning is not compulsory - neither is survival. W. Edwards Deming

Be curious always, for knowledge will not acquire you; you must acquire it. Sudie Back

Knowledge is power. Sir Francis Bacon

You cannot open a book without learning something. Confucius

Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will. Vernon Howard

Relationships and Life

2011-04-02T09:17:00.001-03:00

"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo,

but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down."

Oprah Winfrey

When times are good we always have people around us but the true test of any relationship is when you face adversity and challenges. How many people are there for you. So often during challenging times is when we find out who are true friends are.

Oprah's quote is a great analogy. One which we can all relate to. When we are on top of the world there truly are lots of people riding the limo with us. But how many people will take the bus with us.

Over our lifetime we enter into many different relationships. Some short term and others are for life. It has been said that if we can count our true friends (the ones who will take the bus with us) on one hand we are blessed.

And to turn this around what about the relationships you have with others. Would you take the bus with them?

Retirement and Life

2011-04-02T09:08:00.001-03:00

"We do not count a man's years until he has nothing else to count."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

While we all look forward to retiring from our jobs, it is critical that we have something to look forward to - something that will continue to make a difference. Those who retire and do nothing soon find life boring. Whereas, those who retire and still impact the lives of others, those who have a purpose for living will find more pleasure and enjoyment.

It is always a good idea as retirement approached to think what will you do each day. What is your purpose? The first few months of retirement are great - doing what you want when you want. But after a couple of months of this life can be boring.

What hobbies do you enjoy? What volunteer work would you enjoy doing. What would you like to learn.

To summarize do not think of retirement as doing nothing, think of retirement as an opportunity to do something that you had always dreamed of doing.

Life and Being Rich

2011-03-31T20:53:00.000-03:00

What does being rich mean? Read the words of these famous people and draw your own conclusions.

"The best definition of a rich man is a man with a rich self. What a man is, not what he has, is the measure of real wealth." Wilferd A. Peterson

"To be rich is not about money; it is more about your worth as an individual to the extent that you help others succeed, grow and become more than they were previously." Byron Pulsifer

"It is a wise man that does know the contented man is never poor, whilst the discontented man is never rich." Frank Herbert

"In this world it is not what you take up but what you give up that makes you rich." Henry Ward Beecher

"I have made a million, but they have brought me no happiness." John. D Rockefeller

"To be able to give away riches is mandatory if you wish to possess them. This is the only way that you will be truly rich." Muhammad Ali

Enthusiasm and Life

2011-03-28T21:57:00.000-03:00

"Both enthusiasm and pessimism are contagious. Which one do you spread?"

William Arthur Ward

What a great question. I hope enthusiasm is what you spread. People like to be around enthusiastic people. Pessimist people can drag you down. Here are some other famous words on enthusiasm for you to consider:

"I studied the lives of great men and famous women, and I found that the men and women who got to the top were those who did the jobs they had in hand, with everything they had of energy and enthusiasm."
Henry Truman

"The real secret of success is enthusiasm. Yes, more than enthusiasm, I would say excitement. I like to see men get excited. When they get excited they make a success of their lives."
Walter Chrysler

A man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm.
Charles Schwab

"Enthusiasm releases the drive to carry you over obstacles and adds significance to all you do."
Norman Vincent Peale

"It's faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes a life worth living."
Oliver Wendell Holmes

"Every man is enthusiastic at times. One man has enthusiasm for thirty minutes - another for thirty days, but it is the man who has it for thirty years who makes a success of his life."
Edward B. Butler

Life and Being a Grandmother

2011-03-27T18:26:00.001-03:00

You don't understand the joys of a grandmother until you are one. I use to imagine how it would feel when the big day arrived, but I never thought it would be as great as it is. There is a quote that now is one of my favorites:
"If I knew grandchildren were going to be such fun I would have had them first."

That quote is truly one that I can now relate to. With grandkids you have an opportunity to relive the times that you missed with your own children. When you are a parent you are always busy doing housework, making meals, getting ready for work. It is not that you don't spend time with your children and that you don't enjoy them, but as a grandparent everything changes.

"Our grandchildren are the treasures of our hearts." Author Unknown

"Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children."

As we get older we sometimes dread the years that add to our age. But one of the joys of life and the joys of getting older are grandchildren!

Life and Doing

2011-03-26T11:24:00.000-03:00

"Well done is better than well said." ~ Benjamin Franklin

We can talk about all the things we are going to do, however it truly is meaningless. What has meaning is what we do. There are many people who can talk up a storm, talk about their dreams and what they want. But it is those who are busy doing rather than busy talking that will succeed.

It is like setting a goal - writing the goal down, putting action steps, setting time frames and then doing nothing. Taking action is one of the most powerful things you can do, and it is the one step that most people fail to do.

Just look at any successful person, and you will see that yes they had dreams which they turned into goals but more importantly they took the action steps to make it all a reality.

Life and Fathers

2011-03-26T10:02:00.000-03:00

"I've had a hard life, but my hardships are nothing against the hardships that my father went through in order to get me to where I started." ~ Bartrand Hubbard

As parents we always want our children to have more than we have had. And as per the quote from Bartrand Hubbard I am sure many fathers can relate to the truth in his words. We all have hardships but with each generation it seems some things are easier, and when we look at what our parents sacrificed for us we should always count our blessings.

Many times in life we don't appreciate or even realize what our parents gave up or did so that we would have a better life. When we are adults, many times with children of our own, that is when we truly appreciate our parents.

Life and Sisters

2011-01-21T19:37:00.000-04:00

"We share a mutual knowledge of the intuitive, unspoken kind. So that when I think of each sister, there is something essential which I know about her in a way I could never describe to an outsider. It is like having a sixth sense, or a perception of someone's aura."

Brigid McConville, from "Sisters: Love and Conflict within the Lifelong Bond

This sister quote is one that I am sure anyone with a sister can relate to. Sisters have a special bond, a special understanding. Sisters are best friends, someone who is always there for us.

Life and Mistakes

2010-10-29T12:02:00.000-03:00

"Acknowledge your mistakes, failures, and misfortunes - but don't drop your anchor by them."

William Arthur Ward

Excellent advice as we all have mistakes and misfortunes in our life. But if we sit and focus on them we will never move beyond them. If we learn from them, if we find the positive in them then we can move forward and achieve the success that we desire.

Many people stop, they see a mistake or a misfortune and they never move beyond it, they are in a sense living in the past. Remember the words of Winston Churchill who once said, "Never, never, never give up." And the Proverb that states, "Fall down seven times, get up eight."

Don't drop anchor because of a mistake or misfortune!

Life and Work

2010-09-29T14:56:00.000-03:00

"Work while others are wishing."
William Arthur Ward

How many times have I heard "I wish I had....", yet the very people who say this do nothing more to achieve what it is they are wishing for. They are often the type that wish to win the lottery, or are looking for the latest get rich quick scheme. But if you set your goals, take action and persistently work towards your goal you will find your wishes can come true.

"If you work just for money, you'll never make it, but if you love what you're doing and you always put the customer first, success will be yours.
Ray Kroc

I recently had my nephew tell my how he wanted to be a doctor. When I questioned him a bit further I found the reason he wanted to be a doctor was because of the money not because he had a burning passion to help people. I told him that perhaps he should look at what he loves to do, rather than just a what pays well. I truly believe and have seen many examples of people succeeding not because of the money but because they love what they do!

LIfe and Being Discouraged

2010-09-28T07:29:00.000-03:00

"Don't let people discourage you from living your dreams."
David DeNotaris

There are people in our lives that influence us. When it comes to living your dream, doing what you love to do, then you have to sometimes make the decision and just do it. Always respect others opinion and consider all the facts, but set your goals and take action.

"I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward."
Thomas Edison

When moving towards a goal do not let mistakes, challenges or setbacks stand in your way. Have the attitude of Thomas Edison. If you look at how many times Mr. Edison failed you would be amazed that he did not get discouraged and quit. He persevered, he believed in what he was doing and he kept going despite the negative results and comments of others. Let him be an inspiration for you!!

Life and Your Destiny

2010-09-27T14:21:00.000-03:00

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."
William Jennings Bryan

The quote by William Jennings Bryan is one of our favorites as it is so true. You can let your future unfold or you can control your future by your actions today. Create the destiny you dream of - set your goals - take action!

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"Some people are not aware it's their choice to create their own destiny while others set personal goals and take responsibility for the direction of their lives."
Catherine Pulsifer

Another quote that is so true - we all have choices in life, and it is your choice in what and how you create your destiny.

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Life and Hope

2010-09-26T07:47:00.000-03:00

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."
Albert Einstein

True words of wisdom from Albert Einstein. In life we are always learning, and there is always tomorrow, but the most important words in this quotation are live for today. Do not waste your day thinking or fretting about yesterday; and, there is always hope for tomorrow, but most importantly live today!

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"Each misfortune you encounter will carry in it the seed of tomorrow's good luck."
Og Mandino

Sometimes we see misfortune as only bad. But with every misfortune there is good, you just have to look for it. And, when you focus on the good the misfortune does not seem as bad. It is all in your attitude, if you have a positive one your life will be a happier one!

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Life and Limitations

2010-09-25T18:26:00.000-03:00

"Life has no limitations, except the ones you make."
Les Brown

Do you stop yourself by your own attitude? Les Brown's quote is a good one; it reminds us we can do whatever we want to do in life if we focus and put our mind to it.

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"If you don't think every day is a great day try going without one."
Jim Evans

Often times we complain about our day, but truly there are many people who no longer have days that wished they could have had more days. This quotation by Jim Evans is one that you should keep handy and the next time you think you are having a bad day - read this quote as a reminder!

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