Home / planning / success / ya-ttitude / I Can See Clearly Now
One of the great parts of life is you just never know where your next boost of inspiration is going to come from. I do have someone who pushes me hard to continue with my writing and even then, sometimes I just can not come up with something I feel is quality or I just do not feel like doing it. Ya! I am just as human as you are.
I know - it’s weird, aren’t I supposed to be the one who continues to push you - well even I need a push every once in a while - it’s great to be human and even greater to have an inspiration that drives you to continually be the best you can and then even better so. Another great tool in finding inspiration is your network. Today I received this note in my email from someone in my linked in network.
When times are hard?
With the worldwide economies threatening meltdown, and the bad news that seems to batter us daily - what would be the one tip you would share to anyone looking to ‘thrive’?
It would be great to hear lessons you have learned, quotations that you believe could make a difference, inspirational thoughts, or tips that we could all benefit from.
Thank you
It is from a friend of mine on LinkedIn. Of course the message was not for me specifically, but damn it was a great question and it really got me thinking.
Now I am sure I am about to ramble on for a while, but before I grab the soapbox and go on and on - I really am posing this question to all of you as well. I would love to see and read in the comments below what you do when you feel down, what you use as motivation and where you get your inspiration from. So - after the long-winded approach to souping you up - please feel free to share with the few thousand of the readers here - what it is that makes you the best you can be, when things are tough.
Now motivational quotes are amazing things, and I believe that one of my all-time favorites is one that gets credited to Dale Carnagie and Napoleon Hill. I do not really think either would care if they were credited here, as long as they knew that it was something that people still say almost 100 years later.
“Every adversity carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.”
It is a quote that I use as the tag line on all my email. It is just an incredible quote. From every mistake, every heartache, every supposed disaster and imagined setback, you will find in it the key, the ingredients, the information you need to go forward and be better than you are, better than you could have ever imagined you could be. It is a quote I try to live by and one I try to instill in everyone I work with. There are no defeats, just defeatists, and once you figure out that all you did with that mistake is learn how to do it the right way next time, you will realize just how much you can learn and be better from those errors. We all make them, understand how to use them for your advantage!
Napoleon Hill is also the owner of one of the quotes I just love. Someone once said that “if life hands you lemons you should make lemonade.” I am sure there are hundreds if not thousands of people, who can be credited with that one, but Napoleon Hill did it his way and I am Para-phrasing.
“When Life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Then open a lemonade stand and sell it to all the people who are shouting the lemons at you!”
Damn Brilliant!
Take the crap that everyone is trying to dish out and package it in a way to sell it right back at them, only make you a profit doing it! Remember friends, profits are not only attainable in the form of cash! You do not want to be the lemon farmer, that is for sure, but if it is lemons you have - then lemons you will sell! Take what you have and make the very best, the very most of it. You know that the answers to the questions you have are available. They are usually deep within your subconscious mind and in there you can find all the best self-help books and articles ever written, because they were written specifically for you and by you! You know what is best for you - so fear not, have faith and go forward into those lemon groves and sell!
Quotes, wonderful things, but Yes, I know - not for everybody. Hey, I can honestly (and why would I not be honest) tell you that there was a time in my life that I scoffed at their effectiveness, so why would I think there are not many of you out there that are of the same thought. I am definitely not the smartest man out here. Not even close. That’s why you need friends, colleagues, a network; family or any kinds of support group you can muster. You can never go it alone. You need “inspiration” and you need “smiles.” Get it where you can and get it as often as you can. You know the people who can push those buttons of yours; the one(s) who really get you going. Keep them close; they are invaluable. And I am willing to bet - the same way you are getting motivation and smiles and that “go get it” attitude from them, you are giving it right back without even realizing. There are some great friends I have made over the last year or so in this crazy world of blogging. Some who have pushed me hard, others who make me laugh, some who make me smile and there is one who can do them all to me. I feed off of and am motivated by the comments left here, and the emails received from YOU the readers - You guys amaze me at every turn. You have no way of knowing just how amazing I feel when I know that I could help one of you in any small way.
I am motivated by the blogs that I read daily.
The funny-wacky-crazy world of “The Crotchety Old Man” - Thanks Joe.
The humor and brilliance of Rob’s Megaphone - You won’t believe your own mind.
The laughs from Amy Oops - Insane!
The nakedness - and the self teachings of Naked in Eden - Fly Robin Fly
The amazing information from Kitchen Table Medicine - What’s Up Doc
The Unlimited attempt to help others from the insane “Pot Politics” world Of John Sullivan
And the endless amount of music that colors my Ya-ttitude and my Mood from Kelly at
What Does This Song Mean To Me!
I could easily add another 20 blogs to the list. And I probably will in other writings. But if you start your day with a little bit of Humor, knowledge, laughter, motivation, love and Music, then you are well on your way to getting this crap the world tosses at you out of your way.
I think the soapbox is starting to suffer under my weight so I better try to bring this to a close.
I know that some of this seems too easy, too cheesy, too simple and well - plain ole crazy. If you think that watching every minute of CNN, reading every piece of negative Palin, Obama, McCain, and economic news (think - wouldn’t 777 generally be a good luck number?) is making your days any better than you and I both know you are dead wrong. Yes, you need to be smart, and informed, you DO NOT NEED to be overwhelmed with that entire negative way of thinking. Remember all those people ARE GETTING PAID to get that negative news to you. When they leave you in a bad way, they go home and enjoy a bottle of wine and a good steak. Why let them ruin your day. Find a way to take advantage of all that crap, and see how soon you can be smiling all day and all night long. You know what it is you want to do; you know what it is you can do. Now take those things, make a plan, get your ass behind it and push it to the limits of your imagination. Do not sit back and wait for Rhonda Byrne and her magical Secret to attract “stuff” to you. It is not going to happen. Get up and get out and make your mark!
Next Time?
Let’s Talk About Sex Baby!
Ben
; ?>)
September 30th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Hi! You wrote, “When Life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Then open a lemonade stand and sell it to all the people who are shouting the lemons at you!” Heck, yes!! hehe. I liked this one. Thank you.
I go to my martial arts class and move, kick, and punch the air a little when I need a lift. It’s great for building inner strength, gets the juices flowing, and puts me in a great mood. It also reminds me that I will be “ok” and teaches me patience.
Oh, I don’t know. I don’t get down by politics. I get involved, and do work on campaigns. There are so many good causes (underneath the political game) and good people whose life situation inspires me. Sometimes we need to see a larger picture and cause outside of ourselves, and lift our sights. That can also help to lift me up.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:29 am
@ Pentad - My Minor League Baseball Past sends me to the Batting Cages when I need to work off a little steam. I just got finished hitting two hours worth of fastballs. Damn I feel great
Ben!
September 30th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Wow Benny your on Fire;)
Well what’s ironic is I have been having some very peaceful and serene days myself thanks to you and just realizing that forced outcomes don’t often prevail. So I adopted a snail’s carefree pace and things have been going great.
It’s surreal what is going on and I do feel for people,within days we can be in a worldwide economic collapse. Regardless of what happens I’m just going to try to continue to keep my spirits up and reach out to whomever I can help whether it be online or in real life.
Thanks for the mention I was Smiling when I read the description.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:08 am
@John - Best way to do it. Keep your head up high and take the high road. Give back and always strive to be the best!
September 30th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Thanks Benny.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:25 am
@ Amy - My Pleasure
September 30th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I write on my personal blog unless it’s too personal then I go for my Journal. It really just depends for the most part I stay happy and upbeat. If I get too terribly upset then there has been an injustice in the world and I look for solutions for my happy blog positive blog.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:27 am
@ Shirley - I love writing as an escape. I actually wrote two or three mini novels today to work out some issues… Then chucked then as they were useless except for the therapeutic help
Writing on journals and your blog is a great way to live!
September 30th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Love this post Benny - it’s pretty much the way I’ve been handling all the “action”. I don’t have time for gloomy reports - I see my life as valuable and “prosperous”… thanks for the reminder
September 30th, 2008 at 10:39 am
@ Melissa - That is exactly it. You are an incredible treasure. We are all treasures and valuable as friends and family!
September 30th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Dearest Benny,
So good to “see” you again.
I think this is the MOST powerful piece you’ve ever written. It moved me to tears. I stumbled it (slowly working that out) and I am profoundly honored to be included here. More than you know. Honestly? I was shocked and very very heartened. I’ve had quite a rough week for several reasons and have been in a similar place this week. So this post went straight into my heart, all the quotes that you chose and your honest words about yourself. This whole post made me feel like myself again. That was largely in part to your honesty about yourself. I think it forms a connection between all humans because people realize they are not the odd one out, that others feel like they do. More importantly, they realize they are not alone.
I think simply in coming right from where you are “at” and not trying to be something “other” made this post extremely powerful for me. It actually made ME feel stronger, more motivated and that I can be MYSELF more. I really really like that and I REALLY REALLY like people who are themselves. Bless you dear friend for starting my day with something REAL! I needed that.
I am with you 100% You just keep being you ant changing lives one post at a time, one life at a time, one day at a time and that is how the world becomes a better place.
Now that I am starting to better understand stumble I shall help spread the word.
Hugs and much love,
Robin
September 30th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
@ Robin - Well then we are even. Quite often your blog gives me inspiration and motivation. I am glad I can give you even a little bit of the same. I understand hard days and bad days and GREAT Days too. Thanks for the love Robin - it was needed today…
Ben
September 30th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Thanks for including me, Benny. You have been a huge inspiration for me. I’m actually pretty down now. Here’s why. I’ve always been able to “make time” to do one more thing. I’ve reached capacity and I’ve gone from posing once or twice a day to once or twice a week. I’ll regroup, recharge, and re (something else poigniant), but I’m just not sure when. The short answer to your question. I am soothed by the simple act of watching the Andy Griffith show. It’s become a ritual that I savor. At the end of the time, I watch a couple episodes on tape. I become part of Mayberry for an hour. It works for me.
Can’t wait till your next post!
September 30th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Hey Rob - I know the feeling oh so well. I have just kinda come through the inability to find enough free time to write. Yes I started, but was never quite able to finish. I found some great inspirations. Look for it with your friends and family. The Andy Griffith Show - too cool I love that show too!
September 30th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Your human? Wow! The things you learn reading others blogs.
This is a really good post! Thank-you so much!
Myself: When I look at the mess of the economy now, I feel sad, irritated, and then I realize there isn’t a whole lot of things I can do to fix the economy right now, so I decided to fix my mood, and go outside and play in the fresh first snow of the season with my grandkids.
All better now!
September 30th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
@ Kim — Human Yes - If you cut me do I not bleed - Let’s just not find out. Amazing what you can pick up when you go blog-hopping isn’t it?
I like the fresh snow idea! I like to go to the beach myself!
October 1st, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Very enjoyable read, Benny, thanks! I am a huge advocate of using laughter to get ya through the down times. Also: worry about the things you can control, not the stuff you can’t.
peace,
mike
livelife365
Streeeeeetch Your Life
October 1st, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Thanks for including me in this post Benny! What a great and TIMELY inspirational read. I need to turn off the news right now!
October 6th, 2008 at 9:25 am
I sat with family members this week, and was truly outraged at the amount of time spent on talking about what is broadcast in our daily lives… things that we have no control over.
The CNN stories of the day, the election coverage, the arrest of a local politician, Dancing with the Stars Outrages…
I do not watch much news, or read the papers, they bring me down, and I have a slew of junkies that will inform me as they see necessary.
What about the someone’s we should know, the little people that make life different. You did that Benny for me this weekend, albeit, it didn’t make front page, but you went at it for a cause, and I thank you - and you did it with this post for all those that touch others lives.. it’s always nice to know when you have.