The circle of joy

An old story tells that one day, a countryman knocked hard on a monastery door. When the monk tending the gates opened up, he was given a magnificent bunch of grapes.

- Brother, these are the finest my vineyard has produced. I’ve come to bear them as a gift.

- Thank you! I will take them to the Abbot immediately, he’ll be delighted with this offering.

- No! I brought them for you. For whenever I knock on the door, it is you opens it. When I needed help because the crop was destroyed by drought, you gave me a piece of bread and a cup of wine every day.

The monk held the grapes and spent the entire morning admiring it. And decided to deliver the gift to the Abbot, who had always encouraged him with words of wisdom.

The Abbot was very pleased with the grapes, but he recalled that there was a sick brother in the monastery, and thought:

“I’ll give him the grapes. Who knows, they may bring some joy to his life.”

And that is what he did. But the grapes didn’t stay in the sick monk’s room for long, for he reflected:

“The cook has looked after me for so long, feeding me only the best meals. I’m sure he will enjoy these.”

The cook was amazed at the beauty of the grapes. So perfect that no one would appreciate them more than the sexton; many at the monastery considered him a holy man, he would be best qualified to value this marvel of nature.

The sexton, in turn, gave the grapes as a gift to the youngest novice, that he might understand that the work of God is in the smallest details of Creation. When the novice received them, he remembered the first time he came to the monastery, and of the person who had opened the gates for him; it was that gesture which allowed him to be among this community of people who knew how to value the wonders of life.

And so, just before nightfall, he took the grapes to the monk at the gates.

- Eat and enjoy them – he said. – For you spend most of your time alone here, and these grapes will make you very happy.

The monk understood that the gift had been truly destined for him, and relished each of the grapes, before falling into a pleasant sleep.

Thus the circle was closed; the circle of happiness and joy, which always shines brightly around generous people.

~Unknown Author

The important things in life

A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”

“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car.

The sand is everything else. The small stuff.”

“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. 

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.

Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

~Author Unknown

11 Practical Ways To Stop Procrastination

“Procrastination is the thief of time.” ~ Edward Young

To discover how to stop procrastination, click the link below:

11 Practical Ways To Stop Procrastination

5 Surprisingly Comfortable Ways to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” ~ Neale Donald Walsch

To discover how to get out of your comfort zone, click the link below:

5 Surprisingly Comfortable Ways to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

30 Inspirational Songs that Keeps You Motivated for Life

Music is an amazing thing. The right inspiring lyrics, or motivational songs can give you a kick in the backside; provides a quick pick me up to motivate you to accomplish your goals; or just a reminder about appreciating the beauty of the world that we live in and provides that little lift that we occasionally need. Here is a list of 30 inspiring songs that will help you to stay the course and go for it.

To discover 30 Inspirational Songs, click the link below:

30 Inspirational Songs that Keeps You Motivated for Life

How To Stay Motivated

It is hardly a secret that the key to successfully accomplishing one goal after another is staying motivated. There are, of course, tasks which you may not like at all, yet you find motivation to complete even them because you recognize how each particular task serves a greater goal.

To discover how to stay motivated, click the link below:

How To Stay Motivated

9 Ways To Be More Positive

Life is easy with a positive attitude, wouldn’t you agree? Well, easier at least. One of my favorite sites, The Ririan Project, has a list of ways to perk up that disposition, if you need to.

I’ve always been amazed by some people’s insistance on being in the negative. You can change that, and it’s the first step to stepping in a more successful life.....

To discover the 9 Ways To Be More Positive, click the link below…

9 Ways To Be More Positive