by Neale Donald Walsh

Every day is a new beginning, and nothing
from yesterday has to affect who you are today.

It does no good at all to bemoan what you may have
done on a day prior to today -- or even, for that matter,
a moment ago. You don't have to carry that into the
Present Moment, nor is your guilt about it going to do
you any good at good.

Simply resolve to become a different version of your
self right here, right now. Use yesterday to inspire
tomorrow, not to discourage it.

Bragging?

I heard something very interesting recently: When men get together, they tend to brag. When women get together, they tend to discuss problems. Doesn't that mean that maybe men are focusing on the positive while women are focusing on the negative? Of course it is almost always an uplifting experience to get together in a gender group this way and just "be". But I do see that women tend to discuss "issues" and men tend to want to forget them and try to just have a good time. I realize these are sterotypes, but I thought this was a very interesting concept.

The Nigerian Paradox

So what is the “Nigerian Paradox,” and why is it so important to your own success and happiness?
In a major study of 65 countries as reported on CNN, the BBC, and other major media throughout the world, the economically disadvantaged African country Nigeria ranked #1 for the happiest people in the world.
Mexico ranked #2, Venezuela #3, and El Salvador #4.
The U.S.? #16. Australia ranked #20, and Britain #24.
Furthermore, people in the Western world and Japan are no happier now than they were in the 1950s, despite a massive increase in income.So why in the world would such a poor country, where food is scarce for a large segment of the population and even radios are a luxury, have the happiest people in the world?
In three words: “positive intense experiences.”
A lot has already been researched and written about this Nigerian Paradox.
It turns out that Nigerians are deeply committed to simple, enjoyable, profound and deeply transformative actions in their life that melt away the negative states like stress, angst and worry and instead lead to a powerful sense of happiness.
- From Mind Power Learning Center, LLC

From Deepak Chopra Center's Newsletter

A thought to give faith, and peace.

"Know that even in the midst of challenge and uncertainty, you are always safe. The spirit within you can never be diminished or hurt by the outer circumstances of your life but is ever expanding along its most evolutionary path."

A Native American Verse

I have to post this just because I found it so beautiful.

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush,
of quiet birds in the circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.

Before New Order, There Is Chaos

“What you see going on in the world around you is simply a balancing of forces. Greed is being exposed. Materialism is being subdued. People are spending more time with their families and less time focused on their possessions. People are learning to live within their means, to value their money, time and energy once again, and to live with more gratitude for what they do have.”
-thanks Kathi for passing this one to me-