Great little thoughts for the day.....

For years, I have collected those little mini-books of quotes and inspirations that you sometimes see at or near the checkouts in bookstores. I have a slew of them. Well, for years, I used them at the church whenever I'd need filler for the bulletin or newsletter, and I still use them today .... in addition to the quotes found on the 'Net.

One such book is called Moments of Greatness by Denis Waitley. This is a gem that I've used many times over. I was re-reading it this morning before church, and these quotes especially stuck out for me:

• "It's not what you are that holds you back -- it's what you think you are not."
• "Self-discipline means doing within while you do without."
• "Millions of people actually believe that they fail to reach their goals because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time."

I know that I tend to be a drill sergeant rather than a hand-holder. But I also am so passionate about taking care of yourself, so that you can be strengthened and nourished to really care for others. You cannot give what you do not have. If you don't have self-esteem, self-care, self-discipline, you cannot possibly give esteem, care, and discipline to others. You can't show or teach them to do it for themselves when you fail to do so for yourself. It is not selfish to take the time to plan, to set goals, to say no --- if anything, it's far more selfish to give and give and give with the assumption that "oh well, one day someone will do it for me." If that's the case, you really are blessed, but what if it's not the case? What then will you do?

You have the power within yourself to change your mind, your mindset, your plans, your goals, your meals, your time, your schedule, your life. In fact, you are the only human who has the capacity to do so. No one can make you change.

How bad do you want it?