Recently  I read this very inspiring poem by Janet Rand on the virtue of taking risks in one's life

To laugh is to risk appearing fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach out for another is to risk involvement.

To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.

To place ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk being called naïve.

To love is to risk not being loved in return.

To live is to risk dying.

To hope is to risk despair.

To try is to risk failure.

But risk must me taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing,

is nothing, does nothing and becomes nothing.

They may avoid sufferings and sorrow , but they can not

learn, feel, change, grow ,love, live.

Chained by their certitude ,they are slaves; they have forfeited their freedom.

Only a person who risks is truly free.

Faith

Story told by  a man which is most frightening yet thought-provoking experiences of his life. He had been on a long flight.  The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: “Fasten your seat belts.”Then, after a while, a calm voice said, “We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened.”

 As he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice of the announcer said,  ”We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us.”

And then the storm broke.  The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines.  Lightening lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean.  One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.

 The man confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him.  He said, “As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying.

The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm. And then, I suddenly saw a girl to whom the storm meant nothing. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat and was reading a book.

Everything within her small world was calm and orderly.  Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world.  When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm, when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid.”

 The man could hardly believe his eyes. It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, he lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time.

 Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid.

The sweet child replied, “Sir, my Dad is the pilot, and he is taking me home.”

Gettin’ Drunk

One day this guy was sitting at this bar in Chicago and looks over and sees this guy that looks exactly like him. He says to the guy, “Hey you look just like me!”

The other man agrees and asks, “Where are you from?”

The first guy answers, “Chicago.”

“Me too!” says the second guy, “What street do you live on?”

“Forty-Ninth Street,” answers the first guy.

“Me too!” says the second guy, becoming increasingly excited. “What’s your address?”

”951.”

“Me too! Wow, this is incredible! What are your parents’ names?”

“John and Cathy,” says the first guy.

“Me too!” shouts the second guy. “I wonder if we’re related!?”

Meanwhile, the bartenders are changing shifts and the guy coming on asks if anything is new.

“No,” says the first bartender, “just the Smith twins, drunk again.”

Chillin’ Biddies

One day three old ladies were sitting on a park bench and this guy jumped out of the bushes and flashed them.

The first lady had a stroke, the second one had a stroke, and the third one’s arm was too short to reach.

True story from “somebody”.. … here it goes….

My wife called, ‘How long will you be poring over that newspaper?
Will you come here and make your darling daughter eat her food?’
I tossed the paper away and rushed to the scene.
My only daughter Sindu looked frightened.
Tears were welling up in her eyes. In front of her was a bowl filled to its brim with Curd Rice.
Sindu is a nice child, quite intelligent for her age. She has just turned eight.
She particularly detested Curd Rice. My mother and my wife are orthodox, and believe firmly in the ‘coolingeffects’ of Curd Rice! I cleared my throat, and picked up the bowl. ‘Sindu, darling, why don’t you take a few mouthful of this Curd Rice?Just for Dad’s sake, dear. And, if you don’t, your Mom will shout at me’I could sense my wife’s scowl behind my back.
Sindu softened a bit, and wiped her tears with the back of her hands.
‘OK, Dad. I will eat - not just a few mouthfuls, but the whole lotof this. But, you should…’ Sindu hesitated.
‘Dad, if I eat this entire curd Rice, will you give me whatever I ask for?’

‘Oh sure, darling’.

‘Promise?’

‘Promise’.

I covered the pink soft hand extended by my daughter with mine, and clinched the deal. ‘Ask Mom also to give a similar promise’, my daughter insisted. My wife slapped her hand on Sindu’s, muttering ‘Promise’, without any emotion.

Now I became a bit anxious. ‘Sindu dear, you shouldn’t insist on getting a computer or any such expensive items. Dad does not have that kind of money right now. OK?’

‘No, Dad. I do not want anything expensive’. Slowly and painfully, she finished eating the whole quantity. I was silently angry with my wife and my mother for forcing my child eat
something that she detested. After the ordeal was through, Sindu came to me with her eyes wide with expectation. All our attention was on her.

‘Dad, I want to have my head shaved off, this Sunday!’ was her demand.

‘Atrocious!’ shouted my wife, ‘A girl child having her head shaved off? Impossible!’

‘Never in our family!’ my mother rasped.
‘She has been watching too much of television. Our culture is getting totally spoiled with these TV programs!’

‘Sindu darling, why don’t you ask for something else? We will be sad seeing you with a clean-shaven head.’

‘No, Dad. I do not want anything else’, Sindu said with finality.

‘Please, Sindu, why don’t you try to understand our feelings?’ I tried to plead with her.

‘Dad, you saw how difficult it was for me to eat that Curd Rice’. Sindu was in tears.

‘And you promised to grant me whatever I ask for. Now, you are going back on your words. Was it not you who told me the story of King Harishchandra, and its moral that we should honor our promises no matter what?’

It was time for me to call the shots. ‘Our promise must be kept.’

‘Are you out your mind?’ chorused my mother and wife.

‘No. If we go back on our promises, she will never learn to honor her own. Sindu, your wish will be fulfilled.’ with her head clean-shaven, Sindu had a round-face, and her eyes looked
big and beautiful.

On Monday morning, I dropped her at her school.
It was a sight to watch my hairless Sindu walking towards her classroom.
She turned around and waved.

I waved back with a smile.
Just then, a boy alighted from a car, and shouted, ‘Sinduja, please wait for me!’
What struck me was the hairless head of that boy.
‘May be, that is the in-stuff’, I thought.

‘Sir, your daughter Sinduja is great indeed!’
Without introducing herself, a lady got out of the car, and continued,’
That boy who is walking along with your daughter is my son Harish. he is suffering from… … leukemia.’ She paused to muffle her sobs.

‘Harish could not attend the school for the whole of the last month. He lost all his hair due to the side effects of the chemotherapy. He refused to come back to school fearing the unintentional but cruel teasing of the schoolmates. ‘
Sinduja visited him last week, and promised him that she will take care of the teasing issue.But, I never imagined she would sacrifice her lovely hair for the sake of my son!

Sir, you and your wife are blessed to have such a noble soul as your daughter.’

I stood transfixed. And then, I wept. 
‘My little Angel, you are teaching me how self-less real love is!’

*The happiest people on this planet are not those who live on their own terms but are those who change their terms for the ones whom they love..* 


Be DEAF when people tell YOU that YOU can not fulfill YOUR dreams!
Always think: I can do this!

Elephant Time

A young man is wandering around the zoo looking at the animals. He suddenly remembers about an appointment that he scheduled. Unfortunately, he forgot his watch. He searchs for someone who could give him the time.

He sees a zoo keeper standing next to an elephant. “Excuse me, sir,” says the young man “Do you know what time it is?”

The zoo keeper reaches under the elephant, grabs his balls and starts playing with them.

“Mmmmm, it is about 3:00,” the zoo keeper responds.

The young man looks at him in awe, “How did you know that?” The zoo keeper looks back at the man, “I looked at the clock on the wall right behind you.”

Penguins Go to the Zoo

A man drives to a gas station and has his tank filled up. The gas pumper spots two penguins sitting in the back seat of the car.

He asks the driver, “What’s up with the penguins in the back seat?”

The man in the car says “I found them. I asked myself what to do with them, but I haven’t had a clue.”

The clerk ponders a bit then says, “You should take them to the zoo.”

“Hey, that’s a good idea,” says the man in the car and drives away.

The next day the man with the car is back at the same gas station. The clerk sees the penguins are still in the back seat of the car.

“Hey, they’re still here! I thought you were going to take them to the zoo.”

“Oh, I did,” says the driver, “And we had a swell time. Today I am taking them to the beach.”

Three Guys With Dumb Wives

Three guys are sitting in a bar when the first guy says, “My wife is so dumb, she carries an automatic garage door opener in her car and she doesn’t have an automatic garage door.”

The second guy says, “My wife is so dumb, she has a cellular phone antenna on her car and she doesn’t even have a cellular phone.”

The third guy says, “My wife is so dumb, she carries a purse full of rubbers and she doesn’t even have a dick.”

Hooligan Hijinx

A big hulking hooligan walks into a bar, slams his fist down, and yells “Give me a Budweiser, or…!”

Scared, the bartender serves the man his Budweiser. This happens everyday for a week straight, and the bartender turns into a nervous wreck. He asks his wife for advice, and she tells him he should stand up for himself. Easier said than done, he thinks, but he decides to try it. The next day, the hooligan returns.

“Give me a Budweiser, or…!”

“O-o-o-o-r-r-r… w-w-what?” stammers the bartender.

“A small Coke.”

He met her on a party. She was so outstanding, many guys chasing after her, while he so normal, nobody paid attention to him.

At the end of the party, he invited her to have coffee with him, she was surprised, but due to being polite, she promised. They sat in a nice coffee shop, he was too nervous to say anything, she felt uncomfortable, she thought, please, let me go home…. suddenly he asked the waiter. “would you please give me some salt? I’d like to put it in my coffee.”

Everybody stared at him, so strange! His face turned red, but still, he put the salt in his coffee and drank it.

She asked him curiously; why you have this hobby? He replied: “when I was a little boy, I was living near the sea, I like playing in the sea, I could feel the taste of the sea, just like the taste of the salty coffee. Now every time I have the salty coffee, I always think of my childhood, think of my hometown, I miss my hometown so much, I miss my parents who are still living there”. While saying that tears filled his eyes. She was deeply touched.

That’s his true feeling, from
the bottom of his heart. A man who can tell out his homesickness, he must be a man who loves home, cares about home, has responsibility of home.

Then she also started to speak, spoke about her faraway hometown, her childhood, her family. That was a really nice talk, also a beautiful beginning of their story.

They continued to date. She found that actually he was a man who meets all her demands; he had tolerance, was kind hearted, warm, careful. He was such a good person but she almost missed him! Thanks to his salty coffee!

Then the story was just like every beautiful love story , the princess married to the prince, then they were living the happy life… And, every time she made coffee for him, she put some salt in the coffee e, as she knew that’s the way he liked it.

After 40 years, he passed away, left her a letter which said: “My dearest, please forgive me, forgive my whole life lie. This was the only lie I said to you—the salty coffee.

Remember the first time we dated? I was so nervous at that time, actually I wanted some sugar, but I said salt. It was hard for me to change so I just went ahead.I never thought that could be the start of our communication! I tried to tell you the truth many times in my life, but I was too afraid to do that, as I have promised not to lie to you for anything..

Now I’m dying, I afraid of nothing so I tell you the truth:      I don’t like the salty coffee, what a strange bad taste.. But I have had the salty coffee for my whole life! Since I knew you, I never feel sorry for anything I do for you.

” Having you with me is my biggest happiness for my whole life. If I can live for the second time, still want to know you and have you for my whole life,even though I have to drink the salty coffee again”.

Her tears made the letter totally wet.Someday, someone asked her: what’s the taste of salty coffee?

It’s sweet. She replied.

Love is not 2 forget but 2 forgive, not 2 care but 2 understand, not 2 hear but 2 listen, not 2
let go but 2 HOLD ON !!!!

Don’t ever leave the one you love for the one you like, because the one you like will leave you for the one they love.

ARYABHATT (476 CE)

MASTER ASTRONOMER AND MATHEMATICIAN

Born in 476 CE in Kusumpur ( Bihar ), Aryabhatt’s intellectual brilliance remapped the boundaries of mathematics and astronomy. In 499 CE, at the age of 23, he wrote a text on astronomy and an unparallel treatise on mathematics called “Aryabhatiyam.” He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim that the earth is round, it rotates on its axis, orbits the sun and is suspended in space - 1000 years before Copernicus published his heliocentric theory. He is also acknowledged for calculating p (Pi) to four decimal places: 3.1416 and the sine table in trigonometry. Centuries later, in 825 CE, the Arab mathematician, Mohammed Ibna Musa credited the value of Pi to the Indians, “This value has been given by the Hindus.” And above all, his most spectacular contribution was the concept of zero without which modern computer technology would have been non-existent. Aryabhatt was a colossus in the field of mathematics.

*

BHASKARACHARYA II (1114-1183 CE)

GENIUS IN ALGEBRA

Born in the obscure village of Vijjadit (Jalgaon) in Maharastra, Bhaskaracharya’s work in Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry catapulted him to fame and immortality. His renowned mathematical works called “Lilavati” and “Bijaganita” are considered to be unparalled and a memorial to his profound intelligence. Its translation in several languages of the world bear testimony to its eminence. In his treatise ” Siddhant Shiromani ” he writes on planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, mathematical techniques and astronomical equipment. In the ” Surya Siddhant ” he makes a note on the force of gravity: “Objects fall on earth due to a force of attraction by the earth. Therefore, the earth, planets, constellations, moon, and sun are held in orbit due to this attraction.” Bhaskaracharya was the first to discover gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton . He was the champion among mathematicians of ancient and medieval India . His works fired the imagination of Persian and European scholars, who through research on his works earned fame and popularity.

ACHARYA KANAD (600 BCE)

FOUNDER OF ATOMIC THEORY

As the founder of ” Vaisheshik Darshan “- one of six principal philosophies of India - Acharya Kanad was a genius in philosophy. He is believed to have been born in Prabhas Kshetra near Dwarika in Gujarat . He was the pioneer expounder of realism, law of causation and the atomic theory. He has classified all the objects of creation into nine elements, namely: earth, water, light, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul. He says, “Every object of creation is made of atoms which in turn connect with each other to form molecules.” His statement ushered in the Atomic Theory for the first time ever in the world, nearly 2500 years before John Dalton . Kanad has also described the dimension and motion of atoms and their chemical reactions with each other. The eminent historian, T.N. Colebrook , has said, “Compared to the scientists of Europe , Kanad and other Indian scientists were the global masters of this field.”

NAGARJUNA (100 CE)

WIZARD OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE

He was an extraordinary wizard of science born in the nondescript village of Baluka in Madhya Pradesh . His dedicated research for twelve years produced maiden discoveries and inventions in the faculties of chemistry and metallurgy. Textual masterpieces like ” Ras Ratnakar ,” “Rashrudaya” and “Rasendramangal” are his renowned contributions to the science of chemistry. Where the medieval alchemists of England failed, Nagarjuna had discovered the alchemy of transmuting base metals into gold. As the author of medical books like “Arogyamanjari” and “Yogasar,” he also made significant contributions to the field of curative medicine. Because of his profound scholarliness and versatile knowledge, he was appointed as Chancellor of the famous University of Nalanda . Nagarjuna’s milestone discoveries impress and astonish the scientists of today.

*

ACHARYA CHARAK (600 BCE)

FATHER OF MEDICINE

Acharya Charak has been crowned as the Father of Medicine. His renowned work, the ” Charak Samhita “, is considered as an encyclopedia of Ayurveda. His principles, diagoneses, and cures retain their potency and truth even after a couple of millennia. When the science of anatomy was confused with different theories in Europe , Acharya Charak revealed through his innate genius and enquiries the facts on human anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, blood circulation and diseases like diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, etc. In the ” Charak Samhita ” he has described the medicinal qualities and functions of 100,000 herbal plants. He has emphasized the influence of diet and activity on mind and body. He has proved the correlation of spirituality and physical health contributed greatly to diagnostic and curative sciences. He has also prescribed and ethical charter for medical practitioners two centuries prior to the Hippocratic oath. Through his genius and intuition, Acharya Charak made landmark contributions to Ayurvedal. He forever remains etched in the annals of history as one of the greatest and noblest of rishi-scientists.

ACHARYA SUSHRUT (600 BCE)

FATHER OF PLASTIC SURGERY

A genius who has been glowingly recognized in the annals of medical science. Born to sage Vishwamitra, Acharya Sudhrut details the first ever surgery procedures in ” Sushrut Samhita ,” a unique encyclopedia of surgery. He is venerated as the father of plastic surgery and the science of anesthesia. When surgery was in its infancy in Europe , Sushrut was performing Rhinoplasty (restoration of a damaged nose) and other challenging operations. In the ” Sushrut Samhita ,” he prescribes treatment for twelve types of fractures and six types of dislocations. His details on human embryology are simply amazing. Sushrut used 125 types of surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, needles, Cathers and rectal speculums; mostly designed from the jaws of animals and birds. He has also described a number of stitching methods; the use of horse’s hair as thread and fibers of bark. In the ” Sushrut Samhita ,” and fibers of bark. In the ” Sushrut Samhita ,” he details 300 types of operations. The ancient Indians were the pioneers in amputation, caesarian and cranial surgeries. Acharya Sushrut was a giant in the arena of medical science.

VARAHAMIHIR (499-587 CE)

EMINENT ASTROLOGER AND ASTRONOMERA

Renowned astrologer and astronomer who was honored with a special decoration and status as one of the nine gems in the court of King Vikramaditya in Avanti ( Ujjain ). Varahamihir’s book “panchsiddhant” holds a prominent place in the realm of astronomy. He notes that the moon and planets are lustrous not because of their own light but due to sunlight. In the ” Bruhad Samhita ” and ” Bruhad Jatak ,” he has revealed his discoveries in the domains of geography, constellation, science, botany and animal science. In his treatise on botanical science, Varamihir presents cures for various diseases afflicting plants and trees. The rishi-scientist survives through his unique contributions to the science of astrology and astronomy.

ACHARYA PATANJALI (200 BCE)

FATHER OF YOGA

The Science of Yoga is one of several unique contributions of India to the world. It seeks to discover and realize the ultimate Reality through yogic practices. Acharya Patanjali , the founder, hailed from the district of Gonda (Ganara) in Uttar Pradesh . He prescribed the control of prana (life breath) as the means to control the body, mind and soul. This subsequently rewards one with good health and inner happiness. Acharya Patanjali ’s 84 yogic postures effectively enhance the efficiency of the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive and endocrine systems and many other organs of the body. Yoga has eight limbs where Acharya Patanjali shows the attainment of the ultimate bliss of God in samadhi through the disciplines of: yam, niyam, asan, pranayam, pratyahar, dhyan and dharna. The Science of Yoga has gained popularity because of its scientific approach and benefits. Yoga also holds the honored place as one of six philosophies in the Indian philosophical system. Acharya Patanjali will forever be remembered and revered as a pioneer in the science of self-discipline, happiness and self-realization.

ACHARYA BHARADWAJ (800 BCE)

PIONEER OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY
Acharya Bharadwaj had a hermitage in the holy city of Prayag and was an ordent apostle of Ayurveda and mechanical sciences. He authored the ” Yantra Sarvasva ” which includes astonishing and outstanding discoveries in aviation science, space science and flying machines. He has described three categories of flying machines: 1.) One that flies on earth from one place to another. 2.) One that travels from one planet to another. 3.) And One that travels from one universe to another. His designs and descriptions have impressed and amazed aviation engineers of today. His brilliance in aviation technology is further reflected through techniques described by him:
1.) Profound Secret: The technique to make a flying machine invisible through the application of sunlight and wind force.
2.) Living Secret: The technique to make an invisible space machine visible through the application of electrical force.
3.) Secret of Eavesdropping: The technique to listen to a conversation in another plane.
4.) Visual Secrets: The technique to see what’s happening inside another plane.
Through his innovative and brilliant discoveries, Acharya Bharadwaj has been recognized as the pioneer of aviation technology.

ACHARYA KAPIL (3000 BCE)

FATHER OF COSMOLOGY
Celebrated as the founder of Sankhya philosophy, Acharya Kapil is believed to have been born in 3000 BCE to the illustrious sage Kardam and Devhuti. He gifted the world with the Sankhya School of Thought. His pioneering work threw light on the nature and principles of the ultimate Soul (Purusha), primal matter (Prakruti) and creation. His concept of transformation of energy and profound commentaries on atma, non-atma and the subtle elements of the cosmos places him in an elite class of master achievers - incomparable to the discoveries of other cosmologists. On his assertion that Prakruti, with the inspiration of Purusha, is the mother of cosmic creation and all energies, he contributed a new chapter in the science of cosmology. Because of his extrasensory observations and revelations on the secrets of creation, he is recognized and saluted as the Father of Cosmology.

The Scottie Dog Who Knew Karate

There once was a young couple who lived in a town filled with crime. After three neighbors’ houses had been robbed, the couple decided to get a guard dog.

So one day the wife went to the pet store and said, “I need a good guard dog.”

And the clerk replied, “Sorry, we’re all sold out. All we have left is this little Scottie dog. But he knows karate.”

The wife didn’t believe him so he said to the dog, “Karate that chair.”

The dog went up to the chair and broke it into pieces, then he said to the dog, “Karate that table.” The dog went up to the table and broke it in half.

So the wife bought the dog and took it home to her husband who was expecting a big guard dog. But then she told her husband that it knew karate, and he said “Karate my ass!”

I Like Your Thinking

A teacher asks her class, “If there are five birds sitting on a fence and you shoot one of them, how many will be left?” She calls on little Johnny.

“None, they all fly away with the first gunshot.”

The teacher replies, “The correct answer is four, but I like your thinking.” Then Little Johnny says, “I have a question for YOU. There are three women sitting on a bench having ice cream. One is delicately licking the sides of the triple scoop of ice cream. The second is gobbling down the top and sucking the cone. The third is biting off the top of the ice cream. Which one is married?”

The teacher, blushing a great deal, replies, “Well I suppose the one that’s gobbled down the top and sucked the cone.”

“The correct answer is the one with the wedding ring on… but I like your thinking.”

A Nutty Game

A doctor at an (insane) asylum decided to take his inmates to a baseball game. For weeks in advance, he coached his patients to respond to his commands. When the day of the game arrived, everything seemed to be going well.

As the national anthem started, the doctor yelled, “Up nuts!”

And the inmates complied by standing up. After the anthem he yelled, “Down nuts!” And they all sat.

After a home run he yelled, “Cheer nuts!” And they all broke into applause and cheers.

Thinking things were going very well, he decided to go get a beer and a hot dog, leaving his assistant in charge.

When he returned there was a riot in progress. Finding his assistant, he asked what happened.

The assistant replied, “Well… everything was fine until some guy walked by and yelled, ‘PEANUTS!’”

This old couple is ready to go to sleep so …

This old couple is ready to go to sleep so the old man lies on the bed but the old woman lies down on the floor.

The old man asks, “Why are you going to sleep on the floor?”

The old woman says, “Because I want to feel something hard for a change.”

Farm Fugitives

A Welshman, an Englishman and a Irishman were being chased by Farmer Giles with a shotgun. After 10 minutes of running they spotted a barn and ran inside.

Once inside they each hid in a old sack against the barn wall. The farmer went into the barn but did not see where they went, he was about to turn back when he saw three suspicious looking sacks. He walked forward and prodded the first sack with his gun. The Englishman inside said… ”Meow’.’

“Just cats,” he thought.

He then prodded the second sack. The Welshman, hearing how the Englishman got off said… ”Woof’.’

“Just dogs,” he thought.

As he walked towards the last sack, the Irishman worked out what he was going to say. As soon as the farmer prodded his sack he said… ”Potatoes!”

Magic in self confidence

A business executive was deep in debt and could see no way out.

Creditors were closing in on him. Suppliers were demanding payment.

He sat on the park bench, head in hands, wondering if anything could

save his company from bankruptcy.

Suddenly an old man appeared before him.

"I can see that something is troubling you," he said.

After listening to the executive's woes, the old man said, "I believe

I can help you."

He asked the man his name, wrote out a cheque, and pushed it into

his hand saying, "Take this money. Meet me here exactly one year

from today, and you can pay me back at that time."

Then he turned and disappeared as quickly as he had come.

The business executive saw in his hand a cheque for $ 500,000, signed

by John D. Rockefeller, then one of the richest men in the world !

"I can erase my money worries in an instant !" he realised. But

instead, the executive decided to put the uncashed cheque in his

safe. Just knowing it was there might give him the strength to work

out a way to save his business, he thought.

With renewed optimism, he negotiated better deals and extended

terms of payment. He closed several big sales. Within a few months,

he was out of debt and making money once again.

Exactly one year later, he returned to the park with the uncashed

cheque. At the agreed-upon time, the old man appeared. But just as

the executive was about to hand back the cheque and share his

success story, a nurse came running up and grabbed the old man.

"I'm so glad I caught him !" she cried. "I hope he hasn't been

bothering you. He's always escaping from the rest home and telling

people he's John D. Rockefeller."

And she led the old man away by the arm.

The astonished executive just stood there, stunned. All year long

he'd been wheeling and dealing, buying and selling, convinced he

had half a million dollars behind him.

Suddenly, he realised that it wasn't the money, real or imagined,

that had turned his life around. It was his newfound self-confidence

that gave him the power to achieve anything he went after.

THE MAYONNAISE JAR AND 2 CUPS OF COFFEE

When things in your life seem almost too much to
handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough,
remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of
coffee…

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had
some items 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 golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They
agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box
of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar
lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas
between the golf balls.He then asked the students again if the jar was
full.

They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured
it into the jar.

Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He
asked once more if the jar was full.
The students responded with a unanimous yes.” The
professor then produced two cups of coffee from under
the table
and poured the entire contents into the jar,
effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.


“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
“I want you to recognize that this jar represents your
life.
The golf balls are the important things — your God,
family, your children, your health, your friends,
and your favorite passions — 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, and 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
golf balls.”

The same goes for 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 time to get
medical checkups..


Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix
the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first — the things that
really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just
sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what
the coffee represented.

The professor smiled.
“I’m glad you asked. It just
goes to show you that no matter how full your life may
seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of
coffee with a friend.”