Yes, Virginia, I Still Believe...

8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon was having doubts, as most 8-year-olds are prone to do. She had just gone back to school and had been teased by some schoolmates of hers for professing a belief in Santa Claus. This scene is played out time and again on many a schoolyard. This scene, however, happened to be 1897 in New York. And little Virginia O’Hanlon was about to become a part of Christmas history.

Virginia went home that evening and asked her father, Dr. Phillip O’Hanlon, a coroner’s assistant in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, if there really was a Santa Claus - a question that all parents seem to avoid as much then as today. And although Dr. O’Hanlon passed the buck on this question, he unwittingly gave an editor at the New York Sun a chance to rise above a very simple and yet powerfully complicated question - and give for us Christmas magic.

That editor was one Francis Pharcellus Church, a former War Correspondent for The Sun during the American Civil War, and the “go-to” man that The Sun turned to when a letter to the editor was one of a philosophical or spiritual nature. Now he held little Virginia O’Hanlon’s letter in his hand. “Is There A Santa Claus?” The words were scrawled as only an 8-year-old can scrawl, seemingly pleading for someone to give her an answer.

The answer came, and was printed in The New York Sun over 100 years ago, and still brings with it a purity of faith and hope that was written specifically for an age which just saw a country ripped apart and struggling with the ideas of faith - ironically or not, we seem to be in the midst of a personal crisis ourselves. As we deal with head on the issues of “What’s Important” now, and re-examine our priorities and our faith - in humanity, ourselves, the government, or of a spiritual nature - this simple letter and the editorial reply that was given are just as important today as they were over a century ago.

So, to begin this Holiday season, I present to you Virginia O’Hanlon’s letter, and the editorial reply by Francis Pharcellus Church. May it bring you renewed faith and hope for the coming season.


Tuesday, September 21, 1897
We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of THE SUN:


"DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
"Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
"Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.'
"Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

"VIRGINIA O'HANLON.
"115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET."

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

24 Hours of Inspirational Tweets

"Quotes are some of the BEST ways to motivate ourselves and others."

So says Les Brown. And I believe him. As a matter of fact I believe it so much that I discovered last year at about this time that there are lots and lots of people today that offer so much wisdom and motivation online - especially at Twitter.com! Where else can you find so much motivation all under 140 characters? I have compiled all the quotes and motivational phrases these wonderful teachers have shared with me over the last 24 hours, and now I in turn share them with you.

Enjoy today's feed!

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I hope you know how truly magnificent you really are, how unlimited your potential is and how infinite you are. – Gail Lynne Goodwin

If you have the thought, you also have the ability to make it happen. Take the first step! – Gail Lynne Goodwin

Dance with your heart today. Take the time for YOU to do something you love! – Gail Lynne Goodwin

What can you do today to help others achieve their goals and at the same time, move closer to yours? – Gail Lynne Goodwin

You're a WINNER! Wayward winners aren't lost souls. They just need to be coached & nudged back on course. – Les Brown

Success is not a destination, it's a journey - it's the direction in which you are traveling. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

"Pity the man who inherits a million dollars, who isn't a millionaire. Here's what's pitiful: If your income grew and you didn't." – Jim Rohn

"Be realistic" is the battle cry of scared souls. – Robin Sharma

One of the greatest disasters of our time is our universal acceptance of the word "tolerance" as a great virtue. – Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

We are placed in this world to live fully. Passion, humor, love, laughter. These things are your bottom line. These things are legacy. – J.C. Rede

"You cannot believe what it does to the human spirit to maximize your human potential and stretch yourself to the limit." – Jim Rohn

We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems. – Bob Proctor

Make fun sounds today! Roar like a lion or open your mouth and surprise yourself! It's fun and a great way to relieve stress. – Sonia Choquette

If the shoe fits...The only thing that can possibly keep you from going after your dream is the person standing in your shoes... – Les Brown

Do value who you are. Enjoy your uniqueness. Don't compare yourself with others and put yourself down. Be true to yourself. – Deepak Chopra

A good holiday is one spent among people whose notions of time are vaguer than yours. – John B Priestly, quoted by Marci Shimoff

Instead of motivation, look for inspiration. Inspiration comes from the same word as spirit. When you are inspired, the spirit moves you. – Deepak Chopra

Outstanding people have one thing in common: an absolute sense of mission. – Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

But what minutes! Count them by sensation, and not by calendars, and each moment is a day. – Benjamin Disraeli, quoted by Marci Shimoff

I am the light of love that is unity consciousness. I am the light of knowingness where Creator, creating, and created are one. – Deepak Chopra

Patience is also a form of action. – Auguste Rodin, quoted by Marci Shimoff

Ask yourself How can I find Spirit? Not by thinking. Not by doing. Only by Being. – Deepak Chopra

Spirit is spaceless, timeless, and dimensionless. This spirit is the essential me. – Deepak Chopra

The Ultimate Reality is that everything you think you need, you already have. It exists inside you. Indeed, it is you. – Neale Donald Walsch

"Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen." – Leonardo DaVinci, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

Don't worry about "how" ur going to make your dreams happen. "How" is none of your business – Les Brown

Patience is the companion of wisdom. – St Augustine, quoted by Marci Shimoff

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. – Ralph Waldo Emerson, quoted by Marci Shimoff

A brother's prognosis puts life in focus Chuck Jaffe - MarketWatch

A brother's prognosis puts life in focus Chuck Jaffe - MarketWatch

24 Hours of Inspirational Tweets

"Quotes are some of the BEST ways to motivate ourselves and others."

So says Les Brown. And I believe him. As a matter of fact I believe it so much that I discovered last year at about this time that there are lots and lots of people today that offer so much wisdom and motivation online - especially at Twitter.com! Where else can you find so much motivation all under 140 characters? I have compiled all the quotes and motivational phrases these wonderful teachers have shared with me over the last 24 hours, and now I in turn share them with you.

Enjoy today's feed!

==============

Time does not exist. – Carl Bozeman

The present has no connection to time nor to space, nor is it a point or moment in time precipitated by a previous point or moment. – Carl Bozeman

We cannot build our lives around what might happen tomorrow. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

Every thought takes you into love or into fear, and whichever one you choose casts out the vision of the other. – Marianne Williamson

The universe has no memory of the past, except the love that was given and the love that was received. – Marianne Williamson

The law of impermanence makes every moment precious. – Deepak Chopra

Feedback is critical for success. – Jack Canfield

What are you hiding in your shadow? – Debbie Ford

Look back in forgiveness, forward in hope, down in compassion, and up with gratitude. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

"He who gains a victory over other men is strong; but he who gains a victory over himself is all powerful." - Lao Tzu, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

You can't hit a target you can't see, and you can't see a target you don't have. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

The best work flows from us effortlessly. Allow the gifts of spirit to come to you. – Deepak Chopra

It's easy to have faith in yourself when you're a winner. What you've got to have is faith in yourself when you're not a winner. – Bob Proctor

Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live. ~Attributed to Jacqueline Winspear, quoted by Marci Shimoff

How's your vision? "You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus".~ Mark Twain, quoted by Les Brown

You matter. – Debbie Ford

When prosperity comes, do not use all of it. ~ Confucius, quoted by Marci Shimoff

Reduce the complexity of life by eliminating the needless wants of life, and the labors of life reduce themselves. ~ Edwin Way Teale, quoted by Marci Shimoff

You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need. ~ Vernon Howard, quoted by Marci Shimoff

The Universe speaks to you in the language you are listening for-what are you waiting to hear? – Mark Victor Hansen

Who is rich? He who rejoices in his portion. ~ The Talmud, quoted by Marci Shimoff

Love invites you to break the bonds of ignorance. To ask any question, to seek any answer. Love invites you, always, to live Your Truth. – Neale Donald Walsch

Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. ~ William Morris, quoted by Marci Shimoff

When you look at the possibilities instead of the problems, the future is filled with endless opportunities. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

When we blend our unique talent with service to others, we experience the exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal. – Deepak Chopra

Be ACCOUNTABLE. Take responsibility for yourself and you'll develop a HUNGER to ACCOMPLISH your DREAMS. – Les Brown

What would you do today, if you were brave? Jana Stanfield asked the participants at BTS this morning, and now I'm asking you. – Jack Canfield

Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough. ~Author Unknown, quoted by Marci Shimoff

"Happiness is a continuation of happenings which are not resisted." - Deepak Chopra, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. ~ Confucius, quoted by Marci Shimoff

You cannot make it as a wandering generality. You must become a meaningful specific. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

We come spinning out of nothingness scattering stars like dust – Rumi, quoted by Deepak Chopra

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. ~ Albert Einstein, quoted by Marci Shimoff

By God when you see your beauty you will be the idol of yourself – Rumi, quoted by Deepak Chopra

I've forgotten all my learnings but from knowing you I've become a scholar. If I love myself I love you. If I love you I love myself – Rumi, quoted by Deepak Chopra

24 Hours of Inspirational Tweets

Call it a classic case of overachievement. Like many of you, I like to get daily inspirations sent to me. But in my case I get my inspiration from a wonderful source: Twitter. Every day, I turn to Twitter and compile every single inspirational quote that was posted since the last 24 hours or so that I was there. The wealth of shared knowlege is simply amazing!! I was moved by inspiration itself to share this with you on a daily basis - and perhaps compile the largest depository of shared positive wisdom ever found.

So here, for your learning pleasure is today's daily feed:

It ain't what they call you; it's what you answer to. - W.C. Fields, quoted by Marci Shimoff

There is a difference between transcendence and denial. To not look at darkness is not to transcend it. Look, but then look through it. – Marianne Williamson

U will realize that there was nothing you ever had 2 do but Be. Here. Now. U will discover that U are the Only Thing That Matters. Love. – Neale Donald Walsch

Heaven is a state of mind, not a location, since Spirit is everywhere and in everything. - Wayne Dyer

It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes. - Sally Field, quoted by Marci Shimoff

If you don't see an immediate result to good or bad action, be patient and observe. No debt goes unpaid in the universe. – Deepak Chopra

You are a living magnet. What you attract into your life is in harmony with your dominant thoughts. – Bob Proctor

Always leave room in your planning for adventure. It will ease frustration when the actual outcome looks nothing like the original plan. – Carl Bozeman

Don't grieve over losses--you can only lose what is unreal, and when it is gone, the real will be left behind. – Deepak Chopra

The objective of planning should be to prepare you for what actually happens which is always different then what you plan for. – Carl Bozeman

I bless my past and my pain. Without them, I would not be where I am today. – Debbie Ford

Spend time gaining self-knowledge about who you are. Once you do, you'll be excited about YOU! – Les Brown

Run your day by the clock and your life with a vision. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

It's said that we're all born unique but most of us die copies. Be your uniquely awesome self! – Les Brown

Your worldview is your world – Deepak Chopra

"Abundance is, in large part, an attitude." - Sue Patton Thoele, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

There is no such thing as the "look" of the world. There is only our way of looking at it. – Deepak Chopra

Find someone online today that's having a bad day and send them some love. Just might change the world! – Gail Lynne Goodwin

We dance around the ring and suppose. The secret sits in the middle and knows. - Robert Frost, quoted by Deepak Chopra

Every time passionate people fail, they are convinced that they are simply one step closer to fulfilling their dream. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

Most people will never do their dreams because most people have given up on their dreams. – Robin Sharma

“The hottest place in hell is reserved for those who in time of crisis preferred to remain neutral.” -- Dante's INFERNO, quoted by Marianne Williamson

We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own. – Bob Proctor

"What we call the secret of happiness is no more a secret than our willingness to choose life." -Leo F. Buscaglia, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

A pristine reputation cannot be purchased. It must be earned. – Robin Sharma

Look for the beauty around you... little things, big things, wondrous things, every thing! – Ken Blanchard

The most influential person you will talk to all day is you. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for enough good people to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke, quoted by Marianne Williamson

Your present results are nothing more than your past thinking realized – Robin Sharma

Money is the reward for risks taken, value delivered and promises kept – Robin Sharma

Problems are servants of our growth, progress and leadership. – Robin Sharma

“If everyone was satisfied with themselves, there would be no heroes." Mark Twain, quoted by Robin Sharma

The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire. ~Ferdinand Foch, quoted by Marci Shimoff

I simply believe that some part of the human Self or Soul is not subject to the laws of space and time. ~Carl Jung, quoted by Marci Shimoff

Learning how to operate a soul figures to take time. ~Timothy Leary, quoted by Marci Shimoff

What is soul? It's like electricity - we don't really know what it is, but it's a force that can light a room. ~Ray Charles, quoted by Marci Shimoff

You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want. Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

You need to make a commitment, and once you make it, then life will give you some answers – Les Brown

The best vitamin to be a happy person is B1. ~Author Unknown, quoted by Marci Shimoff

Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard. ~Anne Sexton, quoted by Marci Shimoff

When U bring an end to judgment, U bring an end 2 an entire way of living. The way to move out of judgment is 2 move into gratitude – Neale Donald Walsch

For some people little problems seem big because their mind has not expanded to be bigger than the problem – John Assaraf

24 Hours of Inspirational Tweets

I am an avid follower of several inspirational and motivational speakers who provide a daily dose of... well, inspiration and motivation. Like everything else in my life, because I am human, I succumb to the daily grind - and completely forget these teachers and gurus are there. Or maybe I know full well that they are there, but I am so wrapped up in what I believe is “reality” that I choose to ignore them. I really don't like the way that sounds - mainly because it's closer to the truth, but unfortunately I'm right.
So on occasion, I go back and look at Twitter - where else can I get a jolt of inspiration in 140 characters or less?
I have decided to combine all the inspirational messages I receive from the net in one 24 period, and share them with you. Hopefully this is exactly what you needed.

Here's today's feed:

You'll find all things are difficult before they are easy. The greater your obstacles, the more glory in overcoming them. – Andrea Metcalf, retweeted by Gail Lynne Goodwin

Share your smile today with everyone for it is an action of love and a gift unparalleled. – Gail Lynne Goodwin

You were created to be just the way you are, perfect in every way. – Gail Lynne Goodwin

What if the way it's happening will actually turn out better than the way you thought it had to be? There's ALWAYS a blessing. Look deeper. – Gail Lynne Goodwin

Love, love, love.... it's all that really matters. Keep it in your heart as you step forward today. Act from love. Be love. – Gail Lynne Goodwin

a tree that is laden with ripe fruits casts its branches low; so is the wise man humbling self while helping others grow. – Yossi Ghinsberg

"I wish he would explain his explanation." - Lord Byron, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

Hope is the fruit of faith. - Zig Ziglar

"I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends." Abraham Lincoln, quoted by Jim Rohn Quotes

What you say about others says a lot about you. – Deepak Chopra

The brain is an instrument that measures quantum information. Consciousness constructs the material world out of that measured information – Deepak Chopra

Put on a smile this morning and wear it all day. Change the thought to match the smile. Choose to be happy. :) – Gail Lynne Goodwin

Life is so much easier when we remember we are magnificent, our potential is unlimited and we are infinite. – Gail Lynne Goodwin

You were born to play BIG. Why hide who/what you truly are? – Gail Lynne Goodwin

In this very moment you have the power to change someone else's life for the better. Look for the opportunity. – Gail Lynne Goodwin

Go with the flow and be willing to allow change into your life, for change is the only thing that's constant. – Gail Lynne Goodwin

We fail our children if we say, "Don't do as I do, but do as I say." - Zig Ziglar

Cynicsm is a self-fulfilling prophecy – Robin Sharma

The heart has reasons that reason does not know. – Pascal, quoted by Deepak Chopra

“My hopes are not always realized, but I always hope." – Ovid, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

It's never too late to have a happy childhood. – Dr Wayne Dyer

The more you extend kindness to yourself, the more it will become your automatic response to others. – Dr Wayne Dyer

The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind. – Bob Proctor

Your key to freedom lies in your power to control your thoughts. – Bob Proctor

You must take disciplined action if you want to achieve your goals and objectives! Wanting and waiting are not enough. – Mark Victor Hansen

"We are what repeatedly what we do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." –Aristotle, quoted by John Assaraf

Events & experiences are opportunities drawn 2 you - created by you individually or collectively, through consciousness. – Neale Donald Walsch

24 Hours of Inspirational Tweets

I am an avid follower of several inspirational and motivational speakers who provide a daily dose of... well, inspiration and motivation. Like everything else in my life, because I am human, I succumb to the daily grind - and completely forget these teachers and gurus are there. Or maybe I know full well that they are there, but I am so wrapped up in what I believe is “reality” that I choose to ignore them. I really don't like the way that sounds - mainly because it's closer to the truth, but unfortunately I'm right.

So on occasion, I go back and look at Twitter - where else can I get a jolt of inspiration in 140 characters or less?

I have decided to combine all the inspirational messages I receive from the net in one 24 period, and share them with you. Hopefully this is exactly what you needed.

Here's today's feed:

When you’re thinking about God, you’re not thinking about your problems. - Debbie Ford

The great person is the one concerned with making others feel great. - Robin Sharma

If you have the aspiration to be something, it’s because you have the potential to manifest what you are seeing. - Debbie Ford

What if in breaking free of your own denial you could stop someone from victimizing another? Then would you do something? - Debbie Ford

You are one-of-a-kind. There will never be another YOU. Act like yourself, be yourself and live the life only you were meant to live! - John Assaraf

Whatever inspires you is an aspect of yourself. Any desire of the heart exists to support you in discovering and manifesting it. - Debbie Ford

Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work. - Bob Proctor

YOU are 100% capable of achieving anything to choose! - John Assaraf

The only limits to the possibilities in your life tomorrow are the buts you use today. - Les Brown

Forgiveness is the holy medicine of the unhealed heart. Who can you forgive today? - Debbie Ford

Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. - Les Brown

Your brain is forming a million new connections every second of your life. There is sheer genius that lies within you right now! - John Assaraf

Feel gratitude every day for what we have. What are you most grateful for? - Debbie Ford

I believe that each one of us, including you, has the God given right and ability to create a masterpiece in each area of your life... - John Assaraf

Making the choice to nurture within you the qualities you admire in others will build your self-esteem. - Debbie Ford

“I exist as I am - that is enough; If no other in the world be aware, I sit content”. This is one of my favorite quotes by Walt Whitman – John Asssaraf

"Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back." - Babe Ruth, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

There is always something to be grateful for. Look for the gift in the experience. - Gail Lynne Goodwin

If you have the aspiration to be something, it’s because you have the potential to manifest what you are seeing. - Debbie Ford

The best leaders are obsessed with helping their team express their best – Robin Sharma

Do not waste the precious moments of this, your present reality, seeking to unveil all of life's secrets. - Neale Donald Walsch

Once a need is satisfied, it is no longer a motivator. Satisfaction does not increase motivation. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

Your gift to the world is not what you think you need to do. Your gift to the world is YOU. Already, you are unimaginably incredible. Thanks. - Carl Bozeman

"There, but for the grace of God, goes God." - Herman J. Mankiewicz, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

For every person who might reject you if you live your truth, there are ten others who will embrace you and welcome you home. - Marianne Williamson

24 Hours of Inspirational Tweets

I am an avid follower of several inspirational and motivational speakers who provide a daily dose of... well, inspiration and motivation. Like everything else in my life, because I am human, I succumb to the daily grind - and completely forget these teachers and gurus are there. Or maybe I know full well that they are there, but I am so wrapped up in what I believe is reality that I choose to ignore them. I really don't like the way that sounds - mainly because it's closer to the truth, but unfortunately I'm right.
So on occasion, I go back and look at Twitter - where else can I get a jolt of inspiration in 140 characters or less?
I have decided to combine all the inspirational messages I receive from the net in one 24 period, and share them with you. Hopefully this is exactly what you needed.

Here's today's feed:

Ask yourself whether your most dearly held beliefs are serving you or not. Do they help you create the life of your dreams? – John Assaraf

Be kind to your shadow. ~Rebecca Lawless, quoted by Marci Shimoff

You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take. ~Wayne Gretzky, quoted by Marci Shimoff

Finding your spiritual journey is a singular gift to the collective world. We are all uplifted when a fellow sojourner finds a way!! – Carl Bozeman

Fear is an illusion. If you use that energy for self confidence - you will be amazed at the results! – Bob Proctor

"There is no order of difficulty in miracles" Anything is possible. A world at peace, our natural systems restored, all people fed...SEE it. – Marianne Williamson

Uncertainty is your doorway to freedom. Stop struggling and surrender to the unknown. You are part of the Universe, one song. – Deepak Chopra

"As we grow better, we meet better people." -Elbert Hubbard, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

Take time to grow as an individual. You don't have the time not to. - Zig Ziglar

What you have carried in your mind about the world is what you will see around in the world. – Neale Donald Walsch

"If the bottom line is so important, why is it at the bottom?" Follow your heart today! – Unknown

Loving ourselves means loving what we believe, loving where we came from, loving our quirks and our handicaps. – Debbie Ford

We are the divine, the God of our own experience. In our own way, we are gifts to the world, to nature and to life. – Carl Bozeman

Believe in the possibility of infinite possibility. – Marianne Williamson

"It is not enough to do your best; you must know what to do, and then do your best." -W. Edwards Deming, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

Spend quality time with children because although they are only 20% of the population, they are 100% of our future. – Mark Victor Hansen

The white light streams down to be broken up by those human prisms into all the colors of the rainbow. ~Charles R. Brown, quoted by Marci Shimoff

Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself---Rumi, quoted by Deepak Chopra

"If you don't change your beliefs, your life will be like this forever. Is that good news?" -William Somerset Maugham, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

You were born an original. Don't die a copy. ~John Mason, quoted by Marci Shimoff

Today's Brilliance from Inspire Me Today

Today's Brilliance is from Mark Zaifman, a holistic financial planner.

...didn't think the two could co-exist? Read his profile here: http://www.inspiremetoday.com/profile.php?id=823

If today were my last day on Earth and I could share 500 words of brilliance with the world, here are the important things I'd want to pass along to others...

What Inspires You?

Have you thought about that lately? What inspires you? Who inspires you? Where do you go to recharge your batteries? How do you stay centered and grounded during the type of economic upheaval we're living through? Are you able to keep your thoughts positive and your outlook for you and your loved ones optimistic? Do you feel confident about the future or do you feel uneasy and concerned?

As a financial planner, being an optimist is pretty much non-negotiable. Fortunately for me, that's easy as I was born with the glass is half full mentality. Yet being an optimist means you can also be a realist at the same time.

You can dwell on all the negative stuff out there and eventually that will have a very profound impact on your life, your emotions as well as your life decisions. Or you can make a conscious decision to focus on the positive events happening every minute of the day. It's your choice.

Imagination and Inspiration-(I-squared)

And that's where inspiration comes into the picture. To be inspired means to be living a life in-spirit. If you're someone that wakes up in the morning, thinks about their work and feels inspired, congratulations to you and job well done. If on the other hand, the work you do (trading your life energy for money) does not inspire you, it's time to call on your imagination and inspiration for guidance.

I believe we're all spiritual beings having a human experience. And sometimes our human experience is dominated by our egos. It's our egos that cause us to use money as a score card and most often it's our egos that create the destructive link between our self-worth and net-worth.

As spiritual beings, ego is a very low energy, whereas imagination and inspiration are very high energies. Why not choose to connect to our higher energy in terms of creating abundance in our lives? Why not spend one day a week, or better yet, one hour a day, imagining the life you desire to live? Visualize your positive thoughts as magnets attracting your desires. Instead of using ego, which tells you to work harder and longer all the time, why not tap into divine energy instead and attract the abundance into your life?

I suggest starting this process of self-inquiry by first being absolutely honest with yourself about where you are today in your life and where you would like to be tomorrow. Then start dreaming and imagining the life you desire in as rich detail as possible. When you are clear, set an intention and have a knowing that within you is the divine capacity to manifest and attract all that you need or desire. "As you think, so shall you be."

With that in mind, be mindful of your thoughts, especially the thoughts that dominate your mind, keep your thoughts positive and use your imagination to turn your dreams and intentions into reality.

24 Hours of Inspirational Tweets

I am an avid follower of several inspirational and motivational speakers who provide a daily dose of... well, inspiration and motivation. Like everything else in my life, because I am human, I succumb to the daily grind - and completely forget these teachers and gurus are there. Or maybe I know full well that they are there, but I am so wrapped up in what I believe is reality that I choose to ignore them. I really don't like the way that sounds - mainly because it's closer to the truth, but unfortunately I'm right.
So on occasion, I go back and look at Twitter - where else can I get a jolt of inspiration in 140 characters or less?
I have decided to combine all the inspirational messages I receive from the net in one 24 period, and share them with you.

Hopefully this is exactly what you needed.

Here's today's feed:

The only way to coast is downhill. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I'll show you someone who has overcome adversity. - Bob Proctor

Now is all that exists. This precious moment is all that is. How do you practice being completely present? - Debbie Ford

Act like yourself. Be yourself and live the life only you were meant to live. - John Assaraf

“Love myself. Take care of myself. Have fun. Sure! When I’m done with my to-do list.” Sound like you? - Victoria Moran

The bottom line is that there will never be another you. You are one-of-a-kind. - John Assaraf

"The difference in a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will." -Vince Lombardi, quoted by Jack Canfield

The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want now. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

"To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence." - Mark Twain, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

"Exercise is fertilizer for the brain." Kenneth Cooper MD, quoted by Robin Sharma

"Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless." - Jamie Paolinetti, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

Let your love be like the misty rains, coming softly, but flooding the river. ~Malagasy Proverb, quoted by Marci Shimoff

What comes out of your mouth is determined by what goes into your mind. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. - Bob Proctor

You cannot tailor make the situations in life, but you can tailor make the attitudes to fit those situations before they arise. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

Transparency is the mother of trustworthy - Robin Sharma

If we could but comprehend our true nature, we would be humbled by the smallness of even the largest acts of humans. - Carl Bozeman

Here's an idea: Independence = dependence on the inside, depending on self, a deep knowing that u have ur back & all u need is within. - Kris Carr, retweeted by Victoria Moran

"Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant." - P. T. Barnum, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

All real communication is about truth, and the only real truth is love. That is why, when love is present, so is communication. - Neale Donald Walsch

The world mirrors yourself back 2 U. If U love & respect yourself, U will call forth that same level of love & respect from the universe. - Debbie Ford

Freedom is the oxygen of the soul. ~Moshe Dayan, quoted by Marci Shimoff

Ability can take you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there. Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

"Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character." -Albert Einstein, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

Go Confidently in the direction of your dreams, Live the Life you've imagined. - Henry David Thoreau, quoted by J.C. Rede

Assumptions are the cornerstone for miscommunication. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

24 Hours of Inspiri-Tweets

I am an avid follower of several inspirational and motivational speakers who provide a daily dose of... well, inspiration and motivation. Like everything else in my life, because I am human, I succumb to the daily grind - and completely forget these teachers and gurus are there. Or maybe I know full well that they are there, but I am so wrapped up in what I believe is reality that I choose to ignore them. I really don't like the way that sounds - mainly because it's closer to the truth, but unfortunately I'm right.
So on occasion, I go back and look at Twitter - where else can I get a jolt of inspiration in 140 characters or less?
I have decided to combine all the inspirational messages I receive from the net in one 24 period, and share them with you.

Hopefully this is exactly what you needed.

Here's today's feed:

The way you do the little things defines the way you'll do the big things. Everything matters! - Robin Sharma

Calling attention to peoples' weaknesses vs. strengths keeps them stuck in their weaknesses - Robin Sharma

We'll fly as high or as low as the people we associate with. - Robin Sharma

The more you practice your excuses, the more you won't even notice you recite them - Robin Sharma

Small daily improvements, over time, lead to absolutely stunning achievements - Robin Sharma

Whether we judge it as "good" or "bad", everything's a fantastic opportunity - Robin Sharma

Realistically, most locked doors are in your mind. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

VISUALIZE using specific techniques to achieve desired outcomes - John Assaraf

when you fall in love your life is no longer ordinary! real Love is a event that transforms us all. - Tony Robbins

How wonderful life is when we r loving all the freedoms that we have in this moment and those who gave them to us. - Debbie Ford

Success seems to be connected with action. Successful men keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit. - Bob Proctor

To move to the top in the corporate world we must have the trust, loyalty,and support of other people. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

Keep it simple: You never have to deal with more than this moment. Past and future can be nice to visit, but you don't want to live there. - Dan Millman

Sometimes it isn’t death that frightens us so much as the possibility of being truly, courageously and audaciously alive - Marianne Williamson

Live in the moment, and the universe will show you your unique gifts. You are a creative genius - Debbie Ford

STOP Waiting and Wishing For Luck To Come Your Way. IT WON’T! - John Assaraf

Reading about being exceptional but not applying being exceptional is the same as not reading anything - Robin Sharma

“Man is so made that when anything fires his soul, impossibilities vanish." -Jean De La Fontaine, quoted by Dr Joe Vitale

It's only when you take personal responsibility for the results in your life that are not working that your life
can start working - Robin Sharma

Every time passionate people fail, they are convinced that they are simply one step closer to fulfilling their dream. - Zig Ziglar, quoted by Tom Ziglar

If you have made mistakes, there is always another chance for you. What we call failure is not the falling down, but the staying down. - Bob Proctor