Original Facebook post November 8, 2013
When I read this quote this morning in the book "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars", it reminded me of an phrase from my youth. "Whenever you point a finger at someone, there's four pointing back a you." So this is a good reminder for me to look at who is really in control, whether I want to always admit it or not. :-) Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Original Facebook post September 16, 2013
According to this article, I know a lot of amazing women who are the perfect age. I also know some who have aged to exquisite perfection for a few years longer. And some who will be there some day, but are realizing how perfect they are right now. So this goes out to any woman who just needs a gentle reminder today... Go easy on yourself. Because there is only one you... And I have it on a higher authority that you are perfect. :-) Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Original Facebook post November 2, 2012
I don’t know if Winston Churchill ever came to Arizona or loved to hike in the desert, but I have a feeling he’d be okay with this. It is my hope that this brings encouragement to all of those who are on an uncertain path right now, and that it reminds you that while it may get a little rocky at times, it “only adds to the joy and glory of the climb”. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Original Facebook post August 12, 2013
I came across this quote by Mother Teresa while I was doing research for an article. I think it embodies great faith, transparent honesty and good humor. I’ve always thought of her as some kind of religious super hero who never felt down or incapable. But it seems from this that she was human just like the rest of us. With that said, it’s my hope that it helps someone who is feeling a little overwhelmed today and in need of a lighthearted reminder that you are not alone. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Original Facebook post April 8, 2016
I saw this cactus today while hiking in Anthem, AZ and wondered, "At what point did this straight cactus decide to grow some arms?" (As a bodybuilder, I've been asked the same question. Ba dum bum!) Then I happened upon this Abe Lincoln quote today, "It is what it is"...(I honestly did NOT know Honest Abe originated that phrase) and then he added..."but it will become what you make it." So for all of us who've waited a long time to grow arms, or courage, or start a brand new chapter in life, this picky sentinel and Abe's honest opinion are both pointed reminders that it can still be done. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Original Facebook post November 11, 2012
My good friend, Kim took me on one of her favorite little hikes in Fountain Hills called Overlook Trail. As you can see, it was one of those rare times in Arizona where the sun wasn't shining. And because the fountain was at it's full height of over 550 feet, it looks like it was actually creating those dark clouds. I chose the Persian proverb because it is a reminder that good things can actually come from the storms of life we have to weather. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Original Facebook post September 30, 2013
Do you know someone who's always dreamed of traveling someplace, but hasn't gone because they always put others first, felt they didn't deserve it, or simply put it off until "some day" when everything is perfect? Well, maybe this is the day to show them how much you care by giving them the gentle nudge they need. And if these sagely words are appropriate for that person you love, please feel free to share Mark Twain's wisdom with them. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Original Facebook post August 30, 2017
Now that I am back from my Summer Road Trip 2017 (AKA On The Road Again), I reminded of how many Amazing Faces and Amazing Places I was blessed to see along the way. Certainly one of the most memorable was visiting the Field Of Dreams. Because in addition to nearly every word of the famous movie speech still being true today, I now realize this movie quote – “If you build it, they will come.” – also applies to nearly every aspect of life. So I hope this post encourages everyone who is working hard to build something - whether it be a business, career, health, relationship, passion, mindset, family, savings or faith – to keep going. Because it’s very likely that it will be worth every bit of energy, persistence, focus and resource you poured into it. And when that day comes that you look back on the journey you took, the skeptics you proved wrong, and the person you became in the process, you will be grateful that you stepped up to the plate. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories I want to finish this book by illustrating the power you have in choosing your perspective.
If you look at the photo above, you might be tempted to see a tiny tree struggling to grow over a formidable mountain. And as I pointed out when I wrote about it in Encouraging Words: Flourishing Despite The Odds., it certainly is all that and more. However, if you look at that same tree on the cover of Encouraging Words 2, you will see a vibrant tree, with a rock solid foundation, reaching toward the heavens with nothing but blue sky overhead. And so it is with you. Every day you get to wake up and choose your perspective. You can look down and see all the rocky times you've had to endure and the difficulties you have had to weather every day just to survive. Or you can see yourself as someone who has grown through all of that to become stronger, wiser, more compassionate, and more confident. It is my hope and prayer that you choose the latter. To look at your life up until now as preparing you for all the good ahead. And in doing so, you see the incredible blessings that are there just waiting for you. God bless, Les Maness Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories If you liked this book and would like to read more, here's is a link to some of my other free books hosted on my website. Some were written to take you away to the happy places I have traveled. Others were created to take you to a happier place inside yourself. It is my hope that in reading them you are inspired to take your own inward or outward journeys and then share your discoveries, insights and experiences with others.
Les Maness Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories |
|