Original Facebook post March 26, 2018
When I first saw this artwork it made me laugh. Then it made me think. About how many times people have let me down. People who didn't show up, step up or grow up when I expected they should. People who didn't value my time, reciprocate my kindness or treat me fairly. People who didn't return a call, act with integrity or show respect. People whose words or actions made me angry, resentful or sad. Then I one day I realized that all those people had one thing in common. They didn't do anything to me. I allowed them to have this power over me. So I began to readjust my level of expectations for others. I set the bar lower so I wouldn't be upset when "those people" disappointed me. And that's when I discovered three very powerful things. I began to appreciate "those people" for who they were, not who they weren't. I began to forgive myself for all times I was one of "those people" to others. And I finally understood that the key to happiness was in my hand all along. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Original Facebook post April 6, 2018
I was hiking around Anthem, Arizona one day when I came upon this unusual sight in a secluded area. Upon a tall tree hung these hand painted, life encouraging signs. I was so impressed by the site, I sought to find out more. And the story behind it was incredibly uplifting. Stacee Foxx is a Girl Scout leader in Anthem. She was looking for something impactful for her girls to do. Inspired by a news story, she asked her girls to create signs that would offer hope to those who were hurting. The girls responded with heartfelt quotes and messages that they hand painted on signs. After gaining approval from the governing board, Stacee and the girls hung (not nailed) the signs in two locations (map below) next to benches. And what happened then surprised everyone. Soon they began hearing stories of people who had suffered great loss coming to those places of solitude to find comfort. Others said that they just happened upon them and ended up experiencing a welcome sense of reassurance and peace when they truly needed it. And others simply thanked them for doing a kind work for others and adding something positive to the community. Today those signs serve as a reminder of what can happen when a everyday people come together to make a positive difference - and see the ripple effect of peace, support, joy and inspiration that follows. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Original Facebook post March 28, 2018
There is a powerful Veterans Memorial in Anthem, AZ and a soul stirring Veterans Memorial in Fountain Hills, AZ. While they are miles apart in both distance and design, they both serve as a reminder to remember those who have sacrificed to protect us. Some of them gave their lives in battle. Some of them are now on the battle lines. And some of them are battling mental and physical conditions resulting from their service. So we owe our compassion, support, kindness, respect, encouragement, thoughts and prayers to those who are living, and our eternal gratitude to those who are no longer with us. Because in doing so, we send this very important message to them and their loved ones... We remember. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Excerpt from On The Road Again: Happy Birthday To America The Beautiful!
On July 4, 2017 America will turn 241 years old. And while it is easy to get caught up in all the negative news today, the best way to remind yourself of how incredibly beautiful America still is - is to go see it for yourself. Last year I did just that when I road tripped to all 48 contiguous states. And this year I will do another big tour of the good ol' USA. (See those books here.) So if you have the time and resources to travel, do yourself a great service by visiting one or several of the great places in our country. My guess is that you will be glad - and proud - that you did. Happy Birthday America! You are beautiful!! Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Original Facebook post April 3, 2018
In what might arguably be called the first - and most famous - personal development speech ever, the Teacher said, "Blessed are the peacemakers..." Shortly thereafter He said that if you want forgiveness, you must give forgiveness. So it begs the question, why the importance of these two things? I think it's because they are both counterintuitive and incredibly hard to do. When someone hurts our feelings, betrays our trust, drags us down or speaks ill of us, the last thing we want to do is forgive them. Instead our natural instincts are to get them back, return fire or hold a grudge. And making peace with them? Forget about it. We want to hold on to our pain, anger and disappointment until they either come crawling back, we get revenge, life turns ugly for them, or they go to their grave - hopefully sooner rather than later. There's only one problem with that. None of it works that way. Instead, if we refuse to make peace, we will never be completely at peace. And if we refuse to forgive, we are asking not to be forgiven ourselves, and we are volunteering to carry some heavy emotional baggage every day of our lives. Another great teacher - and one of the greatest peacemakers in history, Nelson Mandela - summed it all up like this... “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” So what can we do about it? If you have unforgiveness in your heart, start the process of letting go because it is literally hurting you more than it is them. If you can initiate peace with someone without a risk to them or to yourselves, do as another great teacher suggested, "give peace a chance". And if you can't do either on your own, or you have questions about whether it is wise to reach out, get help from someone who is professionally qualified to advise you. It is my hope that in doing so, you are finally free from carrying those burdens and enjoy a genuine peace. I also hope you are able to mend some fences in time to experience the joy of restored relationships instead of the pain of regret. And lastly I hope that if none of the positive outcomes you dreamed possible come true, you will at least have the absolute comfort and assurance of knowing you did your very best. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Original Facebook post July 21, 2014
I saw this sign when I was driving across the endless plains of Nebraska. I assumed it meant "you are in the middle of nowhere", but thought I'd ask just to make sure. Surprisingly the woman told me that it could also mean "you are NOW here!". It was all a matter of how you choose to look at it, which is a lot like life itself, don'tcha think? :-) Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories Original Facebook post April 6, 2018
If you are waiting for the right person to come along to change your life, I have great news. They already have. Because YOU are the person who will positively and wonderfully change your life. If you are waiting for the right time to go after your big dreams, I have terrific news. That time has come. Because TODAY is the day you can begin working on that terrific idea or worthy goal. And the best part of this is that you don't have to take any drastic measures. You can simply start where you are, use what you have and do what you can. Because at the end of the day, it really is that simple. And YOU are that deserving. Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories I want to end this book the way I began it with this photo of the amazing Sarah Simon flying through the air. For me it sums up what happens when we spread our proverbial wings and soar to greater heights in life.
It is my hope and prayer that you found something in these pages to inspire you to take a big leap forward. Or gave you or a loved one the lift you needed to get through a really tough day. Or reminded you of who you really are and all the goodness you really deserve. If something positive happened to you when reading this book, or if you have encouraging words from your own experience, please share them me and with others. Because you never really know whose life you will bless in the process. And with that said, it is time for me - and for you - to fly. God bless, Les Maness Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories If you are just joining me for the first time, I hope this book has given you a warm welcome. If you have liked what you read and want to see more, here's is a link to some of my books that are now available.
For those of you who have already taken time to encourage me on my road trips and along the road of life, I want to thank you again for your inspiring texts, emails, calls, comments, shares, media interviews and amazing face to face conversations. You have all blessed me more than you can ever know. Les Maness Cover Contents Books Home Hire Stories |
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