by N.O. Tate 

I learned that sometimes it is easier to share my soul with the whole world,
Than it is to share it with someone intimate.

I learned that aspiring toward my desires takes true commitment,
And, a solid belief that my goals have legitimacy.

I learned that asking for understanding is sometimes impossible,
But, giving understanding is not.

I learned that trying to prepare others for what lies ahead,
May confuse their innocence and thwart their progress.

I learned that saying no to someone else, even when they object,
Can help them learn to say no in their own lives, when need be.

I learned that wanting and needing are hard to separate,
But the difference is of great importance.

I learned that I am stronger than I thought I was,
And, that I need both strength and insight to function.

I learned that I will not always feel positive,
But that, my down days give me perspective.

I learned that patience takes self-discipline,
But, its rewards are immense.

I learned that laughing after making a mistake,
Does not erase its valuable lesson.

I learned that letting someone else's laughter reach my heart,
Is just as rewarding as saying something to make them laugh.

I learned that appreciation of others, of life and of challenges,
Causes each day to be full and fruitful.

I learned that it is good to expect better of one's self,
But, not so good to stress over petty details.

I learned that living is not one huge moment of joy,
It is the travel, and the unravel - the discovery of life,
That builds foundations for joy and for loving and living.
 

Quotes for the day:

"Marty's greatest lesson was not what he told me but what he constantly showed me. In one or two minutes of time we have the opportunity to define ourselves as human beings. There isn't much room for error."
*-- VJ Smith

"Relationships matter most in life."
*-- VJ Smith

Relevant Reading: 
The Roadway to Success : ~ Prince Bonsu

Articles on Motivation:

Strength of a Man and Beauty of a Woman

The strength of man is not seen in the width of his shoulders,  it is seen in the width of his arms that encircle you.  The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wear, the figure she carries,  on the way she combs her hair.....
 

Not Giving Up

I can remember a period in my life when I was unemployed and money was running short. I needed a job very badly and it seemed as if no one was hiring.  A very good friend of mine approached.......
 

Dash of Hope

My poem, The Dash, is based on that little line on a tombstone, between the dates of birth and death. Ultimately, that dash is a symbol which represents every day we've spent alive on earth.......