If you are quick to take offense, then you'll be under the control of those who you find offensive.

If you are easily angered, then your actions will be dictated by those who anger you.

If you are obsessed by what other people think, then you will be imprisoned by their thoughts.

If you yearn for easy answers and quick solutions, you'll fall prey to people who offer you nothing but promises.

If you find the truth too difficult to bear, you'll be enslaved to those who tell you what you want to hear.

When you have the courage to think for yourself, the strength to accept what is, the commitment and discipline to make a difference, then you experience freedom.

You have true freedom to live with purpose, joy and fulfillment.

Let your life be defined, not by reactions to what others do, say, or think but rather your own unique vision.

Raise your eyes above the pettiness and follow the path of the greatness that is within you.

~~ Author Unknown ~~

If the sky above seems cloudy,
And you're left out in the rain,

If you're searching for a rainbow,
But the colors bring you pain...

If your world is not revolving,
And there is no end in sight,

If you're looking for the sunshine,
But all you see is night...

If all around are smiling,
But all you can do is frown,

If you are tired of all this living,
When life just brings you down...

Then look beyond your teardrops,
At the wonders of this land,

The beauty of a flower,
Like velvet in your hand.

Feel the air around you,
The smell of new mown hay,

Laughing children in the park,
The innocence there at play.

Imagine floating with a butterfly,
As she flutters between the trees,

Or the whispers of the ocean,
On warm hot summer's breeze.

Think of the taste of candy floss,
As it melts upon your tongue,

Or the melody of morning birds,
As they greet each day with song.

Remember words of beauty,
Told in your mother's embrace.

Feel the gentleness of her touch,
As she softly kissed your face.

Seek the good within you,
Cast the Clouds out from your sky.

Don't look toward the pavement,
But hold your head up high.

Think not what life owes you,
But at all you have to give.

Forget about tomorrow,
Then you can start to live.

So Bless this age your are living,
With the gifts you can bestow.

Don't disregard the stream of life,
Go gently with the Flow!

~~ Author Unknown ~~