--You will need--

an open heart and an open mind

an understanding of the spirit within

a desire to overcome all obstacles in achieving your individual destiny

an understanding of the need for persistence

a tenaciousness that is unique but not dogged

the will to continue learning

a direct and honest approach

a search for personal challenges and self-improvement

an aspiration for spiritual growth

an acceptance of change and loss

the courage to fail

the courage to try again

calculated risk-taking behavior

a strong vulnerability

the ability to ask for things clearly

the ability to say no firmly

an ornate simplicity

a refusal to be made to feel insecure by anyone

a propensity to focus and build on positive life experiences

the relentless pursuit of excellence

a ruthless compassion

a dedication to finding the truth in every situation

acceptance of fear and aggression as valid sources of personal power

the resolve to walk away when necessary

--words by Anthea Paul--

Life is not what one lived, but what one remembers

and how one remembers it in order to recount it.

-Gabriel Garcia Marquez-

Everything in life comes and goes.
The happiness I have.
The sadness I feel.
The frustration I confront.
The reputation I build.
The success I gain.
The money I make.
These things I possess.
Friends, partners, acquaintances, enemies.
Nothing stays with me forever.
Except the wisdom I cultivate.
And a rememberance of your smile.

--paweena--

--human angels--

....During each of our journeys, there are those inevitable moments when someone comes into our life at precisely the right time and says or does precisely the right thing. Their words or actions may help us perceive ourselves more clearly, remind us that everything will turn out for the best, help us cope, or see us through difficult situations. These people are human angels - individuals designated by the universe to be of service to those in need at specific points in time. Some human angels make a commitment before their births to make a positive contribution to the world at a particular moment. Others were chosen by the universe. All human angels, however, come into our lives when we least expect them and when we can most benefit from their presence.

A few of the human angels we may encounter are in professions where helping others is an everyday occurrence. But most of them are regular people, going about their daily lives until called upon to be in the right place at the right time to bring peace, joy, help, or heal someone when they most need it. You may have met a human angel in the form of a teacher who gave you a piece of advice that touched your soul and influenced your path. The person that momentarily stopped you to say hello on the street, delaying you long enough to avoid an oncoming car or a collision, is also a human angel. They may offer nothing more than a kind word or a smile, but they will offer it when you can draw the most strength and support from their simple action.

You may be a human angel yet not know it. Your fate or intuition may guide you toward other people's challenging or distressing situations, leading you to infer that you simply have bad luck. But recognizing yourself as a human angel can help you deal with the pain you see and understand that you are there to help and comfort others during their times of need. Human angels give of their inner light to all who need it, coming into our lives and often changing us forever. Their task has its challenges, but it is they that have the power to teach, bring us joy, and comfort us in times of despair.....

By JBlink