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YES DEAR 2008

The Cab Ride


by Kent Nerburn
Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. It was a cowboy's life, a life for someone
who wanted no boss. What I didn't realize was that it was also a ministry. Because I drove
the night shift, my cab became a moving confessional. assengers climbed in, sat behind
me in total anonymity, and told me about their lives. I encountered !eo!le whose lives
amazed me, ennobled me, made me laugh and wee!.
But none touched me more than a woman I !ic"ed u! late one #ugust night.
I was res!onding to a call from a small bric" four!le$ in a %uiet !art of town. I assumed I
was being sent to !ic" u! some !artiers,or someone who had &ust had a fight with a lover,
or a wor"er heading to an early shift at some factory for the industrial !art of town.
When I arrived at '()* a.m., the building was dar" e$ce!t for a single light in a ground
floor window. +nder these circumstances, many drivers would &ust hon" once or twice,
wait a minute, then drive away. But I had seen too many im!overished !eo!le who
de!ended on ta$is as their only means of trans!ortation. +nless a situation smelled of
danger, I always went to the door. This !assenger might be someone who needs my
assistance, I reasoned to myself. ,o I wal"ed to the door and "noc"ed.
-.ust a minute,- answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged
across the floor. #fter a long !ause, the door o!ened. # small woman in her /*s stood
before me. ,he was wearing a !rint dress and a !illbo$ hat with a veil !inned on it, li"e
somebody out of a 012*s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The a!artment
loo"ed as if no one had lived in it for years. #ll the furniture was covered with sheets.
There were no cloc"s on the walls, no "nic""nac"s or utensils on the counters. In the
corner was a cardboard bo$ filled with !hotos and glassware.
-Would you carry my bag out to the car3- she said. I too" the suitcase to the cab, then
returned to assist the woman. ,he too" my arm and we wal"ed slowly toward the curb.
,he "e!t than"ing me for my "indness. -It's nothing-, I told her. -I &ust try to treat my
!assengers the way I would want my mother treated-. -4h, you're such a good boy-, she
said. When we got in the cab, she gave me and address, then as"ed, -5ould you drive
through downtown3- -It's not the shortest way,- I answered %uic"ly. -4h, I don't mind,-
she said. -I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hos!ice-.
I loo"ed in the rearview mirror. 6er eyes were glistening. -I don't have any family left,-
she continued. -The doctor says I don't have very long.-
I %uietly reached over and shut off the meter. -What route would you li"e me to ta"e3- I
as"ed.
7or the ne$t two hours, we drove through the city. ,he showed me the building where she
had once wor"ed as an elevator o!erator. We drove through the neighborhood where she
and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. ,he had me !ull u! in front of a
furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
,ometimes she'd as" me to slow in front of a !articular building or corner and would sit
staring into the dar"ness, saying nothing.
#s the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, -I'm tired. 8et's go
now.-
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, li"e a small
convalescent home, with a driveway that !assed under a !ortico. Two orderlies came out
to the cab as soon as we !ulled u!. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every
move. They must have been e$!ecting her.
I o!ened the trun" and too" the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated
in a wheelchair. -6ow much do I owe you3- she as"ed, reaching into her
!urse.-Nothing,- I said. -9ou have to ma"e a living,- she answered. -There are other
!assengers,- I res!onded. #lmost without thin"ing, I bent and gave her a hug. ,he held
onto me tightly. -9ou gave an old woman a little moment of &oy,- she said. -Than" you.-
I s%ueezed her hand, then wal"ed into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It
was the sound of the closing of a life.
I didn't !ic" u! any more !assengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. 7or the
rest of that day, I could hardly tal". What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or
one who was im!atient to end his shift3 What if I had refused to ta"e the run, or had
hon"ed once, then driven away3 4n a %uic" review, I don't thin" that I have done
anything more im!ortant in my life. We're conditioned to thin" that our lives revolve
around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware::beautifully wra!!ed
in what others may consider a small one.
PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU
SAID, BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM
FEEL.
YES DEAR
2008
Ju! A Fe" D#$%
#uthor +n"nown
It was one of the hottest days of the dry season. We had not seen rain in almost a month.
The cro!s were dying. 5ows had sto!!ed giving mil". The cree"s and streams were long
gone bac" into the earth. It was a dry season that would ban"ru!t several farmers before
it was through. ;very day, my husband and his brothers would go about the arduous
!rocess of trying to get water to the fields. 8ately this !rocess had involved ta"ing a truc"
to the local water rendering !lant and filling it u! with water. But severe rationing had cut
everyone off. If we didn't see some rain soon... we would lose everything.
It was on this day that I learned the true lesson of sharing and witnessed the only miracle
I have seen with my own eyes. I was in the "itchen ma"ing lunch for my husband and his
brothers when I saw my si$:year old son, Billy, wal"ing toward the woods. 6e wasn't
wal"ing with the usual carefree abandon of a youth but with a serious !ur!ose. I could
only see his bac". 6e was obviously wal"ing with a great effort...trying to be as still as
!ossible.
<inutes after he disa!!eared into the woods, he came running out again, toward the
house. I went bac" to ma"ing sandwiches, thin"ing that whatever tas" he had been doing
was com!leted. <oments later, however, he was once again wal"ing in that slow
!ur!oseful stride toward the woods. This activity went on for an hour. 6e would wal"
carefully to the woods, run bac" to the house. 7inally I couldn't ta"e it any longer and I
cre!t out of the house and followed him on his &ourney =being very careful not to be
seen...as he was obviously doing im!ortant wor" and didn't need his <ommy chec"ing
u! on him>.
6e was cu!!ing both hands in front of him as he wal"ed, being very careful not to s!ill
the water he held in them...maybe two or three tables!oons were held in his tiny hands. I
snea"ed close as he went into the woods. Branches and thorns sla!!ed his little face but
he did not try to avoid them. 6e had a much higher !ur!ose. #s I leaned in to s!y on him,
I saw the most amazing site. ,everal large deer loomed in front of him. Billy wal"ed right
u! to them. I almost screamed for him to get away. # huge buc" with elaborate antlers
was dangerously close. But the buc" did not threaten him...he didn't even move as Billy
"nelt down. #nd I saw a tiny fawn laying on the ground, obviously suffering from
dehydration and heat e$haustion, lift its head with great effort to la! u! the water cu!!ed
in my beautiful boy's hand.
When the water was gone, Billy &um!ed u! to run bac" to the house and I hid behind a
tree. I followed him bac" to the house, to a s!igot that we had shut off the water to. Billy
o!ened it all the way u! and a small tric"le began to cree! out. 6e "nelt there, letting the
dri!, dri! slowly fill u! his ma"eshift -cu!,- as the sun beat down on his little bac". #nd
it came clear to me. The trouble he had gotten into for !laying with the hose the wee"
before. The lecture he had received about the im!ortance of not wasting water. The
reason he didn't as" me to hel! him.
It too" almost twenty minutes for the dro!s to fill his hands. When he stood u! and began
the tre" bac", I was there in front of him. 6is little eyes &ust filled with tears. -I'm not
wasting,- was all he said.
#s he began his wal", I &oined him...with a small !ot of water from the "itchen. I let him
tend to the fawn. I stayed away. It was his &ob.
I stood on the edge of the woods watching the most beautiful heart I have ever "nown
wor"ing so hard to save another life. #s the tears that rolled down my face began to hit
the ground, they were suddenly &oined by other dro!s...and more dro!s...and more. I
loo"ed u! at the s"y. It was as if ?od, himself, was wee!ing with !ride.
,ome will !robably say that this was all &ust a huge coincidence. That miracles don't
really e$ist. That it was bound to rain sometime. #nd I can't argue with that...I'm not
going to try. #ll I can say is that the rain that came that day saved our farm...&ust li"e the
actions of one little boy saved another.
I don't "now if anyone will read this...but I had to send it.... To honor the memory of my
beautiful Billy, who was ta"en from me much too soon.... but not before showing me the
true face of ?od, in a little sunburned body.

YES DEAR 2008
Le! The Li&h! Shi'e
#uthor +n"nown
6e was driving home one evening, on a two:lane country road. Wor", in this small
<idwestern community, was almost as slow as his beat:u! ontiac, but he never %uit
loo"ing. ;ver since the factory closed, he'd been unem!loyed, and with winter raging on,
the chill had finally hit home.
It was a lonely road. Not many !eo!le had a reason to be on it, unless they were leaving.
<ost of his friends had already left. They had families to feed and dreams to fulfill, but
he stayed on. #fter all, this was where he buried his mother and father. 6e was born here
and "new the country.
6e could go down this road blind, and tell you what was on either side, and with his
headlights not wor"ing, that came in handy. It was starting to get dar" and light snow
flurries were coming down. 6e'd better get a move on.
9ou "now, he almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on the side of the road. But even in
the dim light of day, he could see she needed hel!. ,o he !ulled u! in front of her
<ercedes and got out. 6is ontiac was still s!uttering when he a!!roached her.
;ven with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had sto!!ed to hel! her for the
last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her3 6e didn't loo" safe, he loo"ed !oor and hungry.
6e could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. 6e "new how she
felt. It was that chill that only fear can !ut in you. 6e said, -I'm here to hel! you ma'am.
Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm3 By the way, my name is .oe.-
Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. .oe crawled
under the car loo"ing for a !lace to !ut the &ac", s"inning his "nuc"les a time or two.
,oon he was able to change the tire, but he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. #s he was
tightening the lug nuts, she rolled down her window and began to tal" to him. ,he told
him that she was from ,t. 8ouis and was only !assing through. ,he couldn't than" him
enough for coming to her aid.
.oe &ust smiled as he closed her trun". ,he as"ed him how much she owed him. #ny
amount would have been all right with her. ,he had already imagined all the awful things
that could have ha!!ened had he not sto!!ed.
.oe never thought twice about the money. This was not a &ob to him. There was someone
in need, and ?od "nows there were !lenty who had given him a hand in the !ast. 6e had
lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. 6e told
her that if she really wanted to !ay him bac", the ne$t time she saw someone who needed
hel!, she could give that !erson the assistance that they needed, and .oe added -...thin" of
me-.
6e waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and de!ressing day,
but he felt good as he headed home, disa!!earing into the twilight. # few miles down the
road the lady saw a cafe. ,he went in to grab a bite to eat, and ta"e the chill off before she
made the last leg of her tri! home. It was a dingy loo"ing restaurant. 4utside were two
old gas !um!s. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The cash register was li"e the
tele!hone of an out of wor" actor:it didn't ring much.
6er waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wi!e her wet hair. ,he had a sweet
smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed
that the waitress was nearly eight months !regnant, but she never let the strain and aches
change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so
giving to a stranger. Then she remembered .oe.
#fter the lady had finished her meal, and the waitress went to get her change from a
hundred dollar bill, the lady sli!!ed right out the door. ,he was gone by the time the
waitress came bac". ,he wondered where the lady could be, then she noticed something
written on a na!"in. There were tears in her eyes, when she read what the lady wrote. It
said, -9ou don't owe me a thing, I've been there too. ,omeone once hel!ed me out, the
way I'm hel!ing you. If you really want to !ay me bac", here's what you do...@on't let the
of love end with you.-
Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and !eo!le to serve, but the waitress
made it through another day. That night when she got home from wor" and climbed into
bed, she was thin"ing about the money and what the lady had written. 6ow could she
have "nown how much she and her husband needed it3 With the baby due ne$t month, it
was going to be hard.
,he "new how worried her husband was, and as he lay slee!ing ne$t to her, she gave him
a soft "iss and whis!ered soft and low, -;verything's gonna be all right. I love you .oe.-
YES DEAR 2008
I(e C#ea) F$# The S$u*
#uthor +n"nown
8ast wee" I too" my children to a restaurant. <y si$:year:old son as"ed if he could say
grace. #s we bowed our heads he said, -?od is good. ?od is great. Than" you for the
food, and I would even than" you more if mom gets us ice cream for dessert. #nd 8iberty
and &ustice for allA #men.-
#long with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remar",
-That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even "now how to !ray. #s"ing
?od for ice:creamA Why, I neverA -6earing this, my son burst into tears and as"ed me,
-@id I do it wrong3 Is ?od mad at me3- #s I held him and assured him that he had done a
terrific &ob and ?od was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman a!!roached the
table. 6e win"ed at my son and said, -I ha!!en to "now that ?od thought that was a great
!rayer.- -Beally3- my son as"ed.
Then in a theatrical whis!er he added =indicating the woman whose remar" had started
this whole thing>, -Too bad she never as"s ?od for ice cream. # little ice cream is good
for the soul sometimes.-
Naturally, I bought my "ids ice cream at the end of the meal. <y son stared at his for a
moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. 6e !ic"ed u! his
sundae and without a word wal"ed over and !laced it in front of the woman. With a big
smile he told her, -6ere, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes, and my
soul is good already.
The First Step
A single step in the right direction is all it takes to put
in motion great things. Every written masterpiece
begins with a single word on a page. Every long
journey begins with a single step. The things you
desire most will be no different. Write down on a
clean sheet of paper the absolute first step your
goal reuires ! then do it.

YES DEAR 2008
An Inspirational Story, Motivational Story -
A Quick Story,
by Elizabeth Silance Ballard
There is a story many years ago of an elementary teacher. "er name was #rs. Thompson. And
as she stood in front of her $th grade class on the very first day of school% she told the children a
lie. She looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. &ut that was
impossible% because there in the front row% slumped in his seat% was a little boy named Teddy
Stoddard.
#rs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well with the
other children% that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy
could be unpleasant. (t got tot he point where #rs. Thompson would actually take delight in
marking his papers with a broad red pen% making bold )'s and then putting a big *F* at the top of
his papers.
At the school where #rs. Thompson taught% she was reuired to review each child's past records
and she put Teddy's off until last. "owever% when she reviewed his file% she was in for a surprise.
Teddy's first grade teacher wrote% *Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. "e does his work
neatly and has good manners+he is a joy to be around.*
"is second grade teacher wrote% *Teddy is an e,cellent student% well!liked by his classmates% but
he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle.*
"is third grade teacher wrote% *"is mother's death has been hard on him. "e tries to do his best
but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps
aren't taken.*
Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote% *Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in
school. "e doesn't have many friends and sometimes sleeps in class.*
&y now% #rs. Thompson reali-ed the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even
worse when her students brought her .hristmas presents wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright
paper% e,cept for Teddy's. "is present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy% brown paper that he
got from a grocery bag. #rs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents.
Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the
stones missing and a bottle that was one uarter full of perfume.
&ut she stifled the children's' laughter when she e,claimed how pretty the bracelet was% putting it
on% and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist.
Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say% *#rs. Thompson% today you
smelled just like my #om% used to.* After the children% left she cried for at least an hour%. /n that
very day% she uite teaching reading% and writing% and arithmetic. (nstead% she began to teach
children.
#rs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him% his mind seemed to
come alive. The more she encouraged him% the faster he responded. &y the end of the year%
Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and% despite her lie that she would
love all the children the same% Teddy became on of her *teacher's pets.*
A year later% she found a note under he door% from Teddy% telling her that she was still the best
teacher he ever had in his whole life. Si, years went by before she got another note from Teddy.
"e then wrote that he had finished high school% second in his class% and she was still the best
teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Four years after that% she got another letter% saying that while things had been tough at times%
he'd stayed in school% had stuck with it% and would soon graduate from college with the highest of
honors. "e assured #rs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had in
his whole life.
Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he e,plained that after he
got his bachelor's degree% he decided to go a little further. The letter e,plained that she was still
the best and favorite teacher he ever had. &ut now his name was little longer. The letter was
signed% Theodore F. Stoddard% #.0.
The story doesn't end there. 1ou see% there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he'd
met this girl and was going to be married. "e e,plained that his father had died a couple of years
and he was wondering if #rs. Thompson might agree to sit ( the place at the weeding that was
usually reserved for the mother of the groom. /f course% #rs. Thompson did. And guess what2
She wore that bracelet% the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was
wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last .hristmas together.
They hugged each other and 0r. Stoddard whispered in #rs. Thompson's ear% *Thank you% #rs.
Thompson% for believing in me. Thank you so much for mak(34 me feel important and showing
me that ( could make a difference.*
#rs. Thompson% with tears in her eyes% whispered back. She said% *Teddy% you have it all wrong.
1ou were the one who taught me that ( could make a difference. ( didn't know how to teach until (
met you.*
The Truth about Change
1ou will fail. 3ot once% not twice% but many% many times. This is how the game works. &elieving
that you will be able to achieve a lofty goal or dream without a hitch is like believe you can play
perfect golf without a single step on a course. (t's not negative% it's reality. And a true success
uses this as an advantage. When something doesn't go according to plan an adjustment is made
and the process resumes. A short!term setback will never bring an end to their ambition.
YES DEAR 2008
1. Let o o! the "ast
&efore you can create a better future% you must let go of the pains in your past. Failing once does
not mean you will fail forever. 5earn from your history% but don't let it stand as an obstacle
between you and your dreams.
#. $e%e%ber Success
6ust as important as learning from and overcoming past failure is recalling past success. (t
doesn't matter who you are% you have succeeded at something at sometime in your past. 0on't
gloss over these moments. 7se them to remind you that you can in fact achieve your goals.
&. $eali'e the "ossibilities
(t's possible. The dreams you hold in your heart but push to the back of your mind are within your
reach. Accept the fact that you can create a better life. This will serve as the springboard of belief
you need to succeed.
(. )rea% the *ig )rea%
(n order for dreams and desires to inspire you to action and achievement% they need to be big. (f
you don't get e,cited about what you have planned for the future% you will never find the
inspiration you need to change your life. 8owerful dreams can move the soul% and when you
dream the big dream% you will be driven to make the compelling picture a tangible reality.
+. Thinking ,our -ay to Change
3o matter how bad you want it to happen% change will never result from thinking alone ! you must
take action. The world is swimming in dreamers% but only those who act on their desires achieve
truly remarkable results.
.. A )aily /abit to *egin To0ay
Set aside at least 9: minutes each night to review your day and plan for the ne,t. (t's a simple
way to add an element of control to your life. Also% beginning this habit today will help
tremendously when you begin to work toward your e,citing and inspiring goals and dreams.
1. Mi2 It 3p
The wrong routine can spell certain doom for your goals and dreams. To make sure this doesn't
happen to you% add at least one new step to your daily routine to help break up the pattern. /ne
new activity will set the stage for many more in the future% making it possible for you to break free
of any negative routines.
4. A Tea% Sport
0on't go at this alone. Achieving a goal or dream reuires
a team effort. There will be times when you feel like
giving up% when you feel like it's too much to take. /ne of
the surest ways to overcome these small setbacks is to
have the support and guidance of your goal partner.
5. et 62cite0 About -hat7s to Co%e
1ou are on your way to getting everything you have ever
wanted; 3ow is the time to get e,cited and inspired about
what your future holds. (magine living your ideal life ! now
make it happen;
YES DEAR 2008
18. $aise ,our Stan0ar0s
(t's time to raise your standards. (t's time to e,pect more out of yourself than anyone else. Accept
nothing less than your absolute best in all that you do and you'll have no problem creating your
ideal life. After all% you'd e,pect nothing less than living the life of your dreams.
11. Take 9:nership
&efore positive changes can take place% you must take responsibility for your position in life. 1ou
are in control of your future and are the only one who can guarantee a better life. (f you play the
role of a victim% giving up control and ownership of your life% you will never enjoy the ama-ing
opportunities that life offers to us all.
1#. -rite in a ;ournal
A million thoughts may rush through your mind each day% but if you do nothing to capture them%
they often disappear as uickly as they came. Take time to write in a journal each week. This will
not only help you overcome obstacles you are facing in your life but also help you discover what
you really want.
1&. -ho% )o ,ou A0%ire<
#ake a list of at least three people that you admire. With your list in hand describe what it is that
you most respect about each individual. /ften pinpointing what we admire in others offers insight
into what we wish to become ourselves.
1(. The Mo%ent
<emember a time when everything seemed to be going just right2 When nothing could get you
down2 When you thought to yourself% 'This moment% right now% is what life is all about.' We all
have moments in life when we feel we are at our best% but most people don't utili-e them. 7se the
special moments in your life to bring to light goals and desires that are sure to fulfill your needs.
5earning from and building on these times will help you create magic moments on a daily basis
for the rest of your life.
1+. A =rien0ly *rainstor%ing Session
4ather a group of your closest friends% the ones who know you better than anyone else% and use
their knowledge about you and your life to help you brainstorm goal and dream ideas. They will
likely offer ideas you never considered yourself.
1..-hat 0on7t you :ant<
Sometimes the easiest way to uncover what you want is to
know e,actly what you don't want. (t all depends on your
particular personality. Some find it very difficult to create
specific goals% but these same people have no trouble
e,plaining in detail what they hate. Sometimes working in
the opposite direction of what you hate can be the key to
discovering your goals and dreams.
11. >eep a ?otebook in oal-Creating Areas
Watching television offers hundreds of ideas that you can use to help you create your own
personal goals. The same is true of your sleep. &ecause of this it's vital that you keep a notebook
handy while watching television and on your nightstand to jot down any goal ideas that come to
you.
YES DEAR 2008
)o ,ou >no: -hat ,ou -ant<
(n order for these tips and ideas to help you live a better life% you have to know what you want. So
the uestion is% do you2 (f not% it's time to put a few simple e,ercises to work and discover the
answer.
1. I%possible to =ail
8eople are more than capable of creating compelling dreams% but the fear of failure often clouds
the path. To avoid this pitfall% imagine that it is impossible to fail. What dreams and desires would
you pursue if you were guaranteed success2
=. ,our I0eal Li!e
Think ahead. (magine living your ideal life in five years. Then ten and twenty years. What would
you be doing2 With whom would you be doing it2 What would your life look like on a daily basis2
7se the picture of a future life to create goals and desires in the present.
9. et Speci!ic
(n order for you to create lasting change in your life% you have to be super specific about what you
want. >ague ideas just won't cut it. The more specific you make your desires% the easier it will be
to act on them. .loudy hopes create obstacles. 1ou have to know e,actly what you want% down to
the smallest detail.
?. -rite it )o:n
When you get an idea for a goal you'd like to achieve write it down immediately. The simple act of
writing your goals down on a sheet of paper will bring them one step closer to reality. Saying
something is one thing% but when you actually see the words written down it becomes a living%
breathing thing.
$. S%all Steps to reat Success
While the nature of your dreams needs to inspire% you must also recogni-e the fact that it takes
only small steps to create ama-ing changes. The dream will lead the way% but it won't come in
one giant leap. Small steps% carried out each day% will bring you to the destinations you seek.
@. -ho Are ,ou Living =or<
#any times people will accept the status uo because they are afraid of what other people would
think of them if they strived for more. Fitting in becomes more important than moving ahead.
0ecide here and now that creating the life you want to live is far more important than blending in
and living for the approval of others.
A. Search !or Success Stories
The stories of individuals overcoming all odds and achieving their dreams surround you. Seek out
and make these stories a part of your life. 1ou are not alone in your search for happiness.
Bnowing that others have succeeded in the past can be enough to motivate you to succeed in the
future.
C. The 9vernight Success Myth
Success takes time. 8eople who believe in the overnight success e,pect ama-ing results the
minute they start working toward their goal. (t's not going to happen. 0on't let this get you down !
it's a positive. When you know the truth about success you won't become upset when immediate
results can't be seen.
YES DEAR
2008
5. Measure ,our "rogress
As you begin putting the pieces of your desire in place% be
sure to measure your progress along the way. 0oing so
will help to keep you motivated to achieve the goal as you
see real improvement taking place. 1ou will also be able
to recogni-e troubling areas that need more attention or
successful methods that could be spread to others
aspects of the goal.
D:. 60ucate ,oursel!
The more you know% the more you'll grow. (nformation is
the greatest resource you have as you work toward creating a better life. Facts help to increase
your confidence% break down fear% and inspire you to action. 5earn all there is to know about what
you want and you will never be without the drive and energy you need to make it happen.
DD. Make Autobiographies "art o! ,our Library
5earning about the lives of the people who achieved the goals you want to achieve is one of the
most inspiring techniues available. Find out who had the same aspirations and learn all you can
about their inspiring story.
D#. 6ssentials o! Change
(t doesn't matter what you want% someone at sometime throughout history has desired and
achieved the same thing. 3ot only does this prove that your dreams are possible but also that you
have what it takes to make them happen. 8eople have done so much with so little% proving that
the essential reuirements of creating change are within you.
D&. *eco%e A:are o! ,our Thoughts
The wrong thoughts played enough times in your mind can sap the strength of anyone's
confidence. &ecome aware of the things you say to yourself. Every time you come to a negative
phrase stop yourself% refute the belief with logic% and replace it with a strong and empowering
thought.
1(. Say an0 See
For those with phobias simply mentioning their particular fear puts them in a frightened state of
mind. They may even e,hibit physical signs of fear. The same is true of goals and dreams. #any
times the second you say your goal images of failure and fear pop into
your head. To fi, the problem% consciously say your goal and imagine
success again and again until it becomes ingrained in your mind.
D$. -hat7s In It !or Me<
As you begin taking steps toward the things you desire% you will meet
with many obstacles along the way that have the potential to knock you
off course forever. To ensure this doesn't happen to you% answer the
uestionE What's in it for me2 Bnowing e,actly why you are reaching for
more will serve as a constant source of energy and e,citement to keep
you going strong in the face of short!term setbacks.
YES DEAR 2008
Achieving Goals in Life
1. Ask ,oursel! a Question
What's the worst thing that will happen if you give up on your goal2 This and other thoughts like
them are useful tools. Fear of what could happen if you don't succeed shouldn't be the main
reason you work toward your goal% but it is an e,cellent tool to help you get started.
=. -hat7s /ol0ing ,ou *ack<
Take time to really think about what's holding you back from working toward and achieving your
goal. Too often people get a 'feeling' and uit on their dreams. 1ou can't fight or solve a vague
feeling% but you can solve a specific problem. That's why it's critical for you to -ero in on e,actly
what's holding you back from success.
&. Share the 62cite%ent
0on't keep your plans for a better future to yourself ! share the e,citement with those who will not
see it as bragging or your ego taking over. This will make the dream more tangible% and include
others in the picture who will ask about your progress and keep you heading in the right direction.
?. I! ?ot ?o:, -hen<
This is a simple method to adding a powerful boost to your goal!achieving project. 8eople are
gifted at the art of rationali-ation and procrastination. To put a stop to them ask yourself% '(f not
now% when2' (f you're honest% and ( know you will be% you'll reali-e that now is as good a time as
any to begin moving toward a better life.
$. ,our 62cuses /ave ?o 3ses
E,cuses are scapegoats. They cover up the truth so we don't have to face it. 1ou and ( both know
this isn't the way to a happy and successful life. 1ou have to put a stop to e,cuses once and for
all. Every time you catch yourself using an e,cuse to cover up the truth about why you aren't
working toward your goal Fe.g. ( don't have the timeG% write it down along with at least three solid
reasons why your e,cuse is completely wrong. And never use it again.
@. "lace $e%in0ers in the /o%e an0 9!!ice
8lace powerful reminders around your home or office about the goals and desires you are
working to achieve. With the hectic pace of life in today's society it's easy to forget about the truly
important things. 8lacing pictures in your home of the ideal body you are dreaming about or the
home you wish to build are effective tools to keep you going strong.
1. >no: -hen to >eep Quiet
6ust as important as sharing your goal with those who will offer guidance and support is not
sharing your goal with those who will resent your improvement and take a jab at you with every
chance they get. 3aysayers are killers of the spirit. When it comes to these individuals% keep your
goal to yourself.


YES DEAR 2008
C. I! It -orks 9nce, 3se It Again@
"ave you ever watched a movie that really moved you2 <ead a book that inspired a change in
your life2 5istened to an audio tape that motivated you to take action2 (f you're like most people%
('m sure you've e,perienced one or more of these. &ut do you revisit them on a regular basis2
8eople will find a tool that inspires them only to leave it behind. (f something motivates you% use it
again and again.
H. 9rgani'e ,our Space
A cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind. Taking a few hours to clean up your common work
areas will go a long way in helping you maintain clarity and focus while working toward your
goals.
D:. 6veryone ?ee0s a )ay 9!!
Sometimes the best way to stay motivated to achieve your goal is to give it a rest. When things
don't seem to be going your way or you simply feel e,hausted% put your goal out of mind until the
ne,t day. Take a walk% a ride% or just sit and rela,. This short break will allow you to return to the
project with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
D1. Create a Speci!ic Strategy
When you know e,actly what you want% you have to know e,actly how you are going to get it.
6ust as a vague idea of what you want will never lead to success% a ha-y notion of how you will
achieve your dreams will bring about the same fate. Super specific strategies will result in
success. Anything less will make improvement difficult% if not impossible% to enjoy.
D#. 3se a Ti%eline
1our dreams need a timeline. This includes not only a deadline but also a time to begin. Without a
definite timeline% potentially rewarding and fulfilling goals may silently slip away until they become
only distant memories. When will you begin working toward your dreams2 When will you achieve
them2
1&. Starting in the $ight )irection
1ou may not reali-e it% but you've already taken a massive step toward success. Simply reading
these words demonstrates your desire to enhance the uality of your life. 3ow that you've taken
the first step% keep it going day after day% month after month% year after year.

D?. 6nAoy the $i0e
While you're working your tail off to create a better life for you and your family it's important to
enjoy the e,perience and not just focus on the outcome. (t's like taking a road trip through
beautiful country with your eyes closed thinking only about the destination. 1ou'll miss out half the
joy of success if you forget about the e,perience of it all.
D$./o: Long -ill ,ou -ait<
(t's decision time. 1ou can continue hoping things change or%
with our help% you can make them happen today.
Everyone wants to change and improve% but few understand how the process actually works.
When you know the secrets to controlling motivation% like a light switch you can turn it on and off
at will.


YES DEAR 2008
The Secret to Sel!-Con!i0ence
0o you want to change something about your life but don't feel confident enough to make it
happen2 0iscover a proven method for transforming your confidence and never let this obstacle
stand in your way again.
Tools o! the Tra0e
To accomplish the task above% charts and checklists are the way to go. .harts are the perfect tool
to measure incremental goals such as a savings or investment plan. (f your desire is more
seuential in nature% simply list the steps in a checklist along with their deadline to keep you right
on track from start to finish.
Intelligent Action
Action is key to change ! but not just any action. Eating unhealthy foods is action% but it is
definitely not the kind of moves you should be making if your goal is to get in shape. The secret is
to take intelligent action. 5earn how to make the right moves and you'll be on your way to
enjoying an ama-ing uality of life.
-in0o:s o! 9pportunity
What you see today will not necessarily mirror the picture of tomorrow. (n other words ! things
change. 1ou can never know for sure how long the opportunity to act will offer itself. (t could
vanish tomorrow or in twenty years. The point isE Today is the certainty in your world. #ake the
best of it.
3se ,our Ti%e -isely
The one thing we all desire more of but lose every
day is time. &ecause of this% you need to take steps
to ensure your time is being used wisely. 0iscover
where your time goes each day and how you can
better utili-e each minute and hour.
et Active
An inspired mind is of little use if you lack the
physical vitality to e,ecute your plans. 4et active and get moving. Whether this means a daily
e,ercise program or simply riding your bike to work% think of as many ways as possible to be
active in your daily life.
Maintain a /ealthy )iet
6ust as important as an active lifestyle is a healthy diet. 1ou can't e,pect to have the energy and
drive necessary to live an e,traordinary life if you continue to fill your body with unhealthy foods.
What you put in your body has an enormous impact on your motivation to improve.
et 6nough $est
1our body cannot perform at its peak levels if you don't give it the time it reuires for rest and
repair. Four hours of sleep each night will eventually catch up with you. 4et the rest you need and
you'll have no problem working with passion toward your desires.
Collect ,our =avorite Quotations
The written word can be just as powerful as movies. When you come across a uotation that
motivates you to achieve your goals% don't let it go; Write them down% save them on your
computer% or do whatever works for you to keep them close at hand.
YES DEAR 2008
Learn !ro% ,our Mistakes
When things don't work out e,actly as you had planned Fthis will happenG don't waste the
opportunity to learn something. A short!term failure is a good thing ! it teaches you how 'not' to do
something% which will bring you closer and closer to the solution you seek.
Constant Curiosity
&e curious. The world can be a truly ama-ing place when you take the time to look around and
learn about it. <ead% converse% observe% listen% and discover the miracles that surround you.
.onstant curiosity is the habit that is sure to get you e,cited about your world% your life% and your
future.
Spen0 Ti%e :ith Chil0ren
Spending time with kids is a great way to let go of your worries and reconnect with your more
innocent past. As adults% we have learned to hide our true emotions and keep a reserved attitude.
.hildren have a great lesson to teach us ! have fun and enjoy life. #aintain your youthful ways as
you continue to grow older.
=ocus on 9thers
There is no better way to improve your life than to help
others do the same. To give is to get% and when it comes
to spreading happiness and joy to others% it has never
been more true. As your focus turns from yourself to those
in need you will find that your own problems seem less
important and may even disappear altogether.
Bolunteer ,our Ti%e
An effective method to help others is volunteering. 1our
time is the most precious resource you have% and giving it to someone else is a truly rewarding
e,perience. .ontact your local churches% community center% or public schools for volunteer
opportunities.
The 3ps an0 )o:ns
1ou will not always be motivated to succeed. We all have our ups and downs% and e,pecting
anything different will create frustration and anger. We all get upset% encounter setbacks% and
have bad days% but here's the secretE you can visit% but just don't live there.
,our Contribution
What are you going to contribute to the world after you have gone2 5iving an e,traordinary life
reuires thinking beyond yourself and giving back to the world in some way. What will your gift to
the world be2
*e rate!ul !or -hat ,ou /ave
Take time out of each day to be grateful for the things you have in your life. Simply being alive
and well is an ama-ing gift ! anything more is just icing on the cake. Appreciate what you have
and you will discover a renewed passion to achieve the desires you have yet to e,perience.
YES DEAR 2008
Eyes Wide Open-Life as it should be.
As I walk along the cliff just outside my childhood home, I see the open space is filled with the
gentle ocean spray. The smell of the sea permeated the air. The warmth of the sun caressed
my skin. Under the weeping willow was an old park bench, stained with the ageless wisdom of
those who came before me. I sat watching the serf crashing into the cliff's below. I listened as
the clandestine chorus of the seagulls confer with each other
as they fished for their evening meal. y eyes are wide open, yet my heart is closed. I feel my
mind taking me to another place in another time. I am falling into my own mind. A helpless
traveler waiting for the unknown destination. I inhale the salty air and I am instantly
rejuvenated. I am awaiting the awakening of my soul.
As I take my sunglasses off, I am blinded by the sun!s bright burst. "loating rays erupt and
dance as I focus on the tran#uility of nature around me. I want to capture the pleasure in the
moment. "eel the beauty within. $%perience the familiarity of life. I have walked through life
on the outside looking in. &ot #uite apart, yet not separate. I have come to deal with the
realities of life. &ature in its simplicity, I hope, will teach me. I close my eyes and drift off into
the imaginary world I have created for one. 'lowly, I begin to feel the heat of the sun on my
arms. I!m dawn to the bree(e that is tenderly moving my hair. The caress feels like a lovers
gently embrace. y head tingles with anticipation. I sense the change as the blood rushes
down. y heart pounds with the force of nature. $ach beat a plea for release. The une%pected
pressure building up, ready to e%plode with a renewed purpose. )umanity is nature. &ature on
the edge of living life to it's the fullest. y breath #uickens, and with each breath, the intense
emotions of life are entering my body. "or a moment, I feel fear as they are touching my soul.
I wait patiently for the fulfillment the energy surging through my body will bring. *ike their
crescendo, emotions surface, crashing into my tran#uil mind. +ictures of a time long gone,
invade my mind. The passion rages through me. *ife and love. ,irth and death. -oy and
sorrow. The kaleidoscope of human forms create a collage of my moments. )eat invades me.
y mind is #uiet. The simple pleasures are encircling the peaceful moments of my life. They
have brought forth what I search for. y eyes are wide open. I no longer feel a disconnected
presence searching for the calm within the storm. That storm of emotional upheaval that has
torn me apart for so long. The pieces of my disconnected obsessions have always forces me to
scrutini(e my e%istence. I watched as the timeless passionate #uest for happiness was
achieved in those around me. 'ome how it seemed elusive only to me. I sought monetary
gain. "eeling, that if that one #uest was achieved then happiness shall follow. .nly the shallow
find happiness in wealth. I desire the taste of true freedom. "reedom from an emotional void
which leaves me with a superficial e%istence.
y eyes are wide open as I am reborn. As I am renewed with the freedom to feel the warm
sun embrace my body. I am awakened as the energy surging through my soul, holds me. I can
recogni(e the value of happiness being measured by the people I have met. The friends I have
gained. The family I have in my fold and the /od that I am now at peace with. y eyes are
wide open. I will hold on to the #uiet moments. $mbrace the diversity of life with each serge of
energy. I will benefit from the simple pleasure within me. I will take pleasure in the simplicity
of e%istence and welcome all that life has to offer. "or my eyes are wide open and the simple
pleasure is 0ou.
YES DEAR 2008
I Am the Story I Tell Myself I Am
A single note rises, then falls like a raindrop at my feet, shattering into a thousand tiny
rainbows. I think there must be an angel caged in the cell ne%t to mine. If I could play the
instrument of my voice as miraculously, would I be closer to /od1 It seems my destiny is to be
an ordinary raven, even here, where birds are forbidden to fly.
The jangling of keys and slamming of gates break my reverie. A prison guard bellows, 2/et out
here, crack head34
I rise, as do the over forty other women who have shared this cell with me over the past three
days. &one of us is certain to whom she refers. It is not me, not this time.
I sink back to the floor that has become so cold I could ice skate on it. I seek out the largest
woman 5the fat ones give off the most body heat6, and huddle close to her. In here we have
no prejudice or pride. .ut there we took each other!s money and drugs, in here we give each
other warmth and comfort.
A harsh voice shouts, 2,arr34 It is my turn. I enter the shower room and strip #uickly. I
immediately s#uat and cough while bouncing up and down. I want to please the guards. I
have been here before and I know the rules well. I am shoved into an icy shower and sprayed
with horrid smelling lotion to 2de7louse4 me. I wonder why they bother when they don!t wash
our clothes. I am pushed soaking wet into another free(ing cell. I dry off as best as I can with
my filthy pants.
-ust as sleep comes to steal me from this misery, another voice intrudes, this one much kinder
than I am used to.
2*adies, my name is r. 'mith. A few years ago I was in a worse position than you, and look
at me now. I have a fine job, fine clothes and I!m fine looking too. If you want what I!ve got,
you!ve got to do what I did to get it. I pledge my support to anyone willing to make a change.4
I step out of my cell not even flinching when the gate clangs shut behind me. As we are
walking to the dormitory where I will be housed I hear shouting and stomping. I am ama(ed
when we arrive and I see that it is military marching and cadence.
2y /od, r. 'mith,4 I e%claim, 2you didn!t tell me I was joining the army34
2There!s a lot more to it than this, ary,4 he says.
A woman detaches herself from a marching group and comes towards me. 2)i, I!m *ori, the
unit captain. In this program it!s mandatory that we attend school. 8e have five minutes to
line up so let!s go.4
8e march down the bleak hallways to school shouting an army cadence. I suppress an urge to
giggle, especially since the women in general population are watching us with interest. Unlike
the adolescent population housed in jail, adults do not get to go to school. It took a lot of work
to allow our special program into the computer class. ost of the women in general population
spend their days bored and frustrated, sometimes fighting, and getting high. 0es, there are
drugs in jail.
YES DEAR 2008
After two hours we march back to our dorm where a social worker greets us. 'he is the only
social worker for over two thousand women so we are fortunate to have her tonight. 'he
suggests that we go into residential treatment when we leave, but I can!t see myself doing
that after being locked up for a year. 8e meet with her in a group to discuss our issues, which
run the gamut from being abused, to being illiterate. This is one time when I am glad there
are only one hundred beds available for treatment9 I may get a chance to ask her a #uestion.
A lady I don!t know starts the group. 2I!m lucky they let me back in here,4 she says through
tears. 2They told me not to go home, but I missed my kids so much. 8hen I got there they
just wanted to go out with friends, and my daughter hid her purse from me when she thought
I wasn!t looking. I didn!t want her to see me crying so I went to a friend!s house. -ust like
when I got busted, she was getting high. I was upset so I got high right along with her. This
time I am going to take the cotton out of my ears and stick it in my mouth.4
/od works in mysterious ways. Though our stories are not the same I feel the same way. I
have not seen my children or their father for two years. I do not want to make the same
mistakes as this woman. I was no longer afraid to die, I was afraid of living my life the way I
was. I decided to go to residential treatment when I was released and tried to convince my
peers to do the same.
The day of my release has come and I am sent off with hugs. I await the volunteer who will
drive me from jail to the program and I laugh aloud when I see that it is r. 'mith. There is a
certain symmetry to arriving at yet another program with r. 'mith, and I pray I will be as
successful in this one.
A single note rises then falls like a raindrop at my feet, shattering into a thousand tiny
rainbows. I step up to the cell and say, 2)oney, you sing like an angel. A few years ago I was
in a worse position than you, and look at me now. 8ould you like to hear more14 The angel
looks at me and smiles.
YES DEAR 2008
The Story o! $ose
The first day of school our !rofessor introduced himself and challenged us to get to
"now someone we didn't already "now. I stood u! to loo" around when a gentle hand
touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrin"led, little old lady beaming u! at me
with a smile that lit u! her entire being.
,he said, -6i handsome. <y name is Bose. I'm eighty:seven years old. 5an I give you a
hug3-
I laughed and enthusiastically res!onded, -4f course you mayA- and she gave me a giant
s%ueeze. -Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age3- I as"ed.
,he &o"ingly re!lied, -I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, have a cou!le of
children, and then retire and travel.-
-No seriously,- I as"ed. I was curious what may have motivated her to be ta"ing on this
challenge at her age.
-I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting oneA- she told me.
#fter class we wal"ed to the student union building and shared a chocolate mil"sha"e.
We became instant friends. ;very day for the ne$t three months we would leave class
together and tal" nonsto!. I was always mesmerized listening to this -time machine- as
she shared her wisdom and e$!erience with me. 4ver the course of the year, Bose
became a cam!us icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. ,he loved to dress
u! and she reveled in the attention bestowed u!on her from the other students. ,he was
living it u!.
#t the end of the semester we invited Bose to s!ea" at our football ban%uet. I'll never
forget what she taught us. ,he was introduced and ste!!ed u! to the !odium. #s she
began to deliver her !re!ared s!eech, she dro!!ed her three by five cards on the floor.
7rustrated and a little embarrassed, she leaned into the micro!hone and sim!ly said, -I'm
sorry I'm so &ittery. I'll never get my s!eech bac" in order so let me &ust tell you what I
"now.-
#s we laughed she cleared her throat and began(
-We do not sto! !laying because we are oldC we grow old because we sto! !laying. There
are only four secrets to staying young, being ha!!y, and achieving success.-
-9ou have to laugh and find humor every day.-
-9ou've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many
!eo!le wal"ing around who are dead and don't even "now itA-
-There is a huge difference between growing older and growing u!. If you are nineteen
years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one !roductive thing, you will turn
twenty years old. If I am eighty:seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do
anything I will turn eighty:eight. #nybody can grow older. That doesn't ta"e any talent or
ability. The idea is to grow u! by always finding the o!!ortunity in change.-
-6ave no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for
things we did not do. The only !eo!le who fear death are those with regrets.-
,he concluded her s!eech by courageously singing -The Bose.- ,he challenged each of
us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives.
#t the year's end Bose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. 4ne
wee" after graduation Bose died !eacefully in her slee!. 4ver two thousand college
students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by e$am!le
that it's never too late to be all you can !ossibly be.
We send these words in loving memory of Bose.
Bemember(::?rowing older is mandatory, growing u! is o!tionalA
Choose to Think About -hat ,ou -ant
With everything you have to think about each day% the things you desire won't always get the time
they deserve. 1ou have to choose to think about what you want to change in your life% or your
dreams will very likely be left behind.
YES DEAR 2008
The *ig $ocks an0 the ;arC A Lesson in Making
"riorities
# high school science teacher wanted to demonstrate a conce!t to his students. 6e
ta"es a large:mouth &ar and !laces several large roc"s in it. 6e then as"s the class, -Is it
full3
-+nanimously, the class re!ly, -9esA-
The teacher then ta"es a buc"et of gravel and !ours it into the &ar. The small roc"s settle
into the s!aces between the big roc"s.
6e then as"s the class, -Is it full3-
This time there are some students holding bac", but most re!ly, -9esA-
The teacher then !roduces a large can of sand and !roceeds to !our it into the &ar. The
sand fills u! the s!aces between the gravel.
7or the third time, the teacher as"s, -Is it full3
-Now most of the students are wary of answering, but again, many re!ly, -9esA-
Then the teacher brings out a !itcher of water and !ours it into the &ar. The water saturates
the sand. #t this !oint the teacher as"s the class, -What is the !oint of this
demonstration3-
4ne bright young student raises his hand and then res!onds, -No matter how full one's
schedule is in life, he can always s%ueeze in more thingsA-
-No,- re!lies the teacher, -The !oint is that unless you first !lace the big roc"s into the
&ar, you are never going to get them in. The big roc"s are the im!ortant things in your
life ...your family, your friends, your !ersonal growth. If you fill your life with small
things, as demonstrated by the gravel, the sand, and the water...you will never have the
time for the im!ortant things.
,o, what are the -Big Boc"s- in your life3 ,!ending time with your children, your
!arents or your s!ouse3 Ta"ing the seminar or class to get the information and
!ers!ective you need to succeed3 <a"ing the time to set goals, !lan or evaluate your
!rogress3 When you are hassled because there is no time, remember the story about the
Big Boc"s and the .arA
#uthor +n"nown
YES DEAR 2008
The Tire0 *eeC A Story about Connection
I was 0' and I watched my father carefully as he rowed on the tran%uil la"e. It was
late summer, #ugust, the buzzing wings of dragonflies sna!!ed !ast us. I !ulled bac" and
roc"ed the small canoe. @ad turned and loo"ed at me and reassured me with a win". I
still wasn't too sure I wanted to be doing this.
4ur family had been s!ending summers on Bear <ountain, a small !ar" and recreational
community close to the ennsylvania border, for as long as I could remember. We all
came together, about 2* of us, each summer to swim, !lay, bas" in the sun and reconnect
as a family.
I was one of the younger "ids and usually e$cluded from my older cousins' activities.
5onse%uently I either babysat the younger ones or hung out with my dad.
4n this !articular summer afternoon, we'd gotten a canoe and decided to e$!lore a little
bit of the !ar" itself. We let the gentle rhythm of the la"e !ull us into a narrow river
which wound around the cam!ing grounds. Tall evergreens, !ines all of sort, dotted the
ban"s on either side and the tri! was cozy and !eaceful. The cloudy s"ies overhead
!rovided slight relief from the #ugust heat. I sto!!ed rowing, sat bac" and closed my
eyes while I heard @ad rowing %uietly.
,uddenly I heard a buzzing, close to my ear. # frantic, des!erate humming coming from
the right side of my head. I bolted u! straight and stared at @ad.
6e !ointed toward me with his chin. -@on't move and he'll not bother you.- 6e "e!t
rowing.
I thought to myself, -What is he tal"ing about3- I loo"ed around me and then saw it. #
bee. # bee on my shoulder. #ctually to be accurate, a yellow &ac"et. These are large and
very aggressive bees, mar"ed by bright blac" and yellow bands on their bodies. I lived in
terror of bees, was!s and hornets. It was more than fear, it was a !athological terror that I
could not e$!lain, nor my !arents, teachers or doctors cure me of. I sat there, turned into
a living statue. <y eyes must have loo"ed li"e saucers. I hissed at @ad to do something.
6e &ust rowed and shoo" his head. -6e's tired. It's a hot day and all living creatures need
rest. 6e's most !robably been flying u! the la"e and needs to give himself a brea". This is
a !retty big !ar". 4nce he's rested enough, he'll "ee! on going.-
Was I hearing correctly3 @id my ears betray me, or was my father telling me to &ust let a
large yellow &ac"et sit on my shoulder3 I grimaced and he sim!ly loo"ed away and "e!t
rowing. The terror gri!!ed me li"e a cold hand over my heart and I swiveled my head
slowly toward the right and s%uinted a !ee". There he sat, in all his living yellow and
blac" glory. Wings folded neatly against his body. #s I watched him I was fascinated by
how !erfectly formed he seemed. ,omehow, my curiosity over!owered my fear and I
rela$ed. No sooner had I done that than he began fluttering, tested his wings and flew off.
I was able to trac" his flight for a few moments and sure enough, he crossed the water
and headed into the woods. I sat bac" and loo"ed at @ad.
-I told you.- Was all he said. We rowed away.
<ore than )* years have !assed since that day. <y father is no longer alive, but the
memory of that moment, that moment of connection, has ta"en root in my heart. In the
ensuing years I thought long and hard about that tired little bee. I realized that for the first
time in my life I felt connected to something larger than myself, and he was !art of the
reason. I came to believe he was sent to teach me not to fear, that we are all one, all !art
of the same design the 5reator !rovided. I realized that nature is an as!ect of the 5reation
and that we are all the 5reator's children...small or big, human or insect. No man is an
island.
4h, yes, my morbid fear of bees and was!s3 It lessened. +ntil one day not long ago I
learned that I was born with no immunity to insect venom. <y doctor's words felt li"e a
buc"et of cold water s!lashed over my head( the sting of a bee, was! or hornet would "ill
me. The saliva or venom of smaller insects li"e fire ants and mos%uitoes may cause
seizures, as I found out later when bitten by a fire ant( full cardiac arrest. #nd of the bees,
was!s and hornets3 Never been stung, not once. They tend to buzz !ast me and I always
get a sense that they are in %uite a hurry.
8ore holds that the bee symbolizes service and their movement from one !lant to another
symbolizes the interconnectedness of all living things. This is a lesson that I will always
carry in my heart.
5o!yright D '*** by 5onnie 5alabrese
=ear is "art o! the "u''le
(f you're waiting for a guaranteed success% you'll be waiting for the rest of your life. Fear is part of
the process of success ! there's no way around it. 1ou might think that the people you look up to
are free of fear as they work toward their dreams you are mistaken. Everyone feels fear when
they take a step outside of their comfort -one% the uestion is whether or not you keep going.
YES DEAR 2008
T:o =rogsC An Inspirational Short Story about
"erseverance
Two young frogs fell into a buc"et of mil". Both tried to &um! to freedom, but the sides of
the buc"et were stee! and no foundation was to be had on the surface of the li%uid.
,eeing little chance of esca!e, the first frog soon des!aired and sto!!ed &um!ing. #fter a
short while he sun" to the bottom of the buc"et and drowned.
The second frog also saw no li"elihood of success, but he never sto!!ed trying. ;ven
though each &um! seemed to reach the same inade%uate height, he "e!t on struggling.
;ventually, his !ersistent efforts churned some mil" into butter. 7rom the now hardened
surface of the mil", he managed to lea! out of the buc"et.
The moral of this little ins!iring story(
Th$e "h$ d$'+! &i,e u% a'd %e#e,e#e )a- be i' .$# a %*eaa'! u#%#ie/
#uthor +n"nown
A "art o! ,our I0entity
When success becomes a part of your identity% a part of who you are% you'll find getting motivated
to do more with your life is an easy task. 8eople stick to what they believe they are. (n other
words% a uitter will uit before he succeedsI a winner will get e,actly what he wants in the end.
0on't just think like a winner ! become one inside and out until the thought of uitting conflicts so
strongly with who you are that you are driven to succeed.
YES DEAR 2008
A Carpenter7s i!tC An Inspirational Story about
"erseverance
4nce u!on a time two brothers who lived on ad&oining farms fell into conflict. It
was the first serious rift in 2* years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and
trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.
Then the long collaboration fell a!art. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew
into a ma&or difference, and finally it e$!loded into an e$change of bitter words followed
by wee"s of silence.
4ne morning there was a "noc" on .ohn's door. 6e o!ened it to find a man with a
car!enter's toolbo$. -I'm loo"ing for a few days wor"- he said.
-erha!s you would have a few small &obs here and there. 5ould I hel! you3-
-9es,- said the older brother. -I do have a &ob for you. 8oo" across the cree" at that farm.
That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger brother. 8ast wee" there was a meadow
between us and he too" his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a cree" between
us. Well, he may have done this to s!ite me, but I'll go him one better. ,ee that !ile of
lumber curing by the barn3 I want you to build me a fence : an /:foot fence : so I won't
need to see his !lace anymore. 5ool him down, anyhow.-
The car!enter said, -I thin" I understand the situation. ,how me the nails and the !ost:
hole digger and I'll be able to do a &ob that !leases you.-
The older brother had to go to town for su!!lies, so he hel!ed the car!enter get the
materials ready and then he was off for the day.
The car!enter wor"ed hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing.
#bout sunset when the farmer returned, the car!enter had &ust finished his &ob. The
farmer's eyes o!ened wide, his &aw dro!!ed.
There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge... a bridge stretching from one side of the
cree" to the otherA # fine !iece of wor" handrails and all : and the neighbor, his younger
brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched.
-9ou are %uite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done.-
The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, ta"ing
each other's hand. They turned to see the car!enter hoist his toolbo$ on his shoulder. -No,
waitA ,tay a few days. I've a lot of other !ro&ects for you,- said the older brother.
-I'd love to stay on,- the car!enter said, -but, I have many more bridges to build.-
#uthor +n"nown

-hat Co%pany 0o ,ou >eep<
#ost often people mirror their environments. The friends and family members you associate with
play a major role in your life ! both positive and negative. Ask yourself if the people in your life are
helping you become the person you want to be or are standing in the way of progress. (f changes
need to be made% follow through.
YES DEAR 2008
The &us <ideC $an0o% S%all Act o! >in0ness Makes a *ig
)i!!erence
<y <aster initiated me for meditation a few years bac". I always listen to our
<aster on to!ics of <editation and those related to natural and sim!le living. When I
attended an advanced course on meditation our <aster told us to use our "nowledge in
!ractical day to day life. #s usual, I started observing myself and I realized that
<editation has given me an awareness that I was only awa"e. The <aster many times
em!hasized the need of ?iving and ;ffortless 8iving. # small real life incident taught me
another law of nature.
# few days ago I was at a bus sto! in town during the evening. The bus came on time and
I too" the window seat. The bus route was by the seashore and I was en&oying the breeze
while watching the sea waves. #fter a few minutes the bus made it's ne$t sto!. # young
boy and a girl entered the bus. They were standing left standing when the bus too" off. I
glanced at them curiously and realized that all the window seats were occu!ied. They
could sit but not together. ,uddenly a different wave !assed through my body and my
inner mind gave me the instruction to get u!. I got u! and offered them my seat. The
young lady smiled affectionately and said than" you very much. I occu!ied the other seat
and we !arted our ways. I don't remember whether I got off the bus before them or not.
<onths !assed by. ,uddenly one day while I was standing at the same bus sto! waiting
sometime for the bus to arrive I heard a voice.
-;$cuse me +ncle,- I glanced in the direction of the voice. It was a beautiful young
charming lady.
uzzled, I said, -I do not recognize you.-
,he said, -But I do you. @o you remember you gave us your window seat3-
uzzled, I said, -<aybe, but what is so great in that3
,he said, -+ncle you sim!ly acted li"e a ?od for me. 6ad you not given your seat on that
day, !erha!s I would have not sat with my friend. By sitting together it hel!ed us bridge a
misunderstanding that has been between us forever. @o you "now we are getting married
ne$t month3-
-?oodA ?od Bless both of you,- I re!lied.
The young lady again said than" you and went onto her &ourney. I realized the im!ortance
of ?iving that day. I also realized that small things can create great ha!!enings in life.
This was a great lesson for me.
YES DEAR 2008
A Million Dollar Lesson
b- 0 Pe!e- Pa#1e#
A cab driver taught me a million dollar lesson in customer satisfaction and
e%pectation. otivational speakers charge thousands of dollars to impart his kind of
training to corporate e%ecutives and staff. It cost me a :;< ta%i ride.
I had flown into =allas for the sole purpose of calling on a client. Time was of the
essence and my plan included a #uick turnaround trip from and back to the airport. A
spotless cab pulled up.
The driver rushed to open the passenger door for me and made sure I was
comfortably seated before he closed the door. As he got in the driver's seat, he
mentioned that the neatly folded 8all 'treet -ournal ne%t to me for my use. )e then
showed me several tapes and asked me what type of music I would enjoy.
8ell3 I looked around for a >?andid ?amera3> 8ouldn't you1 I could not believe the
service I was receiving3 I took the opportunity to say, >.bviously you take great
pride in your work. 0ou must have a story to tell.>
>0ou bet,> he replied, >I used to be in ?orporate America. ,ut I got tired of thinking
my best would never be good enough. I decided to find my niche in life where I could
feel proud of being the best I could be.
I knew I would never be a rocket scientist, but I love driving cars, being of service
and feeling like I have done a full day's work and done it well. I evaluate my personal
assets and... wham3 I became a cab driver.
.ne thing I know for sure, to be good in my business I could simply just meet the
e%pectations of my passengers. ,ut, to be /@$AT in my business, I have to $A?$$=
the customer's e%pectations3 I like both the sound and the return of being 'great'
better than just getting by on 'average'>
=id I tip him big time1 0ou bet3 ?orporate America's loss is the traveling folk's friend3
*essonsB
/o an $%tra ile when providing any 'ervice to others.
The is no good or bad job. 0ou can make any job good.
/ood service always brings good return.

YES DEAR 2008
DREAMS
A wonderful motivational story for any ageC..
The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to
know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle
hand touched my shoulder.
I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that
that lit up her entire being.
'he said, >)i, handsome. y name is @ose. I'm eighty7seven years old. ?an I give
you a hug1> I laughed and enthusiastically responded, >.f course you may3> and she
gave me a giant s#uee(e.
>8hy are you in college at such a young, innocent age1> I asked.
'he jokingly replied, >I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, have a couple of
children, and then retire and travel.>
>&o seriously,> I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on
this challenge at her age.
>I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one3> she told
me.
After class we walked to the student union building and share a chocolate milkshake.
8e became instant friends. $very day for the ne%t three months we would leave
class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmeri(ed listening to this >time
machine> as she shared her wisdom and e%perience with me.
.ver the course of the year, @ose became a campus icon and she easily made friends
wherever she went. 'he loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed
upon her from the other students. 'he was living it up.
At the end of the semester we invited @ose to speak at our football ban#uet. I'll
never forget what she taught us. 'he was introduced and stepped up to the podium.
As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on
the floor. "rustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and
simply said, >I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for *ent and this whiskey is
killing me3 I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I
know.>
As we laughed she cleared her throat and beganB >8e do not stop playing because
we are old9 we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to
staying young, being happy, and achieving success. >0ou have to laugh and find
humor every day. 0ou've got to have a dream. 8hen you lose your dreams, you die.
8e have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it3>
>There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are
nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing,
you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty7seven years old and stay in bed for a
year and never do anything I will turn eighty7eight. Anybody can grow older. That
doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the
opportunity in change.>
>)ave no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather
for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets.>
'he concluded her speech by courageously singing The @ose. 'he challenged each of
us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the years end @ose
finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago.
.ne week after graduation @ose died peacefully in her sleep.
.ver two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful
woman who taught by e%ample that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.
*essonsB
D. 0ou are never too old to learn.
=. *augh and find humor everyday .
9. =on't let change overwhelm you, let change help you find opportunities you
may have never seen3
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams
--Eleanor Rooseelt
=ream as if you'll live forever. *ive as if you'll die today.
-- !ames Dean

Adi"e
=o you have a dream, a wish, then turn it into a goal today 7 break it down, take one
step, then another and accomplish your dream.
?atherine +ulsifer
YES DEAR 2008
Nothing to Fear
*y Author 3nkno:n

There's nothing to fear 777 you're as good as the best,
As strong as the mightiest, too.
0ou can win in every battle or test9
"or there's no one just like you.
There's only one you in the world today9
'o nobody else, you see,
?an do your work in as fine a wayB
0ou're the only you there'll be 3
'o face the world, and all life is yours
To con#uer and love and liveB
And you'll find the happiness that endures
In just the measure you give9
There's nothing too good for you to possess,
&or heights where you cannot goB
0our power is more than belief or guess 777
It is something you have to know.
There is nothing to fear 777 you can and you will.
"or you are the invincible you.
'et your foot on the highest hill 777
There's nothing you cannot do.
-- Author Unknown

YES DEAR 2008
/o: )o ,ou Think
*y Author 3nkno:n
If you thin" you are beaten, you areC
If you thin" you dare not, you don'tA
If you'd li"e to win, but you thin" you can't,
It's almost certain you won't.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
If you thin" you'll lose, you're lostC
7or out in the world we find
,uccess begins with a fellow's willC
It's all in the state of mindA
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
If you thin" you're outclassed, you areC
9ou've got to thin" high to rise.
9ou've got to be sure of yourself
Before you 'll ever win the !rize.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
8ife's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster manC
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the !erson who thin"s he canA
:: #uthor +n"nown
YES DEAR 2008
Count ,our *lessings
3nkno:n Author
I've never made a fortune,
and it's probably too late now.
,ut I don't worry about that much,
I'm happy anyhow.
And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'?ause my cup has overflowed.
)aven't got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going's tough.
,ut I've got loving ones all around me,
and that makes me rich enough.
I thank /od for his blessings,
and the mercies )e's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'?ause my cup has overflowed.
I remember times when things went wrong,
y faith wore somewhat thin.
,ut all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again.
'o *ord, help me not to gripe,
about the tough rows I have hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'?ause my cup has overflowed.
If /od gives me strength and courage,
8hen the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
'?ause my cup has overflowed.
8hen I think of how many people
in this world have it worse than I do.
I reali(e just how blessed most of us really are.
YES DEAR 2008
ATTIT3)6 IS 6B6$,T/I?
&y Francie &alta-ar!Schwart-
6erry was the kind of guy you love to hate. "e was always in a good mood and always had
something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing% he would reply% *(f (
were any better% ( would be twins;*
"e was a uniue manager because he had several waiters who had followed him around from
restaurant to restaurant. The reason the waiters followed 6erry was because of his attitude. "e
was a natural motivator. (f an employee was having a bad day% 6erry was there telling the
employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious% so one day ( went up to 6erry and asked him% *( don't
get it; 1ou can't be a positive person all of the time. "ow do you do it2*
6erry replied% *Each morning ( wake up and say to myself% '6erry% you have two choices today. 1ou
can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.' ( choose to be in a
good mood. Each time something bad happens% ( can choose to be a victim or ( can choose to
learn from it. ( choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining% ( can
choose to accept their complaining or ( can point out the positive side of life. ( choose the positive
side of life.*
*1eah% right% it's not that easy%* ( protested.
*1es% it is%* 6erry said. *5ife is all about choices. When you cut way all the junk% every situation is a
choice. 1ou choose how you react to situations. 1ou choose how people will affect your mood.
1ou choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom lineE (t's your choice how you live
life.*
( reflected on what 6erry said. Soon thereafter% ( left the restaurant industry to start my own
business. We lost touch% but ( often thought about him when ( made a choice about life instead of
reacting to it.
Several years later% ( heard that 6erry did something you are never supposed to do in a restaurant
businessE he left the back door open one morning and was held up at gunpoint by three armed
robbers. While trying to open the safe% his hand% shaking from nervousness% slipped off the
combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. 5uckily% 6erry was found relatively uickly and
rushed to the local trauma center.
After DC hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care% 6erry was released from the hospital with
fragments of the bullets still in his body.
( saw 6erry about si, months after the accident. When ( asked him how he was% he replied% *(f (
were any better% ('d be twins. Wanna see my scars2*
( declined to see his wounds% but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took
place. *The first thing that went through my mind was that ( should have locked the back door%*
6erry replied. *Then% as ( lay on the floor% ( remembered that ( had two choicesE ( could choose to
live% or ( could choose to die. ( chose to live.*
*Weren't you scared2 0id you lose consciousness2* ( asked.
6erry continued% *The paramedics were great. They kept telling me ( was going to be fine. &ut
when they wheeled me into the emergency room and ( saw the e,pressions on the faces of the
doctors and nurses% ( got really scared. (n their eyes% ( read% '"e's a dead man.'
*( knew ( needed to take action.*
*What did you do2* ( asked.
*Well% there was a big% burly nurse shouting uestions at me%* said 6erry. *She asked if ( was
allergic to anything. '1es%' ( replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for
my reply. ( took a deep breathe and yelled% '&ullets;' /ver their laughter% ( told them. '( am
choosing to live. /perate on me as if ( am alive% not dead.*
6erry lived thanks to the skill of his doctors% but also because of his ama-ing attitude. ( learned
from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude% after all% is everything.
YES DEAR 2008
Lesson in 3ncon0itional Love
( am a mother of three Fages D?% D=% 9G and have recently completed my college degree. The last
class ( had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the ualities that (
wish every human being had been graced with. "er last project of the term was called *Smile*.
The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reaction.
( am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway.....so% ( thought%
this would be a piece of cake FliterallyG.
Soon after we were assigned the project% my husband% youngest son% and ( went out to
#c0onalds% one crisp #arch morning. (t was just our way of sharing special play time with our
son.
We were standing in line% waiting to be served% when all of a sudden everyone around us began
to back away% and then even my husband did. ( did not move an inch...an overwhelming feeling of
panic welled up inside of me as ( turned to see why they had moved.
As ( turned around ( smelled a horrible *dirty body* smell...and there standing behind me were
two poor homeless men. As ( looked down at the short gentleman% close to me% he was
*smiling*...his beautiful sky blue eyes were full of 4od's 5ight as he searched for acceptance.
"e said% *4ood day* as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man
fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. ( reali-ed the second man was mentally
deficient and the blue eyed gentle man was his salvation. ( held my tears......as ( stood there with
them.
The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. "e said% *.offee is all #iss* because
that was all they could afford Fto sit in the restaurant and warm up they had to buy
something...they just wanted to be warmG.
Then ( really felt it...the compulsion was so great ( almost reached out and embraced the little
man with the blue eyes. That is when ( noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me...judging
my every action. ( smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more
breakfast meals on a separate tray. ( then walked around the corner to the table that the men had
chosen as a resting spot.
( put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue eyed gentleman's cold hand. "e looked
up at me% with tears in his eyes% and said% *Thank you*. ( leaned over% began to pat his hand and
said% *( did not do this for you...4od is here working through me to give you hope*. ( started to cry
as ( walked away to join my husband and son. When ( sat down my husband smiled at me and
said% *That is why 4od gave you to me honey....to give me hope*. We held hands for a moment
and at that time we knew that only because of the 4race were we able to give .....
We are not church goers but we are believers. That day showed me the pure 5ight of 4od's
sweet love.
( returned to college% on the last evening of class% with this story in hand. ( turned in *my project*
and the instructor read it....then she looked up at me and said% *.an ( share this2* ( slowly nodded
as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when ( knew that we as
human beings Fpart of 4odG share this need to heal.
(n my own way ( had touched the people at #c0onalds% my husband% son% instructor% and every
soul that shared the classroom on the last night ( spent as a college student. ( 4raduated with
one of the biggest lessons ( would ever learn....unconditional acceptance......after all....we are
here to learn;

YES DEAR 2008
"ositive Thinking -orks -on0ers

"ositive Thought- A Strong Tool 9! Success
/nce upon a time there was bunch of tiny frogs that arranged a running competition. The goal
was to reach the top of very high tower. A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the
race and cheer on the contestants.
The race began. "onestly% no one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the
top of tower. 1ou heard statements such as% *They will 3E>E< make it to the top. /rE 3ot a
chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high;*
The tiny frogs began collapsing% one by one% e,cept for those% who in fresh tempo were climbing
higher and higher.
The crowd continued to yell% *(ts too difficult;;; 3o one will make it;*
#ore tiny frogs got tired and gave up% but one continued higher and higher and higher. This one
wouldn't give up;
At the end% everyone else had given up climbing the tower% e,cept for one tiny frog. After a big
effort% he was the only one who reached the top; T"E3 all the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to
know how this one frog managed to do it2
A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal. (t
turned out.... that the winner was deaf;;;;
3ever listen to other people tendencies to be negative or pessimistic.... because they take your
most wonderful dreams and wishes away from you! the ones you have in your heart;
!!! Author 3nkno:n ---$avin0er Singh --- In0ia
6ust do it; 0o what you want;
YES DEAR 2008
>in0ness An0 -hat It Can )o =or ,ou@

The Lollipop Lesson
(t's been a difficult year to say the least. #y daughter% service dogs% and ( lost our home due to abuse
right about this time last year. We've depended upon the kindness of others to provide temporary
shelter% food and clothingI and are truly grateful.
For a while after the attack% ( was numb. 8ost Traumatic Stress fro-e my emotions in an attempt at self!
preservation. ( tried to remain strong for my daughter% waiting until she was asleep to cry the tears of
fear% loss% and panic that gripped my heart.
( tried desperately to rationali-e the situation% but no matter how ( looked at it% ( came up empty. ( kept
thinking% */n the whole% ('m a good person. ( give of my time% possessions and my heart to others. (
treat people fairly and always try to do the right thing. ('m teaching my daughter the same morals and
values that had been instilled in me as a child...* and yet% though ( was a good person% and my daughter
was an innocentI we sustained a brutal attack brought on by alcoholic rage of a once!loved and trusted
family member. ( couldn't get my mind around the betrayal. ( prayed a lot. ( was disheartened that (
didn't get any response% and felt that 4od had betrayed me as well.
( became obsessed with my loss% and the injustice of the whole thing. At one point% ( felt as though my
daughter might be better off without me% that ( was holding her back from having a secure future. (f she
were placed with a real family% then she would have a chance at a good life...one with a roof over her
head. ( was the one who was disabled and unable to provide adeuately for herI ( was e,cess baggage.
She had her whole future ahead% and ( feared that having me in it ensured her a difficult and dismal one.
( prayed for guidance% ( prayed for answers% ( prayed for hopeI but ( didn't get the answer ('d e,pected.
( felt as though ( failed my little girl in so many ways. She misses having friends% a place to play% a room
of her own with pretty things% and the security of knowing what tomorrow will bring. The guilt felt like a
wet coat% gradually getting heavier% wearing me down and preventing me from moving forward.
.hildren are so resilient. ('ve learned so much from my little girl over the past year% and ( look at her with
a new wonder and admiration these days. Though she clearly remembers the horrors that no child
should ever have been witness to% she forgives as we are taught early on. For most% true forgiveness is
lip service. *( forgive you%* is a benign phrase we are prone to say when we know we should% but we
often lack the ability to truly let go. 3ot my little girl. She still remembers the attack% still feels the lossI
yet she has somehow found it in her heart to completely forgive our attacker who hurt us so badly.
She never complains% although she has every right to. She went from having a beautifully decorated
bedroom of her own% to having only what the police could load into our van that cold% scary nightI and a
few subseuent% police!guarded truck loads that permitted us a few more bo,es of belongings. The rest
was left behind...along with the only home she ever knew% all her friends% and the innocence and
security that should be a child's rightI all that was cruelly snatched away from her.
.ommercials she sees on T> with toys and trips to amusement parks% Fthings that she knows she can't
haveG% taunt her at every turn% yet she is the first to offer up one of her few remaining and cherished toys
to another child who is sad or hurt. At bedtime% she thanks 4od for the blessings in her life and offers up
prayers to others% never asking for anything for herself% because she feels as though she has all she
needs.
She doesn't complain when ('m sick and can't play with her% or that ( can't afford to give her the e,tra
things ( know deep inside she would love to have...only issues an *( love you #ommy...you're the &EST
#ommy;* whenever possible% seemingly oblivious to my disabilities and my shortcomings.
( dug through the change at the bottom of my purse and bought her a lollipop at the store today. She'd
had her eye on it the entire time we were in line to pay for our purchases. (t was the kind of lollipop
you'd see in days gone by that are twisted with different colorsI a neat old!fashioned pop that cost
JD.::.
She never asked for it% never whined or even gave me the *look* that pleaded silently...which is e,actly
why ( decided to get it for her. ( really couldn't afford it% it's the end of the month and ( only had JD.9$ left
to my name. ( wouldn't have any more money coming until the first of the month% almost a week away%
when my scant disability check arrives... but she'd been such a good girl% and ( really thought she
deserved a special treat. ( foolishly worried that my last few cents should've been better spent.
When ( reached into my purse and counted out enough for the pop% you would have thought ( gave her
the key to the magic kingdom; *Thank you #ommy; 1ou're the &EST #ommy;* She shrieked with sheer
joy% thankfulness gushing from her lips and unabashed love and joyous tears shining in her eyes as she
hugged me with every ounce of strength her tiny body could muster.
All at once% the cloud of despair that had hung over me lifted and ( shed the coat of guilt ('d been
carrying for so long. ( knew without a doubt in that very instant% that ( was the family that my little girl
needed. ( knew that ( wasn't baggage holding her backI ( was the glue that was needed to keep us
together. ( knew that my daughter needed me and loved me despite my shortcomings% and despite our
situation. ( knew without a doubt that my prayers had been answered and ( had been blessed from
above. With tears in my eyes% ( reali-ed that the angel that stood happily devouring her une,pected
treat at my feet had also blessed meI and ( was never going to be the same.
( had been awakened from my nightmare. ( was ready to continue my journey% willing to embrace
whatever challenges may lie aheadI secure in the knowledge that ( already had all ( neededI the rest
was a bonus.
( was in awe at this child of mine% and ( was so thankful for the lesson she'd taught me.... while ('d
wasted my time feeling guilty and focusing on what we'd lost% my daughter had moved on and was
focusing on what remained...something that was more important than anything elseI through it all% we
had each other. Though ( only had 9$ cents to my name% ( felt richer than ever.
#y daughter's youthful insight to an adult situation brought me to a place where there is no longer any
room left for doubt or worryI leaving me with the ability to put all those useless feelings that had been
cluttering up my mind behind me% ultimately freeing me up to enhance my life through opportunities (
have since created from my new perception.
Though she's only four% my daughter has the ability to be able to look past what she's lost to find true joy
and satisfaction of having only the very basic necessitiesI and being truly grateful for them. She rejoices
in the simplest of kind gestures and goes out of her way to do the same for others. "ow many of us
adults can claim that2 ('ve learned a lot from herI ( hope you have% too.
(n the spirit of giving% ( wish for your life be blessed with the insight of my little girl% the shedding of your
wet coat% a new and positive perception of life...filled with an unlimited supply of lollipops.
YES DEAR 2008
/o: )o ,ou ;u0ge Li!e<

Lessons on Li!e
( think this is beautiful because it is true. Enjoy.
There was a man who had four sons. "e wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too uickly.
So he sent them each on a uest% in turn% to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance
away.
The first son went in the winter% the second in the spring% the third in summer and the youngest
son in the fall.
When they had all gone and come back% he called them together to describe what they had
seen.
The first son said that the tree was ugly% bent% and twisted.
The second son said no% it was covered with green buds and full of promise.
The third son disagreedI he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so
beautiful% it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.
The last son disagreed with all of themI he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit% full of life and
fulfillment.
The man then e,plained to his sons that they were all right% because they had each seen but
only one season in the tree's life.
"e told them that you cannot judge a tree% or a person% by only one season% and that the
essence of who they are and the pleasure% joy% and love that come from that life can only be
measured at the end% when all the seasons are up.
(f you give up when it's winter% you will miss the promise of your spring% the beauty of your
summer% fulfillment of your fall.
Moral lessonsC
0on't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.
0on't judge life by one difficult season. 8ersevere through the difficult patches and better times
are sure to come some time later .
!!! Author 3nkno:n --- Sub%itte0 by ;ulie =eliciano --- "hillipines
YES DEAR 2008
*uil0ing Sel!-6stee%

So%eone -ho *elieve0 In Me
( was said to be the worst student and my family thought it would be a miracle if ( ever
did my matriculation% and ( believed it% but you can never be too sure in life. ( was
repeating class >( and during the same time a new teacher% #iss Sadia% joined our
school. She was our Social Studies teacher% a fresh graduate maybe% but her
intelligence was far beyond her physical age.
( was sitting in my classroom during our lunch break% as ( was in the habit of staying
alone. #iss Sadia had also stayed back after the class as she wanted to check our
copies. When she noticed that ( was still there she called me over to her desk and
began to talk to me. (t was just a normal conversation. After that day she gave
particular attention to me and it made me feel special. #y grades started to improve in
her subject and ( also began to feel happier. (t gave me the feeling that someone
believed in me.
A few months later% she moved into a block away from my home. We would walk
home together once in a while% after school. She always had something special to say
and was sure of me more than ( was of myself. "er constant support helped me%
especially my studies as ( always knew she would check my grades not just in her
subject but overall. ( came second in class and was promoted. &ut our relationship
continuedI she was always there and had time to listen to me% because she cared.
After class >(( she started to slowly drift away but did keep a constant check on me.
&y the time ( was in class () we hardly spoke but till then ( had changed for the better.
( did my matriculation and left my school. ( was out of touch with her as she was
hardly available over the phone. ( studied and studied. ( knew ( could do it as she had
implanted her trust and confidence deep inside me.
( completed my graduation and did my masters and one fine day our paths crossed
again. ( met her at a wedding. 5ike a child ( ran to her and hugged her with tears in
my eyes. ( began to tell her that ( had done my masters and how ( had missed her in
all these years.
After we e,changed small chit chats ( could not help asking her% *Why did you stop
talking to me2*
She held my hand and said% *( wanted you to be independent% you are complete and
you need not give credit to anyone for your success and your failures. ( wanted you to
take control of your life. ( wanted you to be a tree standing on your own roots% not
relying on others% and here you are%* she leaned forward% still holding my hand in hers
and kissed me on my forehead% saying% *( wanted you to move on and today ( am
proud of you.*
5ater that evening when we were e,changing our goodbyes she whispered in my ear%
*1ou are your inspiration% do not look for a shoulder*.
( could not say anything but smiled as ( only knew that she was my inspiration% and
would always be.
YES DEAR 2008
Success )oesn7t /appen 9vernight

A Long ;ourney to Success
5ife's many roads% lead us in many different directions on different paths%
/n these roads of travel we see new people% new things%
Everything appears to be perfect.
&ut% there shall come times when the road is long%
The journey seems rough and the new people%
8laces and things you once saw% are no longer around+
1ou stand alone.
Even though the road may then seem lonely% you keep pushing on !
8raying !
&elieving that *1es ( can% 1es ( will.*
And when no one else believes in you% you believe in yourself.
( know the road was hard% it was long !
&ecause ( traveled the same path.
So don't look back% just continue to push forward !
All that are in the way% move them out ! shun the negativity.
Stay head strong% thank 4od for everything !
Especially for this long harsh road.
&ecause it was simply
A long journey to success.
YES DEAR 2008
Mr. Cha%bless,
Thank ,ou Sir !or the Me%ories@

( remember it like it was yesterday. The year was DHA:. We were all around D:% DD or D=
years old. /ur hangout was the old &oy's .lub on south .hadbourne Street. (t's the current
triangular!shaped Station @DC building. There% we would meet the man that would change
us for the rest of our lives.
The club opened at @E9: p.m. and we'd get there around @E:: just to be the first in line to go
in. 1ou can just imagine what it must've been like for a bunch of unsupervised D: and D=
year olds to try and stay in line waiting impatiently for the club to open. (f you were lucky
enough to be first in line% you'd hold on tight to that big old door handle on the front door
and no one could pry you off.
From the back of the line someone would yell% *(t's #r. .hambless;* and our adrenaline
would kick in. /ur eyes would all light up as we'd see #r. .hambless driving up in his van.
"e was always in a good mood and he had the prettiest whistle ( had ever heard.
*"ello men% how's everyone2* he'd ask us as he walked up.
As a group he called us men% but if it was one on one% then he'd call you *son*. We all
thought that was cool.
( happened to be the first in line that day and ( didn't let go of that handle until the key to
unlock the door was on its way. "e turned it and swung open the door and the race was on.
/ne of our favorite games to play was billiards and we'd turn into a pack of wild buffalos as
we ran in% hoping to be one of the first to grab a pool stick. We all grew to love the sport and
became very good at it.
( remember names like Tommy 6ackson% 4eorge Aguero% 4on-alo 8ere-% 6esse Sanche-%
#oses 0uarte and his younger brothers #anuel% 8ico and 5ulo% 6ulian Suare-% "arold
5ope-% Sammy 0e"oyos% 0anny and Sammy >igil% Tony 5ope- and his brothers and last
but not least% my toughest competitor% <aul #uno-.
(t's hard to forget <aul because he and ( once played =D games of eight ball on a great big
old snooker table that was downstairs in the basement. (t ended DD to D: and to this day he
and ( can't remember who won. ( think he did.
There are some awesome memories going through my mind from years gone by. #emories
of a sacred place that kept us off the streets but more than that% memories of a man who
would make an impact in our lives by being there for us.
#r. .hambless told us one Friday evening to go home and get some rest for the trip to Si,
Flags over Te,as the ne,t day. We were so e,cited we couldn't sleep. ( think we even kept
my mom up because the ne,t morning around AE:: a.m. she came banging on our door%
yelling for us to get up. #r. .hambless was standing in our neighbor's backyard shouting
out our names that we were late. We're lucky he came for us that day.
( blame it all on 4on-alo 8ere-. "e used to spend the night over at our house we always
got in trouble because we were always laughing when it was time to go to bed. ( mean
some serious laughing. (n fact% ( saw him not too long ago and he said that an older
gentleman had commented to him how when we were growing up% 4od had given us
laughter to get past the hard times. With most of us coming from broken homes% ( do
remember living below the poverty level. 5ooking back% ( thank 4od that the laughter was
what taught us to overlook it.
#r. .hambless pulled a miracle that morning because we all made it safely to Si, Flags that
day. We didn't have any money to spend but ( do remember digging in to buckets of
Bentucky Fried .hicken that he bought for us to eat before we entered the park. We all had
a blast.
We all made it back in one piece and then one day% #r. .hambless asked me if ( wanted to
be on T> with him. "e said there was a lady by the name of 8at Attebery that wanted to
interview us about our trip.
"e didn't have to ask me twice. ( was a very nervous D:!year old as we sat down in front of
the camera. We went though the interview and passed it with flying colors. We left the T>
station in his little convertible with the top down. We were driving pass the old Edison 6r.
"igh school and it began to sprinkle. We got a red light and he started to pull the top up and
stopped. "e looked at me and ( looked at him and he said% */h% what the heck*% and he left
the top down. For that one split second ( felt like ( was on top of the world.
The time that he took us swimming at the Abilene State 8ark was e,citing for us all. (
remember there was this huge man that must've weighed at least 9:: lbs. at the deep end
of the pool. 5ittle by little he began bullying and threatening a few of us. We had no fear of
him because we had #r. .hambless.
( remember somebody commenting% *let's tell #r. .hambless% ( bet he can beat him up;*
Well% needless to say nobody beat anybody up that day. The man heard and saw our
fearless leader and instantly left us alone. ( don't think he wanted anything to do with our
muscular% body!building director that day. When he stood and crossed his arms% he was our
&u-- 5ight 1ear of today. "e was our hero and we all felt invincible knowing he was our
always our guardian angel.
We surprised him a number of years ago during one of the &oy's and 4irl's .lub Shining
Stars <ecognition 0inners. "is son Tony .hambless and ( tricked him into thinking that
Tony was getting an award and #r. .hambless had to be there for his son.
( made some phone calls and gathered up some of the *men* who grew up around this
man. ( had the pleasure of calling his name. "e was seated with all his family members
around him and uickly turned red as he stood up. ( began to share the fun memories that
he allowed us to have as young men.
( handed him a very nice plaue recogni-ing him for his many accomplishments in being a
part of our lives. "e certainly was a little overwhelmed as his emotions began to get the
better of him. ( stood there and began to feel the same way ( felt a number of years ago as
he and ( sat in the rain.
They say that what goes around comes around. ( believe that's the reason ( love children. (
carry a little bit of #r. .hambless with me today and ('m proud to say that ( learned it from
the best. To you Sir ( say% thank you for the wonderful memories% ('ll cherish them for the
rest of my life;
YES DEAR 2008
*elieve In ,oursel!

&elieve in yourself and you can achieve
Things you never thought possible
&elieve in yourself and you can discover
Talents new% that lie away hidden
&elieve in yourself and you can reach
3ew heights that you thought unscalable
&elieve in yourself and you can solve
8roblems that defy any solution
&elieve in yourself and you can conuer
Any situation% however difficult
&elieve in yourself and you can make
The most complicated things seem simple
&elieve in yourself and you can learn
The skills of gaining knowledge from e,perience
&elieve in yourself and you can enjoy
The beauty in nature's abundance
&elieve in yourself and you can perceive
3ew depths your senses can apprehend
&elieve in yourself and you can perform
Way beyond your e,pectations
&elieve in your goal and work towards it
With determination and dedication
&elieve in yourself and output enhance
&y contributing to a given situation
&elieve in yourself and you'll feel blessed
As 4od's very own special creation.
!!! Copyright D #88. Sharon "ires
YES DEAR 2008
*e a *eliever to be an Achiever
AuthorB )arvey ackay
The professor stood before his class of DE senior molecular biology students, about
to pass out the final e%am. 'I have been privileged to be your instructor this
semester, and I know how hard you have all worked to prepare for this test. I also
know most of you are off to medical school or grad school ne%t fall,' he said to them.
'I am well aware of how much pressure you are under to keep your /+As up, and
because I know you are all capable of understanding this material, I am prepared to
offer an automatic ',' to anyone who would prefer not to take the final.'
The relief was audible as a number of students jumped up to thank the professor and
departed from class. The professor looked at the handful of students who remained,
and offered again, 'Any other takers1 This is your last opportunity.' .ne more student
decided to go.
'even students remained. The professor closed the door and took attendance. Then
he handed out the final e%am. There were two sentences typed on the paperB
'?ongratulations, you have just received an 'A' in this class. Feep believing in
yourself.'
I never had a professor who gave a test like that. It may seem like the easy way out
of grading a bunch of e%ams, but it's a test that any teacher in any discipline could
and should give. 'tudents who don't have confidence in what they've learned are ','
students at best.
The same is true for students of real life. The 'A' students are those who believe in
what they're doing because they've learned from both successes and failures.
They've absorbed life's lessons, whether from formal education or the school of hard
knocks, and become better people.
Those are the people who you look for when you're hiring or promoting, and the ones
you keep if you're downsi(ing. 0our organisation needs their brand of thinking.
+sychologists say that by the age of two, GE percent of what we ever believe about
ourselves has been formed9 by age si%, HE percent, and at eight years, IE percent.
8ouldn't you love to have the energy and optimism of a little kid1 There is nothing
you couldn't do or learn or be.
,ut you're a big kid now, and you realise you have some limits. =on't let the biggest
limit be yourself. Take your cue from 'ir $dmund )illary, the first person to reach the
summit of ount $verestB 'It's not the mountain we con#uer, but ourselves.'
,elieving in yourself comes from knowing what you are really capable of doing. 8hen
it's your turn to step up to the plate, realise that you won't hit a homerun every
time. ,aseball superstar ickey antle struck out more than ;,JEE times, but it
didn't stop him from e%celling at baseball. )e believed in himself, and he knew his
fans believed in him.
'urround yourself with positive people 7 they know the importance of confidence and
will help you keep focused on what you can do instead of what you can't. 8ho you
surround yourself with is who you become.
&ever stop learning3 I would work this advice into every column if I could9 it's that
important. =on't limit yourself only to work7related classes, either. *earn everything
about every subject that you can. 8hen you know what you're talking about, it
shows.
,e very careful not to confuse confidence with a big ego. If you want people to
believe in you, you also have to believe in them. Understand well that those around
you also have much to contribute, and they deserve your support. 8ithout faith in
yourself and others, success is impossible.
At the end of a particularly frustrating practice one7day, a football coach dismissed
his players by yelling, '&ow all you idiots, go take a shower3' All but one player
headed toward the locker room. The coach glared at him and asked why he was still
there.
'0ou told all the idiots to go, 'ir,' the player replied, 'and there sure seems to be a lot
of them. ,ut I am not an idiot.'
?onfident1 0ou bet. And smart enough to coach that team some day.
Moral# ,elieve in yourself, even when no one else does.
YES DEAR 2008
The Secret o! /appiness
AuthorB 'teve ,runkhorst
The old man shuffled slowly into the restaurant. 8ith head tilted, and shoulders bent
forward, he leaned on his trusty cane with each unhurried step.
)is tattered cloth jacket, patched trousers, worn out shoes, and warm personality
made him stand out from the usual 'aturday morning breakfast crowd.
Unforgettable were his pale blue eyes that sparkled like diamonds, large rosy cheeks,
and thin lips held in a tight, steady smile.
)e stopped, turned with his whole body, and winked at a little girl seated by the
door. 'he flashed a big grin right back at him. A young waitress named ary
watched him shuffle toward a table by the window.
ary ran over to him, and said, >)ere, 'ir. *et me give you a hand with that chair.>
8ithout saying a word, he smiled and nodded a thank you. 'he pulled the chair away
from the table. 'teadying him with one arm, she helped him move in front of the
chair, and get comfortably seated. Then she scooted the table up close to him, and
leaned his cane against the table where he could reach it.
In a soft, clear voice he said, >Thank you, iss. And bless you for your kind
gestures.>
>0ou're welcome, 'ir.> 'he replied. >And my name is ary. I'll be back in a moment,
and if you need anything at all in the mean time, just wave at me3>
After he had finished a hearty meal of pancakes, bacon, and hot lemon tea, ary
brought him the change from his ticket. )e left it lay. 'he helped him up from his
chair, and out from behind the table. 'he handed him his cane, and walked with him
to the front door.
)olding the door open for him, she said, >?ome back and see us, 'ir3>
)e turned with his whole body, winked a smile, and nodded a thank you. >0ou are
very kind.> he said softly.
8hen ary went to clean his table, she almost fainted. Under his plate she found a
business card and a note scribbled on a napkin. Under the napkin was a one hundred
dollar bill.
The note on the napkin read...
"Dear Mary, I respect you very much, and you respect yourself too. It shows by the
way you treat others. You have found the secret of happness. Your knd !estures
wll shne throu!h those who meet you."
The man she had waited on was the owner of the restaurant where she worked. This
was the first time that she, or any of his employees had ever seen him in person.
YES DEAR 2008
A Friend is a Treasure
A friend is someone we turn to%
when our spirits need a lift.
A friend is someone we treasure%
for our friendship is a gift.
A friend is someone who fills our lives%
with beauty% joy and grace.
And make the world we live in%
a better and happier place.
Friendships come and Friendships go
5ike wave upon the sand
5ike day and night
5ike birds in flight
5ike snowflakes when they land
&ut you and ( are something else
/ur friendship's here to stay
5ike weeds and rocks and dirty socks
(t never goes away;
A &EST F<(E30
A best friend
is always there%
whether you need advice%
or a pep talk%
or even a shoulder to cry on.
A best friend
listens with her heart
and is always honest with you%
even though the truth
may not be
what you want to hear.
A best friend
knows all your secrets%
understands your fears
shares your dreams.
A best friend
never stops believing in you
even if you give up
on yourself.
A friend is a person
to laugh and cry with%
An inspiration%
Someone who lends a helping hand%
though friends may not be forever%
And they may not end up together%
the memories of a true friendship will
last forever.
A friend is not a shadow nor a servant
&ut someone who hold
a piece of a person in his heart.
Someone who shares a smile%
Someone who brightens up your day
What makes a person a friend2
(s by saying your 5ove will stay.
byE <enee donna &ufete
you are
that kind of friend
to me.
And no matter what happens%
you always will be.
1ou are my best friend....
my forever friend.
&yE <enee 0uvall
YES DEAR 2008

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