It's a little late...but I thought that it might be nice to wrap up the week with a little quote...
"Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave." -Mary Tyler Moore
And have a fabulous weekend.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
snow
"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make." Marian Wright Edelman
In light of this quote, I actually have an assignment for you...a way that you can make a small daily difference right now. Your assignment--make a snowflake.
To do this, go here: http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/index.html?id=3190692 --your snowflake will benefit the Salvation Army.
Virtual snow never looked so beautiful.
In light of this quote, I actually have an assignment for you...a way that you can make a small daily difference right now. Your assignment--make a snowflake.
To do this, go here: http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/index.html?id=3190692 --your snowflake will benefit the Salvation Army.
Virtual snow never looked so beautiful.
Friday, December 01, 2006
all you need is...
So, I think I am finally getting back into the swing of things after our little Thanksgiving break, and I finally have a quote for you:
"I lived what most people call the good life. I was happy, but deep inside I always felt that, with the short amount of time we are given to live and love in this world, we spend too much time loving things instead of people." --Antonia Brenner
I just thought this was a good thing to consider, as we are approaching the holiday season, when most of our attention tends to be focused on things: the gifts we want to receive, the gifts we want to give, etc. What would Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanzaa/Festivus/etc. look like, if the only thing we hoped to receive was love, and if the only thing we tried to give others was love?
I'll tell ya one thing, the traffic around the mall would be a heck of a lot lighter...and we would all be richer, in more ways than one...
"I lived what most people call the good life. I was happy, but deep inside I always felt that, with the short amount of time we are given to live and love in this world, we spend too much time loving things instead of people." --Antonia Brenner
I just thought this was a good thing to consider, as we are approaching the holiday season, when most of our attention tends to be focused on things: the gifts we want to receive, the gifts we want to give, etc. What would Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanzaa/Festivus/etc. look like, if the only thing we hoped to receive was love, and if the only thing we tried to give others was love?
I'll tell ya one thing, the traffic around the mall would be a heck of a lot lighter...and we would all be richer, in more ways than one...
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
show it
Some of you may have seen the new St. Jude Children's Hospital celebrity-filled commercials, part of their new "Thanks and Giving" campaign. I like the quote at the end of the commercial, when Marlo Thomas says,
"Give thanks for the healthy children in your life, and give to those who are not."
You hear a lot about giving thanks this time of year, but I appreciate that this encouragement to give thanks also includes a call to action. I like to think that giving thanks should always be followed by showing thanks. If you are thankful for something, you should show it. We shouldn't just acknowledge our own thankfulness for something, we should do something to express the gratitude we feel.
So, let's turn this Thanksgiving into a Thankshowing.
And to show my thanks for all of you, I will eat an extra pice of tofurkey in your honor. :)
"Give thanks for the healthy children in your life, and give to those who are not."
You hear a lot about giving thanks this time of year, but I appreciate that this encouragement to give thanks also includes a call to action. I like to think that giving thanks should always be followed by showing thanks. If you are thankful for something, you should show it. We shouldn't just acknowledge our own thankfulness for something, we should do something to express the gratitude we feel.
So, let's turn this Thanksgiving into a Thankshowing.
And to show my thanks for all of you, I will eat an extra pice of tofurkey in your honor. :)
Thursday, November 16, 2006
a perfect day
I choose the following quote in light of service learning day tomorrow:
"You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." -John Wooden
I think that this exemplifies service at its finest...when you do something for someone knowing that you will likely, even certainly, never be repaid or rewarded.
So while you are landscaping at the park, or feeding the homeless, or tutoring kids tomorrow...realize that you have the makings of a perfect day.
Have a great one!
"You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." -John Wooden
I think that this exemplifies service at its finest...when you do something for someone knowing that you will likely, even certainly, never be repaid or rewarded.
So while you are landscaping at the park, or feeding the homeless, or tutoring kids tomorrow...realize that you have the makings of a perfect day.
Have a great one!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
whatchew whan?
So I got my Baylor alumni magazine, and there was an article in it about the new renovation they just did to the student center and cafe/grille, and it made me remember the lady that worked in the grille. Her name was Ms. Kitty, and she was a spunky, older lady who always greeted you with the same question, "Whatchew whan?" (translation: what do you want).
So, I thought I would choose that as the quote of the day, "Whatchew whan?" (compliments of Ms. Kitty)
And, you can take that question two ways-- what do you want (in the sense of: what do you hope for, long for, wish for) or, what do you want (in the sense of what do you think you lack, what makes you feel incomplete, etc.)?
So those are just a couple of questions to think about (hey, it's nasty rainy outside, what else do you have to do besides sit inside and think about random things?)
Have a good afternoon!
So, I thought I would choose that as the quote of the day, "Whatchew whan?" (compliments of Ms. Kitty)
And, you can take that question two ways-- what do you want (in the sense of: what do you hope for, long for, wish for) or, what do you want (in the sense of what do you think you lack, what makes you feel incomplete, etc.)?
So those are just a couple of questions to think about (hey, it's nasty rainy outside, what else do you have to do besides sit inside and think about random things?)
Have a good afternoon!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
bored?
"I know that all my life I have been very fortunate in being very interested, completely interested, in living, in seeing, listening, experiencing, imagining; I've never been bored in my life." --William Faulkner
"I'm bored" seems to be a pretty common lament in life...but I like the attitude expressed in Faulkner's quote. If we are bored, it is because we choose to be...there is so much to be found in life that is interesting, amusing, and amazing-- it is truly only our own fault if we don't seek it out.
Seek out the exciting and unusual in the everyday, and you will never be bored again!
"I'm bored" seems to be a pretty common lament in life...but I like the attitude expressed in Faulkner's quote. If we are bored, it is because we choose to be...there is so much to be found in life that is interesting, amusing, and amazing-- it is truly only our own fault if we don't seek it out.
Seek out the exciting and unusual in the everyday, and you will never be bored again!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
start counting
"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have." -Anonymous
I don't know why...but today seems like a really good day to be counting blessings.
How much do you already have?
I don't know why...but today seems like a really good day to be counting blessings.
How much do you already have?
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
gratitude
I am back from Florida. And it was fabulous. I wish I could have stayed longer--maybe until Christmas break.
Here's a new quote for you:
"It's a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation." -Roberto Benigni
I don't know how many of you are familiar with Roberto Benigni, but he is an Italian director/actor who created the movie "Life is Beautiful" (if you have never seen this movie, you need to stop right now, go to your Netflix account, and put it at #1 in your queue immediately.) He received an Oscar for the film, and he delivered what was quite possibly one of the best acceptance speeches ever. He was so excited, I thought he was going to explode. He was a huge bumbling ball of energy and gratitude that seemed ready to spontaneously combust with happiness. I have never before, or ever since, seen someone so grateful and happy to receive something.
It was truly beautiful. And I think it's a great model for us in how we show our appreciation to others.
Have a wonderfully wet Tuesday.
Here's a new quote for you:
"It's a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation." -Roberto Benigni
I don't know how many of you are familiar with Roberto Benigni, but he is an Italian director/actor who created the movie "Life is Beautiful" (if you have never seen this movie, you need to stop right now, go to your Netflix account, and put it at #1 in your queue immediately.) He received an Oscar for the film, and he delivered what was quite possibly one of the best acceptance speeches ever. He was so excited, I thought he was going to explode. He was a huge bumbling ball of energy and gratitude that seemed ready to spontaneously combust with happiness. I have never before, or ever since, seen someone so grateful and happy to receive something.
It was truly beautiful. And I think it's a great model for us in how we show our appreciation to others.
Have a wonderfully wet Tuesday.
Monday, October 30, 2006
not...but...
"It is not what we read, but what we remember that makes us learned. It is not what we intend but what we do that makes us useful. And, it is not a few faint wishes but a lifelong struggle that makes us valiant." -Henry Ward Beecher
Have a great Monday!
Have a great Monday!
Friday, October 27, 2006
an inner summer
"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer." --Albert Camus
On days like today, you kind of have to live off of the summer you have inside of you.
Enjoy your Friday, and have a fabulous weekend!
On days like today, you kind of have to live off of the summer you have inside of you.
Enjoy your Friday, and have a fabulous weekend!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
left behind
"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."- Albert Pike
Rainy cold days like today are perfect opportunities for coffee talk. So, grab a cup of coffee and talk amongst yourselves...I'll give you a topic: What kind of legacy do you want to leave when you leave this world?
Yeah, we're going a little deep for a Wednesday...
Rainy cold days like today are perfect opportunities for coffee talk. So, grab a cup of coffee and talk amongst yourselves...I'll give you a topic: What kind of legacy do you want to leave when you leave this world?
Yeah, we're going a little deep for a Wednesday...
Friday, October 20, 2006
haulin'
My daddy always told me to just do the best you knew how and tell the truth. He said there was nothin to set a man's mind at ease like wakin up in the morning and not havin to decide who you were. And if you done somethin wrong just stand up and say you done it and say you're sorry and get on with it. Dont haul stuff around with you.- Cormac McCarthy, No Country for Old Men
Good advice for a Friday (and anyday). Unburden yourself. Don't haul stuff around. And have a fantabulous weekend.
Good advice for a Friday (and anyday). Unburden yourself. Don't haul stuff around. And have a fantabulous weekend.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
being big
I promise, I have not fallen in a hole. Here is your quote of the day:
Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high, look it squarely in the eye and say, “I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.” –Ann Landers
While I am a little embarrassed to be quoting a cheesy advice columnist, I like this statement. I think we sometimes like to believe that trouble is avoidable--that if we walk a straight enough line or mind all our p's and q's-- we can manage to keep trouble at a minimum. But, a little trouble is inevitable in every life. What matters is how we choose to deal with it when it comes. Will we bow down under the strain and let it defeat us? Or will we stand tall and be bigger than whatever it is we face?
Be BIG.
Not defeated.
And have a wonderful day.
Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high, look it squarely in the eye and say, “I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.” –Ann Landers
While I am a little embarrassed to be quoting a cheesy advice columnist, I like this statement. I think we sometimes like to believe that trouble is avoidable--that if we walk a straight enough line or mind all our p's and q's-- we can manage to keep trouble at a minimum. But, a little trouble is inevitable in every life. What matters is how we choose to deal with it when it comes. Will we bow down under the strain and let it defeat us? Or will we stand tall and be bigger than whatever it is we face?
Be BIG.
Not defeated.
And have a wonderful day.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
magic
"When I look back on my ordinary, ordinary life...I see so much magic though I missed it at the time." -Jamie Cullum
So I talked to my 5 year old niece on the phone last night, and she was telling me all about their recent trip to Disneyworld-- having breakfast with Mickey and his friends, falling in love with the dolphins at Sea World, being brave and riding Splash Mountain three times-- and how she can't wait for Halloween because she gets to dress up as the Little Mermaid and spray her hair bright red. I could actually hear the excitement and energy in her voice-- she was practically bubbling over with giddyness. And it occurred to me...when you are 5 years old, everything is still magic. Through her bright, youthful eyes, she sees everything with a hint of fairy-dust...she is still touched by the wonder and awe of life.
So today, I challenge you to approach life as a 5-year old.
Don't miss the magic.
And have a wonderful day.
So I talked to my 5 year old niece on the phone last night, and she was telling me all about their recent trip to Disneyworld-- having breakfast with Mickey and his friends, falling in love with the dolphins at Sea World, being brave and riding Splash Mountain three times-- and how she can't wait for Halloween because she gets to dress up as the Little Mermaid and spray her hair bright red. I could actually hear the excitement and energy in her voice-- she was practically bubbling over with giddyness. And it occurred to me...when you are 5 years old, everything is still magic. Through her bright, youthful eyes, she sees everything with a hint of fairy-dust...she is still touched by the wonder and awe of life.
So today, I challenge you to approach life as a 5-year old.
Don't miss the magic.
And have a wonderful day.
Monday, October 09, 2006
scars
Ok, I'm determined not to leave you hanging another day without a quote...sorry that they have been so spotty lately--- instead of a "Quote of the Day", they have been more of a "Quote of the Occasional Moment When I Have a Chance to Do Something Other than Work." So, here you go:
"Scars have the strange power to remind us that our past is real." -Cormac McCarthy
It's funny-- there are some scars that we carry that we will show off proudly--almost like war wounds or signs of valor, and there are other scars that we hide in shame, afraid that they will be judged somehow. But no matter what kind of scars we have, literal or figurative, they all carry a story-- they remind us of something we survived, something that hopefully made us stronger.
Just a little philosophical observation on a Monday in which I am feeling very aware of my scars.
"Scars have the strange power to remind us that our past is real." -Cormac McCarthy
It's funny-- there are some scars that we carry that we will show off proudly--almost like war wounds or signs of valor, and there are other scars that we hide in shame, afraid that they will be judged somehow. But no matter what kind of scars we have, literal or figurative, they all carry a story-- they remind us of something we survived, something that hopefully made us stronger.
Just a little philosophical observation on a Monday in which I am feeling very aware of my scars.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
better
I just came across this quote today and loved it:
"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier." --Mother Teresa
What a great quote to adopt as a life motto...I think I just might make it my own.
Have a terrific Thursday!
"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier." --Mother Teresa
What a great quote to adopt as a life motto...I think I just might make it my own.
Have a terrific Thursday!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
right now
“What are you waiting for?” – Lope De Vega
It seems simple, and I am sure that there are many other people who have said this besides Mr. De Vega...but if you really think about it (and I mean REALLY think about it), it's a great question. How many of us live our lives in the future? How many times do we find ourselves thinking things like "I'll be happy when I have this" or "I'll be able to rest once I reach that." It seems like we're always waiting on something before we think we can really begin our lives...when I have a car, after I graduate, once I'm married...but what if we took the advice of another quote...
“Now is the time to live your ideal life.” - Cousineau
Why not live your life today? What holds you back from being able to enjoy your life completely, right now, in this moment?
What are you waiting for?
It seems simple, and I am sure that there are many other people who have said this besides Mr. De Vega...but if you really think about it (and I mean REALLY think about it), it's a great question. How many of us live our lives in the future? How many times do we find ourselves thinking things like "I'll be happy when I have this" or "I'll be able to rest once I reach that." It seems like we're always waiting on something before we think we can really begin our lives...when I have a car, after I graduate, once I'm married...but what if we took the advice of another quote...
“Now is the time to live your ideal life.” - Cousineau
Why not live your life today? What holds you back from being able to enjoy your life completely, right now, in this moment?
What are you waiting for?
Monday, October 02, 2006
bring out the best
Last week was a little bit crazy, and I missed out on a few QOTD's...so I apologize if I caused you any withdrawal symptoms. Here's your fix for today:
"The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. Great necessities call out great virtues." --Abigail Adams
Sometimes, we don't realize how strong we are until we are in a situation that forces us to be strong-- and this is true with many other qualities as well. The worst circumstances can actually bring out the best in us.
What have difficult situations taught you about yourself? Just a question to think about as we begin a new month...
"The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. Great necessities call out great virtues." --Abigail Adams
Sometimes, we don't realize how strong we are until we are in a situation that forces us to be strong-- and this is true with many other qualities as well. The worst circumstances can actually bring out the best in us.
What have difficult situations taught you about yourself? Just a question to think about as we begin a new month...
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
better with age
I have quite a few friends who have birthdays in September/October, so I've spent a lot of time looking at cards lately. I liked the quote on one that I bought:
"The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been." -Madeleine L'Engle
It's true-- every year brings a new adventure...but you get to carry with you the memories, wisdom, and stories gained from all your other years of living. It's kind of a cool thing. Maybe that's why it doesn't really bother me that I'm turning 30 in a couple of months...because I know, somewhere in my heart, there's a part of me that is still 14.
Have a wonder-full day.
"The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been." -Madeleine L'Engle
It's true-- every year brings a new adventure...but you get to carry with you the memories, wisdom, and stories gained from all your other years of living. It's kind of a cool thing. Maybe that's why it doesn't really bother me that I'm turning 30 in a couple of months...because I know, somewhere in my heart, there's a part of me that is still 14.
Have a wonder-full day.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
hope revisited
Yesterday was not such a good day...it was a Monday in every sense of the word. I totally should have worn my "I'm having a day" shirt. But, I'm a look-on-the-bright-side kind of person, so here's the quote for today:
". . . hope is a renewable option--we use it up by the end of the day, but we can still get up the next morning and put it on again and start over." -Barbara Kingsolver
So regardless of what kind of day you had yesterday or today, tomorrow, you can wake up and put on your hope shirt.
Have a great one.
". . . hope is a renewable option--we use it up by the end of the day, but we can still get up the next morning and put it on again and start over." -Barbara Kingsolver
So regardless of what kind of day you had yesterday or today, tomorrow, you can wake up and put on your hope shirt.
Have a great one.
Friday, September 22, 2006
shoes
I'm so glad it's Friday...when I woke up this morning, I thought I heard a faint chorus of "halleluiah"...of course, maybe that's because the realization hit me that it was a casual dress day.
Since it is a fun, casual Friday, I thought we might go with a lighter quote today:
"Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. After that, who cares? ...He's a mile away and you've got his shoes."~Billy Connolly
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Since it is a fun, casual Friday, I thought we might go with a lighter quote today:
"Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. After that, who cares? ...He's a mile away and you've got his shoes."~Billy Connolly
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
a thorn in your Thursday?
"In all life one should comfort the afflicted, but verily, also, one should afflict the comfortable, and especially when they are comfortably, contentedly, even happily wrong." -John Kenneth Galbraith
It's not always bad to be the thorn in someone's side....especially if that person needs a thorn in the side...if you know what I'm sayin'...
Be happy...it's Thursday...and you know what that means? Tomorrow is Friday :)
It's not always bad to be the thorn in someone's side....especially if that person needs a thorn in the side...if you know what I'm sayin'...
Be happy...it's Thursday...and you know what that means? Tomorrow is Friday :)
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
this day
It is an absolutely gorgeous Wednesday. I love this season...the weather is perfect, the air is crisp, and autumn colors make me happy.
I'm in a very "seize the day" kind of mood, so here's your quote:
"It is hard to remember that this day will never come again. That the time is now and the place is here and that there are no second chances at a single moment." - Jeanette Winterson, The Passion
Enjoy this amazing day!
I'm in a very "seize the day" kind of mood, so here's your quote:
"It is hard to remember that this day will never come again. That the time is now and the place is here and that there are no second chances at a single moment." - Jeanette Winterson, The Passion
Enjoy this amazing day!
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
magnificent
". . . there's something else I want you always to remember. There are magnificent beings on this earth, son, that are walking around posing as humans. And I don't want you to forget that. You hear me?" --Fannie Flagg, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café
Today, look for the magnificence in others...and have a terrific Tuesday. :)
Today, look for the magnificence in others...and have a terrific Tuesday. :)
Monday, September 18, 2006
that's the question...
"You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions." -Mahfouz Naguib
Don't worry so much about having the right answers...think, instead, about asking the right questions.
And if any of you can tell me how to pronounce the name of the person who gave us this quote, I would be thoroughly impressed. Of course, I wouldn't be able to tell you if you were right.
Have a great Monday!
Don't worry so much about having the right answers...think, instead, about asking the right questions.
And if any of you can tell me how to pronounce the name of the person who gave us this quote, I would be thoroughly impressed. Of course, I wouldn't be able to tell you if you were right.
Have a great Monday!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
the gift of giving
"What I spent is gone; what I kept, I lost; but what I gave away is mine forever." –Ethel Andrus
So I bought a keychain the other day that simply says, "Give more." Two little words, but to me, they said so much. I started to think about all the different ways I could give more...
Give more...time to my friends and family
Give more...money to help support organizations and causes I believe in
Give more...encouragement to people around me
Give more...thanks to those who help me
Give more...smiles to people I encounter every day
Give more...hugs
What do you have to give?
Give more.
And I promise that you will find yourself richer.
So I bought a keychain the other day that simply says, "Give more." Two little words, but to me, they said so much. I started to think about all the different ways I could give more...
Give more...time to my friends and family
Give more...money to help support organizations and causes I believe in
Give more...encouragement to people around me
Give more...thanks to those who help me
Give more...smiles to people I encounter every day
Give more...hugs
What do you have to give?
Give more.
And I promise that you will find yourself richer.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
balcony people
I'm running a little late on the QOTD today, so maybe this will be some inspiration (or a little study break) as you are working on homework:
"Our chief want in life is somebody who shall make us do what we can." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do you have individuals in your life who challenge you to be a better person-- people who encourage you to greater heights? Or better yet, are you this person to others?
My mom calls these kinds of people "balcony people." I'll explain later...
In the meantime, ponder, and enjoy the rest of this rainy Tuesday!
"Our chief want in life is somebody who shall make us do what we can." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do you have individuals in your life who challenge you to be a better person-- people who encourage you to greater heights? Or better yet, are you this person to others?
My mom calls these kinds of people "balcony people." I'll explain later...
In the meantime, ponder, and enjoy the rest of this rainy Tuesday!
Monday, September 11, 2006
hope
It is Monday, and it is September 11th, but it feels like a better day. Renewed hope is a beautiful thing...
In light of today's anniversary, I have chosen the following quote from one of my favorite orators in history:
"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant." -MLK Jr.
And we press on...
In light of today's anniversary, I have chosen the following quote from one of my favorite orators in history:
"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant." -MLK Jr.
And we press on...
Friday, September 08, 2006
the heart
Have you ever felt like there was a tug-of-war going on in your heart? That's been my week...well, ok, my last three weeks, but who's counting?
"Few people know so clearly what they want. Most people can't even think what to hope for when they throw a penny in a fountain." -Barbara Kingsolver
Sometimes, defining the hopes and dreams of our hearts can be one of the most difficult things. What do you wish for?
Ponder, and have a fabulous and restful weekend...
"Few people know so clearly what they want. Most people can't even think what to hope for when they throw a penny in a fountain." -Barbara Kingsolver
Sometimes, defining the hopes and dreams of our hearts can be one of the most difficult things. What do you wish for?
Ponder, and have a fabulous and restful weekend...
Thursday, September 07, 2006
just try
"I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it." -Pablo Picasso
Try something new.
And have a great day.
Try something new.
And have a great day.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
the little things
So yesterday was super-hectic, and I completely flaked on the quote of the day-- I didn't even realize it until I ran into Ellie yesterday afternoon. My brain is fried--I worked from 8am until 11pm, and today is looking like a long day as well.
So, how about something inspiring? I know I could use it...
"I have never been especially impressed by the heroics of people convinced that they are about to change the world. I am more awed by those who struggle to make one small difference after another." -Ellen Goodman
Sometimes, we may be tempted to think that our lives are small, or we may wonder if what we are doing really matters...or even if we really matter. And the answer is, yes. Little things can make a big difference. The power of one is a reality. We aren't required to move mountains-- but we are called to consider what we can do, with what we have, where we are. So, I challenge you to think about something you could do today...one simple, small thing...to make a difference.
And have a wonderful Wednesday!
So, how about something inspiring? I know I could use it...
"I have never been especially impressed by the heroics of people convinced that they are about to change the world. I am more awed by those who struggle to make one small difference after another." -Ellen Goodman
Sometimes, we may be tempted to think that our lives are small, or we may wonder if what we are doing really matters...or even if we really matter. And the answer is, yes. Little things can make a big difference. The power of one is a reality. We aren't required to move mountains-- but we are called to consider what we can do, with what we have, where we are. So, I challenge you to think about something you could do today...one simple, small thing...to make a difference.
And have a wonderful Wednesday!
Friday, September 01, 2006
ecstatic
Today's quote must stand alone...my time is limited, because I'm leaving at 1:00 to drive to Chattanooga for the long weekend...
"The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience." –Emily Dickinson
Have yourselves a merry little labor day weekend, and grab on to those ecstatic experiences!
"The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience." –Emily Dickinson
Have yourselves a merry little labor day weekend, and grab on to those ecstatic experiences!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
best time of day
Today's quote comes from one of my favorite artists, Brian Andreas, who creates Story People (www.storypeople.com). It also relates to yesterday's quote:
"I've always liked the time before dawn, because there's no one around to remind me who I'm supposed to be, so it's easier to remember who I am."
I love that moment, after my alarm has gone off (and I've pressed snooze a few times), where I can just lie there for a few minutes and soak in the morning light coming through the window...I don't yet feel rushed, and the events of the day aren't weighing on me, and I enjoy the beauty of a new day that is fresh with possibilities. To me, it's one of the most peaceful moments...
What is your favorite time of day?
"I've always liked the time before dawn, because there's no one around to remind me who I'm supposed to be, so it's easier to remember who I am."
I love that moment, after my alarm has gone off (and I've pressed snooze a few times), where I can just lie there for a few minutes and soak in the morning light coming through the window...I don't yet feel rushed, and the events of the day aren't weighing on me, and I enjoy the beauty of a new day that is fresh with possibilities. To me, it's one of the most peaceful moments...
What is your favorite time of day?
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
the man in the mirror
Today's quote is simple, direct, and often difficult to embrace:
"What you think of yourself is much more important than what others think of you." --Seneca
As we come back to places like school, work, etc., it is easy to fall back into the roles and identities that other people have created for us. Too often, when we look in the mirror at ourselves, we see a reflection of other people's opinions of us...we base our own perception of ourselves on the messages we get from others on how beautiful, how intelligent, or how talented we are.
So, the challenge of the day (hey, it's Wednesday bonus day-- you don't just get a quote, you get a challenge, too!) is to step outside of the expectations and definitions that other people have of you. Try to go an entire day without having thoughts like, "I wonder if anyone notices this lovely new zit on my chin," or "Will everyone at the table think I'm a hoss if I eat a third eggroll?' or "I think I know the answer, but I don't want to speak up, 'cause if I'm wrong, I'll look dumb." Live as you would if no one was watching.
Just be true to yourself, and love the self that you are.
And with that very Oprah-esque statement, I will close. Have a wonderful day!
"What you think of yourself is much more important than what others think of you." --Seneca
As we come back to places like school, work, etc., it is easy to fall back into the roles and identities that other people have created for us. Too often, when we look in the mirror at ourselves, we see a reflection of other people's opinions of us...we base our own perception of ourselves on the messages we get from others on how beautiful, how intelligent, or how talented we are.
So, the challenge of the day (hey, it's Wednesday bonus day-- you don't just get a quote, you get a challenge, too!) is to step outside of the expectations and definitions that other people have of you. Try to go an entire day without having thoughts like, "I wonder if anyone notices this lovely new zit on my chin," or "Will everyone at the table think I'm a hoss if I eat a third eggroll?' or "I think I know the answer, but I don't want to speak up, 'cause if I'm wrong, I'll look dumb." Live as you would if no one was watching.
Just be true to yourself, and love the self that you are.
And with that very Oprah-esque statement, I will close. Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
how not to...
Based on the responses that I have received from some of you, it seems like there have already been some rough days in the past couple of weeks. So, I thought I would go with a look-on-the-bright-side kind of quote:
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." -Thomas Edison
In everything, there is a lesson. In every moment, there is opportunity-- an opportunity to grow, an opportunity to learn (even if it is learning the exact way not to do something!) Sometimes, it is good to remind ourselves that our "failures" may just be the stepping stones to success...
Have a great one!
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." -Thomas Edison
In everything, there is a lesson. In every moment, there is opportunity-- an opportunity to grow, an opportunity to learn (even if it is learning the exact way not to do something!) Sometimes, it is good to remind ourselves that our "failures" may just be the stepping stones to success...
Have a great one!
a new year of quotes
So you have now survived your first full week of school...you've learned where all your new classes are and have ownership of your laptops once again...you made it through the retreats and college summit, and you helped cheer on your football team to their first victory of the year. Everything is falling into place...but maybe, in the back of your mind, you are thinking, "Hmmmm...something's not right. Something is just...missing."
Sigh. I understand. Life just isn't the same without a quote of the day, is it?
Soooo...beginning this week, Coach T's "quote of the day" emails will commence. Sometimes they will be funny, sometimes poignant, and often thought-provoking...sometimes with added commentary (depending on how inspired I feel that day).
If you would like to begin receiving these "quote of the day" emails, just respond to this email and let me know. Just say something like: hey coach t...haha...like, i am sooo excited u r gonna send these quotes again...haha...it's totally cool...sign me up...haha.
And it doesn't have to be lax-exclusive...if any of your friends are interested, they are welcome to sign up, too. I'm all about spreading the quote love...
Sigh. I understand. Life just isn't the same without a quote of the day, is it?
Soooo...beginning this week, Coach T's "quote of the day" emails will commence. Sometimes they will be funny, sometimes poignant, and often thought-provoking...sometimes with added commentary (depending on how inspired I feel that day).
If you would like to begin receiving these "quote of the day" emails, just respond to this email and let me know. Just say something like: hey coach t...haha...like, i am sooo excited u r gonna send these quotes again...haha...it's totally cool...sign me up...haha.
And it doesn't have to be lax-exclusive...if any of your friends are interested, they are welcome to sign up, too. I'm all about spreading the quote love...
Thursday, August 24, 2006
i feel robbed...
Well, apparently, as we were going about our business today, the universe changed on us. After being declared a planet almost 76 years ago, Pluto was stripped of its planetary status. There are now only eight. Millions of science textbooks just became obsolete...
Just like that (insert sound of me snapping my fingers here), the standards have changed. Should I be worried? Will I one day receive a call from Vandy, saying, "I'm sorry, but based on our new standards, you are no longer considered a college graduate..."
My question is, what will they use for the new rhyme to help teach students the planets? "My very educated mother just served us Nestea?" Hmmm...
Just like that (insert sound of me snapping my fingers here), the standards have changed. Should I be worried? Will I one day receive a call from Vandy, saying, "I'm sorry, but based on our new standards, you are no longer considered a college graduate..."
My question is, what will they use for the new rhyme to help teach students the planets? "My very educated mother just served us Nestea?" Hmmm...
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
the last
I guess you could say that I have been on an environmental kick lately...although I don't like to use the word "kick", because it implies something that is short-lived, temporary...so I'll say that it is a renewed awareness.
At any rate, I thought that this quote/proverb was very striking, so here it is:
"Only When the Last Tree Has Died and the Last River Has Been Poisoned and the Last Fish has Been Caught, Will We Realize That We Cannot Eat Money"- Cree Indian Proverb
At any rate, I thought that this quote/proverb was very striking, so here it is:
"Only When the Last Tree Has Died and the Last River Has Been Poisoned and the Last Fish has Been Caught, Will We Realize That We Cannot Eat Money"- Cree Indian Proverb
Thursday, August 03, 2006
thinking globally
If you don't know what it means, go to climatecrisis.org or stopglobalwarming.org.
It's for real, yo.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
two options
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." -Albert Einstein
I prefer the second option.
I prefer the second option.
Monday, July 17, 2006
beauty
Wow.
I just got back from a week of vacation...most of which I spent outdoors in some capacity. I canoed and camped on Lake Santeelah in North Carolina and hiked through Joyce Kilmer National Forest, with the huge virgin timber relatively untouched by man. Then, I ventured out to Colorado, where I went rock-climbing in Clear Creek Canyon and hiked to the top of a fourteener, Gray's peak, where snow still graces the peaks in mid-July, and at the summit you have an incredible view that stretches for miles (and would probably stretch even further, were it not for the veil of smog from nearby cities). It was, in a very limited word, glorious.
And it reminded me...we are surrounded by beauty. Breath-taking, awe-inspiring, magnificent beauty. And it isn't just found in the clear lakes of North Carolina or the mountains of Colorado...it is everywhere. But, we take it for granted...we pass by beauty everyday, too often distracted or trapped in a fog of our own making to notice.
But whether or not we appreciate it, it is there. A gift. An unnecessary gift from a benevolent creator. Open your eyes and breathe in. Don't wait for a vacation to seek it out.
Behold beauty.
Monday, June 19, 2006
unexpected
It has been an unexpected week (well, the week itself was not unexpected, but the events of the week were), so I have chosen the quote for today accordingly.
There is a popular American proverb that people like to quote, especially when something unexpected (and usually unwanted) happens:
"Everything happens for a reason."
And these words can begin to sound very trite, like a bit of canned comfort food, which isn't really very comforting at all. The intent is well-meaning, but the words are seemingly empty...because really, don't we want to know what that reason is?
So, I add a second quote to accompany the proverb:
"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble."-Plautus
I think that, taken together, these quotes become more meaningful. If we have patience in the midst of the trouble or unexpected events, we often discover the reason or need for what has happened...or, even if the reason never becomes clear to us, we may at least find the good that can come of the situation.
Lord, grant me patience.
And with patience, let there be peace.
There is a popular American proverb that people like to quote, especially when something unexpected (and usually unwanted) happens:
"Everything happens for a reason."
And these words can begin to sound very trite, like a bit of canned comfort food, which isn't really very comforting at all. The intent is well-meaning, but the words are seemingly empty...because really, don't we want to know what that reason is?
So, I add a second quote to accompany the proverb:
"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble."-Plautus
I think that, taken together, these quotes become more meaningful. If we have patience in the midst of the trouble or unexpected events, we often discover the reason or need for what has happened...or, even if the reason never becomes clear to us, we may at least find the good that can come of the situation.
Lord, grant me patience.
And with patience, let there be peace.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
largeness
I decided to pick a random quote today, because I'm feeling a little goofy. So, the quote for the day is:
"Never eat more than you can lift." -Miss Piggy (somehow, I think she didn't always follow her own advice...but I digress)
I picked this quote in honor of the fact that I just pulled a gargantuan zucchini out of my garden the other day...I mean, it was huge. It was practically an exact replica of Captain Caveman's club (I resisted the urge to hold it over my head and yell "Captain Caaaaaaaveman"...I thought it might frighten my next door neighbor's chihuahua too much. Chihuahuas are already really nervous dogs, so the sight of a tall human waving an enormous zucchini over her head and yelling might be just a little too much for the little dog to take). So, I abstained from my classic cartoon figure impersonation, and instead took the zucchini inside and chopped up some of it to sautee with a little garlic and olive oil.
I think I will be eating on it for a week. Zucchini pancakes, anyone?
"Never eat more than you can lift." -Miss Piggy (somehow, I think she didn't always follow her own advice...but I digress)
I picked this quote in honor of the fact that I just pulled a gargantuan zucchini out of my garden the other day...I mean, it was huge. It was practically an exact replica of Captain Caveman's club (I resisted the urge to hold it over my head and yell "Captain Caaaaaaaveman"...I thought it might frighten my next door neighbor's chihuahua too much. Chihuahuas are already really nervous dogs, so the sight of a tall human waving an enormous zucchini over her head and yelling might be just a little too much for the little dog to take). So, I abstained from my classic cartoon figure impersonation, and instead took the zucchini inside and chopped up some of it to sautee with a little garlic and olive oil.
I think I will be eating on it for a week. Zucchini pancakes, anyone?
Thursday, June 08, 2006
contentment
It happened again today. I was sitting in my office, not really doing anything out of the ordinary, when it struck me. I feel content. Every now and then, and perhaps even in the oddest of times, this feeling of contentment will come over me. Sometimes, it is brief and fleeting, like a butterfly flitting in and out of my soul...while other times, the feeling comes and sits for a while in my heart.
All is well. Life is good. Things are as they should be. Be still. Enjoy. Savor this moment.
And so, I decided to do a quote search on contentment, and this is one I found:
"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have." -Anonymous
So the challenge for the day is to take your focus off of the things that you think you want or need right now, and instead, look long and hard at what you already have. Stop thinking, just for a moment, about where you are trying to go or where you think you should be, and instead, look around and enjoy the beauty of where you are in this moment. Count those blessings. Look at how full the glass is (if your perspective is right, it might even seem to be overflowing). Perform an inventory on your life and your heart.
And don't be too surprised if you begin to feel the fluttering of contentment in your own soul...
All is well. Life is good. Things are as they should be. Be still. Enjoy. Savor this moment.
And so, I decided to do a quote search on contentment, and this is one I found:
"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have." -Anonymous
So the challenge for the day is to take your focus off of the things that you think you want or need right now, and instead, look long and hard at what you already have. Stop thinking, just for a moment, about where you are trying to go or where you think you should be, and instead, look around and enjoy the beauty of where you are in this moment. Count those blessings. Look at how full the glass is (if your perspective is right, it might even seem to be overflowing). Perform an inventory on your life and your heart.
And don't be too surprised if you begin to feel the fluttering of contentment in your own soul...
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
satisfaction
I'm feeling a posting moment. Perhaps it is because my lunch was not so satisying, so I am trying to find other ways to satisfy myself right now. (side note: Summer lunches in elementary schools are not exactly exciting...unless, of course, you get excited by freeze-fried hamburgers and 5-day-old pecan pie...in which case, I am very sorry for you).
I don't know if today's quote is really a quote...it's more of a prayer that has come across my path a few times, and I liked it so much that I printed it out and placed it next to my computer. I find that reading these words always brings a sense of peace to my soul:
St. Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you...
May you be content knowing that you are a child of God...
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
May these words also bring you peace within...and may you find many things today that satisfy your belly...and your soul.
I would share my peanut butter and banana bagel...but, well, I'm just too hungry. :)
I don't know if today's quote is really a quote...it's more of a prayer that has come across my path a few times, and I liked it so much that I printed it out and placed it next to my computer. I find that reading these words always brings a sense of peace to my soul:
St. Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you...
May you be content knowing that you are a child of God...
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
May these words also bring you peace within...and may you find many things today that satisfy your belly...and your soul.
I would share my peanut butter and banana bagel...but, well, I'm just too hungry. :)
Thursday, June 01, 2006
time to rest
Dearest quote crew-
Since today is the last official day of school, and the last official day of May, I though it would also make sense for it to be the last official day for the QOTD e-mailings. Now, as we all know, I have a slight addiction to quotes, and it is not entirely feasible for me to quit cold turkey, so I will continue to update the website from time to time, whenever I happen upon a quote that inspires me (or when I am feeling completely uninspired to do work and need a distraction).
Today, we are going way back in the time machine for our quote:
"Take rest. A field that has rested gives a bountiful crop." -Ovid
Everyone needs periods of rest...it is vital to our bodies and our souls. Sometimes, I think we struggle against rest...we try to fill every free moment with some type of activity or task. Personally, I have trouble sleeping in on days off, because I feel like I am wasting away the day, and if I take time to just lay on the couch and watch tv for too long, I feel guilty that I have not been productive. But rest is just as important as any other activity, and we need it as much for our mental and spiritual health as we do for our physical health.
So, this summer, my wish for you is that you will find rest. Beautiful, peaceful, refreshing and revitalizing rest. Rest for your body and soul.
And now, as I close, I will quote Carol Burnette's sign-off at the end of her show, "I'm so glad we had this time together, just to have a laugh and sing a song. Seems we just got started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say 'so long'."
Have fabulous, memorable summers...and drop us a line when you have a chance!
Since today is the last official day of school, and the last official day of May, I though it would also make sense for it to be the last official day for the QOTD e-mailings. Now, as we all know, I have a slight addiction to quotes, and it is not entirely feasible for me to quit cold turkey, so I will continue to update the website from time to time, whenever I happen upon a quote that inspires me (or when I am feeling completely uninspired to do work and need a distraction).
Today, we are going way back in the time machine for our quote:
"Take rest. A field that has rested gives a bountiful crop." -Ovid
Everyone needs periods of rest...it is vital to our bodies and our souls. Sometimes, I think we struggle against rest...we try to fill every free moment with some type of activity or task. Personally, I have trouble sleeping in on days off, because I feel like I am wasting away the day, and if I take time to just lay on the couch and watch tv for too long, I feel guilty that I have not been productive. But rest is just as important as any other activity, and we need it as much for our mental and spiritual health as we do for our physical health.
So, this summer, my wish for you is that you will find rest. Beautiful, peaceful, refreshing and revitalizing rest. Rest for your body and soul.
And now, as I close, I will quote Carol Burnette's sign-off at the end of her show, "I'm so glad we had this time together, just to have a laugh and sing a song. Seems we just got started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say 'so long'."
Have fabulous, memorable summers...and drop us a line when you have a chance!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
nonsense
Guess what? It's already Tuesday...and it's your last week of classes/bowling/canoeing/whatever other random activities are going on out there. Yes, I think I hear a faint chorus of "halleluiah" coming from the direction of the high school...
Unfortunately for those of us who are adults (or at least pretend to be), the end of May is really no different than the end of, oh, November (except that it's hotter than bejeezus outside). Yes, Coach and I will be here all week...all summer...all year...pretty much eternity. (side note: I was just reminded of when I was little, and I used to try to conceptualize the whole idea of heaven and eternity, and somehow I would just end up imagining myself playing checkers with God for a really, really, really long time. And the bummer of it all was, I never won.)
Here's your quote of the day:
"A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men." -Roald Dahl (the wise and witty author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)
As referenced above, you have a bit of a nutty week ahead, and you may be wondering why you are being made to come to school, just so you can be sent down the river with your classmates or scored on how many pins you can knock down with a heavy black ball. It's a little nonsensical, true, but nonsense is good every now and then. So, put on your crazy caps, and go out there and have some fun. Live it up. Enjoy every random minute. And as you are careening down the new waterslide at Nashville Shores, think of those of us stuck back here staring at computer screens. Hey, we'll be out there with you in spirit...
Hope to see you all tonight!
Unfortunately for those of us who are adults (or at least pretend to be), the end of May is really no different than the end of, oh, November (except that it's hotter than bejeezus outside). Yes, Coach and I will be here all week...all summer...all year...pretty much eternity. (side note: I was just reminded of when I was little, and I used to try to conceptualize the whole idea of heaven and eternity, and somehow I would just end up imagining myself playing checkers with God for a really, really, really long time. And the bummer of it all was, I never won.)
Here's your quote of the day:
"A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men." -Roald Dahl (the wise and witty author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)
As referenced above, you have a bit of a nutty week ahead, and you may be wondering why you are being made to come to school, just so you can be sent down the river with your classmates or scored on how many pins you can knock down with a heavy black ball. It's a little nonsensical, true, but nonsense is good every now and then. So, put on your crazy caps, and go out there and have some fun. Live it up. Enjoy every random minute. And as you are careening down the new waterslide at Nashville Shores, think of those of us stuck back here staring at computer screens. Hey, we'll be out there with you in spirit...
Hope to see you all tonight!
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
practicing random kindness
Well, I think that we could probably all agree on one thing...May is nuts. Crazy busy. An attempt to cram 10,000 things into 31 days. Is it any wonder we need a long weekend at the end of it?
And when we get super-busy, we often have the tendency to become too focused on the tasks at hand, to let stress and schedules overwhelm us, and to become wrapped up in the craziness of our own little worlds. So, the quote of today is:
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia
In this busy season, don't forget the little things. Pat someone on the back. Call a friend you haven't talked to in awhile. Smile at the person behind you in the McDonald's line. Wave to the mailman. Thank the cafeteria workers for all the meals they prepared.
And I promise, that even doing the smallest of these things will bring a lift to your spirits...and you never know what positive effect it will have on the other person...
Have a great day, and good luck with your exams!
And when we get super-busy, we often have the tendency to become too focused on the tasks at hand, to let stress and schedules overwhelm us, and to become wrapped up in the craziness of our own little worlds. So, the quote of today is:
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia
In this busy season, don't forget the little things. Pat someone on the back. Call a friend you haven't talked to in awhile. Smile at the person behind you in the McDonald's line. Wave to the mailman. Thank the cafeteria workers for all the meals they prepared.
And I promise, that even doing the smallest of these things will bring a lift to your spirits...and you never know what positive effect it will have on the other person...
Have a great day, and good luck with your exams!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Edumacation
Since this is exam week, I thought the quote of the day should deal with education:
"It is possible to store the mind with a million facts and still be entirely uneducated." -Alec Bourne
When faced with exams, it is oh-so-tempting to try to cram all of the important facts, dates, equations, etc. into your mind in a few days, so that you can spew them out onto paper (or a computer keyboard) in a few hours. But what is left after you spew?
Here's a homework assignment for you: Look past the facts. Throw away the figures. Toss out the text. And then, look inside and ask yourself what you have learned this year. What are the bigger lessons? How have you grown? What challenges have you overcome? In what ways do you feel more prepared to face the world than you did last August?
And there, my friends, within those answers, is your education.
Good luck spewing today. :)
"It is possible to store the mind with a million facts and still be entirely uneducated." -Alec Bourne
When faced with exams, it is oh-so-tempting to try to cram all of the important facts, dates, equations, etc. into your mind in a few days, so that you can spew them out onto paper (or a computer keyboard) in a few hours. But what is left after you spew?
Here's a homework assignment for you: Look past the facts. Throw away the figures. Toss out the text. And then, look inside and ask yourself what you have learned this year. What are the bigger lessons? How have you grown? What challenges have you overcome? In what ways do you feel more prepared to face the world than you did last August?
And there, my friends, within those answers, is your education.
Good luck spewing today. :)
laughter
Ok, it's a Monday...and what is a good remedy for a Monday? Why, a quote email of course! The topic of the day: laughter.
One of my personal faves:
"Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh." W.H. Auden
And you can consider these bonus quotes:
"The more you find out about the world, the more opportunities there are to laugh at it." -Bill Nye (the Science Guy)
"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." -e.e. cummings
"Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine." -Lord Byron
May your Monday be filled with laughter. And to help with that, I have attached a picture of me and Coach Smith dressed as trapeze artists at the auction.
Can I get a haha?
One of my personal faves:
"Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh." W.H. Auden
And you can consider these bonus quotes:
"The more you find out about the world, the more opportunities there are to laugh at it." -Bill Nye (the Science Guy)
"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." -e.e. cummings
"Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine." -Lord Byron
May your Monday be filled with laughter. And to help with that, I have attached a picture of me and Coach Smith dressed as trapeze artists at the auction.
Can I get a haha?
look for the moon
Ok everybody...it is officially Friday. Let me hear you say "Haaa---aaay!"
Here's your quote:
“barn’s burnt down… now I can see the moon.” - Masahide
Seems a little random at first glance (or maybe you read it two or three times and are still scratching your head and thinking, "The crack fairy must be living at Coach T.'s house now") But, it's basically a reminder that we have a choice every day when we encounter difficulties. We can either become discouraged and only see the bad in the situation, or, we can look for the positivity and the possibilities in the moment.
So, the next time you encounter troubles, I challenge you, look for the moon.
And, hey, have a fantabulous weekend while you're at it.
Here's your quote:
“barn’s burnt down… now I can see the moon.” - Masahide
Seems a little random at first glance (or maybe you read it two or three times and are still scratching your head and thinking, "The crack fairy must be living at Coach T.'s house now") But, it's basically a reminder that we have a choice every day when we encounter difficulties. We can either become discouraged and only see the bad in the situation, or, we can look for the positivity and the possibilities in the moment.
So, the next time you encounter troubles, I challenge you, look for the moon.
And, hey, have a fantabulous weekend while you're at it.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
dreams
Today's quote is a popular one you might recognize:
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Now, we're not talking about just regular dreams that pop up in our sleep, the I-ate-hummus-a-little-too-late-and-the-garlic-is-messing-with-my-subconscious kind of dreams. No, we're talking about the dreams that you hold in your heart...the vision you have for your future...your deepest hopes and desires. Sometimes, I think we try to suppress our dreams...we think that they are too much...that we want too much or hope too much, and we are afraid that the probability of them coming true is just too small, so we try not to place too much stock in them . But your dreams should be beautiful...they should be astounding and exciting...and you should believe in them. These are the dreams of your heart...and they are there for a reason.
Dare to believe in the beauty of your dreams.
Dare to believe.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Now, we're not talking about just regular dreams that pop up in our sleep, the I-ate-hummus-a-little-too-late-and-the-garlic-is-messing-with-my-subconscious kind of dreams. No, we're talking about the dreams that you hold in your heart...the vision you have for your future...your deepest hopes and desires. Sometimes, I think we try to suppress our dreams...we think that they are too much...that we want too much or hope too much, and we are afraid that the probability of them coming true is just too small, so we try not to place too much stock in them . But your dreams should be beautiful...they should be astounding and exciting...and you should believe in them. These are the dreams of your heart...and they are there for a reason.
Dare to believe in the beauty of your dreams.
Dare to believe.
tiger, tiger, burning bright
It's time for the QOTD (Quote of the Day)...I'm into abbreviating things today...remember all those crazy ones you signed letters with when you were, like, ten: BFF, LYLAS, 2cool 2b 4gotten...ok, I'm running out of them now...
On the same subject, though, you know how they have GLOW (the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling)? I think we need to establish the LLOL (the Lovely Ladies of Lacrosse). It has a nice ring to it, no?
Here's your quote:
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars...” - Jack Kerouac
What makes you burn? What sparks your passion? How is your life like a "fabulous roman candle"? Today, I challenge you to think of the ways that you want to light up the world...
Have a great one...TTFN
On the same subject, though, you know how they have GLOW (the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling)? I think we need to establish the LLOL (the Lovely Ladies of Lacrosse). It has a nice ring to it, no?
Here's your quote:
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars...” - Jack Kerouac
What makes you burn? What sparks your passion? How is your life like a "fabulous roman candle"? Today, I challenge you to think of the ways that you want to light up the world...
Have a great one...TTFN
Monday, May 22, 2006
do it
Ok, you crazy "subscribe me" quote crew...here's your Coach T. quote of the day:
“Do one thing every day that scares you.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Face your fears. Take risks. Push the envelope. Rock the boat. Cross the line. (Let's see how many other clichés I can think of to throw in here). Never let fear hold you back from making a decision you need to make, taking a step that you feel compelled to take, or becoming the person you know you should become.
Just do it. (I must copyright Nike here, so that I don't get sued and have to live in a van down by the river.)
Have a fabulous day!
“Do one thing every day that scares you.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Face your fears. Take risks. Push the envelope. Rock the boat. Cross the line. (Let's see how many other clichés I can think of to throw in here). Never let fear hold you back from making a decision you need to make, taking a step that you feel compelled to take, or becoming the person you know you should become.
Just do it. (I must copyright Nike here, so that I don't get sued and have to live in a van down by the river.)
Have a fabulous day!
Friday, May 19, 2006
Making history
Ok, so I lied on Friday when I said that I was sending you the last lacrosse quote of the day (I'm addicted, I can't help it, and they haven't yet started a 12-step program for quote-a-holics). This is actually the quote that we set as the "target quote" for our lacrosse program at the beginning of the season:
"Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail..." -Emerson (I think I am going to appoint Emerson as the poet laureate of the lacrosse team)
We did it. We blazed a trail. We gave our school its first state championship ever. We made history on Saturday. I'm hoping that you guys are all feeling the love out there today. Check the home page of the website...you all are the top story.
Coach Smith and I are so proud of you guys. We have been stopping random people on the street to let them know about our amazing, state champion team. You worked hard, and you earned it. If I could take you all to Disneyworld, I would (unfortunately, with my budget, the best I can offer is Nashville Shores).
In the meantime, we hope you all have a state champion kind of day.
"Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail..." -Emerson (I think I am going to appoint Emerson as the poet laureate of the lacrosse team)
We did it. We blazed a trail. We gave our school its first state championship ever. We made history on Saturday. I'm hoping that you guys are all feeling the love out there today. Check the home page of the website...you all are the top story.
Coach Smith and I are so proud of you guys. We have been stopping random people on the street to let them know about our amazing, state champion team. You worked hard, and you earned it. If I could take you all to Disneyworld, I would (unfortunately, with my budget, the best I can offer is Nashville Shores).
In the meantime, we hope you all have a state champion kind of day.
This Day
Ok, lacrosse peeps...this is it. The last day of practice. So, the quote of the day is:
“Nothing is worth more than this day” Goethe
So I'm saying, for this practice, bring it. Bring it all. Show us everything you've got in you. Make today's practice remarkable.
And then tomorrow, we are gonna rock. We are gonna rock Independence like a hurricane. And all of the doubters and haters out there are just going to have to get over themselves.
Seriously, though, I hope that you guys know just how proud Coach Smith and I are of you guys. Sure, we push you and sometimes lose our squash even when you win...but we have seen you grow as players and as a team this year, and we truly believe that you are all pretty remarkable. It's really hard (and somewhat sad) for us to grasp the fact that the season is over tomorrow, and that this is my last "quote of the day" "rah rah sis boom bah" email of the year* (ok, I'm getting a little vaklempt...I need a tissue).
Let's get out there and show everyone tomorrow exactly what a lacrosse team should look like. Let's make it clean, crisp, and full of "chutzpah"!
So tell me, WHO'S GOT BALL?!?!
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(** If you would like to continue to receive Coach T,'s inspirational "Quote of the Day" emails for the remainder of the school year, simply respond to this email with "Subscribe Me!" in the subject line. Every day, you will receive a different insightful, encouraging, or funny quote, sometimes with added commentary, delivered to your inbox, free of charge. If you act now, you will also receive a free mousepad, which is yours to keep even if you choose to unsubscribe at a later date. And yes, I am aware that I am a dork.)
“Nothing is worth more than this day” Goethe
So I'm saying, for this practice, bring it. Bring it all. Show us everything you've got in you. Make today's practice remarkable.
And then tomorrow, we are gonna rock. We are gonna rock Independence like a hurricane. And all of the doubters and haters out there are just going to have to get over themselves.
Seriously, though, I hope that you guys know just how proud Coach Smith and I are of you guys. Sure, we push you and sometimes lose our squash even when you win...but we have seen you grow as players and as a team this year, and we truly believe that you are all pretty remarkable. It's really hard (and somewhat sad) for us to grasp the fact that the season is over tomorrow, and that this is my last "quote of the day" "rah rah sis boom bah" email of the year* (ok, I'm getting a little vaklempt...I need a tissue).
Let's get out there and show everyone tomorrow exactly what a lacrosse team should look like. Let's make it clean, crisp, and full of "chutzpah"!
So tell me, WHO'S GOT BALL?!?!
---------------------------------------------------------------
(** If you would like to continue to receive Coach T,'s inspirational "Quote of the Day" emails for the remainder of the school year, simply respond to this email with "Subscribe Me!" in the subject line. Every day, you will receive a different insightful, encouraging, or funny quote, sometimes with added commentary, delivered to your inbox, free of charge. If you act now, you will also receive a free mousepad, which is yours to keep even if you choose to unsubscribe at a later date. And yes, I am aware that I am a dork.)
Bringing out the best
Hey lax-ers-
The quote of the day is super-long, but there is a lot of wisdom in it. Read it s-l-o-w-l-y and soak it all in:
"Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you!" - Christian D. Larson
Let's continue to work this week to bring out the best in ourselves and in each other. You guys have been working really hard the last couple of days, and it has been awesome. Let's go knock out another fantabulous (yes, I make up words) practice this afternoon.
Remember to get ready quickly and head out to the field and begin warming up ASAP. See you this afternoon!
The quote of the day is super-long, but there is a lot of wisdom in it. Read it s-l-o-w-l-y and soak it all in:
"Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you!" - Christian D. Larson
Let's continue to work this week to bring out the best in ourselves and in each other. You guys have been working really hard the last couple of days, and it has been awesome. Let's go knock out another fantabulous (yes, I make up words) practice this afternoon.
Remember to get ready quickly and head out to the field and begin warming up ASAP. See you this afternoon!
Having a day
Ok, so we are having another day today, and to make it more bearable, we decided to adopt mascots for ourselves. Mine is Wonder Woman, and coach's is Speedy Gonzalez. Together, we fight crime in a really fast way...
What would your mascot be?
Our quote for today is: “If you are going to doubt something, doubt your limits.” – Don Ward
You guys really rocked out in practice yesterday...so let's build on that momentum and have another great practice this afternoon. Push yourselves to do even better, run even faster...make today's effort one step up from yesterday.
We are currently doing anti-rain dances in hopes that we won't have to have an inside practice this afternoon...so as soon as you guys get ready, you should all head out to the field and begin warming up. Everyone should be ready to begin practice by 4:00.
What would your mascot be?
Our quote for today is: “If you are going to doubt something, doubt your limits.” – Don Ward
You guys really rocked out in practice yesterday...so let's build on that momentum and have another great practice this afternoon. Push yourselves to do even better, run even faster...make today's effort one step up from yesterday.
We are currently doing anti-rain dances in hopes that we won't have to have an inside practice this afternoon...so as soon as you guys get ready, you should all head out to the field and begin warming up. Everyone should be ready to begin practice by 4:00.
Showing Up
Here's the quote of the day:
"Eighty percent of success is showing up." -Woody Allen
In this week of preparation for our state final game this Saturday, we need everyone to be at practice every day. If there is any reason why you will not be at practice any day this week (i.e., you are dying), please let us know ASAP. We will begin practice at 4:00 promptly each day (except Friday, which will begin at 3:30). We will have some of the 8th graders joining us this week, so we hope to have a good number at practice and should be able to accompish quite a bit. We will practice hard, so everyone should be prepared to give 1,000% every day.
"Eighty percent of success is showing up." -Woody Allen
In this week of preparation for our state final game this Saturday, we need everyone to be at practice every day. If there is any reason why you will not be at practice any day this week (i.e., you are dying), please let us know ASAP. We will begin practice at 4:00 promptly each day (except Friday, which will begin at 3:30). We will have some of the 8th graders joining us this week, so we hope to have a good number at practice and should be able to accompish quite a bit. We will practice hard, so everyone should be prepared to give 1,000% every day.
Enthusiasm
I loved the quote that Mrs. Bradshaw sent out in the announcement today, so I wanted to pass it along to you:
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
As a team, you have the next two days off from official practice, and you can do with them whatever you like. Our recommendation is that you use this time to work on fitness and your own personal stick skills (cradling, catching, and of course, ground balls!) You can get together as a group or groups, or work on your own...do whatever it is you feel like you need to do to prepare yourself for the week that will lead into our final play-off game.
And, as you are working on all of these things, I want you to focus on cultivating enthusiasm. Say chants together, have a dance party, butt-spell "we rock!", or whatever you need to do to get yourself pumped up for next week. I have already decided that I will be bringing war paint to the game on Saturday...
Next week will be a big week of preparation for us as a team, so we want EVERYONE to make EVERY effort to be at practice EVERY day next week. I am not a person who generally writes in CAPITALS unless I really MEAN IT...so this is Coach T. getting SERIOUS! (I know, it happens very rarely, so take a moment and reflect)
Be productive with the next two afternoons (and over the weekend), and we will see you on Monday!
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
As a team, you have the next two days off from official practice, and you can do with them whatever you like. Our recommendation is that you use this time to work on fitness and your own personal stick skills (cradling, catching, and of course, ground balls!) You can get together as a group or groups, or work on your own...do whatever it is you feel like you need to do to prepare yourself for the week that will lead into our final play-off game.
And, as you are working on all of these things, I want you to focus on cultivating enthusiasm. Say chants together, have a dance party, butt-spell "we rock!", or whatever you need to do to get yourself pumped up for next week. I have already decided that I will be bringing war paint to the game on Saturday...
Next week will be a big week of preparation for us as a team, so we want EVERYONE to make EVERY effort to be at practice EVERY day next week. I am not a person who generally writes in CAPITALS unless I really MEAN IT...so this is Coach T. getting SERIOUS! (I know, it happens very rarely, so take a moment and reflect)
Be productive with the next two afternoons (and over the weekend), and we will see you on Monday!
Unencumbered
I think that we will revisit one of the quotes I have already shared with you, because I think that it is again applicable. It's from our old buddy Emerson:
"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a New Day. You shall begin it with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."
My favorite part of that quote is "with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense." I think that the challenge for us today is to un-encumber ourselves from the burdens of our past "blunders and absurdities,", and to move forward and face the next two weeks of practices and games with high spirits. High spirits and chutzpah...that should be our motto for the rest of the season!
Another quote I like is "Always make new mistakes." (Esther Dyson) Mistakes are an inevitable part of life, and they are important to the process of growth and discovery. What becomes troublesome is when we begin to make the same mistakes over and over, instead of learning from them and moving forward onto new mistakes and new lessons to be learned. So, we shouldn't fear mistakes, we should look at them as opportunities to grow and become better. Always look for the lesson...
High spirits and chutzpah!
"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a New Day. You shall begin it with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."
My favorite part of that quote is "with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense." I think that the challenge for us today is to un-encumber ourselves from the burdens of our past "blunders and absurdities,", and to move forward and face the next two weeks of practices and games with high spirits. High spirits and chutzpah...that should be our motto for the rest of the season!
Another quote I like is "Always make new mistakes." (Esther Dyson) Mistakes are an inevitable part of life, and they are important to the process of growth and discovery. What becomes troublesome is when we begin to make the same mistakes over and over, instead of learning from them and moving forward onto new mistakes and new lessons to be learned. So, we shouldn't fear mistakes, we should look at them as opportunities to grow and become better. Always look for the lesson...
High spirits and chutzpah!
Follow through
Here's the quote for the day:
"You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through." -Rosalynn Carter
Key words:
* Confidence: you guys have talked about how nervous you get before facing HH. Be confident in yourselves, be confident in your teammates, and be confident in the lessons you have learned and the ways you have grown since we last met HH. You have every ability to go to HH today and own this game. I mean, come on guys...they are the Honeybears. If I was a honeybear, I would run screaming when I saw a tiger.
* Follow-through: this is an area in which we have struggled the last couple of games. We need to start strong and finish strong...and pretty much play strong the entire time in-between. Make the lessons you have learned in practice translate to the game today. Show how tough you are...follow through!
We are going to practice before the game today from 3:30 to 4:30 at our field, so get dressed and ready as quickly as possible after you get out of class. The big E dance party bus will be leaving around 4:45 so we can get to HH by 5:00. Our game begins at 5:30...and I'll be bringing the bus back to the high school after the game.
Get pumped, get psyched, and get ready to rumble!!
"You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through." -Rosalynn Carter
Key words:
* Confidence: you guys have talked about how nervous you get before facing HH. Be confident in yourselves, be confident in your teammates, and be confident in the lessons you have learned and the ways you have grown since we last met HH. You have every ability to go to HH today and own this game. I mean, come on guys...they are the Honeybears. If I was a honeybear, I would run screaming when I saw a tiger.
* Follow-through: this is an area in which we have struggled the last couple of games. We need to start strong and finish strong...and pretty much play strong the entire time in-between. Make the lessons you have learned in practice translate to the game today. Show how tough you are...follow through!
We are going to practice before the game today from 3:30 to 4:30 at our field, so get dressed and ready as quickly as possible after you get out of class. The big E dance party bus will be leaving around 4:45 so we can get to HH by 5:00. Our game begins at 5:30...and I'll be bringing the bus back to the high school after the game.
Get pumped, get psyched, and get ready to rumble!!
Personal best
No deep philosophizing from me today...I didn't eat my Wheaties this morning.
But, I do have a quote of the day:
"There is no point at which you can say, 'Well, I'm successful now. I might as well take a nap.' "- Carrie Fisher
Let us not rest on our laurels, but continue to push ourselves to greater heights every day. The theme for the day is "personal best".
But, I do have a quote of the day:
"There is no point at which you can say, 'Well, I'm successful now. I might as well take a nap.' "- Carrie Fisher
Let us not rest on our laurels, but continue to push ourselves to greater heights every day. The theme for the day is "personal best".
Philosophical
OK, I'm about to get a little philosophical, so watch out! (I know the idea of Coach T. getting deep is probably a little scary, but stay with me on this...)
Someone asked me this morning about our game last night, and I responded, "Yeah, we won." And I didn't realize how nonchalantly I had said it, until they pointed it out to me...almost like it was expected, or that there shouldn't be any question that we would win. And it occurred to me, and it was proven last night, that we do have the ability to play a bad game and still come home with a win, which is both a blessing and a curse. It's a curse, because it doesn't require us to make ourselves any better. If we wanted to, we could just continue to play at the same level, and probably keep putting enough balls in the back of the net to secure more wins. But to me, that doesn't feel right.
Then, in our daily announcement, Mrs. Bradshaw included the quote, "Success isn't measured by the position you reach in life; it's measured by the obstacles you overcome." And another thought occurred to me...we haven't really had to face many obstacles as a team. Sure, we complain about a cow-pasture field...but then we go play a team whose game field was basically built for smurfs, so we aren't the only ones with field issues. The thing is, we can't rely on any other team in our division to push us to the next level...it won't happen. We have to look to ourselves.
What does this mean? It means that we have to challenge each other...that we give 100% in practice, because we know it's the only way to make ourselves, and our teammates better. It means identifying our individual obstacles and working to overcome them. You know what you struggle with individually...whether it's problems catching, not cradling properly, picking bad shots, checking or shooting when you're upset, missing groundballs...you know what areas you need to work on. And to take it to the next level, it means working on these things during practice and on your own time.
We have the potential of becoming state champs in just over two weeks, and that's an exciting thing. But, how sweet would that success be if you didn't feel like we had to work for it...or if you came to the end of the season and didn't feel like you had improved much as a player? I don't want you to walk off the field of the state finals match feeling like we did after the game last night...I want you to walk off the field of that final game feeling like it truly was the best game you have played, individually and as a team.
So, I will now quote the Gatorade ad slogan, "Is it in you?" I believe it is. We have unlimited potential inside of us...we just have to work to bring it out.
Rock on, tiger rockstars...
Someone asked me this morning about our game last night, and I responded, "Yeah, we won." And I didn't realize how nonchalantly I had said it, until they pointed it out to me...almost like it was expected, or that there shouldn't be any question that we would win. And it occurred to me, and it was proven last night, that we do have the ability to play a bad game and still come home with a win, which is both a blessing and a curse. It's a curse, because it doesn't require us to make ourselves any better. If we wanted to, we could just continue to play at the same level, and probably keep putting enough balls in the back of the net to secure more wins. But to me, that doesn't feel right.
Then, in our daily announcement, Mrs. Bradshaw included the quote, "Success isn't measured by the position you reach in life; it's measured by the obstacles you overcome." And another thought occurred to me...we haven't really had to face many obstacles as a team. Sure, we complain about a cow-pasture field...but then we go play a team whose game field was basically built for smurfs, so we aren't the only ones with field issues. The thing is, we can't rely on any other team in our division to push us to the next level...it won't happen. We have to look to ourselves.
What does this mean? It means that we have to challenge each other...that we give 100% in practice, because we know it's the only way to make ourselves, and our teammates better. It means identifying our individual obstacles and working to overcome them. You know what you struggle with individually...whether it's problems catching, not cradling properly, picking bad shots, checking or shooting when you're upset, missing groundballs...you know what areas you need to work on. And to take it to the next level, it means working on these things during practice and on your own time.
We have the potential of becoming state champs in just over two weeks, and that's an exciting thing. But, how sweet would that success be if you didn't feel like we had to work for it...or if you came to the end of the season and didn't feel like you had improved much as a player? I don't want you to walk off the field of the state finals match feeling like we did after the game last night...I want you to walk off the field of that final game feeling like it truly was the best game you have played, individually and as a team.
So, I will now quote the Gatorade ad slogan, "Is it in you?" I believe it is. We have unlimited potential inside of us...we just have to work to bring it out.
Rock on, tiger rockstars...
Improvement
Here's your inspiring quote of the day:
"We improve ourselves by victories over ourself. There must be contests, and you must win." - Edward Gibbon
Yesterday at the end of practice, we asked you to focus on something to work on--something to improve. Today, those improvements, those small victories over yourself, can help lead us to a victory over our opponent. May it be your own personal goal to make today's game your best game yet.
Get dressed quickly after class, and be down at the field as close to 3:30 as possible. Gather in the locker room and jog out as a team. Cheer, chant, get jiggy with it...do whatever you need to do to get pumped for this game!
"We improve ourselves by victories over ourself. There must be contests, and you must win." - Edward Gibbon
Yesterday at the end of practice, we asked you to focus on something to work on--something to improve. Today, those improvements, those small victories over yourself, can help lead us to a victory over our opponent. May it be your own personal goal to make today's game your best game yet.
Get dressed quickly after class, and be down at the field as close to 3:30 as possible. Gather in the locker room and jog out as a team. Cheer, chant, get jiggy with it...do whatever you need to do to get pumped for this game!
Winning
"Those who know how to win are much more numerous than those who know how to make proper use of their victories." - Polybius
We had a nice win yesterday...let's work today to discover what we can learn from the experience and what we can do even better next time.
We had a nice win yesterday...let's work today to discover what we can learn from the experience and what we can do even better next time.
Eye of the Tiger
It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight
Risin' up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he's watchin' us all with the eye of the tiger...
We have now adopted "Eye of the Tiger" as our theme song. A special prize goes to the first person who can name the band that sings this song (something tells me Stabile will win this one).
Our key word of the day is FOCUS. Some things to focus on:
* FOCUS on the ball...you love the ball, you want the ball, you own the ball. Call me Captain Obvious, but as long as we have the ball, the other team can't score, and I like those odds.
* FOCUS on getting low for ground balls...make it your goal as a team to pick up every ball that hits the ground today.
* FOCUS on movement...the only time you should be still during a game is when the whistle blows.
Go ahead and choose your personal goal for the day and begin focusing on that goal (write it on your hand if you need to!)
We will see you in the locker room right after class lets out...
Get excited, tigers!
Risin' up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he's watchin' us all with the eye of the tiger...
We have now adopted "Eye of the Tiger" as our theme song. A special prize goes to the first person who can name the band that sings this song (something tells me Stabile will win this one).
Our key word of the day is FOCUS. Some things to focus on:
* FOCUS on the ball...you love the ball, you want the ball, you own the ball. Call me Captain Obvious, but as long as we have the ball, the other team can't score, and I like those odds.
* FOCUS on getting low for ground balls...make it your goal as a team to pick up every ball that hits the ground today.
* FOCUS on movement...the only time you should be still during a game is when the whistle blows.
Go ahead and choose your personal goal for the day and begin focusing on that goal (write it on your hand if you need to!)
We will see you in the locker room right after class lets out...
Get excited, tigers!
Within
Quote of the day:
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us” – Emerson
What lies behind us? 5 wins, 1 loss
What lies before us? 6 more games (at least), a clean slate
What lies within us? Only you can decide this answer for yourself...
Let's rock!
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us” – Emerson
What lies behind us? 5 wins, 1 loss
What lies before us? 6 more games (at least), a clean slate
What lies within us? Only you can decide this answer for yourself...
Let's rock!
Moments
Here's your quote of the week for Spring Break:
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away." (anonymous)
May you have many of these amazing moments on your vacation...have a great week!
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away." (anonymous)
May you have many of these amazing moments on your vacation...have a great week!
what would you do
Coach Smith and I just wanted to reiterate how great we felt about yesterday's practice...it was obvious that you all were working very hard, and there has been a notable improvement in your stick skills and teamwork over the last couple of weeks. I especially loved hearing you guys encourage and cheer for each other during the 3-on-3 tournament. Let's keep up the great work...and keep on rockin' on!
Quote of the day: "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" (author unknown)
Ok, and since that was a really short one, we'll do a 2nd quote of the day: "Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." (T.S. Eliot)
See you at practice!
Quote of the day: "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" (author unknown)
Ok, and since that was a really short one, we'll do a 2nd quote of the day: "Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." (T.S. Eliot)
See you at practice!
Fired up
"Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something-- Find it and keep it lit!" -Mary Lou Retton
Go ahead and light your fires for this afternoon!
Go ahead and light your fires for this afternoon!
Hit it
Quote of the day: “In the long run, we only hit what we aim at” - Thoreau
Our aim for the day:
* to become masters of ground balls
* to catch and throw like we have ball magnets attached to our sticks
* to choose our shots wisely
Our aim for the day:
* to become masters of ground balls
* to catch and throw like we have ball magnets attached to our sticks
* to choose our shots wisely
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