Motivational A to Z cards for living an inspired life!

Grab a dictionary and search for the word Ability.
You will probably find something like:

"ability -
the quality of being able to perform;
a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment"

In simpler terms- we all have various Abilities. The ability to read, to surf the internet, to create, to bake, to make. The list goes on and on, without any end in sight.

We are powerful, aren't we? We are so capable of altering the world around us by doing small, simple things!

The thing is, people tend to put too much importance on the abilities they have, while they neglect the vision that should drive their abilities.

Having all of that potential within you without a goal in mind, is like sailing a ship without having a destination in mind. You'll always be wandering aimlessly around in the oceans of life. So - from today, set yourself goals and objectives. Nothing big, nor too many goals. Just enough that you can accomplish today.

Now. Take a notepad and write a "to-do-list" down. Having vision and an understanding of what you want to accomplish in life is having half the battle won. It is so easy, too! Your list could contain anything from "wash the dishes", "do the garden" to "read to my grandchildren". Keep it up and within a week you will no longer need to write down your goals. You will be able to use your abilities to lead a more productive, fun filled life! Start today!

Bravery doesn't always imply running into burning buildings and saving little orphans and abandoned puppies. Sometimes you are brave simply by sticking to your goals, staying true to who you are and having integrity and honesty.
There is a big secret that goes along with this one, though.

You can never claim to be brave if you have not been tested.
Met opposition in life? At work? Within your family?
Then, you were tested!

Bravery cannot exist without struggles, dangers and challenges.
Like light and darkness the one creates the other. Being brave however, doesn't mean that you should rip your great battle sword out at the first hint of a challenge. Being brave sometimes requires you to keep your silence, to search out the truth and to make rational logical decisions in your life. It requires that you stay true to your convictions and beliefs, unless all the facts prove them to be wrong. You can also be brave by accepting the mistakes that you make, by asking forgiveness when you have wronged somebody - but most importantly:

You are at your bravest when you stay true to your principles!

Your character defines you.
It is the armor that you wear to battle. The dress you wear when you go the grand ball.

How is your character defined?

What makes up your character?

A lot of things...

People are all little majestic magical mosaics. As a woman you are a mother, a daughter, a sister, a lover, a lady, a friend and so much more! The same goes for the fellows. They are dads, husbands, brothers, uncles, gentleman and lovers.

Sadly, people tend to forget that.

They judge each other by actions and deeds (if you are lucky) and by words and hearsay.

Good habits will make for a good character. What are good habits? Being polite. Being true to yourself, allowing yourself to be guided by reason, passion and creativity.

It paints a little piece of who you are.

People judge you by that piece. Remember that!

We cannot overstate the importance of dreams.
Dreams are the foundations of your future!
Like the vision that should guide your abilities, dreams should guide your life!

We all have dreams. Sometimes those dreams change, or transform us. Some of us are living our dreams now, others feel that their dreams will forever be out of their reach. It doesn't matter. As long as you have not forgotten the importance of dreaming; of wishful thinking. Why? Because if the power of positive thinking doesn't work, at least you spend a few minutes day-dreaming and living another life! It reduces stress. It invigorates the spirit.

Another thing: dreaming together and sharing dreams are like sharing a slice of your soul.
It is an intensely personal and powerful experience.
No matter what your age, never ever stop dreaming!

We do live such busy lives, don't we?

Like that ancient Greek character, Sisyphus, we are all forever pushing our rocks up the hill.
It is easy to forget to stop and smell the flowers.
Have you done anything today that brought you some enjoyment? Did you stop to wonder at the beauty of a tree, or looked into the expressive eyes of a total stranger?

Don't get so caught up in trying to obtain things that you forget to enjoy:

Family. Friends. Food. Pets. Hobbies.
All of those are things that we have - now! So set aside five minutes.
Go sit and talk with your children, or play with your pet! We'll wait for you.
When you return, then we can go on to the next letter and the next little lesson.
Enjoy your life this very moment!

Being Faithful is so important.
It doesn't mean that you should go to church every night.
It simply means that your character should be such, that people can trust you.

A very long time ago, a "gentleman's word of honor" was the most important thing a man could possess! Men would whip out pistols and sabers and duel to the bitter end if their word of honor was in question.
We have grown so empty that today the concept has almost died out.

Shouldn't your word count for something?
After all, it isn't merely air escaping your lips.
It is words created by a mind and a heart and a spirit that has value, that has importance and meaning. So stay true to your word. Allow others to have faith in you, because whether you realize it, or not - you have a direct influence on other people's lives.

Gratitude.

Did you thank your spouse today for making the coffee? For spending time with you? For being there? What about your children? Do they know that you are grateful for them listening to you?

Because we live in such a busy world these days, society thinks a simple "thank you" is enough. The sad truth is that it isn't always enough. Make time to let the people in your life know exactly how grateful you are for their input and influence. When you do, you teach by example, add valuable meaning to their lives, and contribute to their own sense of self-worth.
Hey, who knows, maybe they will even return the favor!

There is so much to be said about this one.
How important harmony is! The thing is, we aren't talking about harmony among co-workers or family members here.
Nope.

We are talking about your harmony.
The inner harmony of your thoughts and your soul.

Feeling anxious? Feeling worried?

It is because your thoughts aren't in harmony!
There is a conflict between what is real and what is wishful thinking. Never reject reality, but also, never stop dreaming. There is a middle ground. All problems can be solved by the abilities that you have. Look at things creatively and allow your passion free reign. You will solve it. But you need to be in harmony and in control.

Your greatest asset is this: You.
So use it! Find a balance within and allow your harmony to lead you along.

All the wisdom and ability in the world won't help you, if you have forgotten about imagination.

It is incredibly important to feed your imagination! And don't tell us that you don't have an imagination. You are human. You have an imagination. Remember when you had tea parties as a kid? Or played soldier? You had an imagination back then, and you still have it, today!
Look at your life, your home, your career. How can you use imagination to make things work better? It can be as simple as redecorating a room, working out a new schedule, expanding your online business. With imagination on your side the possibilities are endless!

People always say this: "It's all about the journey and not the destination."
What does that mean, exactly? We're not going anywhere - are we?

Yes, we are - forward!
We are all bound by time. Time moves us constantly into the future.
Think about it. When you are at work, reading that boring report - that's a journey you're taking! Waiting in a doctor's office, commuting to work, caught in a traffic jam? That's a journey that you are taking! At home baking cookies, doing the family laundry, paying the bills? Here again, you're on a journey! Actively look for reasons to enjoy life's journeys, no matter what the circumstances, or where you are. They are all part of your journey.

Journeys are always productive.
They shift things, allow things to happen move us from A to B. Even if you are just mowing the lawn, you are taking a journey into the future, bettering the world around you. Who wants long grass in the garden anyway?

There are always reasons to enjoy whatever it is you are doing. So you might as well enjoy it.
Besides, if you enjoy what you are doing, you'll notice - it tends to get done, quickly!
Soon, you will be living a productive and happy life.

A million people wrote various books on this quality.
Nevertheless, it still is a very important virtue!

Let me share with you a big corporate world secret: Kindness disarms.
Every big corporation out there has suddenly turned "social" and "socially aware".
Why? Because people like people that are kind towards them.

I am not saying that you should change into a snake-oil salesman, or be overly patronizing. Just be a little more kind the next time you stand in the line at the grocer. Greet the milkman with a smile, and a "thank you", the next time you see him. Kindness spreads like the flu-bug. If you are kind to one person, that person will be kind to somebody else - etc, etc. So, go ahead and spread the contagious disease that is kindness and make the world just a little better for all of us!

We all love someone or something.
It is human to love.

Chocolates. Fast cars. Golf. Freshly baked cookies. A spouse or partner.

Love drives us, makes us crave more and more of the object of our desires.
Recognize the importance of the things that you love in life. Is it good that you love it? In what way has it added value and importance to your life?

It is important to be aware of the power of love. Love is passion, and passion can sometimes destroy reasoning and logic. You cannot allow that to happen.

Instead, passion and love should be aids and not obstacles to where you want to be in life. Above all else, love yourself, and love your life!

Memories.
What strange and wonderful things they are!

What better treasure for the aged, to comfort their hearts and warm their old, weary bones?
What better company for their dark, lonely nights?

Like a map, they show us where we have been, what we have set out to do, and what we have accomplished in life.
Don't be afraid of the "bad" memories. There truly are no bad memories, nor any good memories. Memories are just that: memories. It is your point of view that gives them a purpose and a meaning. They can be invaluable tools of experience and can offer comfort and hope.

But, beware the snare memories lay before your feet!
Recognize the truth in this: the past is dead. There is no life to be found in yesterday. Life is now. Live now. You are alive now, not yesterday. Memories should be a tool wielded with the utmost care for inasmuch as they can comfort, they can just as easily harm and destroy, too.

If you understand that your memories can be a valuable tool, you will no longer fear them, and will do just fine, on your journey!

Everyday you must strive to do something new.
Even if it is slicing the bread in a new funny pattern- do it!

Newness. New things can only be born through imagination, creative prowess, ability and a little bravery. There is nothing as sublime or satisfying as the ability to create; no matter how small or insignificant your creation may be. It reveals the strength and the power of your character. It adds fun and variety and joy to life. In this process of doing new things, creating new things, trying new things, you are sharing your soul, your life's purpose and your very being - with the world. In the end? It adds unmeasurable value to your life. The very smallest creations add unmeasurable value to your own life, and to other peoples lives, too!

So, go ahead- walk that new route with your dog. Try that new flavor of ice-cream! Buy that new dress or shoes! Never, ever rob yourself of new experiences just because you are "afraid" or because "it is never done that way". You may just grow a little richer with each new experience- even if it turns out wrong! To err is human.

The Japanese character for Opportunity is a combination of two separate characters:
Fortune and Danger.

Within each opportunity is buried the treasure of fortune, but in order to obtain that fortune you need to face-off against the danger! Whoa! We aren't talking about facing pirates and ninjas here. Nope.

Let's take a practical example:
Sue has been painting for years now, and all of her friends are telling her how great her paintings are. Yet, Sue feels that they are at best mediocre attempts to create something. So, one day, Bob, her endearing husband, introduces her to Tom, who runs his own art gallery. Here is the opportunity for Sue to exhibit her work! The fortune hidden in this opportunity is not only the chance to become famous, but also make a few extra bucks! The danger? She might not sell one painting, or people will laugh at her "creations". Is she brave enough to recognize her opportunity and make a logical reasoned decision? Do you recognize the danger in your opportunities?

Simply recognizing the opportunity is half the battle fought. Acting on the opportunity seals the deal, so to speak. Only when thoughts and intentions are changed into actions do things really start to happen.

We all talk about leading more productive lives, being a cornerstone in society. But, do we all recognize the opportunity when it is in front of us? If we do, how many of us will have the courage to put thought into action and move forward to make his or her dreams a reality?

This is an important lesson. Learn it well!

Like Memories, mentioned above, Passion is a very powerful tool.

Passion transforms the mediocre into the heavenly!
You may have all the abilities of a great pianist but, without the passion for the piano you will never achieve greatness, nor will you ever enjoy your skills and talents by actually playing the piano.

Like everything else, passion should be consumed in manageable sips. Allow too much passion to rule you, and you risk the chance of being blinded by it. Once blinded, you will stumble and fall. Passion combined with reason will never ever fail you.

Passion is the eternal fire we all posses. Guard it well. Do not allow people to destroy or diminish your passion, but beware that the flame of your passion does not change into a torrent that will consume you.

Ever noticed how people who are put in the spotlight, perform better? They produce a higher Quality of work when they are being watched. It is very sad, actually.

What has happened to the quality of having pride in what it is that you do?
How do you know when you are truly producing quality work? It's when there's nobody around to police your work; when you work, not to impress anyone - but, yourself.

Quality isn't something that you should create or do for other people. It is yours and yours alone. The quality of the report that you are drafting, the quality of the assignment that you are preparing, or the quality of the dinner that you are cooking reflects the quality of the person that creates it. In simpler terms, the quality of the work you produce reflects your quality!

Now, before you start complaining and talking about skills and time - stop. Think for a second. You are worthy of the very best that life has to offer. Because you are such a high quality person, what you do and what you create should reflect that. high quality. In the end you are worth it, you are capable of it. So, do it!

Reason is the result of thinking in a logical, calculating manner.
Reason does not accept things as concrete facts, without concrete proof.

Whereas Passion is the fire of your soul, reason becomes the bellows that control the heat.

Do you know how swords and jewelry were forged in the olden days?
A smith would create a fire in his kiln or smithy. He couldn't allow the fire to be just any temperature. Nope. He needed the fire to be controlled at a certain temperature before he could start creating things, bending metal into what he dreamed it could be. So, how did he control that fire? He fed it wood and he used billows that fed the fire's air in a controlled manner - until the fire was ready for him to start creating! The bellows would keep the fire blazing at just the right temperature while the smith made swords and fashioned jewelry.

So must you do, with regards to your passion.
Use reason to set intelligent, attainable, goals in front of you. In every situation, no matter how much your passion (and emotions!) are shouting at you to react in a certain way, first look at the situation logically and then combine your logical reasoning with the power of passion to come to a productive and reasonable reaction.

There is a difference between Skills and Abilities.
Abilities we are born with, and discover during our journey through life. Abilities are innate. Skills, on the other hand, we must learn. Skills can be acquired.

Of all the skills we may learn, the most important one, is the skill to learn.
We must never stop learning, discovering, asking, wondering, thinking, wanting to know more!

If you are able to learn new skills, using your abilities within, then - you will truly be an unstoppable force!

So often, we hear people complain that there isn't enough Time in the day. Or, even worse - we hear people complain that the day is too long, and that time passes too slowly!

You see, we have grown slack in this present day and age. Maybe, it's because we are being conditioned to an "instant" mind-set. Instant coffee. Instant noodles. Instant gratification. Instant success. The truth is that nothing in life is instant. That concept is a lie, and a very powerful one too!

If you truly want something in life you have to "work" at it. You have to put the time that you have, to good use. You have to deserve your victory! Sure, it is nice to lay on the couch and watch hours pass you by. That, can be a good thing. If it adds joy to your life, and thus, value - then, go ahead and be a couch potato! But, remember this: tomorrow - does not exist. Yesterday - does not exist. All that you have is this very moment. This "instant" and what you do with this time is completely up to you. However, success will not fall into your lap. That big deal won't get signed, if you don't take time to do it. Dinner won't get made, if you don't set aside the time to do it.

Use your time wisely for it is truly something that, once lost, can never be found again.

You are Unbeatable!
Nothing in this world can get you down!

Sure, you'll probably die if you jump off a building or try to stop a van with your bare hands. But, we aren't talking about that kind of unbeatable. Life is a contest, against yourself. Nobody should ever place any kind of limitations on you or your dreams. Not even you. Especially not you, because in this contest against yourself, you will just lie to yourself if given the chance. Never doubt your worth. Never doubt your power or skills.

You are Valuable!
You should act like it, too!
Flaunt your skills and abilities.
Make yourself indispensable to society, your family, your business!

Never allow anybody to steal your worth - to make you feel less than what you truly are.

Of course, we aren't saying that you should have an inflated opinion of yourself! Look at your life. Do you see the ripples that you have made in the world? Do you see the people and animals dependent on you? That's all because of you, and the value you have added to this world! It is a wonderful feeling, isn't it?

The world is one of your greatest friends, and one of your worst enemies- all wrapped into a tight little confusing bundle!

An old adage said something along the lines of: "Be among the world, but do not be the world."
We are all in this together, but it doesn't mean that you should blindly follow the lead of others. It doesn't mean that you should adhere to the acceptable standards of society. But, it also doesn't mean that you should avoid the world and society. Live in the world. Experience everything that it has to offer, but at all times think about what it is that you are doing. What effects will it have on you, on the people around you? What consequences will there be?

In the end, it is important to find the reason within your motives.. Only you can ultimately decide what is good and what is bad. Only you can limit your own input and experiences in the world. So go out there! Have fun, explore the world, but always be aware of what it is that you are doing, because your actions will always have an effect - on you, or somebody else.

Certain things in life aren't shared, nor can they be conveyed.
There will always be times when you will have to decide your own course of action. Friends, family members and community leaders can add support and advice, but they will never be who you are. They will never wear your shoes, or use your toothbrush.

What does this mean?
It means that in life everybody will offer you some sort of advice. Some wise words, criticism, or comfort. You have to remember that all forms of advice are second hand at best!

There will be times in your life, yes, more than once, when you will be all alone. You will have to make certain decisions and take a course of action, on your own. Follow through on your decisions, actions, and strategies to reach your goals in life. People will not always support you, nor will they always understand - but that is fine! Really! It is!

This is the unknown. This is the moment that will define your character, your abilities and skills. And you don't need to ask for permission to be who you are!

In the end, You will always be responsible for yourself; your thoughts, your dreams, your actions.
They are all yours and you alone need to take care of them!

Sharpen your skills; gird yourself with passion and reason. Stand up for who you are. Accept who you are. Be who you are. You don't need permission. It may all sound a little egotistical, and in a way it is, but you are important and you deserve it! So, go out there today, and make yourself heard. Make a difference. Lead yourself.

This is the real secret to success and happiness.

Zeal?
Isn't that a little bad?

Nope! Not at all.

Above all else that you have learned today, be zealous in life. Be zealous about your own life.
Forget reincarnation, heaven or hell. Whatever you believe in- this is the moment that you are alive.

Don't live in a certain manner, because you want to have a better life after death. Where is the logic and sense in that?

Live your live now.
Guard and nurture the life all around you.

Create. Share. Experience.

This is the only thing that you truly posses. Your life.
Be accountable for it. Be a zealot and promote it. Further the cause of life. Enhance life! Yes! Make it better, for you, for others! Because you can. We are all creators, whether we have been shaped in the image of one or not.

This is your life. Are you going to live it?