Thursday, April 18, 2013
                                      Spring Edition 249
russell_newRussell R. Shippee
Author, Speaker, Navigator
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Quotations  
 

 "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go."
   
Oscar Wilde

"What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

  
 

 

"Don't be concerned that things appear to be falling apart: this has to happen in order for something new and wonderful to emerge."   

  

-Marianne Williamson
 

"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing."   
 
-Muhammad Ali

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Ahoy Captain 

 
If you live in the USA this is the week, you paid your taxes.

My CPA wrote that he was sure tired, working seven days a week doing tax returns. Today I think he is at home, resting. Hopefully, reading these words.

The paragraph below, which was in last week's letter,  was recognized by the professional mentioned in it. He was proud, and hung it up for his employees and clients to read. He was proud and he should be. He also inspires others. Here is what I said last week: 

I was with a professional and I heard him say "impossible". He wasn't sure he could complete the task. He then found the solution and made it a success. Impossible is possible. It takes effort, expertise, and the willingness to stick to it until it's a success. That is the mark of a true professional.

Next week is our 250th newsletter. My thanks to all of you for your positive feedback.

The article this week came from a discussion with two friends at the YMCA. We do need to reflect on the best things in life. Too often we get distracted by the less important.




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 FEATURED ARTICLE  

 

The BEST Things in LIFE are Free 

 


We've all heard, "the best things in life are free".  Is it true?

A house costs money.  Food costs money. Medical care costs money. Education costs money. Transportation costs money.

Every time we turn around, some necessity of life is costing us money. Often, we have no choice. We need a roof over our heads, we need to eat, we need to get to work, we need medical care, and we need to learn to improve ourselves.

All of these necessities cost. Some think the best things in life are living in the right neighborhood, going to the right school, driving the right cars, and eating at the best restaurants.

All of the above items are important, to some extent, and they all cost money. So, are the best things in life free?

Yes, the best things in life are free. What are the best things in life?

A friend
A lover
Someone who listens and supports you
Someone who comes to your aid in the time of need
Someone you can rely on in a time of need
Someone who is always there for you
Someone you can trust
Someone who makes you happy just by being with you
Someone whose opinion is unbiased and in your best interest
Someone who guides you to where you need to be
Someone who makes your life worth living
Someone to share the special moments with


What good is that special car or restaurant if you have no one to share it with? Do you want to eat alone or with someone? Does the new car have as much value if you can't enjoy it with someone else?

What is the best part of your birthday?  Is it being with family? Friends?  Isn't the birthday gift, the best birthday gift, the relationship you have with all those who acknowledge your birthday? What would your birthday be without friends?

At times of loss and grief, what best serves you? Friends. People who surround you, hold you up, and help you to move forward. You can't change what has happened, but your friends can support you and make it the best possible, considering the circumstances.

Why do you go to certain places? It's not the facilities as much as it is the people. People make the difference. People make it the best.

Life is best shared with others. Life is best when you have the support and love of many.

How do you make your life the Best? How do you enjoy the best for free?  It's simple. Be a friend. Support others. Reach out to others. Be a welcome addition to any group. Listen. Assist.

You are not too busy to help others. At a funeral, in a packed church, the priest commented that everyone had something else to do that day. But, everyone came, everyone knew it was more important to be there to pay respect to a wonderful father and friend as well as to support the family. People are the most important.

Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we earn, we make a life by what we give."     It costs nothing to give your friendship, your support, and your attention. Yet, in giving to others, losing yourself serving others, you will receive the best things in life. Free.