|
|
When we look at highly successful people, it's easy to just see the end results. We see the fortune, the fame, and the freedom they experience.
What we don't often see is the path they took to get there. We don't see the steps they took, the plans they executed, and especially the mistakes they've made. We don't see that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And then another.
Rarely have there been truly successful people who took one single step and acheived all they ever wanted. I don't know if anybody has ever done that. Yet when we see results, and we want those results, we often forget that there's a journey between where we are and where we're headed. We want the outcome, but we often don't want to take the journey to get there.
The thing is, those successful people we idolize, envy, and want to emulate did take those steps. They didn't just suddenly show up with a billion dollars or the perfect game.
Let's take Michael Jordan for example...
...He was cut from the basketball team in high school.
......He missed over 9,000 shots.
.........He's lost almost 300 games.
............26 times he was trusted to take the game-winning shot...
...............And he missed.
From all accounts if you looked at his failures you'd think wonder how he ever even got on a basketball team.
Fortunately, Michael Jordan's success isn't judged by his failures.
He's remembered because of all the little steps he took along the way. The hours of dedicated practice. The games after games that he played. The passes to teammates who did win games and make key plays.
His own words are the best reminder as to why we remember him as the greatest basketball player of all time:
"I've failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
Michael Jordan showed us that every step, quite literally on the court, leads to greater success. He didn't igve up when he was cut from the basketball team. He kept practicing and practicing.
Most people who are wildly succesful have had similar kinds of failures. It's in every walk of life. The thing is, those failures aren't really failures. They're just additional steps in the process. They illuminate where a person may have mistepped, or has more to learn, or has limiting beliefs.
Once the "mistake" is recognized, then we see it for what it is... a "mis-take." It becomes an opportunity to "take" a chance again, ot try again, to take another step. In this way, each step builds upon the previous. We learn more, we grow more, we create more... and ultimately we succeed more.
This is true whether it's 9,000 "mis-taken" basketball shots by Jordan, 10,000 "mis-taken" lighbulb attempts by Thomas Edison, or your own version of 1,000 steps.
The end result was success, and while all great successful people maintained their focus, they succeeded greatest by taking the next step in front of them.
In that light, keep your aim and also take a few minutes each day to do two simple things:
(1) Notice where you are right now.
Honor it. Appreciate it. Realize that every step you've taken in your life has brought you to this place and empowered you to be who you are.
(2) Take one simple and small step towards your big goal.
Recognize that there is something you can do today and maybe even in the next five minutes that will bring you closer towards your dream.
Maybe it's as simple as saying an affirmation. Maybe it's learning from a mis-take. Perhaps it's meditating, doing something to improve your productivity.
And if it happens to be that the next step you take is a "mis-take" then learn the lesson and "take" it again. Your success in life will be determined greatly based on the steps you take along the way.
We don't get to the top of a staircase, or a pyramid, in a single bound. As much as we'd like to believe we're Superman, we aren't. We're human. And that requires a systematic, methodical, step-by-step approach to success...
Because that's how we're designed.
God bless you.
In Mary Help of Christians,
I remain,
Fr. Jim McKenna SDB
Director
|
|
Judgment
A lovely little girl was holding two apples with both hands. Her mum came in and softly asked her little daughter with a smile: my sweetie, could you give your mum one of your two apples? The girl looked up at her mum for some seconds, then she suddenly took a quick bite on one apple, and then quickly on the other. The mum felt the smile on her face freeze. She tried hard not to reveal her disappointment. Then the little girl handed one of her bitten apples to her mum,and said: mummy, here you are. This is the sweeter one. No matter who you are, how experienced you are, and how knowledgeable you think you are, always delay judgement. Give others the privilege to explain themselves. What you see may not be the reality. Never conclude for others.
|
|
 Be Happy
An article by Late Khushwant Singh.
I've often thought about what it is that makes people happy-what one has to do in order to achieve happiness.
1- First and foremost is good health. If you do not enjoy good health, you can never be happy. Any ailment, however trivial, will deduct something from your happiness.
2- Second, a healthy bank balance. It need not run into millions, but it should be enough to provide for comforts, and there should be something to spare for recreation-eating out, going to the movies, travel and holidays in the hills or by the sea. Shortage of money can be demoralizing. Living on credit or borrowing is demeaning and lowers one in one's own eyes.
3- Third, your own home. Rented places can never give you the comfort or security of a home that is yours for keeps. If it has garden space, all the better. Plant your own trees and flowers, see them grow and blossom, and cultivate a sense of kinship with them.
4- Fourth, an understanding companion, be it your spouse or a friend. If you have too many misunderstandings, it robs you of your peace of mind. It is better to be divorced than to be quarreling all the time.
5- Fifth, stop envying those who have done better than you in life-risen higher, made more money, or earned more fame. Envy can be corroding; avoid comparing yourself with others.
6- Sixth, do not allow people to descend on you for gossip. By the time you get rid of them, you will feel exhausted and poisoned by their gossip-mongering.
7- Seventh, cultivate a hobby or two that will fulfill you-gardening, reading, writing, painting, playing or listening to music. Going to clubs or parties to get free drinks, or to meet celebrities, is a criminal waste of time. It's important to concentrate on something that keeps you occupied meaningfully.
8- Eighth, every morning and evening devote 15 minutes to introspection. In the mornings, 10 minutes should be spent in keeping the mind absolutely still, and five listing the things you have to do that day. In the evenings, five minutes should be set aside to keep the mind still and 10 to go over the tasks you had intended to do.
9- Ninth, don't lose your temper. Try not to be short-tempered, or vengeful. Even when a friend has been rude, just move on.
10- Above all, when the time comes to go, one should go like a Person without any regret or grievance against anyone.
| |
|
|
 Laughter the best medicine
Cellphone Etiquette
After a tiring day, a young lady settled down in her seat and closed her Eyes.
As the train rolled out of the station, the guy sitting next to her; pulled out his cell phone and started talking in a loud voice
"Hi Sweetheart, its Tom. I'm on the Train".
"Yes, I know it's Six thirty and not four thirty, but I had A Long Meeting".
"No, honey, Not with the pretty girl from the Accounts Office, It was with the Boss".
"No Sweetheart,
You're the only one in My life"
"Yes, I'm sure, Cross my heart"
Fifteen minutes later, he was still talking loudly.
When the Young Woman sitting next to him had enough, she leaned over and said into the phone, "HEY Tom hang up the phone and come back here."
Now Tom doesn't use his cell phone in Public Anymore. | |
Prenatal Visit
A couple was making their first visit to Dr. Mike Wilson prior to the birth of their first child.
After the exam, the doctor took a small stamp and stamped the wife's stomach with indelible ink. The man and his wife were curious about what the stamp was for, so when they got home, the man took out his magnifying glass to try to see what is was. In very small letters, the stamp said, "When you can read this, come back and see me.
Yellow Canaries
A lady went to a pet shop. "I'd like to buy two yellow canaries," she told the owner. "We don't have any canaries, but we have these," the owner said, as he showed the lady some pale green parakeets. "That's not what I'm looking for," the lady stated.
But the pet store owner refused to give up. He said, "Just think of them as yellow canaries that aren't quite ripe yet."
|
 The Devotion of the Three Hail Marys
The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS is a very simple yet most efficacious devotion.
Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding the invocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me from mortal sin." Many people recite the Three Hail Marys as part of their morning and night prayers. To practice this devotion in time of danger, stress, special need or temptation, is a sure means to obtain Our Lady's help.
My sincere thanks to Mother Mary for the safe delivery of my sister who had severe complications throughout her pregnancy and she safely delivered a baby boy.
Mrs.Hernandez, NY
My sincere thanks for all the graces and favors received through the intercession of Our Lady, Help of Christians. Mrs. Maria Theresa, NY
My husband was traveling on his motorcycle and he skidded on oil and narrowly escaped a serious accident with just a few bruises. We are most grateful to Mother Mary for having protected him. We faithfully pray the Rosary everyday. Mrs. Jennifer Roach, PA
| |
|
|
|
|
|
In Closing
Dear devotees of Our Lady and Don Bosco,
If you have received a miracle through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, we would like to hear from you. Email us at MaryShrine@aol.com.
Bookstore hours: Monday - Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays: 12 - 4 pm
Weekday Masses: 12 noon. Confessions on weekdays begin at 11.30 am.
Sunday Masses: 11 am and 12.30 pm
Other activities: Day Retreats, Weekend retreats, Don Bosco Summer Camp, Eucharistic Adoration, Friday night Lenten Dinners, 50/50 raffle, 350 club, Rosary Madonna Statue. Rent Lomagno Hall, Rent our Banquet Hall.
MEMORIES
Remember a Loved One: Engrave plaques on Wall of Memories, adopt a Tree, Engrave blocks on Walk of Honor, All Souls, All year Candle lighting, Holiday (Christmas and Easter), Flowers, Schedule a Mass, Bell Chimes.
MASS INTENTIONS
To offer a mass intention, please write to
Fr. Jim McKenna SDB
174 Filors Lane,
Stony Point, NY 10980
mckennasdb@yahoo.com.
|
Fine Print
Our ministry is only possible with your help. Visit our website: www.marianshrine.org to donate. Marian Shrine 174 Filors Lane, Stony Point, NY 10980 www.marianshrine.org (845) 947-2200
|
|
|
|
|
