Monday, 31 March 2014

Perfection

Perfection is impossible.  
 However, striving for perfection is not.   
Do the best you can 
under the conditions that exist.   
That is what counts. 
– John Wooden

Friday, 28 March 2014

Courage

Give me the courage to show up 
and let myself be seen. 
– Brene Brown

Wednesday, 26 March 2014

Priority

The Principle of Priority states 
(a) you must know the difference 
between what is urgent and what is important, 
and (b) you must do what’s important first. 
- Steven Pressfield

Monday, 24 March 2014

Success

Success…isn’t about what you 
accomplish for others, 
it’s about what makes you
 feel successful for yourself.   
– Mira Kirshenbaum

Friday, 21 March 2014

March 21, 2014 Chautauqua


From the Editor's Computer


   In a recent conversation, a friend commented: “Oh, to be a cat.”

   I questioned why he said that.  Was it their 9 lives? How they always land on their feet? Or was it how they lie around in the sunshine all day?

   While we humans don’t have the fabled nine lives of cats, we do have many more opportunities and chances in life than we tend to think we have.  Very little of the vast majority of our daily lives is really do-or-die important. 

   How would you approach tasks, opportunities, and even relationships if you knew that you didn't have to have it totally perfect on the first try?  If you knew that mistakes and growth were allowed because you had more chances down the road?

   Suddenly failure would no longer be an issue, or a fear holding you back.  How can you fail if you get a second, third, or even ninth, chance to do something better than you did it before?

   It is really quite amazing how cats can land on their feet, no matter how high a distance they fall.

   While it would be nice to have that ability when we physically fall, we do have the ability to land on our feet no matter what life throws at us.

   If you doubt that, look back at various situations and hardships in your past.  Since you are obviously still here and reading this, it’s pretty safe to say you “landed on your feet” and made it through the challenge to the other side.

   And who wouldn’t want to spend the day curled up in the sunshine napping as cats are prone to do? 

   Lest you get the wrong idea, cats aren’t lazy, rather, they know how to  completely relax.  They can spring to life and pounce as needed, but when that type of activity isn’t needed, they release all tension and rest.  Even if you wake them, they don’t get bent out of shape, but let it go and return to their snooze.

   A good lesson for us all during these spring days.  Take some time to let go of the cares of your day and just bask in the warmth of the sunshine.
 
Beth   

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ofvAs8-uKt0Yi7yjLfqV5pzBgDqvxFVO/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

Wednesday, 19 March 2014

Moments

The most powerful moments of our lives 
happen when we string together 
the small flickers of light created by 
courage, compassion, and connection
 and see them shine in the darkness 
of our struggles.
 – Brene Brown

Monday, 17 March 2014

Shamrock

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way -
Good health, good luck,
and happiness
For today and every day.
~Author Unknown
 

Friday, 14 March 2014

Wrong

Sometimes a concept is baffling 
not because it is profound 
but because it is wrong.  
 – E.O. Wilson

Wednesday, 12 March 2014

Let go

If you want something, you must let it go.  
 Do less to get more.   
Slow down to develop the fastest outcome. 
– Susanna McMahon

Monday, 10 March 2014

Yourself

Do unto yourself 
as you would have others 
do unto you.   
– Susanna McMahon

Friday, 7 March 2014

March 7, 2014 Chautauqua



From the Editor's Computer  

   As I sit at my desk putting the finishing touches on this issue, the weather outside features record-breaking temperatures and wind-chills.  At the same time, the sunshine is shining directly on me and it is getting quite hot!  It is becoming more and more noticeable that the sun is getting warmer, which means spring is getting closer.

   The contrast between the two extremes reminded me of Aesop’s fable about the “North Wind and the Sun.”  The North Wind and Sun make a deal to see who is stronger.  For the challenge they decide to see if they can get a man walking below them to take his coat off.

   The cocky wind is sure of his success as he huffs and puffs colder and colder, and even colder air around the man.  Of course, the man just clutches his coat even more tightly against the harsh onslaught.

   While he is getting worried, the wind doesn’t give up right away.  He puts out more effort to no avail.  The man refuses to remove his coat and the wind is left a mere wisp of his former self.

   Then it’s the sun’s turn.  With little effort, and much warmth, in no time the sun’s heat results in the man removing his coat.  Thus proving the sun’s superiority.

   While there are many variations of the “moral” of this tale, one undeniable truth of the fable is that forcing people to do what you want rarely works.  In fact, forcing people to adopt a certain behaviour, and do things your way, usually results in them displaying the opposite behaviour.

   On the other hand, gently and warmly presenting your views, ideas, requests, or desires, can often persuade the person to see the situation  from your point of view without any confrontations.

   As we learn from the sun, a little warmth and encouragement can make a big difference.  You don’t need to generate a warmth as strong  and great as the sun, for even the tiny flame of a match generates heat and can melt water or wax.     

   So never underestimate your impact on difficult people or situations - no matter how small it may seem. 

Beth   

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LfVqhujtLh6lHnWeZiPACTYxkaEt1Iav/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

Wednesday, 5 March 2014

First

Strive to be first: 
first to nod, first to smile, 
first to compliment, 
and first to forgive. 
– Anonymous

Monday, 3 March 2014

Change

When a big change occurs in your life 
it forces you to change direction.   
Sometimes the new path 
may not be easy, 
but you can be absolutely certain 
that there is magnificence 
for you on the new path…
the new path contains things that you
 could not have experienced otherwise.   
– Rhonda Bryne

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