======================= VOTT IF ... you could get a short, humorous, informative e-mail each week that was insightful and meaningful to your life? ======================= Valuing Ourselves The importance of recognizing one's worth cannot be overstated. This is not to be confused with going on an ego trip, mind you. When we truly see our value, there is no question of ego. Here's why. Our 'worthiness' does not depend on how much money we make, how many good deeds we've done, or how much others like us - it has nothing to do with any of these external, transitory items. Some consider making money to be 'sinful', one person's good deed is another's waste of time, and there may be merit to not having everyone liking you, because as the saying goes,'with friends like these, who needs ...' Rather our worthiness is heaven-sent. We are worthy because we are children of the universe. As one child put it, "I'm good, 'cause God don't make no junk!" So, you don't have to become worthwhile - that's how you are. What is needed though is to also recognize, honour and preserve the worthiness of what's around you: nature in her glory, the creatures you share this planet with, even members of your own species. In order to value and treat with value, all this around you, one does need to be at peace with one's own self. We can only see worthiness outside of ourselves when we have already acknowledged it within - children have a pointed way of expressing this truth: "It takes one to know one!" The most important mission in life may be to fan those divine sparks that reside within all beings into an unquenchable, joyful flame which will sweep away doubt, jealousy, hatred, cruelty and fear. Possibly, this is the purpose of our lives. Time Tippies Don't feel bad if you suddenly find that you have a lot of 'undone' items and more seem to just pile up. First, feeling bad doesn't usually accomplish a whole lot. Second, things that are not done may not be worth doing. Third, the time may not be right to do them. This last point is often an elusive one. We are brought up to believe that this is a fast paced world and everything has to keep moving quickly: you never want to 'miss the boat'. While certain things perhaps do depend on prompt attention, it is important to note the difference between getting things 'done on time' and getting things 'done at the right time'. For instance, not even the most enthusiastic gardener would refuse to wait for the warm weather to arrive to plant seedlings outside. You wouldn't play music faster just to get the piece finished sooner, would you? And trying to prepare a child for adulthood in a hurry may destroy that being's childhood and adulthood. To know how to have the right timing requires we be calm, we be unafraid of the consequences of apparent failure and we have faith in ourselves. After all, you can miss the boat by trying to get in too soon as well. Inspiration Garth Harvey is a 78 year old man who has always lived life with zest. With a gifted intellect, strong body and warm heart, Garth worked from the time he was 11 years old starting on a farm. In depression years, this had been necessary for a family's survival. He continued to work throughout his schooling. Garth's jobs gradually increased in levels of responsibility until he found himself, Head of Information Services in the Canadian Federal Government's Department of Forestry. Garth's avid curiosity encouraged him to learn about science, literature, wildlife, plants, woodworking and much more. His caring heart has seen him through looking after his mother, his wife and his sisters until their deaths. Though saddened by their losses Garth continued to choose life and seek out meaningful work. An active and socially conscious community member, he has been an architect of the small community he has lived in since his retirement. To this day, he seeks to improve life for others by doing volunteer work, meeting with politicians, speaking up for forests and the like. He has friends from the age of 9 to over 80. We salute this kindly man who says "life is a ball" and does all that he can to make it so for others. Funecdotes It was the final examination for an introductory English course at the local university. The examination was two hours long, and exam booklets were provided. The professor was very strict and told the class that any exam that was not on his desk in exactly two hours would not be accepted and the student would fail. A half hour into the exam, a student came rushing in and asked the professor for an exam booklet. "You're not going to have time to finish this," the professor stated sarcastically as he handed the student a booklet. "Yes I will," replied the student. He then took a seat and began writing. After two hours, the professor called for the exams, and the students handed them in. All except the late student, who continued writing. Thirty minutes later, this student came up to the professor who was sitting at his desk preparing for his next class. He attempted to put his exam on the stack of exam booklets already there. "No you don't, I'm not going to accept that. It's late." The student looked incredulous and angry. "Do you know WHO I am?" "No, as a matter of fact I don't," replied the professor. "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?" the student asked again. "No, and I don't care." replied the professor with an air of superiority. "Good," replied the student, who quickly lifted the stack of completed exams, stuffed his in the middle, and walked out of the room. ... with you on your journey Towards Freedom mailto:about@towardsfreedom.com (autoresponder) http://www.towardsfreedom.com (website) information, imagination, inspiration - truly a site for soaring I's ======================= If you ever wish to unsubscribe just do so at http://towardsfreedom.com/suvottif.html#subscription_handling =======================