“Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your values, Your values become your habits, Your habits become your destiny.” Mahatma Gandhi  

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” -Albert Einstein Curiosity is one of the most essential qualities for a good writer. Curiosity is what opens the Pandora’s Box of imagination, ideas and creativity. If we’re not motivated to investigate the wonders that surround us, to discover the possibilities…

“The lotus is the most beautiful flower, whose petals open one by one. But it will only grow in the mud. In order to grow and gain wisdom, first you must have the mud — the obstacles of life and its suffering. … The mud speaks of the common ground that humans share, no matter…

”The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give it away.” David Viscott I love to do cryptoquotes when I’m listening to music in the Chautauqua amphitheater. Last week I deciphered this one and thought of you. I loved it and hope you will, too. What’s your gift?…

I was inspired this week by the Civil Rights leader, Rev. Jesse Jackson, who spoke at Chautauqua as we celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 40th anniversary of his assassination. Jackson ended his speech with this moving prayer. I was in the amphitheater but unable to hear it, so I…

“Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you’re passionate about something, then you’re more willing to take risks.” -Yo Yo Ma Yo Yo Ma, one of the most renowned musicians in the world, spoke here at Chautauqua this week and played his cello along with the Silk Road Ensemble. A spellbinding speaker,…

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen The photo above is in a Chautauqua front yard that I pass at least once a day. I am always inspired. How about you? Are you, even now, postponing something wonderful that you…

Imagine you are walking in the woods and you see a small dog sitting by a tree. As you approach it, it suddenly lunges at you, teeth bared. You are frightened and angry. But then you notice that one of its legs is caught in a trap. Immediately your mood shifts from anger to concern:…