"Military: A beautiful true love story"




One day, a young guy and a young girl fell in love. But the guy came from a poor family. The girl's parents weren't too happy.



So the young man decided not only to court the girl but to court her parents as well. In time, the parents saw that he was a good man and was worthy of their daughter's hand.



But there was another problem: The man was a soldier. Soon, war broke out and he was being sent overseas for a year. The week before he left, the man knelt on his knee and asked his lady love, "Will you marry me?" She wiped a tear, said yes, and they were engaged. They agreed that when he got back in one year, they would get married.



But tragedy struck. A few days after he left, the girl had a major vehicular accident. It was a head-on collision. When she woke up in the hospital, she saw her father and mother crying. Immediately, she knew there was something wrong.



She later found out that she suffered brain injury. The part of her brain that controlled her face muscles was damaged. Her once lovely face was now disfigured. She cried as she saw herself in the mirror. "Yesterday, I was beautiful. Today, I'm a monster." Her body was also covered with so many ugly wounds.



Right there and then, she decided to release her fiance from their promise. She knew he wouldn't desire her anymore. She would forget about him and never see him again.



For one year, the soldier wrote many letters; but she wouldn't answer any of them. He called upon her over telephone several times but she wouldn't attend his calls.



After one year, the mother walked into her room and announced, "He's back from the war." The girl shouted, "No! Please don't tell him about me. Don't tell him I'm here!" The mother said, "He's getting married," and handed her a wedding invitation. The girl's heart sank. She knew she still loved him; but she had to forget him now. With great sadness, she opened the wedding invitation.And then she saw her name on it!



Utterly bewildered, she asked, "What is this?" That was when the young man entered her room with a bouquet of flowers. He knelt beside her and asked, "Will you marry me?" The girl covered her face with her hands and said, "I'm ugly!" The man said, "Without your permission, your mother sent me your photos. When I saw your photos, I realized that nothing has changed. You're still the woman I fell in love with. You're still as beautiful as ever. Because I love you!"



[Author - 'Unknown']

"Positive Thinking"




Jerry was the kind of guy you love to hate. He was always in a good mood and always had something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"


He was a unique manager because he had several waiters who had followed him around from restaurant to restaurant. The reason the waiters followed Jerry was because of his attitude. He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Jerry was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.


Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jerry and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?" Jerry replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, Jerry, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life."


"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.


"Yes it is," Jerry said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live life."


I reflected on what Jerry said. Soon thereafter, I left the restaurant industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it. Several years later, I heard that Jerry did something you are never supposed to do in a restaurant business: he left the back door open one morning and was held up at gunpoint by three armed robbers. While trying to open the safe, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jerry was found relatively quickly and rushed to the local trauma center. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Jerry was released from the hospital with fragments of the bullets still in his body. I saw Jerry about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Wanna see my scars?"


I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was that I should have locked the back door," Jerry replied. "Then, as I lay on the floor, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live, or I could choose to die. I chose to live.”

"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked. Jerry continued, "The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the emergency room and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read, 'He's a dead man.' I knew I needed to take action."

"What did you do?" I asked.

"Well, there was a big, burly nurse shouting questions at me," said Jerry. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes,' I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply… I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Bullets!' Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."

Jerry lived thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. 'Attitude', after all, is everything.

[By 'Francie Baltazar-Schwartz']



Let this really sink in-

"then choose how you start your day tomorrow."

"A gift of love!"



"Can I see my baby?" the happy new mother asked.


When the bundle was nestled in her arms and she moved the fold of cloth to look upon his tiny face, she gasped. The doctor turned quickly and looked out the tall hospital window. The baby had been born without ears.


Time proved that the baby's hearing was perfect. It was only his appearance that was marred. When he rushed home from school one day and flung himself into his mother's arms, she sighed, knowing that his life was to be a succession of heartbreaks. He blurted out the tragedy. "A boy, a big boy, called me a freak."


He grew up, handsome for his misfortune. A favorite with his fellow students, he might have been class president, but for that. He developed a gift, a talent for literature and music. "But you might mingle with other young people," his mother reproved him, but felt a kindness in her heart. The boy's father had a session with the family physician. Could nothing be done? "I believe I could graft on a pair of outer ears, if they could be procured," the doctor decided.


Whereupon the search began for a person who would make such a sacrifice for a young man. Two years went by. Then, "You are going to the hospital, Son. Mother and I have someone who will donate the ears you need. But it's a secret," said the father. The operation was a brilliant success, and a new person emerged. His talents blossomed into genius, and school and college became a series of triumphs.


Later he married and entered the diplomatic service. "But I must know!" He urged his father, "Who gave so much for me? I could never do enough for him." "I do not believe you could," said the father, "but the agreement was that you are not to know; not yet." The years kept their profound secret, but the day did come; one of the darkest days that a son must endure. He stood with his father over his mother'��s casket. Slowly, tenderly, the father stretched forth a hand and raised the thick, reddish-brown hair to reveal that the mother had no outer ears. "Mother said she was glad she never let her hair be cut," he whispered gently, "and nobody ever thought Mother less beautiful, did they?"


Real beauty lies not in the physical appearance, but in the heart. Real treasure lies not in what that can be seen, but what that cannot be seen. Real love lies not in what is done and known, but in what that is done but not known.

"Marriage -�� very touching!"





When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.


Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.


She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?


I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!


With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.


She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.


The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.


When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.


In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.


This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.


She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door every morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.


I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.


My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.


On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.


On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.


On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.


She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.


Suddenly it hit me; she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.


Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.


But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.


I drove to office; jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind; I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.


She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.


Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.


At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.


That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed,� dead.


My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push through with the divorce; ��At least, in the eyes of our son,� "I'm a loving husband!"


"The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse'��s friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!"



[Author 'Unknown']

"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." -- 'Dalai Lama'


"5 Reasons To Be Kind" -- by 'KindSpring, Sep 03, 2013'

'INSIGHTS ON KINDNESS BY POETS, SAGES & ACTIVISTS!'



In a dominant paradigm weighted towards self-interest and self-orientation, we must make a special effort to question our mode of being. Can we afford to be narrowly self-focused? Can we grow to anywhere near our true potential if we look out only for ourselves? What role do kindness and compassion play in bridging a world that is growing increasingly fragmented? What follows are five powerful reasons to be kind, articulated by some of the greatest minds and hearts from around the globe.


1. BECAUSE THERE CAN NEVER BE ENOUGH KINDNESS IN THE WORLD


Even if we do not achieve perfect peace on earth, because perfect peace is not of this earth, common endeavors to gain peace will unite individuals and nations in trust and friendship and help to make our human community safer and kinder.


I used the word 'kinder' after careful deliberation; I might say the careful deliberation of many years. Of the sweets of adversity, and let me say that these are not numerous, I have found the sweetest, the most precious of all, is the lesson I learned on the value of kindness. Every kindness I received, small or big, convinced me that there could never be enough of it in our world. To be kind is to respond with sensitivity and human warmth to the hopes and needs of others. Even the briefest touch of kindness can lighten a heavy heart. Kindness can change the lives of people. - 'Aung San Suu Kyi'


2. BECAUSE OUR VERY PRESENCE HERE IS PROOF OF KINDNESS


The word kindness has a gentle sound that seems to echo the presence of compassionate goodness. When someone is kind to you, you feel understood and seen. There is no judgment or harsh perception directed toward you. Kindness has gracious eyes; it is not small-minded or competitive; it wants nothing back for itself. Kindness strikes a resonance with the depths of your own heart; it also suggests that your vulnerability, though somehow exposed, is not taken advantage of; rather, it has become an occasion for dignity and empathy. Kindness casts a different light, an evening light that has the depth of color and patience to illuminate what is complex and rich in difference.


Despite all the darkness, human hope is based on the instinct that at the deepest level of reality some intimate kindness holds sway. This is the heart of blessing. To believe in blessing is to believe that our being here, our very presence in the world, is itself the first gift, the primal blessing. - 'John O'Donohue'


3. BECAUSE ONLY KINDNESS MAKES SENSE AS A RADICAL RESPONSE TO SORROW


Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,

you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.

You must wake up with sorrow.

You must speak to it till your voice catches the thread of all sorrows

and you see the size of the cloth.

Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,

only kindness that ties your shoes

and sends you out into the day to mail letters and purchase bread,

only kindness that raises its head

from the crowd of the world to say

it is I you have been looking for... - 'Naomi Shihab Nye'



4. BECAUSE HUMAN HISTORY HAS BEEN SHAPED BY KINDNESS


To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.


What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places -- and there are so many -- where people behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.


And if we do act, in however small a way, we don't have to wait for some grand Utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory. - 'Howard Zinn'


5. BECAUSE BEING KIND IS IN OUR OWN BEST INTEREST


Yes, and understanding that begins with changing our attitude. We must realize that it is best to focus on our oneness, to re-emphasize what is the same about each of us rather than dwell on what is different. Yes, there are differences between us. But it doesn't make sense to emphasize that, because my future and yours is connected with everyone else's. So we have to take seriously our concern for all of humanity. When we focus on our individuality, humanity inevitably suffers, each one of us will suffer.


For example, a few minutes ago there was a fire alarm in this building. I responded immediately -- not because this building is a part of my body but because I am here, in it. That's why I have to take care of it. Similarly, whether we love humanity or not, we must realize that we are part of it. My future depends entirely on the future of humanity, and so I am compelled to take care of humanity. That is why being compassionate is actually in my own best interest. And a symptom of my own peace of mind is that I can share comfort with others around me. - 'Dalai Lama'

"Real living is living for others!" [Bruce Lee]


'A Father's Letter To His Five-Year-Old Daughter'

[Posted on February 12, 2014 by Kindness Blog, syndicated from kindnessblog.com, Nov 12, 2014]



Tom Attwater is dying of a brain tumor, but he isn't worried about his cancer. Instead, he is trying to save his 5 year-old daughter from her own.



He has vowed to raise approximately $820,200.00 for her cancer treatment, even if he wouldn't be around to see her go through it.



Now Tom is almost half way to his fundraising target he is more adamant than ever to reach it. Tragically his deadline is short as his latest scans show his brain tumor is growing.



He says: "These days people make bucket lists, and the very top of mine – the one that matters most – is raising money to make sure Kelli gets the medical help she might need.



"Some people have advised me to slow down and concentrate on enjoying the rest of my days. But how can I knowing Kelli's bright life might be cut short?


Fundraising is a lot of hard work, especially on days when I feel too poorly to get out of bed. But I honestly feel I can't relax until I know Kelli can have the best chance of a long and full life. I've run out of chances, luck and time but have had a wonderful life. So if I drop dead tomorrow, I know I will have done my best for Kelli."




Kelli is only 5 years-old, but she has already beat the disease twice. She is likely to relapse and need treatment in the United States, so Tom is dedicated to leaving a legacy behind for her, as well as this touching letter:





Darling Kelli,



I'm so sorry I will not get to see you grow up as I so want to. Please don't blame people or the world for this. A lot of life is simply luck and mine is running out.



I wish I had the words to make you feel better. I wish I didn't have cancer and you didn't have to see me in pain as you often do now. I wish so many things were different but they are not.



Most dads and daughters have decades to chat around the kitchen table, their hands warmed by mugs of coffee, as the dad dishes out advice and their girls no doubt roll their eyes. We don't have that time. I won't be able to drop you off on your first day at big school, pick you up after your first date, hold you when your heart hurts or cheer when you graduate.



But while your old dad is still around I thought I'd try to give you some life advice in one go. I hope it gives you some comfort. I hope cancer never returns so that your life is long, fulfilled and happy.



School: Everyone will say, it's vital to work hard at school. Hopefully you'll always do your best. I did well at school but did it do me much good in life? Not really. School work IS important, but make sure you have fun too.



Boys: At the moment you don't make much distinction between girls and boys and see all children as friends. That's typical of your sweet nature. But Kel, that will change as you get older. You might see them as stinky, pesky classmates in a few years' time. But, probably at secondary school, you'll realize they can be quite nice.



You'll have boyfriends when you're older – MUCH older hopefully! – and I won't be there to grill them about their intentions. So here's some advice from your old man. It's very hard to describe how it feels to really be in love. You might remember seeing me and your mum laughing together and cuddling on the sofa, and once the love hearts and flowers fade that's what real love looks like. Have fun finding it.



Always choose boys with gentleman-like values, manners and respect. Imag�ine them having tea and a chat with our family around our table and if you think they'll fit in, you have found a decent young man.



Sadly, you will have your heart broken one day. It hurts like hell and will feel like the end of the world. But you will get over it. And even if a romance doesn't work out, try to be kind. Boys have feelings too. Lastly, if you have a special boy pal who is always there for you when boyfriends come and go, don't take him for granted. Don't overlook him. He might really care for you.



Marriage: I often dreamt about your wedding day and imagined filling up with tears as I walked you down the aisle before giving you away. I won't be able to do that Kelli. Sorry sweetheart. But I will be looking over your shoulder on that day, proud and happy you have found a special someone to love you and care for you.



I wonder if you will play what you call 'the family song' (which is really I'll Be There by The Jackson 5). It meant so much to me and my brother and sister growing up, and I know it does to you too. I'll be there on your wedding day in spirit.



Mummy: You and your mum will argue at times, especially when you're a teenager. Please remember she adores you and wants the best for you. Give Mummy a hug when she is feeling sad and help each other get through any horrible times when I am gone. When you're a teenager you might think your friends are right and your mum is wrong. But she has to make hard decisions for you and, more than any friend you'll ever have, has your interests at heart. Treat her well.



Family Nothing is more important than family and the values they give us. Nothing.



Friends Treat people as they treat you. Be nice to anyone who helps you, always. Bullying is horrible - 'never become one.'



Christmas & birthdays On your first Christmas without me, I'd love if you and Mummy would light a candle and remember me for a few minutes. It would be great if you two did the monkey dance together. Jumping around shaking our bottoms always made us laugh. That's something to make me smile from up above. I'd also love if you visit my parents on Boxing Day. They will be hurting too.



I've given Nanny Sue presents for all your birthdays. I wish I could be there to see you open them. Hopefully you will like everything as it's hard to imagine you at 10, 15, 20. I wonder if you'll still like One Direction. I wonder if they'll still make you dance around the living room.


Career: You were two when you told me you wanted to be a 'princess astronaut' so you could wear nice dresses and find new planets. You might now realize that's not possible. But so many things ARE possible for you, darling. Do what makes you happy and that you enjoy. If you do so, life suddenly becomes much, much easier.



You may need to start a few different careers to find the one you enjoy, but so be it. 'One life, one chance!'



Manners: Always remember your please and thank-yous. The reason Mummy and I drum manners into you is because they will help you throughout your life. Always be courteous, especially to elders. Never put a knife in your mouth. Remember to write 'thank-you' letters for gifts of kindness as it is always nice to act with grace and gratitude. (And please note that poo jokes are only funny when you are five, you cheeky girl!)



Learn to drive: Most dads teach their daughters to drive and usually fall out in the process. Make sure you learn how to drive as soon you can – it opens up the world for you. Also, make sure Mummy doesn't teach you (just joking, Joely).



Travel abroad: It's a cliche to say 'travel broadens the mind', but it's true. See as much of the world as you can. But never on a motorbike (too dangerous).



Be happy: You never laugh at 50%! you always laugh at 100%. Your laugh takes over your whole body and is highly infectious. I hope you never lose that. There is no point in asking you not to be sad when I go. I know you will be, princess. And I wish I could be there to wrap my arms around you and snuggle you until you smile again. Remember the Eeyore teddy I bought you from a charity shop? You said you'd keep him safe and cuddle him when you miss me. That's a great idea. You can feel sad and use it as a driving force throughout your life. Or you can just be sad. You know which one I hope you choose.



Be charitable: Please give to charities. Charities have been good to you and I. You'll probably always remember our trip to Disneyland. But I'll never forget the sacrifices people made to pay for your healthcare if ever cancer returns. Elderly people sent prayer cards and '�10' notes they couldn't afford. Heads were shaved, miles were run, thousands were raised. All for you. It's important to pay back. Doing good deeds uplifts the soul. Never forget there are people worse off than you who you can help.



Remember your life motto: Always keep 'trying'. You might remember that I taught you to say 'giving up is for losers'. I failed a number of times in my life but never gave up. Kelli, 'never give up!'



Believe in yourself: In life, many people will say you cannot do things. You make up your mind. Can you? Do you want to? Big challenges involve risks so make smart choices. Those who told me I couldn't do certain things, didn't want me to do them. If you want something, it is nearly always possible, so do your best. I'm sure there's a hell of a lot you can achieve!



I know you will make me proud and do something great in my memory. I know you can do it -�� 'so let's start now.'



And finally: Thank you for being 'you', Kelli. Thank you for paying me the biggest compliment of all time by calling me 'Daddy'. Having you as my daughter is the greatest honor of my life. Thank you for teaching me more about 'love' 'happiness' and 'responsibility' than any other person.



Enjoy your life. Don't rush through it. I will be waiting.


All my love, always, to you princess and to Mummy...



'Daddy'

"Honesty Pays!"



A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.


Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together.


He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you.


The young executives were Shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED.


I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you.


I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."


One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed.


Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.


Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew.


Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing.


By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.


Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however... He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the seed to grow.


A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection.
Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot.


But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right.


He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!


When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives.


Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!"


All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot.. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the front.


Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"


When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story.


The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive Officer! His name is Jim!"


Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed.


"How could he be the new CEO?" the others said.


Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow.


All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers.. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you.


Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!"


* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust


* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends


* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness


* If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment


* If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective


* If you plant hard work, you will reap success


* If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation


* If you plant faith in God , you will reap a harvest



'So, be careful what you plant now!'

'Holding on to 'Anger' is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; 'you' are the one who gets burned!' [Buddha]