Guilt

"Guilt is a messy and confusing emotion to handle and it refuses to go away.  It lowers our self-esteem, gnaws away at our sense of strength and alienates us from other people and sometimes it festers away for years and years.  It makes you defensive."

Faith for Daily Living - Tape Aids for the Blind South Africa

Special and Worthy of Respect

"Millions of (people) believe they aren't good enough, feel unsure of themselves and insecure in situations.  Each of us is special and worthy of respect. 

Here are ways to get to know - and like - you:

Start by taking an honest look at your life, and accept what cannot be changed.

Try to understand that other people also have fears and worries.

Don't bottle up your feelings.  (Write them down or talk them out).

Learn to bounce back.

Question the role you are playing in your life.

Don't use the fact that you are (unexceptional looking) as an excuse for failure.

Talk yourself into self-confidence.

Give and you will receive.

Take advantage of opportunities to learn.

Don't try to be completely perfect today, this month, this year.

Dress for yourself.

Let yourself have some fun.

Look after yourself.

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Learn a few relaxation techniques.

Talk to someone.

Make your own decisions.

Have bold hopes and dreams.

Never compare yourself with other people, (compare yourself with yourself this time last week/month/year).

Remember you aren't going to make changes because you're a FAILURE.

- Angela Willans

Nay-sayers

"There will always be nay-sayers who warn us that we are bound to fail at this or that.  The important question to ask is not "Will I fail?" but "What do I stand to achieve?""
Barbara Bartocci

Unsung Heroes and Heroines

"Some of the unsung heroes and heroines of our day are the faithful home teachers and visiting teachers who feed the Master's sheep."
Dallin H Oaks
"Modern Pioneers" Ensign Nov 1989

Power

"When obedience ceases to be an irritant, and righteousness our desire, we will be endowed with power from on high."
Powell Oketta

Problem

"A problem is a chance for you to do your best."
Duke Ellington

When there is a loadshedding or blackout - enjoy the quiet and reach for your candles and lamps.

When you are planted in a a place that it is difficult to be who you are,
do your best to be who you are anyway!

I was in the parking lot outside Pick 'n Pay Princess crossing where a whole row of neighbouring shops was burnt recently. 
The car-guard was singing quietly
"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine;
this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. 
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine;
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!"

Yeah man!

My Head Held High

"I want to walk off the field with my head held high - win or lose.
Championships are won in everyday preparations.
Don't ever do anything to embarass yourself.
Do your best - No Regrets... You know... I have."

- Larry Gelwix - No Regrets
Rugby coach of the Highland team for over 30 years
BYU Television

Smallest and Most Vulnerable

"We ignore the smallest and most vulnerable among us at our peril."
National Geographic - Death Valley

Superficiality or Serious Living

"The idea of taking your inner world the least bit seriously is easily mocked. Relentless superficiality shrieks for our attention. Doing things that take time, concentration and personal effort is out of favour."
Stephanie Dowrick

First-rate Intelligence

"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function."
F. Scott Fitzgerald

Hope...

"We hope for a people and a nation in which democracy is made a wonderfully realizable possibility in a pluralistic culture where people bring together a whole variety of life experiences. We hope for a society which is just and free."
Church of the Province of South Africa Minister

Pray and Sing

"To pray is important. To sing is important. And to sing is to pray twice."
Saint Augustin

That's Life...

"That's life isn't it? We have to learn to balance the joy and the difficulties."
Samantha Page

Life Lessons

"...life Lessons are concealed in life experiences."
Bonolo Ramaja

The Past

"You have to reflect on the past and leave it there. Live in the now and focus on how you can make it lead to a future you want."
Sharlotte Mkansi

Celebrity

"Celebrity is just obscurity biding its time."
Carrie Fisher - "The Letter Writer"

Untrained Eye

"The untrained eye sees only harsh desolation."
National Geographic "Into the Wilderness" series - "Canyonlands" episode