New stuff “Whenever I’ve faced adversity, I’ve used that challenge as motivation to win through, no matter the cost. When I meet with failure, I pick myself up, dust off the dirt from the fall and focus on trying again. You can’t let failure beat you or give in to the temptation to take the easy way out. The world’s greatest accomplishments aren’t achieved on the first try.

“In life and in competition, good character is the foundation of everything. We build our character by taking chances, accepting challenges, and helping others meet their goals. This is not just a good idea-it’s a way of life.

“There are few things as powerful as having people in your life who want to see you succeed and thrive. Most goodhearted people are willing to help others and make sacrifices-they only ask that other people do the same. And finding people like that in your own life begins with serving others.”
---All quotes from Kyle Maynard

All the above comes from Kyle Maynard, now-famous congenital amputee who went on to win a state championship for wrestling in Georgia. Despite his shortcomings, he has been able to lead a very normal life, even playing football for a short time.

I write this because the last few days I have been watching several people feeling like they can't do anything...making excuses for not being able to do one thing or another. I know that things can get rough, and the world may seem to be against you, but crying about something tends to be wasteful. That time can be spent better on doing something about the situations, I think. The world is a tough place for most of us, there is no doubt on that. But why cave to the pressures? why not just take a deep breath and take the plunge in the icy cold water of change? I know that is the only reason why I am at the place that I am at now. Otherwise, I don't think that I would have survived very well.

“The first period is won by the best technician. The second period is won by the kid in the best shape. The third period is won by the kid with the biggest heart.
“We make our own luck. We decide our own fate.”
---Both quotes by Dan Gable

Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent.
~His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama

When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new. This restless craving in the souls of men spurs them to climb, and to seek the mountain view.

-- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

(sorry for all the quotes...just thought that they were very appropriate)  ¶ 10/21/2005 04:20:00 AM