Ray's Daily

I Made It This Far

Ray’s Daily

January 31, 2020

http://rays-daily.com

Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!

Dr. Seuss

I have a busy day today. I have cardiology tests at the hospital and a cardiologist checkup. Later I am being joined by most of my family for a birthday dinner. So, I am again sending a Daily from the past, this one from my birthday seventeen years ago.

 Ray’s Daily first published on January 31, 2003

Happy Birthday Carol Channing, Richard A. Gephardt, Norman Mailer, Suzanne Pleshette, Queen Beatrix Of Netherlands, and Me.

It is hard to believe that:

I am now 5 years older than Ted Koppel and 11 years 5 months older than George W. Bush.

I was:

• 28 years old at the time President Kennedy was assassinated
• 22 years old when the Soviet satellite Sputnik 1 was launched
• 18 years old at the end of the Korean War (I had been called into the Navy at 16 and was then on the aircraft carrier USS Wasp in Asian waters, that is a story for another time)
• 10 years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima
• 6 years old at the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor

I remember vividly all of these events, even the attack on Pearl Harbor. I had hoped we would have seen a more tranquil world by now, with everyone sharing in the bounty that could be ours if only we were not driven by war, ideology, and ethnic and cultural conflicts. Maybe you who are younger can do a better job.

~~~

The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.

James Allen

~~~

Itzic is dying in hospital. He asks for the Greek Orthodox priest to be called so that he can dictate his last will and testament.

The priest arrives and Itzic starts to dictate. “One third of my wealth is to go to the Jewish school for girls. A second third is for the Jewish school for boys.

The priest writes as asked.

“The last third I leave to the Rabbi to build a library,” Itzic continues.

The priest writes then asks, “As you are leaving your entire wealth to The Jewish community, why did you call me and not the Rabbi?”

“Are you crazy?!” screams Itzic. “The Rabbi is in a contagious diseases ward?”

~~~

It isn’t difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill – just add a little dirt.

~~~

WARNING!!! I received this emergency message from two of my favorite Louisianans.

WE MUST STOP THIS SINISTER PLOT!

Have you ever noticed that as the years go by, everything seems uphill from where you are? Stairs are steeper, groceries are heavier, and everything is farther away. Yesterday I walked to the corner and I was horrified to discover how long our street had become! I never noticed when I was younger that it’s been changing!

And, you know, people are less considerate now, especially the young ones. They speak in whispers all the time! If you ask them to speak up they just keep repeating themselves, endlessly mouthing the same silent message until they’re red in the face! What do they think I am, a lip reader?

I also have a feeling that these people are much younger than I was at the same age. On the other hand, something has been making people who used to be my own age so much older than I am.

I ran into an old friend the other day and she has aged so much that she didn’t even recognize me. I got to thinking about the poor dear while I was combing my hair this morning, and in doing so, I glanced at my own refection…. and I noticed that even mirrors were not made the way they used to be!

Clothing manufacturers are part of the conspiracy too! Why else would they suddenly start labeling a size 10 or 12 dress as 18 or 20? Do they think no one notices that these things no longer fit around the waist, hips, thighs, and bosom?

Another thing, everyone drives so fast today! You’re risking life and limb if you just happen to pull onto the freeway in front of them. All I can say is, their brakes must wear out awfully fast, the way I see them screech and swerve in my rear view mirror.

The people who make bathroom scales are in on it as well. Do they think I actually believe the number I see on that dial? Hah! I would never let myself weigh that much! Just who do these people think they’re fooling?

I’d like to call up someone in authority to report what’s going on — but the telephone company is in on the conspiracy too: they’ve printed the phone books in such small type that no one could ever find a number in here!

All I can do is pass along this warning: Maturity is under attack! Unless something drastic happens, pretty soon *everyone* will have to suffer these awful indignities.

PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO WE CAN GET THIS CONSPIRACY STOPPED!

~~~

“The best way to get people to think out of the box is not to create the box in the first place.”

Martin Cooper

~~~

A lot of time has been wasted arguing over what came first, the chicken or the egg. It was undoubtedly the rooster.

~~~

For weeks a six-year old lad kept telling his first-grade teacher about the baby brother or sister that was expected at his house. One day the mother allowed the boy to feel the movements of the unborn child. The six-year old was obviously impressed, but made no comment. Furthermore, he stopped telling his teacher about the impending event.

The teacher finally sat the boy on her lap and said, “Johnny, whatever has become of that baby brother or sister you were expecting at home?”

Johnny burst into tears and confessed, “I think Mommy ate it!”

~~~

A woman always remembers where and when she got married; a man sometimes forgets why.

~~~

A couple is lying in bed. The man says, “I am going to make you the happiest woman in the world.”

The woman says….. “I’ll miss you.”

~~~

“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

~~~

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at http://rays-daily,com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

 

How’s Your Life?

Ray’s Daily

January 30, 2020

http://rays-daily.com

“I think being in love with life is a key to eternal youth.”

Doug Hutchison

In my community the most often asked question is” How are you doing”. I appreciate those who take an interest in the welfare of others.

The questions give me multiple opportunities each day to reflect on just how good my life really is. Sure, I got a few aches and pains but they are not worth worrying about. I find there is much to be thankful for and much to appreciate.

I know if you don’t look for the silver lining you will never find it. By being aware of what is right in our lives rather than what is wrong is how we can enjoy the days we have left. So my friends how are your lives. I hope it is as good as the woman In this story is.

How’s your life?

That old quote ‘Out of the mouths of babes ofttime come gems’ came to mind after I read an e-mail letter from my eight year old granddaughter. Alexis wrote to tell me about school, some new friends, and a cheerleading class she ‘loved.’ She chattered about each one and then made this statement: ‘I’m doing just great in my life. How about yours?’

Her words brought a smile to my face. Alexis will do all right in this world if she already recognizes that her life is a good one. Most eight year olds consider the positive things in life as something to be expected. I suspect she will grow up to look at a glass as half full rather than half empty.

I reflected further on her words the next few days. Was I, like Alexis, doing great in my life? I’m still happily married to the man I wed over forty years ago. I have two children who are independent and settled as well as three grandchildren who light up my life more often than not. I count my many friends as a special blessing as well as reasonably good health for my age. Yes, I’m doing great in my life, and I hope I’ll stay aware of that as the years march on. Don’t I ever have problems? You bet I do, but I choose to dwell on the good things rather than the sad. Because I do that, my happiness quotient is a lot higher than my misery measure.

One way to keep your life a good one is to have a positive outlook. Many years ago, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale wrote a book titled The Power Of Positive Thinking. It became a bestseller, read by thousands, long before Oprah’s Book Club created reader selections. The title alone offered all the advice found within the covers of the book. It obviously made an impact on me, as I retained that piece of advice and put it in practice most of the time.

Negative views create imaginary black clouds that hover above the person who carries them like heavy baggage. The more negative the outlook, the heavier that baggage becomes. Always finding the down side of life can become a habit. The ‘Poor Me’ syndrome gains attention. This type of personality may elicit sympathy from others, but these people also risk losing friends. We’d all prefer happy stories rather than tales of woe.

by Nancy Julien Kopp

~~~

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”

Oprah Winfrey

~~~

She did invent this new survivor show:

Six married men will be dropped on an island with 1 car and 4 kids each, for 6 weeks.  Each kid plays two sports and either takes music or dance classes.

There is no access to fast food.

Each man must take care of his 4 kids, keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, complete science projects, cook, do laundry, etc.

The men only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.  There is only one TV between them and there is NO REMOTE

The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, which they must apply themselves, either while driving or while making four lunches.

They must attend weekly PTA meetings; clean up after their sick children at 3:00 a.m.; make an Indian hut model with six toothpicks, a tortilla and one marker; and get a 4-year-old to eat a serving of peas.

The kids vote them off the island, based on performance.

The last man wins …..

Only if ……….. He has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment’s notice.

If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over again for the next 18-25 years … eventually earning the right to be called “Mother.”

One more thing, they cannot kill themselves or the kids, or they automatically get voted off.

~~~

Did you see this ad? Princess, Having Had Sufficient Experience with Princes, Seeks Frog.

~~~

Why are we still there?

It is time to take a serious look at our involvement there.

Every day there are news reports about more deaths. Every night on the TV are photos of death and destruction. Why are we still there?

The land is too large to secure all of it. The bad people causing this damage can roam anywhere, and we can’t possibly police the whole place. Why are we still there?

We occupy this land, which we had to take by force, but it causes us nothing but trouble. Why are we still there?

Their government is unstable, and in the process of changing. Why are we still there?

Refugees are fleeing by the thousands, driven from their homes. Why are we still there?

It will cost billions to rebuild, which we can’t afford. Why are we still there?

We can’t even secure the borders. Why are we still there?

And to repeat. Every day we hear of more Americans killed in this dangerous land.

It is clear! We must abandon California

~~~

Gravity…It’s Not Just a Good Idea. It’s the Law.

~~~

The farmer stood in his chicken yard watching hundreds of baby chicks running here and there.  He kept pointing to them and trying    to count them.  “One, two, three, four, five, six, oh, no…” then he would start over, “one, two, three, four, and,… oh, no.” Then he’d start over again.

Finally he said, “I give up.  They say don’t count your chickens before they hatch but it sure is easier to do that than it is to count them after they hatch.”

~~~

I’ve broken so many mirrors in my life, if I live long enough to have all that bad luck, I’ll be lucky…

~~~

A Jewish man reads about Einstein’s theory of relativity in the newspaper and asks his scientist grandson to explain it to him.

“Well, zayda, it’s sort of like this.  Einstein says that if you’re having your teeth drilled without Novocain, a minute seems like an hour. But if you’re sitting with a beautiful woman on your lap, an hour seems like a minute.”

The old man considers this profound bit of thinking for a moment and says,  “And from this he makes a living?”

~~~

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

Maya Angelou

~~~

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at http://rays-daily,com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

 

 

Stay Happy, Avoid the Cynic

Ray’s Daily

January 29, 2020

http://rays-daily.com

The most unrealistic person in the world is the cynic, not the dreamer.

Paul Hawken

 

It seems that these days more and more people have given up on their ability to be happy. It appears that we have become so polarized that many of us don’t even talk to others having closed our minds to the good around us.

The sad thing is what the cynics only see storm clouds. I think cynicism is a great barrier to building warm interpersonal relationships. I know I much prefer making friends with folks who appreciate the positive and don’t focus on the negative.

Here is a piece I picked up at he BITTERSWEET blog that I like.

Refuse Cynicism

Cynicism is sneaky and subtle. It creeps upon one’s hopes frame by frame, snatching hatchling hope with suspicions of corruption and incompetence, permitting our hearts to remain unaffected and unengaged—wholly ours and not each other’s. The needs, too big, and my little, not enough. This cynical worldview centers on issues, polarities, and the magnitude of it all to the degree that action seems futile and fatigue inevitable.

But it’s false and dissatisfying, precisely because cynicism is a way of not seeing. It requires no commitment, spreading and thickening without our conscious choice. It’s easy to settle in the defaults presented to us, accept the sweeping narratives of despair and confusion.

So how to turn toward that which is lovely and just, right and beautiful? What is the practice, the posture? This takes extraordinary commitment and intention. But unlike cynicism, it is not exhausting. This practice draws us in a deep way toward meaning, humility, gratitude, and respect. Toward fullness. Of heart and soul, of belief and hope. With this choice to reject cynicism and see beyond it, we are reacquainted with awe and wonder and the joy of mystery and life. We are freed to see people as infinitely dimensional and unconditionally worthy of respect and listening—not condemned and small, but expansive and perfectly made. Each of us given to each other. This way of seeing turns bleakest terrain treasure-filled, every plain rock a marvel gem.

~~~

Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the farthest thing from it. Because cynics don’t learn anything. Because cynicism is a self-imposed blindness, a rejection of the world because we are afraid it will hurt us or disappoint us.

Stephen Colbert

~~~

She said:

PATIENCE (pa*shens)n. The most important ingredient for dating, marriage and children.

WATERPROOF MASCARA (wah*tr*pruf mas*kar*ah)n. Comes off if you cry, shower, or swim, but will not come off if you try to remove it.

VALENTINE’S DAY (val*en*tinez dae)n. A day when you have dreams of a candlelight dinner, diamonds, and romance, but consider yourself lucky to get a card.

~~~

Little Johnny and his family lived in the country, and as a result seldom had guests. He was eager to help his mother after his father appeared with two dinner guests from the office.

When the dinner was nearly over, Little Johnny went to the kitchen and proudly carried in the first piece of apple pie, giving it to his father who passed it to a guest. Little Johnny came in with a second piece of pie and gave it to his father, who again gave it to a guest.

This was too much for Little Johnny, who said, “It’s no use, Dad. The pieces are all the same size.”

~~~

The child comes home from his first day at school.

His mother asks, “Well, what did you learn today?”

The kid replies, “Not enough. They want me to come back tomorrow.”

~~~

Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you don’t have a leg to stand on.

~~~

A DC-10 had an exceedingly long roll out after landing when his approach speed was just a little too fast.

San Jose Tower:  “American 751 heavy, turn right at the end, if able.  If not able, take the Guadeloupe exit off of Highway 101 and make a right at the light to return to the airport.

~~~

1. What’s the difference between a nine-month pregnant woman and a Playboy centerfold?
2. Nothing, if the pregnant woman’s husband knows what’s good for him.

~~~

The early worm gets eaten by the bird, so sleep late.

~~~

I remember when Grandmas tended to their knitting, and their cookies were just swell.  They were always at the ready, when you needed some advice.  And their sewing (I can tell you) was available–and nice.  Well, Grandma’s not deserted you, she dearly loves you still..

She prints pictures by the pound.  She’s right there when you need her, you really aren’t alone, She’s out now with her “‘puter pals,” but she took her new cell phone. You can also leave a message on her answering machine; or page her at the fun meet;

She’s been there since eight fifteen. Yes, the world’s a very different place, there is no doubt of that. So “E” her from her web page, or join her in a chat.  She’s joined the electronic age,

and it really seems to suit her.

So don’t expect the same old gal, cause Grandma’s gone “Computer”

~~~

There are very few personal problems that cannot be solved through a suitable application of high explosives.

~~~

He went to United Airlines and asked for a reservation from Los Angeles to New York. The clerk knew that the plane was very full with baggage and passengers.
“How much do you weigh, Sir?” asked the clerk.
“With or without clothes?” the passenger asked.
“Well,” said the clerk, “how do you intend to travel?”

~~~

Grandchildren are God’s reward for not killing your children.
~~~

A young man decided to join the police force. As a recruit he was asked during the exam, “What would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?”

He answered, “Call for backup.”

~~~

The cynic thinks that he is being practical and that the hopeful person is not. It is actually the other way around. Cynicism is paralyzing, while the naive person tries what the cynic says is impossible and sometimes succeeds.

Charles Eisenstein

~~~

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at http://rays-daily,com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

 

 

We Made the Right Decision

Ray’s Daily

January 28, 2020

http://rays-daily.com

“The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.”

Frank Lloyd Wright

Many folks ask me these days about how is my graceful aging effort going. In truth it is better than I thought it would be. Part of the secret has been our move to our new home. Our former residence was great but large and more than we needed. So with the help of our children we moved to an independent living facility, at the Forum at the Crossings here in Indianapolis.

Some of you asked why we chose the Forum. Here are some of the reasons

• It was original built for luxury senior living, so the apartments are spacious with all we needed.
• No buy in was required and the rents are reasonable.
• Rent includes three meals a day, maid service, complimentary limo service, utilities and cable TV.
• There is an onsite beauty/barber shop, convenience store, fitness room and more.
• It is an active community with plenty of entertainment, exercise classes and other activities.
• We have an onsite health and wellness well-staffed facility. Assisted living can also be provided.
• Best of all is the warm and friendly staff and the amiable residents who have become friends.

So Instead of losing what we had we have a life that is better than it was and I am free to concentrate on helping my wife deal with her health problems.

If you or a loved one is considering retirement living, I think you might like where we live, plus I would enjoy your company

Here are excerpts from an article by Ruth Soukup that I find is on target, getting older for some ou allows us to get better.

SECRETS OF AGING GRACEFULLY

REDUCE STRESS – The biggest way to age gracefully? Put a stop to all that stress! I know, it’s easier said than done. Unfortunately, stress and strain cause us to age. A furrowed brow may become a wrinkle. Smoking, drinking and other unhealthy ways to cope with stress also take a heavy toll.

GET PLENTY OF SLEEP – Sleep! Burning the candle at both ends leaves us feeling frazzled and exhausted. Good sleep hygiene is vital! Most of us need 7-8 hours per night to look and feel our best.

EAT A BALANCED DIET – A balanced diet helps us ward off many aging-related effects. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables means we’ll receive plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It also means our weight will remain stable (fluctuations also cause us to appear older and take a toll on skin).

LEARN SOMETHING NEW – One of the true secrets for staying sharp and young is to never stop learning. Life is full of chances to learn new skills, foster new talents and grow our abilities.

MOVE OFTEN – Exercise keeps us young. In fact, moving more actually slows aging at the cellular level. Plus, you’ll experience an increase in energy, flexibility and overall sense of well-being.

EMBRACE SIMPLICITY – When it comes to aging gracefully, simplicity is key. You see, when our homes, closets, makeup bags and lives are full of clutter, it weighs us down. You don’t need to scale back completely, but simplifying and discovering what really makes you happiest is important.

DON’T FIGHT THE TIDE – The fact is, aging is inevitable. We either throw in the towel and give up, or we embrace it as a natural part of life.

LEARN MINDFULNESS – If we want to slow the turn of time (which, yes, seems to accelerate as we get older) we must learn to live in the moment. When we’re fully aware in the moment, we’re engaged, alive, connected to those around us and what’s happening in front of us. 13. BE JOYFUL – In truth, the best way to age gracefully is to simply focus on happiness. What brings you the most satisfaction and joy? Discover those activities and incorporate them into your day as often as possible.

~~~

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”

Sophia Loren

~~~

wo advertising executives were having lunch and talking. The young exec trainee said to the older, wiser man, “Where has Ben Harris been hanging out? I haven’t seen him for a while.”

The senior exec replied, “Haven’t you heard? Ben Harris went to that great ad agency in the sky.”

“Good Lord,” replied the junior man, “You’re kidding me, right?

What did he have?”

“Oh, nothing much,” replied the elder exec. “A small toothpaste account and a couple of discount stores, but nothing much worth going after.”

~~~

Save the whales. Collect the whole set.

~~~

A minister of a church loved peach brandy. One of his congregants would make him a bottle each Christmas. One year, when the minister went to visit his friend, hoping for his usual Christmas present, he was not disappointed as he unwrapped the homemade brandy. However, his friend told him that he had to thank him for the peach brandy from the pulpit the next Sunday.

So the next Sunday the minister suddenly remembered that he had to make a public announcement that he was being supplied alcohol from a member of the church. That morning, his friend sat in the church with a grin on his face, waiting to see the minister’s embarrassment.

The minister climbed into the pulpit and said, “Before we begin, I have an announcement. I would very much like to thank my friend, Joe, for his kind gift of peaches… and for the spirit in which they were given!”

~~~

“You know you’re getting old when you get that one candle on the cake. It’s like, ‘See if you can blow THIS out.'”

Jerry Seinfeld

~~~

When I need a suit, my wife and I go to the store. The salesman and my wife make selections from the rack. I try them on. My wife and the salesman discuss the fit, remarking on the fullness, thinness or any asymmetry of my body. The jacket and pants are pulled, tucked, pleated and bunched in assessing the need for tailoring.

Once a suit is chosen, my wife and the store’s tailor repeat the fitting procedure and then negotiate a date when the suit will be ready.

On leaving the store, I may talk if I wish.

~~~

To learn from your mistakes you have to admit you make them.

~~~

One Class of ’92 buddy of mine had filled out their classmates.com profile form with this information:

Marital Status:  Not Good

Wife’s Name:  Plaintiff

~~~

“My physical body may be less efficient and less beautiful in old age. But God has given me an enormous compensation: my mind is richer my Soul is broader and my wisdom is at a peak. I am so happy with the riches of my advanced peak age that, contrary to Faust, I would not wish to return to youth.”

Robert Muller

~~~

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at http://rays-daily,com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

Our kids are watching

Ray’s Daily

January 27, 2019

http://rays-daily.com

The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.

William James

Good morning, I hope you had a great weekend, I did. One of my granddaughters visited us on Saturday and as always, we enjoyed her company. She is currently in Physician Assistant School and is about to start her clinicals at various hospitals around the nation. I am proud of her and my other six grandchildren. They were raised well by their parents,

This is a big week for me as I will turn eighty-five next Friday and most of my family will join me to celebrate. My world traveling brother and his wife will even fly in to be with us.

While I was not always the best father in the world my wife was the always the best mother. I am proud of our children; they have turned out to be fine people. They have been a success in their vocations but of greater importance they have turned out to be warm, kind and caring individuals.

I am grateful for the joy that they and theirs have brought into our lives and I am especially grateful to my wife of sixty-six years who is the most responsible for who we all are today.

Here is a story that reminds me of what responsibilities we have to the future.

What You Pass On

By Joseph J. Mazzella

I was lying on my back this morning doing a few light exercises hoping to coax a little more energy into my aging body to face another day. As I was doing them, however, my eyes and mind started to wander. I looked up at an old picture of me and my children back when they were only three, six, and eight years old. It must have been taken almost 25 years ago, yet it still seemed like yesterday. I noticed something too. Each of the smiling faces had the same pointed chin tilting slightly to the right and the same unique grin. I glanced over to the picture of my parents taken even longer ago. There was the same pointed, crooked chin on my Dad and the same unique smile on my Mom. It was amazing to see so much of the same face blended together in 3 generations of my family.

It made me think too of all the things that we pass on to future generations. It is so much more than just heredity and genetics. It is everything we say. It is everything we do. What we pass on can be so helpful or so destructive. It can make this world a better or a worse place for generations to come. No one can even imagine how important and vital a single life can be in this world. No one can even imagine our value here or in eternity.

Each day we are leaving a legacy for those who come after us. Every tree we plant and garden we grow brings a little more life into this world. Every smile we share, every person we help, every kind act we do, every bit of love we give to others makes this world a better place for all the generations to come.

What kind of legacy are you going to leave to this world? What is your gift to God going to be? I pray that you will always let it be LOVE!

~~~

The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.

Billy Graham

~~~

He said I am glad to be a guy because:

Everything on your face gets to stay its original color.

Chocolate is just another snack.

You can quietly enjoy a car ride from the passenger’s seat.

You never have to worry about other people’s feelings.

You can wear a white shirt to a water park.

Three pairs of shoes is more than enough.

~~~

I finally got my head together and my body fell apart.

~~~

A guy tells his doctor, “I am under a lot of stress. I keep losing my temper with people and insulting them. You gotta help me, doctor!”

The doctor says, “Tell me about your problem.”

The guy looks at him and yells, “I just did YOU STUPID S.O.B.!”

~~~

“Can people predict the future with cards?” said one little boy to another.

“My mother can,” said the other boy.

“Really?”

“Yes, she takes one look at my report card and can tell me exactly what will happen when my Dad gets home.”

~~~

She said: Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hair stylist you like.

~~~

“If I ever see a falling star, I’m going to use my wish to wish that it had never fallen in the first place. If I’m lucky, that will throw the entire universe into a logic loop and while everyone is busy attending to that, I’ll skip work the next day.”

Abhishek Gami

~~~

At one Army base, the annual trip to the rifle range had been canceled for the second year in a row, but the semi-annual physical fitness test was still on as planned. One soldier mused, “Does it bother anyone else that the Army doesn’t seem to care how well we can shoot, but they are extremely interested in how fast we can run?”

~~~

“When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished by how much he’d learned in seven years.”

Mark Twain

~~~

Mr. Smith patted his daughter’s hand fondly, and told her, “Your young man told me today he wanted you as a bride, and I gave my consent.” Oh, Papa,” gushed the daughter, “it’s going to be so hard leaving mother.”

“I understand perfectly, my dear,” beamed Mr.  Smith. “You can just take her with you.”

~~~

They keep telling us to get in touch with our bodies. Mine isn’t all that communicative but I heard from it the other day after I said, “Body, how’d you like to go to the six o’clock class in vigorous toning?” Clear as a bell my body said, “Do it and die.”

~~~

Dear Lord,

So far today, Lord, I’ve done alright. I haven’t gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or over-indulgent. I’m very thankful for that.

But in a few minutes, Lord, I’m going to get out of bed. And from then on, I’m probably going to need a lot more help.

~~~

“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”

Shannon L. Alder

~~~

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at http://rays-daily,com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

There is still time

Ray’s Daily

January 24, 2020

http://rays-daily.com

“The path you take is up to you. Make good choices, dream big, it is never too late.”

Chris Herren

 

It seems like some of us believe that our lives are as good as they will ever be and quit trying to find more that we already have. It is almost as if they decide to stop searching for anything better than they already have. The result of their inaction is stagnation.

I have found that it never pays to give up the opportunity to find new and exciting things we can do. I know I have been pleasantly surprised by how rewarding these last few years have been for me.

Recently Angel Chernoff wrote an article on things we can do for ourselves. Here is an abridged copy of what she wrote.

9 Things it’s Not Too Late to Start Doing for Yourself

1. It’s not too late to start doing the hard things you need to do to be happier. – Find the courage to do the hard things in life. The things no one else is doing. Because those are the things that define you. Those are the things that make the difference between existing and living—between knowing the path and walking the path… between a life of mediocrity and a life filled with happiness and success.
2. It’s not too late to be a beginner. – We are products of what we know, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it. When you stop learning you stop living a meaningful life. Life’s richness does not come from always residing within familiar and comfortable territory. It’s when you venture out away from the familiar that you grow stronger and more capable.
3. It’s not too late to stop comparing yourself to everyone else. – Let go of the foolish need to compare, and you’ll free yourself to accomplish what matters most to you. Sometimes you have to remind yourself that you don’t have to always be and do what everyone else is being and doing.
4. It’s not too late to give yourself a loving stamp of approval. – I don’t need anyone’s affection or approval in order to be good enough in my own eyes. Repeat that to yourself and let it sink in. Your worth isn’t contingent upon other people’s acceptance of you—it’s something inherent.
5. It’s not too late to stop taking little daily annoyances personally. – Don’t pretend like everyone’s daily actions are about YOU. They aren’t. People’s actions are about THEM. So let it GO! How would your life be different if you walked away from drama, gossip and nonconstructive assumptions? Let today be the day you find out.
6. It’s not too late to make yourself a daily priority.- Life gets a lot easier when you are your own best friend. So don’t forget about YOU out there, and don’t be too hard on yourself either. If you don’t take good care of yourself, then you can’t take good care of anyone else.
7. It’s not too late to feel the warmth and joy of lifting others up. – Once your own self-care is in order, there is no exercise better for your heart and mind than reaching down and lifting people up.
8. It’s not too late to stop thinking and thinking, and OVER-thinking EVERYTHING. – Sometimes your mind unnecessarily wrestles with events that aren’t even remotely likely.Stop over-thinking every dilemma. Answers come to a relaxed mind. Space allows things to fall into place. A calm attitude yields the best results.
9. It’s not too late to sincerely embrace the life you’re presently living. – You have to accept that you can’t change a past experience, opinions of others at that moment in time, or outcomes from their choices or yours. When you finally accept this truth, then you will finally understand the true meaning of forgiving yourself and others. From this point you will finally be present and free.

~~~

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

C.S. Lewis

~~~

A blonde calls the round-the-clock tech support hotline to ask what hours the call center is open.

“The number you dialed is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” says the technician who answers the call.

“Is that Eastern or Pacific time?” asks the blonde.

~~~

“Brevity is the soul of lingerie.”

Dorothy Parker

~~~

She said: When our son was four months old, I caught my husband in another room, holding the baby on his lap, talking to him and pointing.

I was touched by this father-son bonding and went into the room to eavesdrop.

“Football,” he said slowly, pointing to the television. “This is football.”

~~~

There are many wonderful things that will never be done if you do not do them.

Charles D. Gill

~~~

The state trooper pulled Mr. Schwarz over and, after inspecting his license and registration, informed the motorist that he was going to have to spend the night in jail.

“What’s the charge? Mr. Schwarz demanded.

“None,” replied the officer. “It’s all part of the service.”

~~~

Those who matter don’t judge me.

Those who judge me don’t matter.

~~~

A guy was hitchhiking on a very dark and stormy night. The night was getting on and no cars went by. Suddenly he saw a car roll slowly toward him and stop.

Without thinking about it, the guy jumped into the back seat and closed the door when he suddenly realized there was nobody behind the wheel!  Just then the car started slowly rolling forward again. He was beginning to get really freaked out when he noticed a curve in the road ahead. He was just thinking about climbing into the front seat when a hand mysteriously appeared through the window and moved the wheel.

The guy, paralyzed in terror, watched how the hand appeared every time right before a curve.

Gathering his courage, the guy finally jumped out of the car and ran to the nearest town.  Wet and in shock, he went to a restaurant and started telling everybody about the horrible experience he just went through.

About half an hour later, two guys walked into the same restaurant. They were looking around for a table when one said to the other, “Hey, look, isn’t that the jerk who got in the car when we were pushing it?”

~~~

Learn to pause … or nothing worthwhile will catch up to you.

Doug King

~~~

My dad and I were talking the other night about love and marriage. He told me he knew as early as their wedding what marriage to my mom would be like. It seems the minister asked my mom, “Do you take this man to be your husband?” And she said, “I do.” Then the minister asked my dad, “Do you take this woman to be your wife?” and my mom said, “He does.”

~~~

If you were agoraphobic, you’d be home by now.

~~~

A knight and his men return to their castle after a long hard day of fighting.

“How are we faring?” asks the king.

“Sire,” replies the knight, “I have been robbing and pillaging on your behalf all day, burning the towns of your enemies in the west.”

“What?!” shrieks the king. “I don’t have any enemies to the west!”

“Oh,” says the knight. “Well, you do now.”

~~~

Learn as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow.

Mahatma Gandhi

~~~

My face in the mirror isn’t wrinkled or drawn.

My house isn’t dirty. The cobwebs are gone.

My garden looks lovely and so does my lawn.

I think I might never put my glasses back on.

~~~

“It’s never too late, for with a purpose, a worthy goal and a motivation to reach those upper layers on the pyramid, a person can travel further in a few years than he might otherwise travel in a lifetime.”

Earl Nightingale

~~~

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at http://rays-daily,com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

There is still time

Ray’s Daily

January 23, 2020

http://rays-daily.com

Well begun is half done.

Aristotle

I sometimes wonder why so many of us seem satisfied with just spending our days coasting and not experiencing what else we might do. Some of us probably have spent our whole life time waiting for someone or something to offer us happiness. In reality I don’t think the chances of finding a more interesting life often comes to those who wait.

It is really up to us to step out, take a few risks, and discover what can enrich our days. It is the folks who are open and interested in what is going on who are the most satisfied. Here is a story about a young man who want’s his future to be decided by something he may never find. The secret is that no matter our age it is up to us to find what we want out of our days.

Getting Started

Chris’s parents were proud of him when he graduated from college. But it’s been six months and he hasn’t gotten a job yet. In fact, he hasn’t looked seriously. He has no idea what he wants to do and he’s thinking of grad school. He’s living at home with his parents and things are getting tense, especially with his father, who accuses Chris of being lazy and afraid to enter the real world.

Chris thinks his dad is being totally unreasonable. After all, he’s only young once and he needs some ‘space.’ During a recent argument, Chris said, ‘I’m not you, Dad. I have my own way of doing things. I want a job I enjoy.’

His dad replied, ‘That’s a nice idea, but in the end they call it ‘work’ because it’s about making a productive living – not having fun.’

There are many youngsters like Chris who are having trouble getting started with a serious job and becoming self-reliant. Some, like Peter Pan, just don’t want to grow up. Some are afraid of making a wrong decision or of being rejected. Others are victims of what psychologist’s call ‘magical thinking.’ They believe that when the time is right, everything will fall into place. So they wait for opportunity to come knocking or until they feel inspired or excited about their next step.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. What’s crucial is to begin. Things happen and opportunities appear most often when we’re moving, not standing still.

Momentum is vital. Basic physics says it’s easier to alter the course of a moving object than to start movement initially. In the end, it’s not really about finding yourself. It’s about making yourself.

The first steps are the hardest, but the key to success in anything is getting started.

Written by Michael Josephson

~~~

Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.

Thomas Jefferson

~~~

Today at the drugstore, the clerk was a gent.

From my purchase this chap took off ten percent.

I asked for the cause of a lesser amount;

And he answered, “Because of the Seniors Discount.”

 

I went to McDonald’s for a burger and fries;

And there, once again, got quite a surprise.

The clerk poured some coffee which he handed to me.

He said, “For you, Seniors, the coffee is free.”

 

Understand—I’m not old—I’m merely mature;

But some things are changing, temporarily, I’m sure.

The newspaper print gets smaller each day,

And people speak softer–can’t hear what they say.

 

My teeth are my own (I have the receipt),

And my glasses identify people I meet.

Oh, I’ve slowed down a bit…not a lot, I am sure.

You see, I’m not old…I’m only mature.

 

The gold in my hair has been bleached by the sun.

You should see all the damage that chlorine has done.

Washing my hair has turned it all white,

But don’t call it gray…saying “blond” is just right.

 

My car is all paid for…not a nickel is owed.

Yet a kid yells, “Old duffer…get off of the road!”

My car has no scratches…not even a dent.

Still I get all that guff from a punk who’s “Hell bent.”

 

My friends all get older…much faster than me.

They seem much more wrinkled, from what I can see.

I’ve got “character lines,” not wrinkles…for sure,

But don’t call me old…just call me mature.

 

The steps in the houses they’re building today

Are so high that they take…your breath all away;

And the streets are much steeper than ten years ago.

That should explain why my walking is slow.

 

But I’m keeping up on what’s hip and what’s new,

And I think I can still dance a mean boogaloo.

I’m still in the running…in this I’m secure,

 

I’m not really old … I’m only mature.

~~~

“The thing that impresses me the most about America is the way parents obey their children.”

King Edward VIII

~~~

After being laid off from five different jobs in four months, my Uncle Joe was hired by a warehouse.  But one day he lost control of a forklift and drove it off the loading dock. Surveying the damage, the owner shook his head and said he’d have to withhold 10 percent of Uncle Joe’s wages to pay for the repairs.

“How much will it cost?” asked my uncle.

“About $4,500,” said the owner.

“What a relief!” exclaimed Uncle Joe. “I’ve finally got job security!”

~~~

Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

~~~

When it comes to wine I’m very particular about what I buy. There are two things I look for before making my selection.

First, the word “Wine” must appear somewhere on the label. This is something I insist on.

Second, I look for a sign nearby that says “On Sale.”

Follow these two rules and you won’t go far wrong.

~~~

For people who like peace and quiet – a phoneless cord.

~~~

It was a May-December marriage, and as the old man climbed in to bed for the first time with his new bride, he asked, “Did your mother tell you what to do on your wedding night?”

“Yes,” she cooed, kissing him lightly, “She told me everything.”

“Good,” said the elderly gentleman as he turned out the light, “because I’ve forgotten.”

~~~

A computer DOES save time at work. Now I can play solitaire without having to spend all that time shuffling real cards.

~~~

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

Zig Ziglar

~~~

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at http://rays-daily,com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

 

 

Choices

Ray’s Daily

January 22, 2020

http://rays-daily.com

Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you.

John C. Maxwell

One of the responsibilities that comes with retirement is self-management. In our working lives much of what we do is dictated by our job responsibilities and the needs of our growing children.

When we retire for the first time in our lives we are totally responsible for managing everything we do. Few of us could forecast what our lives would be like as we dreamed of what the future would hold. In truth for some folks find themselves for the first time, these are folks who chose not to give up but rather to make the most of the years ahead. We don’t have to wait for retirement to make positive life choices, the earlier we do the better.

Recently Jon Gordon turned forty-nine and shared a list of things he has learned over the years. I have shortened the list somewhat but kept the ones that mean a lot to me, things that have helped me make my life choices.

49 YEARS

I turn 49 today, January 20th. I’ve learned a lot over the years and thought it would be fun and hopefully helpful to share lessons I’ve learned along the way.

• You don’t choose the day you were born but you can make a lot of choices that determine how you live.
• Grit is not something you develop. It’s something we are all born with. The key is to remember you’ve always had it.
• Don’t worry about your greatness in the future. Just be great today.
• Talkers talk and doers do. Be a doer.
• Don’t listen to the naysayers. Listen to your heart that knows you were born to do this.
• Keep dreaming even when your circumstances tell you it’s not going to happen.
• When you serve others and help them grow, you grow.
• Being positive doesn’t just make you better. It makes everyone around you better.
• Happiness is an inside job. Don’t expect other people or things to make you happy.
• Forgiveness is the ultimate weight loss.
• Relationships are everything.
• Don’t seek happiness. Decide to work with passion and purpose and happiness will find you.
• If you stay humble and hungry great things will continue to happen.
• When you appreciate, you elevate your mood and the people around you.
• Abundance flows into your life when gratitude flows out of your heart.
• There are a lot of great people in the world. Look for them and you’ll find them.
• The more you give the more it comes back to you. It’s not why you do it but it’s what happens.
• The best is yet to come.

~~~

This is as true in everyday life as it is in battle: we are given one life and the decision is ours whether to wait for circumstances to make up our mind, or whether to act, and in acting, to live.

Omar Bradley

~~~

Harold was an old man, he was sick, and he was in the hospital.  There was one young nurse that just drove him crazy.  Every time she came in, she would talk to him like he was a little child.  She would say in a patronizing tone of voice, “And how are we doing this morning, or are we ready for a bath, or are we hungry?”

Old Harold had had enough of this particular nurse.  One day, Old Harold had received breakfast, and pulled the juice off the tray, and put it on his bed side stand.  He had been given a Urine Bottle to fill for testing. The juice was apple juice.  So…..  you know where the juice went. The nurse came in a little later and picked up the urine bottle.  She looks at it.  “My, but it seems we are a little cloudy today…..”

At this, Old Harold snatched the bottle out of her hand, pops off the top, and drinks it down, saying, “Well, I’ll run it through again, and maybe I can filter it better this time.”

The nurse fainted……  Old Harold just smiled

~~~

She said: Antiques have become very popular. Right now there are 15 million Americans who have things that are old, funny-looking, don’t work and are only kept for sentimental purposes. Some of these are called antiques – and the rest are called husbands.

~~~

WHAT HE SAYS / WHAT HE MEANS

“I’m going fishing.” / Really means: “I’m going to stand by a stream with a stick in my hand all day, while the fish swim by in complete safety.”

“It’s a guy thing.” / Really means: “There is no rational thought pattern connected with it, and you have no chance at all of making it logical.”

“Can I help with dinner?” / Really means: “Why isn’t it already on the table?”

“Uh-huh.” “Sure, honey.” “Yes, dear.” / Really means: Absolutely nothing. It’s a conditioned response.

“It would take too long to explain.” / Really means: “I have no idea how it works.”

“We’re going to be late.” / Really means: “Now I have a legitimate excuse to drive like a maniac.”

“Take a break, honey, you’re working too hard.” / Really means: “I can’t hear the game over the vacuum cleaner.”

“That’s interesting, dear.” / Really means: “Are you still talking?”

“Hey, I’ve got my reasons for what I’m doing.” / Really means: “And I sure hope I think of some pretty soon.”

“I can’t find it.” / Really means: “It didn’t fall into my outstretched hands, so I’m completely clueless.”

“You know I could never love anyone else.” / Really means: “I am used to the way you yell at me and realize it could be worse.”

“You look terrific.” / Really means: “Please don’t try on one more outfit. I’m starving.”

“I’m not lost. I know exactly where we are.” / Really means: “No one will ever see us alive again.”

~~~

All food is Fat-Free – if you don’t eat it.

~~~

A feminist is getting on a bus when, just in front of her, a Hassidic elderly Jewish man gets up from his seat.

She thinks to herself, “Here’s another man trying to keep up the customs of a patriarchal society by offering a poor, defenseless woman his seat,” so she pushes him back onto the seat.

A few minutes later, the elderly man tries to get up again. She is still insulted so she refuses to let him up again.

Finally, the old Jewish man says, “Look, lady, trouble I don’t want, but you’ve got to let me get up….. I’m twelve blocks past my stop already!”

~~~

We can’t undo a single thing we have ever done, but we can make decisions today that propel us to the life we want and towards the healing we need.

Steve Maraboli

~~~

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at http://rays-daily,com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

 

 

Be a good role model

Ray’s Daily

January 21, 2020

http://rays-daily.com

“Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.”

Jackie Chan

A friend and I were talking the other day about the difficulty he was having in getting his employees to be more caring to their fellow workers and others. I never found a magic answer to how to do that in my careers. What I did try to do was to behave in a positive and caring way to those around me and those who reported to me. I found that when I behaved in such a manner and expected others to do so as well good things happened.

You can’t dictate behavior change, but you can set standards that allow you to reward good behavior. But most importantly we must be good role models. It is not always easy to behave as we should but it is important that we do so. Recently Marc Chernoff wrote a piece on how could improve. I have excerpted some of his thoughts below.

 Challenges to Improve Your Mental Strength (and Happiness)

Think a little less about managing your problems and a little more about managing your mindset. It’s time to challenge yourself to change the way you respond to life…

• When a new day begins, challenge yourself to smile genuinely and gratefully.
• When you don’t get what you want, challenge yourself to appreciate that there are lots of people in this world who will never have what you have right now.
• When you catch yourself thinking the grass is greener elsewhere, challenge yourself to water the grass you’re standing on.
• When there seems to be little hope, challenge yourself to find some.
• When you catch yourself overthinking things, challenge yourself to take a step forward instead.
• When you are completely uncertain about what the future will bring, challenge yourself to make the best and most positive use of the present.
• When others say your ideas are crazy, challenge yourself to do what feels right anyway, to not care if your goals seem crazy to others, and to remember that the crazy ideas are the ones that often have the greatest impact.
• When mistakes are made, challenge yourself to learn from them, laugh about them, and waste not a minute on past outcomes you can’t control.
• When you find yourself trying to control too much, and thus enjoying too little, challenge yourself to let go, relax, take a deep breath and appreciate “what is” for a while.
• When doing the wrong things is easier, challenge yourself to do the right thing, even if no one else will ever know—because YOU will know.
• When you meet someone new, challenge yourself to be patient with them, to pay attention to them, and to remember that everyone you meet has something important to teach you.
• When someone treats you poorly, challenge yourself to treat them with kindness and respect anyway – not because they are nice, but because you are (and then walk the other way if you must).
• When someone you meet is lost, challenge yourself to help them find their way.
• When a friend falls down, challenge yourself to be the first to extend a hand.
• When each day has ended, challenge yourself to appreciate that you have done your very best.

~~~

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.”

Barbara De Angelis

~~~

The lawyer’s son wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, so he went to law school and graduated with honors. Then he went home to join his father’s firm. At the end of his first day at work, he rushed into his father’s office and said, “Father, father! In one day I broke the Smith case that you’ve been working on for so long!”

His father yelled, “You idiot! We’ve been living on the funding of that case for ten years!”

~~~

I have my standards. They may be low, but I have them.

Bette Midler

~~~

As he lay on his deathbed he spoke, “Sara, I want you should know before I die that Ginsburg the tailor owes  me $200, and Morris the butcher owes me $50, and Klein next door owes me $300.”

His wife turned to the children and said, “What a wonderful man your father is. Even when he’s dying, he’s got the brains to realize who owes him money.”

The old man continued, “And Sara I want you to also know that I owe the landlord a hundred dollars.”

To which his wife cried, “Oh oh, now he’s getting delirious!”

~~~

If ignorance is bliss, why aren’t more people happy?

~~~

A very religious couple was touring the Holy Land during the Christmas season and decided it would be very meaningful to them to spend Christmas Eve in Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus. Arriving there, they searched high and low for a room, but none was available at any price. Finally, they pulled up in front of the Sheraton-Bethlehem and the husband got out of the car, telling his wife: “Stay here, sweetie.

Let me see if I can do something  for us.” He approached the desk and the clerk told him there were no rooms. “Sorry, sir. It’s Christmas Eve, our busiest time.” No matter how much the man offered to pay, the clerk said he had nothing. Finally, the man told the clerk, “I bet if I told you my name was Joseph, that the woman waiting in the car was called Mary, and that she had a newborn infant, you’d find us a room.” “Well,” stammered the clerk, “I– I suppose so.” “Okay,” said the man. “I guarantee you, they’re not coming tonight, so we’ll take their room.”

~~~

“My doctor said I was paranoid… well, he didn’t actually say it, but I could tell he was thinking it.”

~~~

Bidding at a local auction was proceeding furiously when the auctioneer suddenly announced, “A gentleman in this room has lost a wallet containing $10,000. If it is returned, he will pay a reward of $2,000.”

There was a moment’s silence, and then from the back of the room came the cry, “Two thousand five hundred!”

~~~

“You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, “My God, you’re right! I never would’ve thought of that!”

Dave Barry.

~~~

A chap who frequently left the office to play golf instructed his secretary to tell all callers that he was away from his desk.

After he left the office, a member of his foursome forgot which course they were playing that day, and called for information.

The loyal girl would only reply that her boss was away from his desk.

“Just tell me, “the golfer persisted, “Is he twenty miles away from his desk, or thirty miles.”

~~~

“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”

Amelia Earhart

~~~

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at http://rays-daily,com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

 

 

Do Care

Ray’s Daily

January 20, 2020

http://rays-daily.com

To my mind, having a care and concern for others is the highest of the human qualities.

Fred Hollows

Here we go again, another week. It is up to us to make it worthwhile.

Unfortunately, too many folks decide they don’t really need to make an effort to reinforce relationships with friends and acquaintances. I find that people who demonstrate an interest and concern for others are the most appreciated and well-liked individuals that I know.

Most prople are good people, it is just that some of us fail to let people know how much we appreciate them. I recently read an article written by Charles M. Marcus suggesting ways business people can forge positive relationships, I have abridged the article to focus on how we can use the techniques in our everyday lives.

Ways to Stand out From the Crowd

by Charles M. Marcus

• Make it a habit to follow-up with people promptly. It sounds simple, right? In my experience, and surveys regularly back this up, 67% (amazingly!) of people do not follow up in business.  Whatever business you are in, if it involves making a sale, signing that contract, or building relationships, the best way to stand out from the crowd is to follow-up promptly, follow-through, and be persistent and determined.
• Equally as important as following-up is taking the time to respond to people who leave you messages. This is only common courtesy.  How often do we not find the time to follow-up with someone who has emailed us or left a voice-mail unless we know specifically why they have contacted us, and even then we do not always take the time to respond.
• When you are speaking to people, give them 100% of your attention, and I mean 100%..
• Develop your listening skills, most people are not truly good listeners. I have found that you gain much more from being a great listener than being a great talker. Be interested in other people and what their point of view is. Ask lots of open-ended questions.
• Get in to the habit, and that is all it is, of sending a hand written note or card to someone who has been nice, courteous or helpful to you.
• If you belong to an association or a group either in your personal or professional life, and this includes a church, synagogue, mosque, etc., get involved. Do not get involved because you want something in return, but because you want to contribute. People will respect and acknowledge you for it, look at you and treat you differently. 
• Invest one hour a day, at least, to your own individual personal and professional development. You can take the one hour all at once, or break it in to segments, whatever fits in to your lifestyle and schedule. During that time read a book, maybe an autobiography of someone you admire, listen to tapes and the words of wisdom from the experts in the fields and areas of your life that you want to improve.Never stop learning.
• Stretch your comfort zone; do one new thing every day. Take a chance on something you have always wanted to try. Don’t be afraid of being rejected, of people saying no to you, or of failing.  The people who stand out from the crowd are the ones prepared to take that chance.

~~~

Success and all good things in life, start with a genuine concern for others.

Mike Vance

~~~

Fanny and Myron get married and on their first night in bed, Myron puts his arm around Fanny and very sweetly whispers, “Fanny darling, please pull up your nightgown.”

Very sweetly Fanny answers, “Nooo.”

Myron asks again, a little sterner, “Fanny pull up your nightgown.”

Fanny again says, “No.”

Myron is now angry and says, “Fanny, pull up your nightgown or I’m going out the door and you’ll never see me again.”

“No.” says Fanny.

So Myron gets up and goes out the front door, slamming it behind him. Fanny immediately gets up and locks the door.

Not too long after, Myron is back. He tries the front door but finds it locked. So he taps on the door and says, “Fanny, my darling, open the door, it’s me.”

Fanny says, “Nooo.”

Myron knocks a little louder, “Fanny, sweetness, please open the door.”

“No.” says Fanny.

Myron starts kicking the door and shouts, “Fanny, open this door right now or I’ll break it down.”

Fanny says, “Really? A door you can break down, but a nightgown you can’t pull up?”

~~~

“Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you’ll ever regret.”

Laurence J. Peter

~~~

This is the transcript of the ACTUAL radio conversation of a US naval ship with Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland in October 1995. Radio conversation released by the Chief of Naval Operations 10-10-95.

Canadians: Please divert your course 15 degrees the South to avoid a collision.

Americans: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees the North to avoid a collision.

Canadians: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.

Americans: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.

Canadians: No. I say again, you divert YOUR course.

Americans: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES’ ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, I SAY AGAIN, THAT’S ONE FIVE DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTER-MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.

Canadians: This is a lighthouse. Your call!

~~~

“Beauty is silent eloquence.”

French Proverb

~~~

My first grade daughter and her friend both needed new boots as winter approached. The friend got in the car one morning and finally had gotten her boots.

“Tina,” I commented, “I see you got new boots! Where did you get them?”

“At the store,” she answered.

“Which one?” I asked.

She began looking at her new boots and after a pause said, “Both of them!”

~~~

A teen-aged boy with spiked hair, nose ring, and baggy clothes was overheard telling a friend, “I don’t really like to dress like this, but it keeps my parents from dragging me everywhere with them.”

~~~

My sister brought her daughter a really nice Spinet Piano for her birthday.

A few weeks later, I asked my sister how her daughter was doing.

“Oh,” she said, “I persuaded her to switch to a clarinet.”

“How come?” I asked.

“Well,” my sister answered, “because with a clarinet, she can’t sing….”

~~~

Caring about others, running the risk of feeling, and leaving an impact on people, brings happiness.

Harold Kushner

~~~

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at http://rays-daily,com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.