Pragmatist
Pragmatist

More from 1000 Reasons
Sun Jun 26 2005

I'm going to run out of titles if I keep quoting this little book.

Anyway, there are two quotes that seem to me to go together:

"You have shown that I can live happily ever after, so long as I take one day at a time."

And

"I will never give up trying to do what I really want to do, because you believe I can do it."

The connection? Living happily because you're always trying to do what you *really* want to do. And willing to do what needs to be done one day at a time.

If you've ever been bored silly in a dead-end job, you understand this connection.

Maybe you aren't in your ideal job, but you need to be working toward that goal. You can't become a CEO if you have nothing but a high school credential, but you'll never get that credential if you don't have a goal. Oh, I know, there have been some who have come up with a brilliant idea and formed a multi-million (or -billion) dollar company. But they are the exception. The average life doesn't work out that way.

It's all well and good to have a goal/dream, but you have to be willing to work for it, too. That's what I was taught. I could be anything I wanted to be (and this was pre-feminist era) if I was willing to work for it.

My kids never expressed the desire to be a CEO or anything as lofty as that, but they're all living the kind of life they chose. And they're good at what they do. And unless they tell me otherwise, I'm assuming they're happy in what they *really* want to do.

My childrens' father was a top-notch teacher, because he loved what he was doing. He would have been happy staying in the Army, but *I* would have made him miserable. I hated the Army.

I've not made any big mark in the world, but I like to think that I've given comfort and wise words to friends who needed comfort and wise words. I've surely had my share of fun in this life!! And I plan to have more.

Shalom

10 Comments
  • From:
    Sezrah (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Jun 27 2005
    you're amazing chaya, in my eyes and many other peoples, i'm sure

    sez
  • From:
    MissTick (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Jun 27 2005
    "The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away."
    [Joy J. Golliver]. I believe if you make someone's life happy, you can live happily ever after anyway...
    I agree that trying to do what we really want to do is one way of live happily - your step-by-step achievements in daily life will bring you satisfaction and self-respect, even if they are achievements in a dead-end job. In the end of a day even such job must be done by someone.
    Nice quotes. More. More. (you can take the titles by "descending order": 999 reasons; 998 reasons; 997...and so on...you'll run out of titles exactly when you'll run out of those Reasons...LOL)
  • From:
    CovertOps (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Jun 27 2005
    You certainly do give a lot of words of advice and encouragement, dearest Chaya. I would consider you among my best friends, if only because of the wisdom, truth and candor of the advice you give me. Only a true friend would have the courage to speak plainly, because a true friend cares for you, and wants you to be safe and happy. Thank you, my dear friend. I hope I have given you comfort too. We share something special, don't we?

    I have many goals, and one of them is to visit you in Sacramento soon.

    Lots of Love,
    E.L.
  • From:
    Fairywishes (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Jun 27 2005
    Yes you are certainly very dear, you have helped me out of some spots, with some candid advice. Thank you.

    x
    x
    x
  • From:
    Fairywishes (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Jun 27 2005
    Am I right that birthday wishes are due for tomorrow? I got a notify of that today. I thought it was next week so I haven't sent the card off yet, but I will do tomorrow by my special delivery service the Royal Mail (hehe).

    When is your party?
    x
  • From:
    Dreamerbooks2003 (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon Jun 27 2005
    Hi
    You have given me much to think on.. and I love your spirit..
    so vital and always busy..
    How can you even think you haven't made a big mark..??
    I don't think the CEO's are the ones which make big marks in my life..
    It is the real people who care enough to do those things that need to be done. Giving love and advise and a scolding when called for
    ;)
    have a great week
    Peg

    I agree with Miss Tick. keep quoting.. they are wonderful words
  • From:
    Bubbles1956 (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Jun 28 2005
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
  • From:
    Bubbles1956 (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Jun 28 2005
    I think as long as you are happy, you like your job that is all that matters. I try to find something in everyday I enjoy. It makes my life so much more fun.
  • From:
    Fairywishes (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Jun 28 2005
    Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Chaya, happy birthday to you!

    Yippeeee
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    x
    x
  • From:
    MissTick (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Jun 28 2005
    It is your birthday??? am joining the queue with birthday wishes! Happy Birthday!
    http://www.spiritisup.com/foryourbirthdayah.html