ABLE TO GIVE

Able To Give

If you don’t give value in return for value, your life gets out of balance. If all you do is take, that takes a big toll on you.

Getting something for nothing is not something you want. It may seem good on the outside, but it will tear you up on the inside.

Tokens of achievement are a poor substitute for being a person who does the achieving. The goodies alone will not fulfill your deep-seated desire to make a difference.

Take a continuing, active role in your own fulfillment. Anything less is not true fulfillment at all.

Jump at the opportunities to create value. Get away from people who promise or who seek something for nothing.

Your heart wants to be able to give. Do yourself a favor, and let it.

— Ralph Marston

RELEASE FROM PRISON OF CO-DEPENDENCY

Release from Prison of Co-dependency

If you are getting three hot meals
and a bed to sleep in,
you don’t want to talk about freedom.

It doesn’t matter that someone else plans your day:
tells you when to eat, when to exercise
and when to go to sleep.
It doesn’t matter that the door to your room
is locked every night.

The idea of living without these amenities
is frightening to you.
You don’t know how you would survive
outside your cell.

But consider this:
one day the guard is going to come
and unlock the door
and tell you it’s time to leave.

And you will have to leave,
whether you want to or not.

Under these circumstances,
there is only one question you must ask
and it’s not “what time is breakfast served?”
It is “Are you ready for that day
and, if not, why not?”


From Everyday Wisdom by Paul Ferrini
www.paulferrini.com