New Man for 2011

It is my fervent desire that  2011 is a new and special year for me.  I will continue to publish stories of inspiration and hope and share more of my personal journey to inspire and make a difference.   I will use the blog for quotes, stories and links that may allow you to join me in this journey of self-discovery…. learning more about myself will allow me to improve areas of character and habit and truly make me a new man in 2011. 

I have so much to be thankful for as 2011 begins.  I have two beautiful children who I adore.  I am successful in a job I enjoy and although I have many additional career goals before I hang up my hat, I am happy knowing that my first managerial year at my new store is nearly ended with our store in a top position.  I have a small, but comfortable apartment, some new friends that I look forward to strengthening friendship with, and a family that although many miles away, loves me and accepts me flaws and all.

One major obstacle I am seeking to overcome in the new year is procrastination.  Putting off what I should do each and every day to better myself has kept me from improving sooner.  Discipline plus preparation will get me where I need to be.

Here is a quote that I ran across tonight that I really enjoyed:

“Procrastination is attitude’s natural assassin.  There is nothing more fatiguing than an uncompleted task.” 

That quote is by William James and is just as true when he spoke it in the late 1800’s as now. 

One of my first tasks for my “New Man” project is to  understand and state my values and then live by them.  One that I know already is BEAUTY.  I  want to surround myself with and appreciate the beautiful things of this world and the beauty of Heaven that is promised to me.  A great quote regarding BEAUTY :

“Never lose an opportunity of seeing something that is beautiful.  Welcome it in every face, in every sky, in every flower.”

This quote is by my favorite author Ralph Waldo Emerson, who wrote so many things about the appreciation of beauty.  His essay “Nature” is a perfect study relishing beauty.

And finally here in the early morning hours of Martin Luther King Jr day, a quote from Dr. King:

” Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy to a friend.”