“I have one theory in life. I never want to say the word I should have. If I do it and I fail, I tried. If I do it and I succeed, better for me. I tell my children the same thing. Never go through life saying you should have. If you want to do something you do it”
“I believe that everybody has a little hero in them. You gotta look in and it is there…it will come out”
While waiting to pick up a friend at the airport in Portland, Oregon, I had one of those life-changing experiences that you hear other people talk about — the kind that sneaks up on you unexpectedly. This one occurred a mere two feet away from me. Continue reading A Must Read Story
Independence is sexy. Make something of yourself and don’t rely on someone else. 
Today I heard the news that a friend of mine took his own life because of immense stress he had endured for many years. None of this was necessary.
My friend went through a divorce many years ago and has two teenage children from that marriage. Subsequent to the divorce, his wife decided to do the unthinkable….to turn his children against him. For many years she badly disparaged him to his children and told many untruths. Children are innocent and they only believe what they hear. Children have such a limited life experience that they are sometimes not able to properly discern between truth and fantasy. The truth is…and not because he was my friend…that he was a deeply devoted, loving father who loved his children more than any other people on earth. He was always there for them as any loving parent would be. He also did not act in like to his ex wife’s vengeance. Continue reading Something Different
“When I was a kid in school and finished my class work or a test early, I would take out a piece of paper and write my name in three columns on every line. I was the only kid in the class who did that. One day the teacher came over to ask me why I would always write my name over and over again. I told her that one day I was going to be famous and people are going to ask me for my autograph so I am practicing writing it now” Tyrone Montgomery, NFL player for the Oakland Raiders
Today, my ebook was published on both Kindle and The Nook. The preview for the book is listed below as well as a review by my proofreader. She read the book and was so motivated by it to change her life that she started her own business. See reviews and links below.
Preview for book: There comes a time when you know the world you are living in is not your home. When that happens it does not matter the existing circumstances. It does not matter how late in life you may have waited. What matters is that you are ready to jump into the life your soul has longed for. This is when you feel alive. This is when you know everything you have been prepared for is coming together, and it is time…time to finally live who you are. This realization is magical and resonates possibly for the first time with your life’s purpose. My message is don’t wait for what you know you are born to do. When you have a talent, it needs to be shared. When you have a dream, it needs to be lived. When your heart is leading you and your passion is talking to you, listen! Life is about your unique journey, and the difference you can make. There is nothing that will compare with your decision to finally go in the direction you are meant to go and all the magic that happens from that decision. This is when life finally falls together.
Originally written only for my Children as inspiration and guidance about life, This River Called Life, A Letter to My Children is encouragement…about taking control of your destiny instead of accepting what life lays in your lap. It’s about finding yourself, believing in your dreams, believing in yourself, leaving yesterday behind, and creating a world as unique as you are. What has been in your life up till now has nothing to do with what can be.
Review: It is my distinct pleasure to have read the first draft of Velinda Peyton’s new book This River Called Life, A Letter to My Children. She writes in such a clear, informative manner and is inspirational in her encouragement of others to pursue their dreams. Consequently, I have started a business with my husband after reading her book because I also have found my passion. In addition, she tunes in so well to many of the longings we all have, in every aspect of our lives. One particular passage that moves me is her description of coming across a deer in a remote area of Colorado. Her description is so poetic and moving that I feel as if I am actually there with her in the moment. I often find myself wanting to reread certain passages because the writing is simply that good. Fantastic job, Velinda! Cathy
When all Else Fails: “They laughed and asked me what I see in you. I smiled back and said…everything you don’t” Unknown
There have been times that my children expressed to me a lack of confidence in themselves. It’s natural at times for people to fall into feelings of doubt. But what I see in them is everything they don’t. I see their love and worth. I see the good that is innately there. I see all the potential they have going for them. I see love. If they could only see what I see in them they would never doubt themselves. I see the two most precious people I have ever known. I love them deeply and see everything in them that makes my heart know my life is beautiful for having known them.
From the Book: This River Called Life, A Letter to My Children http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0077SF3GY
Isn’t it funny how sometimes the adversity we experience that we thought was the worst thing that could possibly happen, turns out to be the best thing that could have happened! I’ve known so many people who went through an excruciatingly devastating event in their lives….even to the point of losing everything, just to emerge happier, more authentic and finding more meaning from their downfall than they could have imagined. I was thinking about this last night watching the Grammy Awards. Adele won 6 Grammys last night for her song and album about a relationship that broke her heart. She talks openly about this when interviewed, how she writes songs about love and love gone wrong. She channeled her heartache into growing and overcoming. From her song writing she has emerged victorious in her resolve to move on better than ever.
Discover the answers in the misfortunes that happen to you, and know it is exactly where you are meant to be. There is something here in this storm of life that you need to know, something that needs to change, or a new you that needs to emerge. Learn and grow from your challenges instead of letting them own you. You are worth it.
“Be more concerned with character than your reputation because character is who you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are” John Wooden
“Persistence is knowing that in the face of a thousand reasons to be discouraged, you choose to carry on no matter how seemingly hopeless the present situation may seem. The power of persistence is required especially when you’re dealing with intense, emotionally devastating circumstances or difficult things that have stacked up all at once”
Chris Attwood and Janet Bray Attwood
