There is a lesson to be learned from a duck. Ever watched one gliding on the water on a beautiful sunny day? He seems so calm, cool, and collected. But guess what. Underneath that water, his little webbed feet are paddling like crazy. The lesson here? No matter what your task, you must remain calm for yourself and cool for others. Work as hard as you can to accomplish your goal behind the scenes, but never let them see you sweat!

Have you ever seen a U-Haul trailer following a hearse? The accumulation of stuff eventually leaves you empty. Fancy cars, elegant homes and keeping up with the Jones has it's limitations. Remember you can't take it with you. The only thing that remains after you are gone is what you give away.

Want to know the true test of a friend? How you know if you have one? How you know if you are one? Simple. When tough times come (and they do to everyone sooner or later), remember this: A friend walks in when everyone else walks out.

"What did I try to do today and fail at?" Ask yourself this question often. Why? Because it is the trying that opens doors to wisdom. It is our failures that move us to success. Try something new everyday. If you fail, you have tried. If you don't try, you have failed.

Turn your scars into stars! A famous TV pastor made that slogan popular, but have you ever really thought about the scars of your life and what you have done with them? Are they old wounds that you still nurse, or have you turned them into trophies of battles won and lessons learned? When others view our lives, may their eyes be filled with stars!

Ever honked your horn at someone who sits too long at a traffic light when it turns green, or drives too slowly on the interstate? Responding with impatience is most unkind. Who knows what circumstances have come their way to cause their mind to wander? An illness of a family member, bad news from afar, a relationship breakup, loss of a job or worse . . . . be quick to have patience and slow to react. No one knows what goes on in a stranger's world. Make sure you do not add unkindness to it.

Sometimes the road before us is winding. Often we cannot see what lies around the bend. Our future is uncertain. Don't take the time to worry. Continue walking, putting one foot in front of the other, one step at a time. Your path will unfold before you as you keep doing the next right thing.

If you find yourself in a situation in which you are in constant turmoil, you have three choices: You must either allow yourself to accept it and live in peace as it is, or you must do something to change it. If changing the situation is impossible, then follow peace and leave.

Do you ever find yourself in the company of those who talk down to you or judge your every move? Perhaps they just don't accept your values, your thoughts or who you are. Do you feel appreciated or unappreciated? Do you feel loved or unloved? This very simple rule of thumb will save you countless heartaches: Go where you are celebrated, not tolerated!

Listen to the quiet whisper of your heart. No one knows your heart's desires better than you yourself. Follow where it leads you. Do what it tells you. Treat others with kindness along the way.

True friends stand beside you through the very toughest of times. When others disappear, they won't. When others doubt you, they don't. When asked to explain yourself, remember that "Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it."

Opinions are like navels. Everybody has one! You cannot base your decisions on what other people think. Seek wise counsel and listen. But in the end, you are the one who must live with your decision. Follow that which gives you peace.

Life comes in cycles. Nothing in this world remains the same. Yesterday's vibrant green may be today's withered brown. Accept the changes, knowing the barreness of winter births the glory of spring.

Sometimes we face dark nights in life that seem they will never end. Blackness surrounds us, and we don't know which way to turn. Hopelessness may try to overtake us. Don't lose hope. Look up. In time, the light will break through the darkest of clouds and light your world again.

We can only hear the gentle voice of guidance if we are very, very quiet. Sometimes we just simply need to be still. It is not always in the "doing" that things get done. Sometimes it is in the "waiting." Sometimes it is in the "watching." Sometimes it is in the "listening" to God's still, small voice.

The storm clouds of life sometimes intrude on our blue skies with blackness. They hide the sun and bring with them thunderous joltings, howling wind and pouring rain. When looming clouds hover above, remember they are in transit. They are temporary, and they will move on. The warming rays of the sun will shine again.

"A smile of encouragement at the right moment may act like sunlight on a closed-up flower; it may be the turning point for a struggling life." - Unknown

"Today I saw a man without a smile, so I gave him one."

The easiest way to let your light shine is to smile with intention at all who cross your path. The brightness of your smile may lift their spirit. It may warm their heart, or lighten their load, if only for a brief moment. It may simply give them a little joy. The amazing thing is that for you, it will accomplish all of the above!

There is not enough darkness in the entire world to hide the glow of one tiny candle.

So let your light shine!