May 01, 2024

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BG’s Positively Speaking

The Enemy Within

Imagine a crew aboard a sailing ship, battling a storm at sea. The ship is being tossed and pitched in all directions, causing fear in the crew. They hear a loud banging from the deck containing cannons. One of the cannons has broken loose and is being flung from one side of the ship to the other. Each time the boat pitches, the cannon crashes into the hull. It could break through the hull and sink the ship if they can’t secure it. The sailors realize their biggest threat isn’t the storm outside or the sea, but something much closer to home. Their enemy is within.

“We all have our battles, don’t we? Our greatest enemy often lies within us, in our own minds. We can conquer the storms around us if we can take control of our thoughts. Each day, we grapple with doubts and fears, with the ‘should I’ or ‘should I not.’ and the fear of failure or ‘what people will think.’ The struggle is real, and it’s okay. The key is to not let it paralyze us, to not let it lead us to inaction. When confronted by life’s storms, remember, it’s not the storm that will defeat us but our lack of action.”

The sailors in Victor Hugo’s story “93” recognized they had to face the danger of the loose cannon. Doing nothing would result in the loss of all hands. If they took action, they could save the ship, which they did; doing nothing was not an option.

To be VICTORS, not VICTIMS, we need to …………….

• Recognize the enemy    • Conquer our thoughts and fears     • Take action.

It is better to act and lose than to do nothing and guarantee the loss.

Action Creates Results

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Two Men Chatting

Two men were chatting in a bar. The first man said, “Have you ever thought that marriage was a bit of a lottery?” The second man replied, “Not really; at least you have a slight chance with a lottery.

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The Irish Every-time

A surgeon and an architect, Two Englishmen,  a surgeon and an Architect were joined by an Irish politician, and they began arguing about whose profession was the oldest. Said the surgeon, “Eve was made from Adam’s rib, and that surely was a surgical operation.” “Maybe,” said the architect, “but the order was created out of chaos before that, and that was an architectural job.” “Sure now,” Interrupted the politician, “but we politicians created the chaos first.”

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TODAY’S ENGLISH LESSON

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A Corporate Story

At a meeting, the Boss told a joke. Everyone on the team laughed except one guy. The Boss asked him, ‘Didn’t you understand my joke?’ The guy replied, ‘Oh I understood it, but I resigned this morning.’

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Editors Quote Book

“You cannot swim for new horizons until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” 

— William Faulkner

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Trivia Quiz

(Click Question For Answer)

 

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Your Horoscope

For Amusement Only

ARIES (March 21- April 19): You may be taking an unexpected trip. Be prepared for it to be more than a couple of days.

TAURUS (April 20- May 20): Jump into your work with vigour. Use physical action to relieve stress. Remain cool toward an associate.

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Don’t be misled by colleagues; they are not looking out for your best interests. Follow your own instincts.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):  Your options become more evident. Weigh them all carefully before making your final decision. Time is on your side.

LEO (July 23- August 22): You may be put off by a situation not of your making. Stand back and look at it from a distance.

VIRGO (August 23- September 22): Talk to an old friend. You will gain much from the exchange. Be careful of how much you confide.

LIBRA (September 23- October 22): Carefully think before you make any further commitments. Look before you leap and don’t over extend yourself.

SCORPIO (October 23- November 21): A subordinate is about to challenge your authority. Resist the temptation to give in to their demands. Stand firm.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22- December 21): Someone with more knowledge than you has much to say. Listen to them; they may have the answers you seek.

CAPRICORN (December 22- January 19): A relationship is ending. Don’t be upset about it. Another, stronger one is about to begin.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take a weekend off. Exercise, go for a walk. Fill your body with the freshness of Spring. Re-energize yourself.

PISCES (February 19- March 20): Consider furthering your education. Inquire about night classes. Ask your employer about possible financial assistance.

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Least Competent Criminal

When Daniel Allegretto Jr., 19, nearly struck a parked police car with his Honda Accord in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, on March 15, he set off a chase that ended with his arrest — and not just for impaired driving, WBRE-TV reported. Investigators found Allegretto, of Freeland, Pennsylvania, was allegedly carrying 2,200 individual doses of fentanyl, 250 grams of methamphetamine, illegal steroids, cash and materials used to process and package drugs. He was held on a $125,000 bail.

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All Together Now …. Push!

Lake Chippewa, Wisconsin, is home to a giant floating island that frequently moves around, blocking a critically important bridge and needs to be moved by local boat owners working in unison.

Lake Chippewa, or the Chippewa Flowage, as it is also known, was created in 1923 by flooding a large swamp. Shortly after, many of the peat bogs rose to the surface, creating a fertile environment for seeds carried by wind and wild birds. Over time, plants from grasses to trees grew. Their roots caused these floating bogs to grow. Today, they can be from parking space to several acres in size. The largest is called “Forty Acre Bog”  featuring mature trees. Dozens of local boat owners gather about once a year to “push” it away. Clearing the danger to the bridge connecting the two sides of the lake.

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Jury Selection

A very well-publicized trial was soon to begin. The tiresome jury selection process took place in preparation for the trial, each side hotly contesting and dismissing potential jurors. One prospective juror, Dan O’Keefe, was called for his question session. He was asked, “Property holder?” Dan replied, “Yes, I am, Your Honor.” Then he was asked,  “Married or single?” Dan responded, “Married for twenty years, Your Honor.” The judge asked, “Formed or expressed an opinion?” Dan answered, “Not in twenty years, Your Honor.”

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The Last Word

Women Like Silent Men …. They Think They Are Listening.

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