June 16, 2021

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Positively Speaking

Memes of the Mind

Memes: Are ideas or behaviour that can pass from one person to another by learning or imitation. They can be cultural or familial and operate just like a virus.

Therefore, memes of the mind are all those thoughts that enter our minds from the people around us, those that originate from parents, friends, teachers, associates. They are the learned attitudes and responses we have assimilated from others. They can be both positive and negative and very often have little or nothing to do with the reality of our situation, even though we think they apply. Unfortunately, we often use these “memes” as an excuse to do nothing or avoid making a decision.

When confronted with something that will require us to explore new things or stretch ourselves, it is pretty common to respond with: It’s not in my nature (not my cup of tea)!” or “I can’t do that!” These are memes; they fall from our tongue like water over a waterfall.

There are many others that we have learned like: “I’m too busy,” “I’m too tired,” “I’m too old,” “I’m too young,” “It’s too difficult,” “It’s never been done before,” “I’m not smart enough.” There are literally dozens of these learned responses. We use them to fool ourselves into not doing something different. They keep us from moving forward; they limit what we will do and, by extension, what we can do. They keep us in a zone of safety and comfort that stops us from living life to its fullest. A word of caution: Don’t believe everything you think! Just because you thought it doesn’t make it accurate.

Let’s say your response to a proposal was, “I’m too busy!” Are you sure that you are? Did you review your schedule and de-clutter it? Did you study the proposal thoroughly and determine the benefits to you, your family, others? Are you 100% sure that you don’t have time?

Next time you are about to let a “Meme” trip off your tongue, check yourself, ask “Is this just an excuse to do nothing?” Remember, “Don’t believe everything you think.” You may be thinking wrong and putting a limit on what could be.

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Not So Dumb!

Walking up to a department store’s fabric counter, the blonde girl said, “I would like to buy this material for a new dress. How much does it cost?” “Only one kiss per yard,” replied the male clerk with a smirk. “That’s fine,” said the girl. “I’ll take ten yards.” With expectation and anticipation written all over his face, the clerk quickly measured out the cloth, wrapped it up, then teasingly held it out. Finally, the blonde snapped up the package, pointed to the elderly lady standing beside her, and smiled, “Grandma will pay the bill.”

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Speaking with Bachelors

Two confirmed bachelors sat talking; their conversation drifted from politics to cooking. “I got a cookbook once,” said one, “but I could never do anything with it.” “Was there just too much fancy work in it?” asked the other. “You said it. Every one of the recipes began the same way – “Take a clean dish.”

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Editors Quote Book

“The most worthwhile thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.”

Robert Baden Powell

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Trivia Quiz

(Click Question For Answer)

 

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Your Horoscope

For Amusement Only

ARIES Mar. 21-Apr. 19: Select companions whose thinking and interests closely parallel yours. Constructive information can be exchanged in discussions with them.

TAURUS Apr. 20-May 20: You can find missing connections to help out a friend who can’t find the answers. Voice your observations, then utilize them.

GEMINI May 21-June 20: Do not be afraid to express your opinions in a necessary arrangement you share with others. Your judgement will have a positive impact.

CANCER June 21-July 22: In a business development that requires additional discussion, don’t proceed until you’re ready. Impulsive assessments could be counterproductive.

LEO July 23-Aug 22: If you’re able to dedicate some time to fun activities, select those that are more mental than physical for the most enjoyment.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22: Be sure to explain your directives in detail in situations where you have a supervisory capacity. Do not take anything for granted.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22: A friend who has a good head for business might help you find methods that can enhance your financial position. Listen well.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21: Your mental faculties should be equal to challenges by either friend or foe, especially in matters that can be resolved logically.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21: Personal interests can be advanced if you use your mind instead of your mouth. To control issues, think your way through them.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19: Knowledge is power, provided it’s used in a timely way. Do not prematurely expose what you know; wait for the right moment.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18: In dealings with friends, avoid heavy. Stay with topics that are light and breezy. Create a fun atmosphere.

PISCES Feb. 19-Mar. 20: You have a secret admirer who has been working with you recently. You may learn of this in greater detail later.

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The Cleaning Lady (A Life Lesson)

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:

“What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?”

Was this some kind of joke? I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50’s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

“Absolutely,” said the professor. “In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say “hello.”

I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I also learned that the cleaning lady’s name was Dorothy.

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Marriage Defined

* Marriage is not a word. It is a sentence… a life sentence.

* Marriage is very much like a violin; after the sweet music is over, the strings are attached.

* Marriage is love. Love is blind. Therefore, marriage is an institution for the blind.

*Marriage is an institution where a man loses his Bachelor’s Degree, and the woman gets her Master’s.

* Marriage is a thing that puts a ring on a woman’s finger and two under the man’s eyes.

* Marriage certificate is just another word for a work permit.

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Smarter Than Einstein

After the sermon, the worshippers filed out of the sanctuary to greet the minister. As one shook the minister’s hand, he said, “Thanks for the message, Reverend. You know, I bet you’re smarter than Einstein.” Then, beaming with pride, the minister said, “Why, thank you, brother!”As the week went by, the minister began to think about the man’s compliment. The more he thought, the more he wondered why anyone would deem him smarter than Einstein. So the following Sunday, he asked the man, “Exactly what did you mean that I must be smarter than Einstein?”The man replied, “Well, Reverend, they say that Einstein was so smart that only ten people in the world could understand him. But no one understands you.”

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The Last Word

A child with a dream is a child with a future!