April 2, 2025
BG’s Positively Speaking
Stumbling Blocks Or Stepping Stones
One thing we all have in common is that we all face challenges in life!’ Mostly when we least expect them. Hurdles that seem to have only one purpose; stopping us from moving forward. No matter where we are in life, we’ll face challenges. The key lies in how we respond; do we see them as “stumbling blocks” or “stepping stones.” Viewing challenges as stumbling blocks holds us back from reaching our full potential. Our energy and resources will be consumed with “What’s next?” leaving us unable to overcome them.
In my senior year at school, I did a lot of cross-country running, which was very challenging in the hilly moorland countryside surrounding our school. At first, I looked for all those “stumbling blocks” that could impede my progress, rocks and large stones in fields, hilly climbs, dilapidated stone walls, streams, barbed-wire fences, fields with cattle (and the occasional Bull), along with the usual piles of cow dung. This preoccupation with ‘possible’ challenges would consistently place me at the rear of the ‘pack.’
The next year, I adopted a different attitude. I considered those obstacles “stepping stones” to get where I was going. It didn’t take long to realize that each time I overcame a “challenge,” I grew, increased my knowledge and became more positive. Once a challenge was overcome, I already knew how to overcome it the next time I faced it. With this knowledge, I was soon in the top ten pack and sometimes in the top three. I applied the philosophy that winners use without really knowing it and moved forward.
Life is like that; we must see all its challenges as “stepping stones” to realizing our future. Not there to defeat us but to help us gain knowledge, strength, and confidence. Preparing us for our future. One question to ask yourself………………
Is this a Stumbling Block or a Stepping Stone?
Editors Quote Book
“Nothing haunts us like the things we don’t say.”
— Mitch Albom
Way Out West
A police officer saw a man dressed as a cowboy in the street, complete with a large Stetson hat, spurs, and six-shooters. “Excuse me, sir,” said the police officer, “who are you?” “My name’s Tex, officer,” said the cowboy. ” Tex?” said the police officer, “Are you from Texas?” “Nope, Louisiana.”. “Louisiana? So why are you called Tex?”. “Don’t want to be called Louise, do I .
Three cowboys were hanging out in the bunkhouse. “I know that smart alec Tex,” said the first. “He’s going to start bragging about that new foreign car he bought as soon as he gets back.” “Not Tex,” the second cowboy replied.”He’ll always be just a good ol’ boy. When he walks in, I’m sure all he’ll say is hello.” “I know Tex better than either of you,” said the third. “He’s so smart, he’ll figure out a way to do both. Here he comes now.” Tex swung open the bunkhouse door and shouted, “Audi, partners!”
The Football Game
Two elderly sisters donated $5 to a charity and, to their surprise, won tickets to a football game. Since they had never seen a live football game before, Madge thought the free tickets would provide an excellent opportunity for doing so. They soon found themselves high in a noisy stadium overlooking a large, grassy expanse. They watched the kickoff and the seemingly endless back-and-forth struggles that comprised the scoreless first half. They enjoyed the band music and cheerleader performance that followed and then came the second half. When the teams lined up for the second-half kickoff, Madge nudged her sister. “I guess we can go home now, Mabel,” she said. “This is where we came in.” “I think so, too,” said Mabel. “Let’s go!”
Trivia Quiz
(Click Question For Answer)
Your Horoscope
For Amusement Only
Aries March 21 – April 19: Get ready to pack your bags. A trip could be coming your way, which could mean an extended stay.
Taurus April 20 – May 20: Stay practical regarding finances. Review your budget and increase savings and/or investments, if possible.
Gemini May 21 – June 20: You need a change of pace and some ‘alone’ time. Plan for a weekend away by yourself, in some quiet place.
Cancer June 21 – July 22: Those watching you are impressed with your work. A promotion and pay raise could be coming your way.
Leo July 23 – August 22: Some former business contacts show up, and they will be seeking YOUR advice. Enjoy the attention while you can.
Virgo August 23 – September 22: Spring has arrived. Get outside and shake off the cobwebs. But keep some energy for those last-minute invites.
Libra September 23 – October 22: This is a good time to forgive some past wrongs. An old friendship can be refreshed and renewed.
Scorpio October 23 – November 21: Love will win out. Enjoy what is given to you and overlook the insignificant details. Don’t be picky.
Sagittarius November 22 – December 21: Building a business takes more than just money; it also takes “know-how’. Listen to someone who has ‘been there.’
Capricorn December 22 – January 19: Those little white lies have a habit of catching up with you. Honesty and truthfulness are the best policy.
Aquarius January 20 – February 18: Don’t allow unrealistic expectations to mess things up for you. Stay practical when it comes to financial matters.
Pisces February 19 – March 20: Everyone makes mistakes. Learn the lessons from those mistakes and then move on with your life.
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Snow Emergency Instructions
A man was sitting down for his usual cup of coffee, listening to the weather report on the radio… “There will be 10 to 15 cm of snow today, and a snow emergency has been declared. You must park your cars on the odd-numbered side of the street.” So, he got up from his coffee and moved his car. Two days later, again sitting down with his cup of morning coffee, the weather forecaster announced, “There will be 15 to 20 cm of snow today, and a snow emergency has been declared. You must park your cars on the even-numbered side of the street.”
So, he got up from his coffee and again moved his car. Four days later, again sitting down with a cup of coffee, the weather forecaster announced, “There will be 20 to 25 cm of snow today, and a snow emergency has been declared. You must park your cars on the… ” Then the power went out. He didn’t get the rest of the instructions. He asked himself, “What am I going to do now? I didn’t hear him say where to park.” He thought momentarily and decided to leave the car in the garage this time.
The Funny Sides Of Life
A man takes his Great Dane to the vet. “My dog’s cross-eyed. Is there anything you can do for him?” “Well,” says the vet, “let’s have a look at him.” So he picks the dog up and examines his eyes, then checks his teeth. Finally, he says, “I’m going to have to put him down.”
“What? Because he’s cross-eyed?”
“No, because he’s really heavy.”
A woman took her husband to the doctor. After he had examined him, the doctor said, “Your husband’s mind has completely gone!” To which the woman replied, “I’m not surprised. He’s been giving a piece of it to me every day for the past 30 years.”
Son: My teacher must be really old.
Father: Why is that son?
Son: Today in class, he told us that he used to teach Shakespeare.
Bob: I don’t know what to do about my wife.
Fred: What’s wrong with her?
Bob: It’s her memory.
Fred: You mean she can’t remember anything?
Bob: No, she remembers everything.
Mary: Why do you call your boyfriend ‘wonder’?
Karen: Because I look at him and wonder.
A Kinda’ Scary name.
A Salesman’s Life
Salesman: “Would you like to buy a pocket calculator?”
Customer: “No, thanks. I already know how many pockets I have.”
The Last Word
Build a life you don’t need to take a vacation from.