December 24, 2025

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On The Upside with Marley

Success Isn’t Without Challenge

Successful people are not this way because it is easier for them. It is more a case of their succeeding because they are able to meet challenges, especially the challenges that come their way in terms of change. In many cases, the harder the situation, the more it shapes who they become.

Challenges present themselves in various ways: surprise challenges, difficult conversations, opportunities lost, or lost confidence and direction. Sometimes the challenge is deciding to make any changes to one’s life at all. Or choosing to switch jobs, shift relationships, improve one’s health, or simply deciding to live life in a way that feels more honest and aligned. All forms of change involve elements of the unknown, the uncomfortable, and the doubts that challenge certainty.

Successful individuals don’t avoid these moments, but that they choose to engage with them. They don’t see obstacles as a full stop, Instead, they view them as an opportunity for growth. Rather than asking, “Why am I going through this?” they ask, “What can I learn from this?” Change often requires letting go of the comfort of familiarity, which can be intimidating. However, those who want to elevate themselves understand that standing still may become impossible.

Rising to a challenge does not mean having all the answers. It simply means being willing to try, in the face of uncertainty. Successful people understand that progress isn’t always comfortable. Growth usually happens in less-than-ideal conditions, and those who wait for the “right time” are often just postponing action indefinitely.

Resilience plays a big role as well. When change doesn’t unfold the way it was expected, they adapt rather than give up. They learn from mistakes, look for humor where possible, and continue forward with a clearer perspective.

Most importantly, they don’t rely solely on their own strength. They seek help, support, and guidance, and they surround themselves with people who encourage growth.

The good news is this attitude is available to any of us. Every challenge, and every transition, is an opportunity to learn just how capable you really are.

Success Is Because Of How Challenge Is Met

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Football Or Family Time?

Football or Family time? As in many homes on New Year’s Day, Janet and Jeffery, a happily married couple, faced the annual conflict, about which was more important, the football game on television or the special meal. Hoping to keep the peace, Jim ate lunch with the rest of the family, and even stayed for some pleasant after-lunch chat before retiring to the lounge to turn on the television. Some minutes later, Janet looked in to see how he was. She even graciously brought him a cold beer. She smiled, kissed him on the cheek, and asked what the score was. Jeffery told her it was halftime and that the score was still 0–0. “See?” Janet said happily. “You didn’t miss a thing.”

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Editors Quote Book

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go.”

—T.S. Eliot

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The Kings Guard

Lots of videos floating around the internet these days show just how serious the king’s guard can be in regard to protecting their space and their king or queen.  Here’s a little clip of the king’s guard showing compassion where it’s needed.

 

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Winter Solstice – Vancouver’s Secret Lantern Society

Inspired by winter solstice celebrations from cultures around the world, Vancouver’s Secret Lantern Society brings the city together each year for the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival. In the days leading up to the event, participants can join hands-on workshops to design and build their own lanterns. When the solstice arrives, illuminated processions move through the city streets, eventually leading to dramatic fire performances that mark the occasion. Visitors are also invited to walk the Labyrinth of Light, a winding path formed by 600 candles, offering a moment to release the past and reflect on new beginnings for the year ahead. This year’s festival was held on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2025.

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70’s Trivia Quiz

(Click Question For Answer)

 

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Your Horoscope

For Amusement Only

 

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Isn’t It Ironic?

• The word QUEUE is ironic.  It’s just a Q with a bunch of silent letters waiting in line.
• It would be ironic if a movie about The Flat Earth Society…  Wins the Golden Globe award.
• The most ironic part about working at the unemployment office is…   If you get fired, you still have to come in the next day.
• A woman stands over the coffin of her deceased husband. “His star sign was cancer you know” she says. ” I guess it’s ironic…” “That she was killed by a giant crab.”
• In the song ‘ironic’ from Alanis Morissette, there is no line that is ironic…  … Isn’t that ironic?

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Strange But True

Mayor of an Alaskan Town for 20 Years… was a cat

Stubbs, a ridiculously handsome orange tabby, became Talkeetna, Alaska’s honorary mayor in 1997—winning on looks alone. His “duties” mostly involved lounging at the general store, napping on counters, and posing for tourist photos, yet he attracted more visitors than any human mayor ever could.

Serving until his passing in 2017, Stubbs left a legacy of community spirit, zero scandals, and an approval rating humans could only dream of. Proof that sometimes the best leader has the best whiskers and zero interest in politics. 🐾

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Mitch & Maud

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Smart Mother-In-Law

A husband and wife having yet another fight.

Wife calls her mom: “He fought with me again, I’m coming to stay with you.”

Mom: “No dear, he must pay for his mistakes.  I’m coming to stay with you!”

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Great Dog Quotes

“Handle every situation like a dog. If you can’t eat it or play with it, just pee on it and walk away.” – Unknown

“Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul, chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we’re the greatest hunters on earth!” – Anne Tyler

“My cats inspire me daily. They inspire me to get a dog!”  – Greg Curtis

“A dog desires affection more than its dinner. Well – almost.”  – Charlotte Gray

“If you’re uncomfortable around my dog, I can prepare a special room for you where you can have dinner” – Marley to the Mother In Law

“A boy can learn a lot from a dog — obedience, loyalty, and the importance of turning around three times before lying down. ” – Robert Benchley

“If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater suggest that he wear a tail.” – Fran Lebowitz

“If aliens saw us walking our dogs and picking up their poop, who would they think is in charge?” – Unknown

“I don’t think twice about picking up my dog’s poop, but if another dog’s poop is next to it, I think, ‘Eww, dog poop!”  – Jonah Goldberg

“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.” – Groucho Marx

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The Last Word

If someone doesn’t value evidence, what evidence will you provide to show they should value it.

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