James A. Murphy

Advice is the easiest thing to give and often the hardest thing to receive. When you need it, and others are willing to give it, take as much as you can. When you receive it, appreciate it, use it, and apply what works for your situation_.

All you need in life is to know thyself; to live with the knowledge that it__ just life and that's the way it is. You need a sense of what your life means to you, the appreciation of yourself, your friendships and the love of others. You need a desire to grow as a person, to discover what your gifts in life are to yourself, others, and the world. You are the only you in the world. Embrace who you are....

The purpose of life is to live. The meaning of life is whatever you choose. The secret to life is balance in all things_

No one ever said your life would be easy. The nature of being human makes life for all of us a challenge. The most important thing to consider here is this. Your life is only as challenging as you think it is. Think of challenge as a teacher and yourself the student. It's up to you to figure out what the lesson is to be learned. To learn that lesson and build the strength and courage to face other challenges_.

There is no such thing as the perfect relationship. You can however, create a relationship which is perfect. Perfection comes from your commitment to being a teacher and a student. Being as curious and playful as children. Having the maturity of an adult, and being a friend, partner, and lover. Perfection often comes from imperfection. So, embrace the challenges and learn to grow together, not apart_.

Just jump, make that call, take the next step and say NO, I'm done, that's it! As long as you entertain fearful thoughts, you__l continue to feel the pain. So, just take some kind of action now. Even if you feel that fear while you__e taking action, have faith and just keep going. I guarantee you__l break through the fear and you__l realize how easy it was_.

Isn't friendship amazing? At one time, our friends were just strangers to us. However, there was something special about these strangers; you felt a connection, something in common, a special bond, and your friendship began. What if, as we pass all of the __trangers_ in our lives, if we looked at these strangers as if they could be a friend? What a different world it would be_.

Thoughts turn to other's just a little more this time of year. Days grow shorter and memories grow longer. Families and friends gather in celebration or hope. Giving is a reflection of our love and caring for each other and those less fortunate. May your thoughts turn to gratitude this holiday season and carry on throughout the next year_

If we're going to be smart, we can't be stupid_!

Your fear comes not from what you're afraid will happen. Your fear comes from thinking what may happen. You cannot predict your future. You can however, create your future. What happened yesterday is over. What happens today is up to you_.

If you walk 100 miles into the life you don't want. Often, you must walk those same 100 miles to get out of that life. This is the answer to why the journey to fulfillment is often so difficult. However, if you can find a shortcut, a new path, you can get to the life you want much quicker. This is the premise of personal development, self-improvement and self-discovery..!

What is the one thing that gets you up every morning? The one thing that keeps you going every day, every month, every year? Let me get you started. My one thing is this, __'m one day closer..._ One day closer to a goal, an outcome, or the results I'm after in my life. This is my way of remembering the importance of focusing on the life I desire and living a life of gratitude! So, what__ your one thing_?

Why live for tomorrow, when you__e not even through living today! Focus on what you can accomplish now and create the tomorrow's you desire today_.

Isn't it interesting how much we dislike the days that allow us to enjoy our weekends? The days that pay. If you don't like Monday's, you're not living your authentic life! You__e in the wrong job! What do you really want to do with your life_?

Gain strength through adversity_!

Kids are naturally curious about the world around them. Everything is fascinating and holds their attention as they explore their new surroundings. Adults however, have grown up hearing the word __o_, __on't do that,_ and __uit daydreaming so often, they create their own little world, a world with lots of limitations. What then do most adults teach to their children? __o_, __on't do that,_ and __uit daydreaming._ So, what can you learn from a child today_?

Find joy in the faces of children who view life as so magical. Give thanks every day for your life and for your existence. Your life matters, you matter. So many people think and care about you and you__e never really alone! Remember your loved ones are the real gift. I care about you; you have a friend in me. Look forward to knowing that next year is going to be even better than the last_

If you__e not doing what you want to do. However, you still think about it every day. This means you have not given up. Only you know what action will make it happen and thought is an action. Keep focusing on what you want to do and figure out how to turn your thoughts into reality_