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Life is Too Short
Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Nobody said it would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.
Friends are like balloons — once you let them go, you might not get them back. Sometimes we get so busy with our own lives and problems that we may not even notice that we’ve let them fly away. Sometimes we are so caught up in who’s right and who’s wrong that we forget what’s right and what’s wrong. Sometimes we just don’t realize what real friendship means until it’s too late.
I don’t want to let that happen, so I’m going to tie you to my heart, so I never lose you.
One thing you can give and still keep… is your word.
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.
Ernesto Cole
Thank You for Your Time
A young man learns what’s most important in life from the guy next door.
It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way.
In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.
Over the phone, his mother told him, “Mr Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday.”
Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.
“Jack did you hear me?”
“Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you… it’s been so long since I thought of him. I’m sorry, but honestly I thought he died years ago,” Jack said.
“Well, he didn’t forget you. Every time I saw him he’d ask how you were doing. He’d reminisce about the many days you spent over his side of the fence, as he put it,” Mom told him.
“I loved that old house he lived in,” Jack said.
“You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man’s influence in your life,” she said.
“He’s the one who taught me carpentry,” he said. “I wouldn’t be in this business if it weren’t for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important. Mom, I’ll be there for the funeral,” Jack said.
As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr Belser’s funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.
The night before he had returned home, Jack and his mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.
Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every stop held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture… Jack stopped suddenly.
“What’s wrong, Jack?” his mom asked.
“The box is gone,” he said.
“What box?” Mom asked.
“There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he’d ever tell me was the thing I value most,” Jack said.
It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.
“Now I’ll never know what was so valuable to him,” Jack said. “I’d better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom.”
It had been about two weeks since Mr Belser died. Returning home from work one day, Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days, the note read.
Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. Mr Harold Belser, it read.
Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package.
There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack’s hands shook as he read the note inside.
“Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It’s the thing I valued most in my life.” A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filled his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.
Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found engraved the words, Jack, thanks for your time! Harold Belser.
“The thing he valued most was… my time,” Jack said.
Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. “Why?” Janet, his assistant, asked.
“I need some time to spend with my son,” he said. “Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!”
Think about this. You may not realize it, but it’s 100% true.
1. At least two people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2. At least fifteen people in this world love you in some way.
3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don’t like you.
4. Every night, someone thinks about you before they go to sleep.
5. You mean the world to someone.
6. If not for you, someone may not be living.
7. You are special and unique.
8. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won’t get it, but if you trust God to do what’s best and wait on His time, sooner or later, you will get it or something better.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look — you most likely turned your back on the world.
11. Someone that you don’t even know exists loves you.
12. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget the rude remarks.
13. Always tell someone how you feel about them — you will feel much better when they know and you’ll both be happy.
14. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
Pass this story along to all those you care about and you will certainly brighten someone’s day and might change their perspective for the better.
Tell everyone, “Thanks for your time.”
Ernesto Cole
Thoughts on Wisdom
Cleverness is not wisdom.
Every man is a damn fool, 4 of at least 5 minutes every day—wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit.
Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.
It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.
When written in Chinese, the word “crisis” is composed of two characters—one represents danger and the other represents opportunity.
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
A prudent question is half of wisdom.
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
A wise man is superior to any insults which can be put upon him, and the best reply for unseemly behavior is patience and moderation.
Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you’d have preferred to talk.
It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it.
Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.
If you believe the doctors, nothing is wholesome—if you believe the theologians, nothing is innocent—if you believe the military, nothing is safe.
Life is traveling to the edge of knowledge, then taking a leap.
The wisdom of the wise is an uncommon degree of common sense.
Virtues are acquired through endeavor, which rests wholly upon yourself.
Wisdom outweighs any wealth.
Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.
The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.
From the errors of others, a wise man corrects his own.
It is the neglect of timely repair that makes rebuilding necessary.
The future has arrived, it’s just not evenly distributed yet.
The truest wisdom is a resolute determination.
Wisdom is knowing what to do next—virtue is doing it.
Ernesto Cole
Maxims To Live By
1 You will always tend to see whatever it is you’re looking for. Your thoughts create your reality.
2. Deep inside we all want to love and be loved, to care and be cared for, and live happy… That is our essence.
3. Many of us spend so long pretending to be whatever it is that we’re pretending to be, that we lose focus of our true selves… The more energy we put into developing that mask, the more convinced we become of it.
4. Well-being is not is not the fruit of something you do, it is the essence of who you are. There’s nothing you need to change, do, be, or have in order to be happy.
5. My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the grounds upon which I stand.
6. Financial security doesn’t come from the amount of money you currently have; It comes from your ability to get more of it whenever you want.
7. Master the art of serving other and you will service your financial future. In this sense, money is just a measure of the difference you’re making in the world.
8. The problem cannot be solved with the same level of thinking that created it.
9. Your thoughts have no power, it is only when you invest your energy and consciousness into them that they begin to become real.
10. Life begets life, energy begets energy, it is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.
11. You don’t get what you deserve in life, you get what you negotiate.
12. Anywhere there’s a positive difference to be made, there’s money to be made. If you can’t (or won’t) make a difference, you’re unlikely to make very much money.
13. There are three essential motivations for anything and everything we do: Desperation (I have to), rationalization (I should), and inspiration (I want to).
14. I have my own version of an optimist: If I can’t make it through one door, I’ll make through another door or I’ll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present.
15. The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.
16. Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing, that we see too late the one that is open.
17. Whatever has or hasn’t happened to you is in the past. The past does not equal the future. What matters most right now is your present-moment energy. You can direct your focus and language to create an amazing life.
18. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the willingness to proceed in the face of it.
19. There is no disguise which can hide love for where it exists, or simulate where it does not.
20. Coward, one who in a perilous emergency thinks with his legs.
21. Fools are without numbers.
22. To profit from good advice requires as much wisdom as to give it.
23. Measure not men by Sundays, without regarding what they did all week before.
24. When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice.
25. A good word is an easy obligation. but not to speak ill, requires silence, which costs us nothing.
26. Try to leave the earth a better place than when you arrived.
27. Question: Do you know what the death rate around here is? Answer: One per person.
28. There is never enough “I love you”
29. ’Tis better than a man’s words, that another man’s words should praise him.
30. A warning given by an experienced person to someone willing to listen is more valuable that jewelry made of the finest gold.
31. While it is wise to learn from experience, it is wiser to learn from the experiences of others.
32. There’s not enough time in this life to learn by trial and error. Therefore, we must learn from the life lessons and experiences of one another.
33. If you have a bowl of murky water and want to make it clear, what would you do?
Ernesto Cole
Don’t Break the Elastic
In April, May Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70th birthday.
Maya really is a marvel who has led quite an interesting and exciting life.
Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was “exciting.”
Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day, like her breasts. “They seem to be in a race to see which one will reach her waist first.”
The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple an honest woman, with so much wisdom with her words.
I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on and it will be better tomorrow.
I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.
I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.”
I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands — you need to be able to throw something back.
I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.
I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Ernesto Cole
Practice, Practice, Practice!
On a page I was going through, I came across a particular query that has had me thinking and thus, the reason for this essay—since I tend to think better when writing. The question in mention is: Have you ever asked yourself what is your purpose?
Well, the reason this question has affected me so much is because as a foolish youngster, I was quick to respond to it and say proudly that my purpose in life was to be a “thug” till death do me part. And since I did not plan on living very long, it seemed very simple and true to me at the time.
Fortunately, that is no longer my purpose and I have now committed myself on a 180 degree turn around and can now much more proudly and unequivocally say that my new purpose in life is to be at peace and content with myself, others, and surroundings.
Those that know me from the past may say: “he’s just saying that now because he’s in prison serving a couple of life sentences and more, and has no other choice.”
Well, to those naysayers I simply respond that is not the case, since prison is an ideal place to continue being a “thug” since one is surrounded by so many, if not the majority. So, yes, I do have a choice. Not only that, but from the moment I was arrested, I had the option to continue being a “thug,” and get a sweet deal, but chose not to.
Additionally, during my incarceration, the temptations have been many, since vices like drugs, alcohol, gambling, and opportunities to commit immoral and delinquent acts are plentiful. Hence, I thank God for helping me make the right choices and not allowing me to succumb and fall deeper in disgrace.
Now with the aforementioned being clarified, allow me to manifest how I plan to achieve my new purpose.
When this course began, I recited a very personal essay about an experience I had many years ago that finally caught up with me and transformed my life considerably for the better. In that essay, I alluded to how I allowed another person’s action affect and dictate my emotions in a negative way. Then how a very wise, older friend, whom I have since considered a father figure, God bless his soul, gave me one of the best—if not the best, advice I’ve ever received.
In essence this is what he advised me: “Son, under no circumstances allow anything or anyone to affect your emotions in a negative way. Once you allow that you cease control of your emotions and could no longer consider yourself a true man.”
Sure enough, due to my immaturity, ignorance, foolish pride, and ego, I chose not to understand him, did not adhere to his advice, and refused to follow through. Luckily for me, through very harsh occurrences (which were mostly brought about by my ego and foolish pride), many personal experiences, and not so personal experiences—I believe I have found my purpose in life to live at peace and be content with myself, others, and my surroundings.
I credit this accomplishment by seeing and treating life as a game or sporting event. Yes, gentlemen, I now see life as a game and my goal is not only to win, but also to enjoy the journey to its fullest.
Allow me now to explain my analogy between life and a game and how I plan to win. As a kid growing up and participating in various organized sporting events, I was always encouraged and obligated by the coaches to practice, practice, practice. And in that way, make myself a better athlete.
If the sport were basketball—I had to practice my ball handling, passing, shooting, free throws, layups, and so forth.
If it were baseball—I had to train in batting, catching, throwing, sliding, and other things.
If it were soccer—I definitely had to exercise dribbling to get past defenders, passing and receiving the ball, positioning and anticipating where the ball was going, my heading on the ball, and an array of other things to better myself and be successful in the competition.
Now that you most likely get where I’m coming from, in my game of life, I encourage and discipline myself to do the same—practice, practice, practice.
I practice the things that I feel will help me succeed and accomplish my purpose in life by doing the following: I meditate and reflect alone with frequency because it is in true solitude that I really identify and find myself.
I try my best to always think, speak, and act positively—practice the ancient discipline of yoga, along with its eight different branches to help keep me grounded and firm in my purpose.
I try to read good, entertaining fiction and non-fiction books, and when a self-help book falls into my lap, I devour its contents as well.
I challenge my mind constantly by doing very challenging numbered puzzles (sodukus), try to stay away from gossip—and if it finds me, treat it positively and minimally.
I try to socialize only with positive individuals—and when a negative one appears in my path—I run like hell! 🙂
I do my best not to tell lies, and if it’s necessary for one, I prefer to keep my mouth shut.
I try to keep myself, thoughts, and few belongings as organized and compartmentalized as possible. If I have something pending, I follow my dear mother’s advice to do it immediately without procrastination. And if there is nothing I can do about it—I do exactly that—nothing. And when I say nothing, I mean not even worry about it.
I exercise my body in a very intense manner and in doing so, prepare my heart to utilize its oxygen much more efficiently so that my resting heart rate becomes lower and can deal with pumping my blood more adequately—and in this manner, deal much better with stress.
When things do not go my way, I do not take it personal and I accept the fact that it could always have been worse to soften the impact.
I try to never jump to conclusions or make assumptions, since in the past I was wrong most of the times, if not always.
If there is anything I can do for someone less fortunate then I do so without thinking it twice.
I try to be very understanding, respectful, and considerate of others—procure not to engage in arguments or heated discussions, since they rarely, if ever, conduce to anything positive.
If for some reason I come across something that does not belong to me, I return it immediately. And if it is a borrowed item, try to take better care of it than if it were my own.
I also try to always be appreciative and truly say “thank you” for any assistance I receive, no matter how small. And I also make it my duty to never, ever, give bad advice, no matter how tempting.
Dear comrades, although there may be other practices I engage in to reach and accomplish my purpose in life, they seem to have escaped my thoughts for now. But I could not end this section without saying last but never least—a day does not go by without me getting on my knees and thanking the Lord for all my blessings and asking Him for more. Something that those who know me from the past would find extremely difficult to believe, but that is truly the case.
At this moment, my dear friends, please do not misinterpret the aforementioned and think that through such practices I aim to be perfect—never that. But it does imply that when I do “mess up,” I can be humble enough to accept it, learn from it, make amends and therefore, reduce my errors and live a much better and purposeful life.
After this very personal account on how I practice to win in my game of life, I would like to conclude that my aim is not to garner sympathy, praise, nor even your scorn, but simply to encourage all of the participants that have already taken the first step in this beautiful course to continue making the necessary changes in ourselves to be better men, simple as that.
PS—if in the future, we may cross paths and you see that I am not following through on these practices, please call it to my attention—it will be dearly appreciated.
Thank you for your attention and God bless.
Ernesto Cole
Throwing Starfish
Throwing Starfish
A man was walking along the beach after a storm when he came across an old woman throwing starfish that had washed up on shore back into the sea.
When he asked her what she was doing, she said she’d always wanted to make a difference and had decided that today was a good day to begin.
The man looked from her to the thousands of starfish that lay dying along the coastline and said, “For every starfish you throw back into the ocean, three more wash up onto the shore! How can you possibly be making a difference?”
The woman looked thoughtful for a moment and then she picked up another starfish and threw it back into the sea.
She smiled. “Made a difference to that one.”
Ernesto Cole
Do Not Wait
Do Not Wait
Do not wait to be good, or to give what you have, nor to right an injustice.
Do not wait for the opportunity to realize a noble act – look for it.
Do not wait for the offended – go to him or her.
Do not wait to forgive your enemy – do it in your conscious.
Do not wait for tomorrow to understand how vain the corporal flattery and the love for material things is – do it now!
Ernesto Cole
A Word
A Word
A word could cause discord.
A word could ruin a life.
A bitter word could create hate.
A brutal word could hit and kill.
A nice word could soften the path.
A timely word could brighten a day.
A word with love and affection could bless.
A tender word could lift many hopes.
A balanced word could bring us peace.
A discrete word could make us wise.
An opportune word in front of a misfortune will force us to keep ahead.
A word could give us a lot and could take away all.
A word that is the one we need to hug one another.
A word is Love among all human beings of the universe!
Ernesto Cole
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