St. Francis of Assisi

For those in despair and in need of a psychological retreat, I recommend reading the referenced prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. His life story is remarkable and one that I am confident you will enjoy. Please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Francis_of_Assisi

Burton Fletcher
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/

The Serenity Prayer

The Serenity Prayer has touched a great many lives in a positive manner. I know that during times of distress I have leaned on the wisdom of the Serenity Prayer. I hope it will comfort you too.

For more information on The Serenity Prayer, please see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serenity_prayer#cite_note-2


Burton Fletcher
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/

What is Success? by Bessie A. Stanley

What is Success? by Bessie A. Stanley

The next time someone asks about the meaning of success, a question right up there with "what is the meaning of life," you will have the makings for a good answer at your fingertips.

Here's a more complete version of this famous poem by Bessie A. Stanley. This was the prize-winning definition of success which won a contest sponsored by Brown book Magazine, Boston, circa 1904.

"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;

who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men, and the love of small children;

who has filled his niche, and accomplished his task;

who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;

who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty, or failed to express it;

who has always looked for the best in others, and given them the best he had;

whose life was an inspiration;

whose memory a benediction."

Bessie Anderson Stanley


Burton Fletcher
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/

A Thankful Heart And A Happy Home....

"A thankful heart and a happy home go hand in hand."

Too often, I feel that we lose sight of all that we have to be thankful for, in this country, in this state, in this county, in this city, in this neighborhood, on this street, and in this home. You can take the large view or the narrow view but how you look at life will determine your happiness.

As a retired educator, I observed during my days as an active college and university professor, that often the laziest educators were often the happiest, going about their lives like cows chewing their cud while walking single file down a cow path. Conversely, those who truly cared about the academic environment and the institution, and who worked hard to improve it, were often the least happy.

Wherever you are in life, be thankful for the positives and focus on those positives. The same goes for your home. If your heart is thankful, your home will be happier too.

Burton Fletcher
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/

Count Your Blessings & The 80-20 Rule In Relationships

If you are in a relationship that meets 80% of your needs, count your blessings. If you are happy, regardless of the percentage of your needs that are met, then count your blessings. Most successful relationships may fit the 80-20 rule with 80% of your needs being met.

The danger is feeling dissatisfaction and acting destructively when the other 20% of your needs are not met. If you are searching for someone to fulfill 100% of your needs, I predict great disappointment or even failure in your relationship.

Clear communication is the key and if your significant other is not listening, both you and they must make choices that may be hard or easy depending on the negative impact your partner's actions may be having on you, or your actions may be having on your partner.

Dealing with conflict in relationships is not easy. The more we have invested in the relationship, the more interpersonal warfare hurts and should be avoided.

While you cannot remake your personality, you can show consideration for your partner. If your partner abhors procrastination, then you need to work on those behaviors. If you are angry, then you need to address those issues that make you angry.

Relationships are a two-way street and should not be abandoned lightly. When you breakup a relationship, you lose the shared history that is so meaningful to bond the couple or friends together.

A relationship that fulfills 80% of your needs should not be abandoned or lost by a search for fulfillment of the other 20% that you may be missing. No relationship is perfect. You can live your life always looking for a person to fulfill 100% of your needs; however, those who are "picky", or seeking perfection, should be prepared for a lot of misery.

Even when we find our "ideal mate" we should know that just as we will be growing, our partner will be growing too. The person you married 20 years ago is not the same person today, and neither are you.

Love is a beautiful thing and it should be cherished. Crazy making should be avoided for your peace of mind and for the sake of the love you have for your partner.

Compromise is essential in any relationship. Count your blessings when you are in a relationship. The singles scene is not a pleasant place to be and should be avoided if both partners are willing to work toward shared goals.

Give and take and you'll be more likely to be successful in your relationship. I encourage everyone to focus on the positives and count your blessings; after all, it is the right thing to do for a happier life.

Burton Fletcher
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/

Don't Waste It....

The attached thoughts were discovered in an antique store and the advice was so good that I thought I would pass it along.

Life is short--too short--and we never know when our last day will present itself. Just ask any fan of "Meet the Press" who recently lost long-time host Tim Russert at age 58.

Mr. Russert was much too young to have died of a heart attack. His death should be a reminder to all of us that we should not waste a day with negative actions or negative thoughts.

Express positive feelings. Appreciate nature. Express gratitude. Avoid and remedy quarrels. Keep your promises. Share your feelings of love over and over so your loved ones will know you appreciate them.

This is not a full list of the things to do and not do; however, these are good reminders to everyone travelling on this journey we call life.

Burton Fletcher
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/

James Dean's Advice: Dream and Live.

So, how should we live our lives? James Dean's quote is one thought on the subject. Dreaming and living are important aspects to how we live our lives and I believe that no life can truly be fulfilled unless dreams are part of that life.

Burton Fletcher
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/


An actor must interpret life, and in order to do so must be willing to accept all the experiences life has to offer. In fact, he must seek out more of life than life puts at his feet. James Dean

Being a good actor isn't easy. Being a man is even harder. I want to be both before I'm done. James Dean

Being an actor is the loneliest thing in the world. You are all alone with your concentration and imagination, and that's all you have. James Dean

But you can't show some far off idyllic conception of behavior if you want the kids to come and see the picture. You've got to show what it's really like, and try to reach them on their own grounds. James Dean

Dream as if you'll live forever; live as if you'll die tomorrow. James Dean

Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today. James Dean

I also became close to nature, and am now able to appreciate the beauty with which this world is endowed. James Dean

I think the one thing this picture shows that's new is the psychological disproportion of the kids' demands on the parents. Parents are often at fault, but the kids have some work to do, too. James Dean

I want to be a Texan 24 hours a day. James Dean

If a man can bridge the gap between life and death, if he can live on after he's dead, then maybe he was a great man. James Dean

It was an accident, although I've been involved in some kind of theatrical function or other since I was a child - in school, music, athletics. James Dean

Only the gentle are ever really strong. James Dean

Studying cows, pigs and chickens can help an actor develop his character. There are a lot of things I learned from animals. One was that they couldn't hiss or boo me. James Dean

The gratification comes in the doing, not in the results. James Dean

The only greatness for man is immortality. James DeanThere is no way to be truly great in this world. We are all impaled on the crook of conditioning. James Dean

To grasp the full significance of life is the actor's duty; to interpret it his problem; and to express it his dedication. James Dean

To me, acting is the most logical way for people's neuroses to manifest themselves, in this great need we all have to express ourselves. James Dean

To my way of thinking, an actor's course is set even before he's out of the cradle. James Dean

Trust and belief are two prime considerations. You must not allow yourself to be opinionated. James Dean

When an actor plays a scene exactly the way a director orders, it isn't acting. It's following instructions. Anyone with the physical qualifications can do that. James Dean

Eleanor Roosevelt on Dreams

The accurate quote is "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Actually, whether you believe your dreams are beautiful, or freightening, what you believe will determine your vision and your vision will become your reality.

Eleanor Roosevelt was a great woman and humanitarian who inspired millions with her courage and commitment to serve others. I hope you will believe strongly in the beauty of your dreams.

If you really believe, your dreams are more likely to become reality. When you vividly foresee your dreams and you then focus your belief system and actions intensely, like a laserbeam, they are more likely to be realized.

I have identified several of Mrs. Roosevelt's quotes below that I found on the web. I hope you enjoy them.

Burton Fletcher
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/

A woman is like a tea bag- you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Friendship with oneself is all-important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.
Eleanor Roosevelt

I think that somehow, we learn who we really are and then live with that decision.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people.
Eleanor Roosevelt

I could not at any age be content to take my place in a corner by the fireside and simply look on.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Justice cannot be for one side alone, but must be for both.
Eleanor Roosevelt

If someone betrays you once, it’s their fault; if they betray you twice, it’s your fault.
Eleanor Roosevelt

It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.
Eleanor Roosevelt

One thing life has taught me: if you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else.
Eleanor Roosevelt

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.
Eleanor Roosevelt

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt, 'This Is My Story,' 1937

People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.
Eleanor Roosevelt, My Day

Count Your Blessings

"Count your blessings" and appreciate life.

I was talking with a friend today and was informed that a relative "committed suicide." I have had numerous relatives commit suicide and I understand depression and the dangers it entails; however, I believe it is a very selfish act to commit suicide.

It is not for me to judge the individual who ends their own life; however, I believe there is unrecognized good in everyone's life and everyone should count their blessings.

It is a simple truth that life could be worse for just about everyone. No matter what your station in life, count your blessings and know that there are others worse off than yourself. With this knowledge, count your blessings and make the most of the challenges in your life. If not for yourself, for your family and friends. After all, it is the right thing to do.

Burton Fletcher
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/

Rules For Communication

I saw the referenced plaque in an antique store in Lake City, Florida. It reminds me that every business and individual needs self-imposed rules of conduct.

Today, I received an outrageous email from an acquaintance espousing a political view much different than my own. I called my acquaintance and gently informed him that my views were the polar opposite of his own.

I saw no need to be disagreeable or impolite and I did not attempt to change his viewpoint. I did inform him that my views were different than his and I then dropped the subject.

Sex, religion and politics are three subjects among many where great caution should be exercised. Relationships can be needlessly fractured by carelessly revealing views that are personal to the individual.

Use caution when discussing controversial topics and you will enjoy a happier life.

Burton Fletcher
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/

Scatter Seeds of Kindness and Find Peace

What gives you peace of mind? I suggest the acts of being kind to others is one of the ways you can reach inner peace. It is said that the act of giving benefits the giver more than the receiver. I feel an inner warmth when I "scatter seeds of kindness" by performing good deeds for others. I suggest that you will too.

Burton Fletcher
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/

Whoo Hoo!!! You Rock.

"Whoo Hoo!!! You Rock."

I received this message today and it reminds me of the value of humor in communication. Whenever possible, a message delivered with humor stands out from all others.

When communicating, choose your words with your reader in mind, and both you and your reader will be glad you did.

Burton Fletcher
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/

The Miracle of Friendship

Friendship is a gift and it does bring you happiness. Be greatful for your friends and cherish those relationships.



Burton Fletcher
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/

Clock of Life

"The clock of life is wound but once
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour

Now is the only time you own
Live, love, toil with a will
place no faith in tomorrow
The hands may then be still."

So, what do these words say to you? To me, they suggest we should live in the moment, enjoying that moment and making the most of the opportunity and good fortune to be alive. If you visit the cemetery, you will find a great many who have died at an age younger than you are now. They too lived. They died as you will too.

How we live is important and I would like to think that I have made the world a better place. How about you? Make the most of yourself and the time you own. Live, laugh and love.

Burton Fletcher
www.USAMonuments.com
www.CallOurLawyers.com
www.GeorgiaLoanClosers.com
www.GeorgiaSigningAgents.com

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

"Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much" are inspirational words that inspire me in my day-to-day living. How about you?

Do you have a Gregorian chant to provide yourself with positive self talk? If not, I suggest you reflect on your self talk and think about how you can pull yourself up when the world seems to be dragging you down.

"If it is to be, it is up to me," were words I used to push myself through law school years ago. I would repeat those words and reflect on the obvious wisdom that we are in control of our own destiny.

I encourage you to "Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much" and to realize that life is all too short and you might as well make the most of it as there are no rehearsals. Celebrate your life!

Burton Fletcher

http://www.usamonuments.com/

http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/

Imagination Is Everything

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” Albert Einstein

Throughout my professional career, I have observed a great many people who excelled in the area of imagination. I believe myself to be imaginative and this skill has aided me throughout my career.

Those with imagination have more control over their lives, their future and their destiny.

Without imagination, you cannot see over the horizon, much less around the corner.

As Albert Einstein said, your “coming attractions” will be based upon your “imagination”, and the quality of your life will be more remarkable if you will develop and exercise your imagination. Today, we commonly call this skill “thinking outside the box.”

Burton Fletcher

http://www.callourlawyers.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/
http://www.georgialoanclosers.com/
http://www.valdostamemorials.com/
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.floridasigma.com/