Positive Thought of the Day

"You are a farmer, your thoughts are your seeds,

your words and your actions water them.

What are you growing today?"

~Author Unknown

Positive Thought For The Day - Happiness

Happiness

"Being happy doesn't mean that

everything is perfect.

It means that you've decided

to look beyond the imperfections."

~Author Unknown~

Motivational Mondays - Michael Jordan on Failure

Michael Jordan on Failure - Nike Commercial

In 30 seconds, Basketball's Most Valuable Player, explains why we need to fail before we succeed. The path to Success will inevitably be filled with setbacks and failures. How else would we truly know we've Succeeded? But if you persevere, never give up and believe in yourself, you too, will achieve Greatness.

Quoting Michael Jordan:

"I've missed more than nine thousand shots in my career."

"I've lost almost 300 games."

"26 times I've been trusted to make the game winning shot and missed."

"I've failed over and over and over again in my life....And that is why I Succeed."

Many Blessings....

Hugo and Roxanne
Believe Achieve

Please watch Inspiring Video. Click Here.

Further Reading:
Believe In The Beauty of Your Dreams Series - Michael Jordan

Thankful Tuesdays - I Am Thankful!

Happy Thankful Tuesday!

Hello Friends,

From this week forward, Believe Achieve Tuesdays, will be dedicated to giving Thanks to all the wonderful blessings in our lives. Being Thankful is an important key element to living life to the very fullest. Thankfulness is what brings sunshine to a rainy day, turns a frown into a smile and transforms tears into laughter. Being Thankful is how we should all begin and end our days. It's the littlest acts, such as this, which will make a profound difference in how we view our lives. It's a reminder of how very blessed we truly are, even in the most difficult and trying times.

Celebrate every Tuesday with us by saying "I AM THANKFUL!"

We challenge you to think about the things that may be causing you unwanted negativity or stress in your life and find a positive outlook for it. Whatever it is, there is ALWAYS a sunny side to every situation and an opportunity for success within every obstacle. Just by adding a little more Thankfulness into your life, you'll see exactly what you've been blessed with. In all things ordinary will emerge the most precious hidden blessings.

So, what are you most Thankful for today?


Thankful Tuesday was inspired by a recent email we received from one our friends. It's one those emails we all get, sometimes too often, that tell you to send it to 10 more friends. Laugh! You all know which ones we're talking about! And we know there are those who get a bit irritated over them. But today, on Thankful Tuesday, let's be thankful for them. Getting them means we have friends who are thinking about us! And what a blessing that is....to have Friends! :-)


Below is the email we received. If you're a wife/husband/significant other, a parent, a taxpayer, a home owner and have ears and legs, or all the above, you will relate! LOL This email was humorous and enlightening. You will stop complaining over the little things the second you finish this email. Enjoy, Friends!

Many Blessings....

Hugo and Roxanne
Believe Achieve

I AM THANKFUL:


FOR THE WIFE

WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

FOR THE HUSBAND

WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO,

BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME

AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.

FOR THE TEENAGER

WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,

NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE.

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,

WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,

AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT

BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT

I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING

AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION .

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH

WHO SINGS OFF KEY

BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES

AT THE END OF THE DAY

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF

IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS

WHO ARE THINKING OF ME!

What are You Thankful for today?

Wisdom Wednesdays - Ella Wheeler Wilcox Quote

The truest greatness
lies in being kind,

The truest wisdom
in a happy mind.

Further Reading:
Life = Risk

Motivational Mondays - Go After Your Dreams!

Go After Your Dreams

You're good, but you're going to be great.
You're the best, but you're going to get better.

Sometimes the paths we take are long and hard,
but remember: those are always the ones that lead
to the most beautiful views.

Challenges come along inevitably:
how you respond to them determines
who you are - deep down inside -
and everything you're going to be.

Increase the chances of reaching your goals
by working at them gradually.
The very best you can do is all that is asked of you.

Realize that you are capable of
working miracles of your own making.

Remember that opportunities have a reason
for knocking on your door,
and the right ones are there for the taking.

You don't always have to win,
but you do need to know what it takes to be a winner.

It's up to you to find the key that unlocks
the door to a more fulfilling life.

Understand that increased difficulty brings you nearer
to the truth of how to survive it - and get beyond it.

Cross your bridges.

Meet your challenges.

Reach out for your dreams,
and bring them closer and closer to your heart.

Get rid of the "if only's"
and get on with whatever you need
to do to get things right.

Go after what you want in life,
with all the blessings of all the people
who care about you.

And find out what making your wishes
come true really feels like.



~ Collin McCarty ~



What dreams are you going after?

Happy Friendship Friday!

Cherished Friends

God must have known there would be times

We'd need a word of cheer,

Someone to praise a triumph

Or brush away a tear.

He must have known we'd need to share

The joy of "little things"

In order to appreciate

The happiness life brings.

I think He knew our troubled hearts

Would sometimes throb with pain,

At trials and misfortunes,

Or goals we can't attain.

He knew we'd need the comfort

Of an understanding heart

To give us strength and courage

To make a fresh, new start.

He knew we'd need companionship,

Unselfish... lasting... true,

And so God answered the heart's great need

With cherished friends... like you!

- Author Unknown -

Today's Friendship Question:

Do you have one Best Friend or many Best Friends? What makes your Best Friend, the best of all? Look forward to hearing from you! :-)

Many Blessings....

Hugo and Roxanne
Believe Achieve

Cheer For The Doer - Vince Lombardi

"It is time for us all to stand and cheer

for the doer, the achiever....

The one who recognizes the challenges

and does something about it."

~ Vince Lombardi ~

Are you a Doer and Achiever? One who stands up to plate and is ready to swing at every curve ball Life may throw your way? It's one thing to say you want something out of Life. Then, it's another to actually DO something about it.

Vince Lombardi was definitely a Doer and Achiever!

Today, we challenge you to DO something to get you closer to your Achievements. Reflect on what it is you're doing right now to attain your goals. If you don't find yourself getting closer, then it's time to DO something different. It might take you out of your comfort zone. That's Great! It's the moments we challenge ourselves that result in greater achievements.

Then, tomorrow and the next day, DO a little bit more. You'll find yourself closer each and every day. The key is to take action! You deserve the best Life has to offer. It's just up to you to make it happen. You are a Doer and Achiever! Now show us what you got!

Many Blessings....

Hugo and Roxanne
Believe Achieve

Further Reading:

Life = Risk

Motivational Monday - Anything is Possible

Anything Is Possible

Believe in Yourself,
and Remember that Anything Is Possible

Believe in what makes you feel good.
Believe in what makes you happy.
Believe in the dreams you've always wanted to come true,
and give them every chance to.

Life holds no promises
as to what will come your way.
You must search for your own ideals
and work towards reaching them.

Life makes no guarantees as to what you'll have.
It just gives you time to make choices
and to take chances and to discover
whatever secrets might come your way.

If you are willing to take the opportunities you are given
and utilize the abilities you have,
you will constantly fill your life with special moments
and unforgettable times.

No one knows the mysteries of life

or its ultimate meaning,
but for those who are willing
to believe in their dreams and in themselves,
life is a precious gift in which anything is possible.


~ Dena DiIaconi ~

Further Reading:

Life = Risk

Happy Friendship Friday!

Happy Friendship Friday!!

We hope everyone got a chance to meet our lovely friend, Victoria Czaia, last week. We know she's excited to meet all of you real soon, too.

Today's post is dedicated to our fellow blogger friend, Rej @ KIDDOMIND. This is a fairly new friendship, but we see it blooming into something wonderful. :-)

We're not exactly sure how we first met. We seemed to have stumbled upon each other's blogs through mutual blogger friends. And much like most blogger friendships start, it began with visiting one another's blogs and getting to know more about each other through our posts. We know through following Rej's blog that we share much love for Family and are truly grateful for each new day. We think that's a wonderful thing to have in common.

We recently received two special gifts from Rej. We're flattered to be among Rej's list of favorite blogs to be handed these two awards. We definitely recommend you visit Rej @ KIDDOMIND. You're going to enjoy the most recent entry titled, "HOME."

Thank you so much for the lovely awards, Rej! We're truly grateful for them and for your friendship, too! Thank you for being the wonderful YOU!

Many Blessings....

Roxanne and Hugo
Believe Achieve


P.S. Yippee! We get to pass on these awards to our favorite bloggers, too! Stay tuned for our list of favorites. Have a wonderful weekend! :-)

Today's Friendship Question:

Finish the following sentence:
A talent or skill I have is _________.




Further Reading:
Celebrating Friendship Fridays!
Friendship Friday - Victoria Czaia

Friendship Fridays!!

"Friends are the most important

ingredient in this recipe of life."

Dearest Friends,

Fridays are Friendship Days!!

Beginning next Friday, and every Friday thereafter, we'll be dedicating our Believe Achieve Friday posts to one of our wonderful friends. We've been blessed with many incredible people in our lives, through blogging, various social networks and in our daily lives. We wanted to show how grateful we are for all of you! This is our way of celebrating one of Life's special and most important ingredients....Friendships.

We'll be randomly choosing friends who have brightened our days, have made a positive impact in our lives and those who have taught us what true friendship is all about. One Friday, it might we a fellow blogger friend, and then the next week about the new friend we made at the bookstore. In all, Fridays are our days to embrace Friendships!

We want this to also be an opportunity to see our friendship circle grow, too. We always love meeting new friends and seeing friendships bloom. Periodically, we'll ask a "get to know you question" for all of us to get to know one another better. We'd also love to hear your most memorable friendship stories and your favorite friendship quotes.

So today, and everyday, especially on Fridays, there's cause for celebration! Hip Hip Hooray for Friendships!! Life would be tasteless without them! :-)

Many Blessings....

Hugo and Roxanne
Believe Achieve


Friendship Question of the Day:

How would your friends best describe you in ONE word?

We look forward to getting to know more about you!
Happy Friendship Friday!

Further Reading:
11 Guaranteed Tips to Keep You Smiling and Staying Positive

The Wisdom of Maya Angelou

We recently received a wonderful email from our friend, "JusMama." She shared with us the wisdom of Maya Angelou and her wonderful sense of humor. We wanted to share it with all of you.

Below is the email. Enjoy. :-)

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. 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 will reach her waist, first. The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such an honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou said this:

"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 some things 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."


Today, reach out and touch someone, learn something new, have an open heart, tell your parents you love them no matter what and make a life, not a living. You're bound to have many wonderful tomorrows.

Many Blessings....
Roxanne and Hugo ~ Believe Achieve



Further Reading:
Do You Believe in Miracles?

Words To Live By - Rebecca Barlow Jordan

Words To Live By


It's not how much you accomplish in life
that really counts,

but how much you give to others.

It's not how high you build your dreams

that makes a difference,

but how high your faith can climb.

It's not how many goals you reach,

but how many lives you touch.

It's not who you know that matters,
but who you are inside.

Believe in the impossible,
hold tight to the incredible,
and live each day to its fullest potential.

You can make a difference
in your world.


~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan ~

Further Reading:
Miracles Do Happen!

Motivational Mondays - What Is REAL Success?

What is Real Success?

Everyone wants success,

and yet they often don't know when they have it.

For most, it is the maddening chase toward

a better way of life or more of something.

More fame, power, recognition, money, or material stuff.

For some, it is the understanding of a loving partner,

the love of their child, or the people that they can count on

when life throws them a curve.

I am coming to believe that success

is not more material wealth,

but peace, happiness, contentment, and love.

Most of all love.

Real success is not to be sought after in the outer world,

but discovered in your inner world.

I am not condemning the stuff of life.

We all want the things that life offers.

But we don't need as much as we think we do.

Sooner or later you will discover that real success is friends,

strangers, and anyone who crosses our path.

It is kindness shared, support given and received,

listening, giving, and caring.

These will endure while your car rusts, your toys break,

and you tire of the temporary gratifications

that bring you what you think is real.

What matters is people.

What lasts is love.

What counts are true friends,

and if you treasure these you can count yourself a Success.

By: Tim Conner

Further Reading:

The Story of Your Life

5 Simple Ways to Enhance the Quality of Your Life in Just 20 Minutes a Day

Inspirational Poem - It's the Journey that's Important

It's The Journey That's Important...

Life, sometimes so wearying

Is worth its weight in gold

The experience of traveling

Lends a wisdom that is old

Beyond our 'living memory'

A softly spoken prayer:

"It's the journey that's important,

Not the getting there!"

Ins and outs and ups and downs

Life's road meanders aimlessly?

Or so it seems, but somehow

Leads us where we need to be,

And being simply human

We oft question and compare....

"Is the journey so important

Or the getting there?"

And thus it's always been

That question pondered down the ages

By simple men with simple ways

To wise and ancient sages....

How sweet then, quietly knowing

Reaching destination fair:

"It's the journey that's important,

Not the getting there!"

By: John McLeod

The Victor

The Victor

If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you like to win but think you can't,
It's almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost.
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will.
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you are out classed, you are.
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of your-self before
You can ever win the prize.

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.

-C. W. Longenecker

11 Guaranteed Tips to Keep You Smiling and Staying Positive - Part Four

We know you've been smiling and staying positive all week with our helpful tips! Here's a quick re-cap to make sure the positive juices keep flowing! :-)

1.) Change Your Desktop Picture.
2.) Laugh Out Loud!
3.) Make New, Positive Friends.
4.) Start a Garden.
5.) Schedule "ME" Time.
6.) Turn Off the T.V.
7.) Take a Brisk Walk.
8.) Start a Gratitude Journal.
9.) Give Your Time.

Click Here for more on Tips 1-9!

Here are 2 more tips to keep your pearly whites showing and your positive spirit up! Guaranteed! :-)



10.) Try Something NEW! Trying something new makes life exciting! Excitement brings more thrills to the mundane activities of our days and our weeks. Getting "stuck in the rut" will be a thing of the past when you're adding new flavors to your life. Speaking of flavors, start off by trying a new dish. The next time you're thinking about going to your favorite restaurant, sitting in your favorite booth and ordering the same entree you always do, think again!! Try the NEW Brazilian grill that just opened up, choose to sit outside and enjoy that NEW, tasty dish! Watch those taste buds explode!

There are many NEW things you can add to your life like a NEW hobby, NEW collection, NEW book, even a NEW way home! Meaning, take the bus (yes, public transportation. lol), ride your bike or simply take the scenic route home instead. Try something new each week and by the end of the year, you've simply added 52 more guaranteed ways to keep you smiling and staying positive!



11.) Spend an Hour a Day Developing YOU! This is the MOST important of them all. Committing to spend an hour a day for your personal growth is as imperative to our lives as air is to our lungs. A part of this incredible journey through life is the growing process. If you're not growing, then you're not tapping into your greatest potential. If you're not discovering your true potential, then how will you Achieve all you want in life? Success doesn't happen through osmosis. It's not based on Luck either. It's based on the commitment and dedication to yourself, your growth and your determination to Achieve great things.

Starting today, commit to spending just an hour a day developing You. Watch, Listen and Read Inspirational books, stories, blogs, CD's and DVD's. Feed your mind with positive thoughts and see your outlook on life and yourself change before you. Imagine what 7 hours of personal growth can do. Then, imagine the 30 hours in the next month! And by the end of the year, you've grown 356 times!

Staying positive and smiling will be Guaranteed for the rest of your life.


Many Blessings....
Roxanne and Hugo ~ Believe Achieve







Further Reading:
Tips 1-9 to Keep You Smiling and Staying Positive

11 Guaranteed Tips to Keep You Smiling and Staying Positive - Part Three

Life is an incredible journey filled with Highs and Lows and staying positive and smiling can be the toughest when you think life is only throwing curve balls at you. Yet, staying positive is what will always turn your Lowest Lows to the Highest of Highs. Here are our 11 guaranteed ways to keep you smiling throughout your days! Today, show those pearly whites and be proud of your smile lines!

Be sure to check out Tips 1-6 for more ways to keep you smiling and staying positive!

7.) Take a Brisk Walk. This activity is accomplishing two major components in enhancing the quality of our lives: Exercise and spending time with nature. Research shows exercising improves our mental health. It makes us happy and leaves us with an abundance of positive feelings of well-being. So, today put on your walking shoes and enjoy a brisk walk around the neighborhood or a nearby park. It's sure to start your day off right!

8.) Start a Gratitude Journal. Starting and ending your day counting your blessings can definitely keep you smiling and staying positive. It only takes a few moments, but will make the greatest impact on your day and the future. You'll see yourself not sweating the small stuff anymore and soon you'll discover a whole new world before you full of the most beautiful sights and sounds. Enjoy! And be grateful for the beauty all around you.

9.) Give Your Time. Time is so precious to everyone. And all you ever hear is that there isn't enough of it and "only if" we had more, can we actually get more accomplished. But, still you wake the next morning with the same 24 hours you had the day before.

Today, give your time more meaning. Make each moment meaningful to not just yourself, but to someone who needs it most. Your time is precious and today, make it even more. You can start by volunteering at a local charity you're passionate about, or maybe do story time for a children's' after school group. Giving your time to enhance the quality of someones life will enhance the quality of yours, too. Resulting in more smiles and positiveness!

Stay tuned for our final post - Part Four. And have another Positive Day!


Many Blessings....
Roxanne and Hugo ~ Believe Achieve



Further Reading:

Tips 1-6 to Keep You Smiling and Staying Positive

11 Guaranteed Tips to Keep You Smiling and Staying Positive - Part Two

Life is an incredible journey filled with Highs and Lows and staying positive and smiling can be the toughest when you think life is only throwing curve balls at you. Yet, staying positive is what will always turn your Lowest Lows to the Highest of Highs. Here are our 11 guaranteed ways to keep you smiling throughout your days! Today, show those pearly whites and be proud of your smile lines!

Be sure to check out Part One for Tips 1-3!

4.) Start a Garden. It's Springtime, here in the United States. The perfect time to start a garden. Whether it be a flower or a vegetable garden, there is something very satisfying about watching it blossom and grow. It's about knowing you had everything to do with the nurturing, the growing, and the plentiful harvest afterwards. Your beautiful vegetable garden turns into a delicious salad and your delightful flower bed can be brought inside for a cheerful bouquet next to your bed.

5.) Schedule "ME" Time. As important as doctor's appointments, the kids' soccer practices and the grocery shopping are, your "ME" time should be a priority, too. Penciling in an hour or two a week just for you is much like gassing up your car. Your car can't run without gas and neither can you. Your time should be spent refueling your spirits and rejuvenating the soul. So, spend your "ME" doing all the things that make you happy. If it's painting, then paint. If it's reading, then spend the day at the park reading that book you started ages ago and never gave time to finish. Whatever it is, it's your time just to enjoy YOU.

6.) Turn Off the T.V. Unfortunately, most of what we see on the News can be upsetting or can trigger worry. This is why we suggest turning off the T.V. or at least refraining from watching the News. You'll begin to see your attitude and more importantly, your state of mind improve greatly when your focus is only on the good that goes on in our world. Instead, watch positive and uplifting movies and read the same kinds of books. It's guaranteed to keep your positive spirits up!

Stay tuned for Part Three. And have a Positive Day!



Many Blessings....
Roxanne and Hugo ~ Believe Achieve



Further Reading:
11 Guaranteed Tips to Keep You Smiling and Staying Positive
5 Simple Ways to Enhance the Quality of Your Life in Just 2o Minutes a Day

11 Guaranteed Tips to Keep You Smiling and Staying Positive - Part One

Life is an incredible journey filled with Highs and Lows and staying positive and smiling can be the toughest when you think life is only throwing curve balls at you. Yet, staying positive is what will always turn your Lowest Lows to the Highest of Highs. Here are our 11 guaranteed ways to keep you smiling throughout your days! Today, show those pearly whites and be proud of your smile lines!

1.) Change Your Desktop Picture. Nowadays, regardless of what type of profession you're in, the computer is used for everything and is used everyday. So, why not change the image you see every morning to a positive or laugh-provoking one! It's sure to brighten your day and quickly change your perspective on a not-so-thrilling day. You can even use the silly kitten picture from this post. We're still smiling over this one!

2.) Laugh Out Loud! Give yourself permission to laugh out loud! In some cultures, it's not "lady-like" to laugh out loud. In fact, you see many women put their hands over their mouths when they laugh regardless of background. They hold back a laugh in replace of a small giggle. Starting today, let it out!! Laughter is certainly the best medicine and will definitely guarantee a smile and positive outlook.

3.) Make New, Positive Friends! Much like enthusiasm, smiling and positive energy is contagious. Surrounding yourself with people who are always seeing the brighter side of any situation will keep your positive energy flowing, too. Also, positive people smile more! The more smiles, the merrier!

Stay tuned for Part Two. And have a Positive day!!


Many Blessings....
Roxanne and Hugo ~ Believe Achieve

Further Reading:
5 Simple Ways to Enhance the Quality of Your Life in Just 20 Minutes a Day