BE ON GUARD

By Vernalee

I was always told that “The guard dog never attacks where the master doesn’t know.” Don’t be fooled! The guard dog in some cases is not a four legged animal. It may be a person whose true motives are hard to discern. Let’s not forget the disguises. I remember the old folks saying, “Everyone bears watching!” All dogs have teeth that can bite. Don’t be paranoid, but reasonably stay on alert. Pay attention to your surroundings and the folks in your space. Never let your “guards down.” Follow your gut and your instincts! They’re usually not wrong! Photo credit: www.watchdogri.org

CUTTING CORNERS

By Vernalee

Are you still cutting corners? In other words, are you doing something poorly in order to save time or money? Stop it! You know I have learned that it takes as much time to do it right as it does to do it wrong. Better yet, when it's right you don't have to do it again. Sure, cutting corners help you finish faster and may save time and cash. It also usually create an inferior product or outcome. So the time you wasted cutting corners - didn't pay off at all! Besides, you're a top quality person so why settle for anything less than the best! Can I get a handwave if you agree!

MAKING ENDS MEET

By Vernalee

I can vividly remember from years back folks saying as they picked cotton … “Child, I’m just trying to make ends meet; to get by.” Just what does this expression mean, “To make ends meet.” I’m glad you asked. Here’s the dictionary's versions: * To manage so that one’s financial means are enough for one’s needs. The ends, it is assumed, alludes to the sum total of income and expenditures. * To have just enough to pay for the things you need. * To have enough money to cover expenses; to get by financially; to get through the pay period (sufficient to meet the next payday). Defining it was just a matter of strolling my fingers to a dictionary.

Living with it – well that’s another thing; it‘s a struggle to say the least. The upside is this – there is hope. Those same folks who told me about making ends meet, also told me that, “hard times don’t last always.” I share with you a few other inspiring and motivational quotes that will move you to act; to change your condition; to move you from point A to point Z. Here we go. * God first. Family second. Career third. With life in that order, everything works out. * If you change nothing; nothing will change. * Just when you think you can make ends meet, somebody moved the ends. * Don’t let your struggles become your identity. * Keep the faith, hold on. It may be stormy now, but it can’t rain forever. * People aren’t always going to be there for you. You have to learn to handle things on your own. * You create your own opportunities. * Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible. * Don’t count the days. Make the days count. * Success is a ladder that cannot be climbed with your hands in your pockets. So what do you do? To survive, you need to make ends meet. You need to “keep on a climbing because life ain’t no crystal stairs!” Photo credit: www.facebook.com