One of the many people I admire shared this with me.. Enjoy.


In this packed-out with consumerism world, this short story is like a peppermint: let it melt within you and re-frame your values and principles.
A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?”
Hands started going up.
He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this.” He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up.





He then asked, “Who still wants it?”
Still the hands were up in the air.
“Well,” he replied, “What if I do this?” And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.
He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. “Now who still wants it?” Still the hands went into the air.
“My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way.
We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. You are special – Don’t ever forget it!

www.paulluvera.net

That's a beautiful story Tessa. Thanks for sharing it with us. It it so true. We are all special and all have something positive to contribute to this world. It's not what we have, but what we do that matters. Thanks again for sharing this uplifting message.

Tessa, I really like the article you attached about death of a loved one. It was very helpful to me in dealing with some recent losses I've had. I really like the poem about the ship too. It was very touching. Thanks for sharing this too.

Thank you for sharing this! You inspire me all the time!

Glad you both enjoyed it!!

You are a true inspiration Tessa. You've been through so much and are always so positive. You have given me more strength then you know. Thanks again for helping me to see the glass half full.

Thanks Renee - I've gotten so much inspiration from folks on this board including you!! Take care and though I haven't typed it yet - good luck with your surgery, I will be thinking of you!

Thanks Tessa. You are so nice. Thanks for always caring. And thanks for wishing me luck with my surgery. It means alot to me to have you and everyone else here being so kind. It makes me feel a little less afraid of getting this surgery done. I know it's not major surgery, but I'm starting to get a little nervous. I'm trying to think only positive thoughts though. Like being able to eat bacon again! Thanks again for being such a good friend. I hope you're doing okay too. And today is the first day of Spring. I am sooo happy about that! I hope you have a painfree and peaceful nights sleep. Take care my friend. With love, Renee.