Postal Workers, Postal Employees- Word to the Wise -

CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WELL.....

A certain good woman one day said something that hurt her best friend of many years. She regretted it immediately, and would have done anything to have taken the words back. But they were said, impulsively, in a moment of thoughtlessness, and as close as she and her friend were, she didn't consider the effects of her words before hand. What she said hurt the friend so much that this good woman was herself hurt for the pain she caused.

In her effort to undo what she had done, she went to an older, wiser woman in the village. Explaining her situation, and asked for advice. The older woman listened patiently in an effort to determine just how sincere the younger woman was, how far she was willing to go to correct the situation.

She explained that sometimes, in order put things back in order, great efforts must be made. She then asked: "Just what would you be willing to do, to repair the harm done?" The answer was heartfelt. "Anything." Listening to her, the older woman, sensed the younger woman's distress, and knew she must help her.

She also knew she could never alleviate her pain by living her life for her, but she could teach, if the younger woman would first listen, and then learn. She knew the outcome would depend solely on the character of the younger woman.

She said, "There are two things needed to do to make amends. The first of the two is extremely difficult. Tonight, take your best feather pillows, and open a small hole in each one. Then, before the sun rises, you must put a single feather on the doorstep of each house in town. When you are through, come back to me. If you've done the first thing completely, I'll tell you the second."

The young woman hurried home to prepare for her chore, even though the pillows were very dear to her, very expensive. All night long she labored alone in the cold. She went from doorstep to doorstep, taking care not to overlook a single house. Her fingers were frozen, the wind was so sharp it caused her eyes to water, but she ran on, through the darkened streets, thankful there was something she could do to put things back the way they once were. Finally, as the sky was getting light, she placed the last feather on the steps of the last house.

Just as the sun rose, she returned to the older woman. She was exhausted, but relieved that her efforts would be rewarded. "My pillows are empty. I placed a feather on the doorstep of each home."

Now, said the wise woman, "Go back and refill your pillows. Then everything will be as it was before."

The young woman was stunned. "You know that's impossible! The wind blew away each feather as fast as I placed them on the doorsteps!! You didn't say I had to get them back!! If this is the second requirement, then things will never be the same."

"That's true", said the older woman.

"Never forget. Each of your words is like a feather in the wind. Once spoken, no amount of effort, regardless how heartfelt or sincere, can ever return them to your mouth. Choose your words well, and guard them most of all in the presence of those you love."

Author Unknown

I AM THANKFUL FOR ......

THE PARTNER WHO HOGS THE COVERS EVERY NIGHT, BECAUSE HE'S NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

THE CHILD WHO IS NOT CLEANING HIS ROOM, BUT IS WATCHING TV, BECAUSE THAT MEANS HE IS AT HOME AND NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES THAT I PAY, BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I AM EMPLOYED.

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY, BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT 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 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 COMPLAINTS I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT, BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT 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 THAT I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL, BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH THAT SINGS OFF KEY, BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT 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.

THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS, BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I AM ALIVE.

AND FINALLY ......

FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL, BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.

Signs Of Burnout

Job Burnout (more information)

Everyone experiences negative thoughts and periods of restlessness and apathy from time to time. But, if you are suffering from the following signs on a consistent basis or for a prolonged period of time, then it may be time to seek professional help for developing healthy coping skills. Below are the most common signs of burnout:

1. You are as tired when you get up as when you go to bed at night.

Tension, stress, worry, or anxiety do not allow your body to relax. Try exercising or going for a walk to relieve some of the stress and tension a couple of hours before bedtime. A warm bath, soothing music, and a fragrant room will help relax you and ready you for a good night's rest.

2. You avoid others at work.

If interacting with others is too much effort, limit your interaction to small bites of time. This keeps you in touch with people without having to spend an hour at lunch.

3. You avoid social situations with family and friends.

Social isolation creates more stress and tension. Social stimulation with people who can support you can help you ease the burden of isolation without having to pretend everything's fine.

4. You have serious doubts about your ability to do anything.

When doubts plague you, take a few minutes to write down your accomplishments at times when you were not feeling so stressed or despondent. Seeing your wins in writing helps you keep the perspective on reality.

5. Nothing matters to you anymore.

Despondency is difficult to control or overcome, particularly when you are isolated or alone. To avoid being overwhelmed, take one task at a time and complete it, then go on to the next one. This feeling of accomplishment will begin to inspire and focus you again.

6. You are chronically impatient...with everyone.

Realizing and accepting your moods is helpful in getting you to seek help. Look out for patterns that trigger your impatience and avoid those as much as possible.

7. You are chronically irritable...even with yourself.

Same as # 7 above.

8. You have become a constant and persistent complainer about everything.

9. You are experiencing eating disorders.

10. You are on a never-ending pity party.

Seek professional help if you notice that you are experiencing apathy for more than a couple of months.

Disclaimer: The above is for entertainment purposes only and not medical advice.

Simple Friends and Real Friends

Anyone can stand by you when you are right, but . . .
A real friend will stand by you even when you are wrong...

A simple friend identifies himself when he calls.
A real friend doesn't have to.

A simple friend opens a conversation with a full news bulletin on his life.
A real friend says, What's new with you?

A simple friend thinks the problems you whine about are recent.
A real friend says, "You've been whining about the same thing for 14 years. Get off your duff and do something about it."

A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A real friend knows that it's not a friendship until after you've had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!

~~Author Unknown~~

ILeaving the City of Regret

had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet I found myself packing rather hurriedly. This trip was going to be unpleasant and I knew in advance that no real good would come of it. I'm talking about my annual "Guilt Trip".

I got tickets to fly there on "WISHIHAD" airlines. It was an extremely short flight. I got my baggage, which I could not check. I chose to carry it myself all the way. It was weighted down with a thousand memories of which might have been. No one greeted me as I entered the terminal to the Regret City International Airport.

I say International because people from all over the world come to this dismal town. As I checked into the Last Resort Hotel, I noticed that they would be hosting the year's most important event, the Annual Pity Party. I wasn't going to miss that great social occasion. Many of the town's leading citizen would be there.

First, there would be the Done family, you know, Should Have, Would Have and Could Have. The came the I Had family. You probably know ol' Wish and his clan. Of course, the Opportunities would be present, Missed and Lost. The biggest family would be the Yesterday's. There are far to many of them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share. Then Shattered Dreams would surely make an appearance. And It's Their Fault would regale with us with stories (excuses) about how things had failed in his life, and each story would be loudly applauded by Don't Blame Me and I Couldn't Help It.

Well, to make a long story short, I went to this depressing party knowing that there would be no real benefit in doing so. And, as usual, I became very depressed. But as I thought about all the stories of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that all of this trip and subsequent "pity party" could be canceled by ME!

I started to truly realize that I did not have to be there! I didn't have to be depressed!

One thing kept going thru my mind, I CAN'T CHANGE YESTERDAY BUT I DO HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE TODAY A WONDERFUL DAY!!!

I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well as encouraging. Knowing this, I left the City of Regret immediately and left no forwarding address. Am I sorry for mistakes I made in the past? YES!

But there is no physical way to undo them. So, if you're planning a trip back to the City of Regret, please cancel all your reservations now! Instead, take a trip to a place called Starting Again. I liked it so much that I have now taken up permanent residence there. My neighbors, the I Forgive Myself's and the New Starts are so very helpful. By the way, you don't have to carry around heavy baggage because the load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival. God bless you in finding this great town.

If you can find it, please look me up, I live on ICANDOIT Street.

~~Author Unknown~~

Don't Quit
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,

When the funds are low and the debt is high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As everyone of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don't give up though the pace seems slow,

You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far.

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,

It's when things seems worst, that you must not quit.

Inspiration

The following is something to make us stop and think.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's something else. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? The lesson?

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

MY NAME IS GOSSIP

The following are from old Ann Landers columns sent via e-mail:

Remember Me?

My name is gossip. I have no respect for Justice.

I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives.

I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.

The more I am quoted, the more I am believed.

I flourish at every level of society.

My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.

To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become.

I am nobody's friend.

Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never quite the same.

My name is Gossip.

Author Unknown
__________________________________

Gossip --- The History of a Lie

First, someone told it.
Then the room could not hold it,
So busy tongues rolled it
Till they got it outside.
Then the crowd came across it,
They stretched it and tossed it,
And never once lost it,
Till it grew long and wide.
This lie brought forth others,
Evil sisters and brothers
And fathers and mothers,
A terrible crew.
As headlong they hurried,
The people they flurried,
And troubled and worried,
As lies always do.
So, evil it boded,
This monstrous lie goaded,
Till at last it exploded
In sin and in shame.
But from mud and mire,
The pieces flew higher
Till they hit the sad liar
And killed his good name.

Author Unknown

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