A Lovin' Spoonful of Insight

Reconstruction

2010-10-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

HandyQuotes will be doing some reconstruction on the website so there will not be any new posts for a short while. I still hope that you will continue to check in until then and sign the guestbook with suggestions for the new blog or just leave me a comment! I will still be monitoring the comments and look forward to hearing your questions, comments, or suggestions! Thank you so much for stopping by "A Spoonful of Insight"

Peace, Love, & Happiness
-@HandyQuotes

What Change Means

2010-10-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better. -King Whitney Jr

I felt like this quote was appropriate because one, I'm going through some changes and having to make some choices and a lot of it scares me and two elections are coming up in November in which could also mean some changes.

What is change to you? How does it affect you? If it has a negative effect what can you do to change that? Post your ideas, you never know what help another reader!

Remember positive thoughts = positive emotions

Peace, Love, & Happiness

-@HandyQuotes

Friendship possible between man and woman? What do you think?

2010-09-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

“Between men and women ~~there is no friendship possible.~~ There is passion, enmity, worship, love, but no friendship.” -Oscar Wilde

I have to say that I disagree with the part of this quote that says "between men and women there is no friendship possible." I completely disagree with this statement because I think that one of the most important parts of a relationship or marriage is friendship. One thing my father always told was that "You can fall out of love but you can't fall out of friendship" and that phrase has stuck with me ever since. It has so much truth to it it's almost common sense but it's something we don't ever really think about I guess. In my opinion the foundation of a lasting, healthy relationship is friendship. Of course that isn't always the case, because everyone is different and every situation is different.

What do you think? Do you think that there is no friendship possible between men and women? Or do you think that friendship is important in a romantic relationship? Tell me your opinion!

Remember always, positive thoughts = positive emotions

Peace, Love, & Happiness,
-@HandyQuotes

Are you a selfish person?

2010-09-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

“The selfishness must be discovered and understood before it can be removed. It is powerless to remove itself, neither will it pass away of itself. Darkness ceases only when light is introduced; so ignorance can only be dispersed by Knowledge; selfishness by Love.” -James Allen

Recently I've encountered some selfish people, they do what they want no matter the consequences for anyone else. It really pisses me off when people act in this way because in my mind, no one person is more important than another. What gives a person the right to think that they deserve more than you, better than you, to be happier than you?

While I do stand by the fact that I do believe we should be selfish sometimes in order to do what is best for us but where do you draw the line? Where does it stop taking care of self and turn into self is more important than anyone else? What each of us does affects someone else in some way, how are YOU affecting someone else? Make yourself aware of how you are selfish and decide whether it is for the right reasons, if it isn't for the right reasons shed some light on it and "disperse it with love."

Leave me a comment and tell me what you are selfish about, do you think your selfishness affects anyone else?

Peace, Love, & Happiness
-@HandyQuotes

Communication Difficulties with Someone?

2010-09-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

“Communication. It's the first thing we really learn in life. Funny thing is, once we grow up, learn our words and really start talking, the harder it becomes to know what to say. Or how to ask for what we really need.” -Meredith Grey, Grey's Anatomy

Do you have trouble communicating to some people in your life? Maybe all of the people in your life or just your significant other? For me I have trouble communicating to some people in my life and then others its really easy to say what feel. Why is that? I think, for me, its because with certain people I'm more comfortable with our relationship so I'm more likely to say exactly what I feel and I don't have to worry that I'm being judged or that I'll lose them because of it. So, I need to work on being more trusting of the people in my life and my relationship with them, this way I will be able to communicate what I really feel and what I need of them, whether it be a helping hand or just a shoulder to cry on.

What do you need to work on so that you are able to communicate your needs and wants? Do you have a problem communicating? If not, what's your secret? Let us know your point of view! Leave me a comment!

Remember always, positive thoughts = positive emotions

Peace, Love, & Happiness

-@HandyQuotes

Motivational Monday: Contest!

2010-08-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." ~(Christopher Robin to Pooh) - Alan Alexander Milne

Raise your hand if you ever doubt your courage, strength, or intellect? I don't know about you but I raised my hand :) When things get hard or I doubt myself for whatever reason its nice to see a quote like this, so I thought I would share it with you.

Comment on this post and tell me your favorite quote of encouragement that you turn to when you need the extra boost. The one I like the most will get to do their own blog post right here on HandyQuotes' Spoonful of Insight!

Peace, Love, & Happiness

-@HandyQuotes

"If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced."

2010-08-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

"If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." -Vincent Van Gogh

This quote jumped off the page at me when I was looking around for something to talk about this week. I think it stands out to me because when things get difficult for me I tend to have a little voice inside my head saying "you can't do this," or "damn! I just want to give up!"

This quote urges to not ignore that voice but to prove that voice wrong, and that seems easier than just ignoring it. What pisses you off more than someone telling you you aren't capable of doing something? For me, nothing really. I know what my strengths and weaknesses are for the most part and I try to take advantage of all of them but for someone else to try and tell me what they are without even knowing me, makes me furious.

Let someone else's words be your fuel for success. If you have someone that is trying to hold you back and keep you from accomplishing your goals by telling you that you can't accomplish your goals, then several things should happen.. 1. Is that person really trying to help you or better you in any way? 2. If the answer to #1 is No, then why are they in your life? Get rid of people who aren't helping you better yourself or at least encouraging you to do so. Life is too short to be around people who don't truly care about you. Think about that.. it should be common sense but we all do it.. we all have someone in our lives who tries to bring us down. Who says they have to be in your life?? YOU make your decisions based on whats best for you, not anyone else.

If you have anything to add please let me know! Or if you are having a problem with this type of person send me an email and I'll try and help you sort through the problem.

Remember always, positive thoughts = positive emotions

Peace, Love, & Happiness

-@HandyQuotes

Motivational.. Tuesday!

2010-08-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

"I will persist until I succeed.

I was not delivered into this world into defeat, nor does failure course through my veins. I am not a sheep waiting to be prodded by my shepherd. I am a lion and I refuse to talk, to walk, to sleep with the sheep.

The slaughterhouse of failure is not my destiny.

I will persist until I succeed."

-The Greatest Salesman In the World

I came across this earlier today and thought that it was a good motivator! Let me know what you think of it! Have an idea for my next "Motivational Monday?" Please let me know! You can email me at handyquotes@yahoo.com or just leave me a comment!

Thanks for reading!

Remember! Positive thoughts = positive emotions!

Peace, Love, & Happiness

-@HandyQuotes

Unrealistic Expectations= Unhappiness

2010-08-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

"Assumptions are the termites of relationships." -Henry Winkler

I like this quote and completely agree with it. A lot of people run into this type of problem but don't realize that this is what is causing the problem. Assumptions or unrealistic expectations can cause the end of a relationship if you aren't careful. Don't have expectations of someone that they can't live up to because it will only leave YOU disappointed.

An example of this would be, say, a couple gets married and the wife has the expectations that her husband will come home from work and immediately begin helping her around the house with chores. But the husband has the expectation that he will come home from work and relax a while and then his wife will cook dinner. As you can already see this will cause some problems. Just imagine if its something thats a little more important like jobs, or children, or family. Before making a serious commitment with someone make sure that you have realistic expectations of each other. Things will go so much more smoothly if you do.

Do you all agree? What do you think of unrealistic expectations or assumptions?

Remember positive thoughts = positive emotions

Peace, Love, & Happiness

-@HandyQuotes

What does one life really mean?

2010-07-28T16:52:00.001-07:00

Marriage
Originally uploaded by jcoterhals

"We need a witness to our lives. There's a billion people on the planet ... I mean, what does any one life really mean? But in a marriage, you're promising to care about everything; the good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things ... all of it, all of the time, every day. You're saying, 'Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go un-witnessed because I will be your witness.'" -Shall We Dance?

I really like this view of what a marriage can be about, the thing is, marriage isn't just about one thing or one relationship. It's about many things and many relationships. Relationships with each other, family, friends, children, and pets etc etc etc. This particular quote is reminding us of some of the simple beauties of marriage, like just having someone around to notice you, to witness your ups and your downs with you. Don't take for granted the little perks of being in a loving, healthy, relationship, they're hard to come around.

What do you guys think about this quote? Leave me a comment and tell me what you think!

Peace, Love, & Happiness

-@HandyQuotes

"Life is a game with no rules."

2010-07-19T11:50:00.001-07:00

Horsetail Falls - HDR
Originally uploaded by David Gn Photography

Life is NOT "Supposed to be Fair." Know that there is no single way that life is "supposed" to be. Demanding that life meet our expectations is a sure fire recipe for a miserable existence. Life is a game with no rules. Life just happens to us regardless of our best intentions. Our only path to happiness lies in being open to receiving whatever life throws at us - with Gratitude. Have NO Expectations of life.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Do you even know what a healthy relationship is?!

2010-07-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Twitter's trending topic of "A good relationship" inspired me to write this blog post. Lately I have had conversations when some "troubled teens" who expressed to me that they thought it was ok for their boyfriend to hit them (under the right circumstances). This really bothered me, how can the young people of today have the idea that its ok to use physical violence at all?! ESPECIALLY in a romantic relationship! It just doesn't make sense and I wish I could do something about it but you can't help everyone right?

Well this is my attempt to help clarify to those who may not know, what a healthy relationship actually is. And I want to add that it is not rare to find these qualities in a relationship, it might be rare for you but you need to ask yourself "WHY?" is it that my relationship is not like this or my past relationships haven't been like this? DO NOT SELL YOURSELF SHORT! YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY! SO LET YOURSELF BE FREAKIN' HAPPY! QUIT MAKING EXCUSES!

If you haven't been satisfied with your previous relationships then maybe you should change your approach, you can't keep going about it the same way and expect different results! One last thing for my rant- MOST of the time, you will not find the woman or man of your dreams in a bar so quit trying.

Some qualities of a healthy relationship:

Feeling like your own person
Togetherness and separateness are balanced
Respect individuality; embraces differences
Take care of self and care for the other
Satisfied with the person you are with
Feelings responsible for your own happiness (doesn't depend on partner to be happy)
Creates happiness

Some qualities of an unhealthy relationship:

Feeling incomplete without partner
Too much or too little togetherness
Pressure to meet another's standards
Care and focus only on other person
Always looking for more or better
Relying on partner for happiness
Creates drama

"Every problem has a solution"

2010-07-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

"An inspiring fact to bear in mind: Mathematics may not teach us to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide or to love a friend and forgive an enemy. But it gives us every reason to hope that every problem has a solution."

I really like this quote.. It's pretty simple and straight to the point. I believe that every problem has a solution its just a matter of us figuring out the true problem, the right solution, and applying it correctly. Sometimes things get really frustrating and stressful and we lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel. Take time to clear your head and take care of yourself and then work on fixing the rest. If there is anything I have learned through the years is to take care of yourself first and the other stuff becomes easier to figure out.

What do you think? Does every problem have a solution? What makes it easier for you to figure out and work through your problems?

Take a minute to think about what helps you, maybe you've never thought about it at all. Knowing your resources and utilizing them will make all of the difference in the world. Use what you have to your advantage whether it be, a friend who listens to you and gives you helpful advice or a hobby that helps you relieve stress.

Always remember positive thoughts = positive emotions

Peace, Love, & Happiness,

-@HandyQuotes

"Look for fun first, then let love happen."

2010-07-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

"Look for fun first, then let love happen."

I heard this quote on a show a few days ago and really liked it. I think its a great strategy to building a good relationship. We always hear that you shouldn't look for love, just let love find you. Well in my opinion this should be the second part to that quote. We shouldn't look for love because we don't always look for it in the right places. But if you put yourself out there just to have fun then you are more laid back and more yourself. It's more productive to just "wade" into relationships rather than diving in head first. But I guess that depends on if you are ready for that type of relationship, you know, a mature one.

If you think that you are doing these things and aren't finding what it is you are looking for, maybe it's you who needs to do some evaluating. Look for patterns but don't worry yourself over it. It's the past, you are supposed to LEARN from it. What obstacles did you have to overcome and what lessons did you learn from your mistakes?

Positive thoughts = positive emotions

Peace, Love, & Happiness

-@HandyQuotes

Characters

2010-07-06T08:48:00.001-07:00

Rainbow Books
Originally uploaded by bluemarla

People come, people go – they’ll drift in and out of your life, almost like characters in a favorite book. When you finally close the cover, the characters have told their story and you start up again with another book, complete with new characters and adventures. Then you find yourself focusing on the new ones, not the ones from the past."
— Nicholas Sparks (The Rescue)

I really love Nicholas Sparks and so many of his quotes,

I saw this one today and thought it would be a good one for a post! Hope you all like it as well! Leave me a comment if you have any suggestions for my next blog post! Or you can just email me at HandyQuotes@yahoo.com

Have a great week and don't forget positive thoughts = positive emotions

Peace, Love, & Happiness

-@HandyQuotes

A Quote from Tim Burton

2010-06-28T19:41:00.001-07:00

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland-Mad Hatter
Originally uploaded by hvyilnr

"In Hollywood, they think drawn animation doesn`t work anymore, computers are the way. They forget that the reason computers are the way is that Pixar makes good movies. So everybody tries to copy Pixar. They`re relying too much on the technology and not enough on the artists. The fact that Disney closed down its cel animation division is frightening to me. Someday soon, somebody will come along and do a drawn-animated film, and it`ll be beautiful and connect with people, and they'll all go, `Oh, we've got to do that! Its ridiculous." -Tim Burton

"My emotions are very close to my surface."

2010-06-24T16:56:00.001-07:00

Raw Emotion
Originally uploaded by abennett23

"I cry a lot. My emotions are very close to my surface. I don't want to hold anything in so it festers and turns into pus - a pustule of emotion that explodes into a festering cesspool of depression." -Nicolas Cage

I like this quote a lot. Its a strange but accurate way of explaining an emotion. I think this is something we should all think about. Is it the best idea to hold an emotion in just to avoid a confrontation? Or should we just pick our battles wisely? Keep it in sometimes, let it out others.

Talking about our emotions and problems that we have with each other helps us to learn about each other. That's not to say we should start a fight every time your feelings get hurt. Choose your words wisely and watch your tone. Don't attack someone about something expecting positive results. Have a calm conversation, skip the bullshit, and tell exactly what it is that is bothering you. There's a way to get your point across and problem solved without a yelling and cussing match.

Remember always positive thoughts = positive emotions
Peace, Love, & Happiness
-@HandyQuotes

"I believe we write our own stories..."

2010-06-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

"I believe we write our own stories. And each time we think we know the end - we don't. Perhaps luck exists somewhere between the world of planning, the world of chance, and in peace that comes from knowing that you just can't know it all. You know, life's funny that way. Once you let go of the wheel, you might end up right where you belong." (Unknown)

I love this quote because it's so true and its such good wording. I think we all probably can relate to this quote because we can plan and plan and plan but really who knows if all will go according to plan? Sometimes something bad will come from plans we have made and we're stuck thinking, "shit! how the hell did that happen?!" And then theirs times where it turns out sooo much better than we could have ever planned and we're STILL thinking, "wow I can't believe I got this lucky." Maybe you were lucky because you let go of the wheel? Or maybe your just a really good planner :) Whatever your case may be remember, peace comes in knowing that you "just can't know it all."

Remember always, positive thoughts = positive emotions (look it up)

Always- Peace, Love, & Happiness

-@HandyQuotes

"It isn't the color- it's the stuff inside that makes it rise"

2010-06-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

I came across this quote on discrimination and thought it would be a good one to share since, unfortunately, discrimination is still a problem today. If ya like it be sure to pass it on!

"A small Negro boy stood watching the balloon man at the county fair. Suddenly, a red balloon broke loose and soared upward until it could scarcely be seen. So many people were attracted by the incident that the vendor thought it might be good business to let another go. So he snipped the string of a bright yellow ballon and, later, a white one.

The little boy stood there, as if waiting for something. Finally, he asked, "Mister, if you sent the black one up, would it go as high as the others?"

The balloon man, with an understanding smile, released the black balloon as he said, "Sonny, it isn't the color- it's the stuff inside that makes it rise." -Lyle D. Flynn

Peace, Love, & Happiness

-@HandyQuotes

Lady Gaga: A Lesson in Confidence

2010-06-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

"The last thing a young woman needs is another picture of a sexy pop star writhing in sand, covered in grease, touching herself. My image was an issue at my record label. I fought for months and cried at meetings. I got criticized for being arrogant because if you're sure of yourself as a woman they say you're a bitch whereas if you're a man and you're strong-willed it's normal." -Lady Gaga in a Magazine interview

Personally I love the way that Lady Gaga is so completely original, outrageous or not she will always keep you guessing and she never disappoints. She brought some theatrics back into the picture for pop music and I think that's great, it doesn't always have to be about looking “sexy,” and really, who are you to say what sexy is?? What do YOU think? Leave me a comment and tell me what you think of Lady Gaga. Respectfulness is expected and mandatory.

As always, Positive thoughts = positive emotions

Peace, Love, & Happiness

-@HandyQuotes

Dreams DO come true!

2010-06-01T17:54:00.001-07:00

Disney - Dream a Dream (Explored)
Originally uploaded by Express Monorail

"I dream, I test my dreams against my beliefs, I dare to take risks, and I execute my vision to make those dreams come true." -Walt Disney

Walt Disney is someone who we can all easily recognize for setting a goal, accomplishing it, and making his dreams come true. (Click here to see Walt Disney's story.) Follow his example by making your every dream come true too. It seems we sometimes forget that to achieve success you must climb mountains. To be able to play hard, we must work hard.

What is your first step to making your dreams come true? Don't forget baby steps are all it takes! Quality over quantity almost always is the best way to go! Now... go forth and get started! :)

Peace, Love, & Happiness
-@HandyQuotes

Comments Now Enabled!

2010-05-26T17:26:00.000-07:00

Just realized that readers weren't able to post comments for some reason :/ Sorry about that! If you have previously tried to post a comment I encourage you to try again! I love getting feedback, good and bad! If you don't agree with me on something, just tell me! Maybe you misunderstood my view or maybe your's is better than mine...?? :) Whatever the case, I'm open to discussion about anything and everything! And while I do want your honest opinion, I do ask that you be respectful of my opinion and anyone else's. Simple enough I think!

Thanks everyone, have a good night!

-@HandyQuotes

Always difficulties..

2010-05-26T15:38:00.001-07:00

courage
Originally uploaded by knezeves

Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

On the path to finding yourself?

2010-05-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

"I'm trying to find myself as a person, sometimes that's not easy to do. Millions of people live their entire lives without finding themselves. But it is something I must do. The best way for me to find myself as a person is to prove to myself that I am an actress." -Marilyn Monroe

Have you found yourself as a person yet? If you haven't, don't worry! Everything happens for a reason and this is something you should keep in mind when on the path to discovering yourself. Everyone is different, so if you are still searching for that something that lights a fiery passion inside of you, don't lose hope, it will come to you when the time is right. Just keep your mind, heart, and eyes open at all times.

What is the best way for you to find yourself as a person? I think this is a thought provoking question everyone should ponder at some point, maybe more than once. Just stay true to yourself and what makes you happy.

Remember positive thoughts = positive emotions

Peace, Love, & Happiness

-@HandyQuotes

The Cost of Risk Taking

2010-05-13T19:51:00.001-07:00

RISK AWR WC T7L LosAngeles Graffiti Art

Originally uploaded by anarchosyn

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental
To reach out for another is to risk involvement
To expose feeling is to risk exposing your true self
To place your ideas, your dreams before the crowd is to risk their loss
To love is to risk not being loved in return
To live is to risk dying
To hope is to risk despair
To try is to risk failure
But the risk must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing
The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, and is nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, or live.
Only a person who risks - is truly free.
-Author Unknown

One of my favorites, hope you enjoy as well :)
-@HandyQuotes