The Human and Humane Self-Help Author ~ Dolores Ayotte

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QUOTES AND ANECDOTES

“The battle of life is, in most cases, fought uphill; and to win without a struggle were perhaps to win it without honour.  If there were no difficulties there would be no success; if there were nothing to struggle for, there would be nothing to be achieved.”  (Samuel Smiles)

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My books are written in a gentle, conversational style, meant to reach my readers in a kind and non-judgmental way.

Both books, are self-help books about the steps I used to help me overcome two serious bouts with depression that I experienced in my earlier years. They are written in recipe format giving thirteen simple steps in each book that are easy to incorporate into daily living. In order to get out of the pit I found myself to be in, I had to do much soul-searching and reflection to get to the source of my depression.

My books are what I consider to be heart books.  They are written from my heart to any and all hearts that are open to my message. They are also written with the intention of reaching out to help people by sharing some of my personal experiences. Others may be able to identify with some of my stories and anecdotes.

Hopefully, my suggestions will enhance the lives of my readers in much the same way they have enhanced mine.

Through my faith,  eventual self-acceptance, and with the support of my husband, I was not only able to rise above my despair, I learned how to lead a full and rewarding life with my husband, children and now several grandchildren

My recipe for life consists of a little bit of this and a little bit of that borne from my life experiences. Usually, when I use all of the ingredients and steps…I end up with a pretty good product. Sometimes…I can still fail. It is this failure to succeed all of the time that helps remind of my humanity and the fact that I am not perfect and it’s okay.

To order “I’m Not Perfect And It’s Okay”, please click on one of the following:

Amazon USA

Amazon CANADA

Tate Publishing

Barnes and Noble

To order “Growing Up & Liking It”, please click on one of the following:

Amazon USA:

Amazon CANADA

Tate Publishing:

Barnes & Noble:

THE ROAD OF LIFE ~ December 31, 2011 by Dolores Ayotte

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND ANECDOTES

“If you make the unconditional commitment to reach your most important goals, if the strength of your decision is sufficient, you will find the way and the power to achieve your goals. “ (Bob Conklin)

I would like to thank each and every one of you for your wonderful support in 2011. I know we all lead busy lives and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for spending these precious moments with me.

At this time, I would also like to wish you good health and much happiness in 2012.  The above quote is so appropriate as we start the New Year….when we set new goals and make a personal commitment to hope filled resolutions…when we dare to dream as we strive to reach these lofty goals for our good and the good of all.  Take gentle care my dear friends!

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JUST THE FACTS MA’AM….JUST THE FACTS ~ December 28, 2011 by Dolores Ayotte

MEMORY LANE

Oh my gosh!  Please tell me I’m not the only one who remembers Sargeant Joe Friday played by Jack Webb on the weekly television show Dragnet.  There has to be someone out there who remembers him besides me.  That show is so old and I know I’m dating myself here, but this famous quote that has been associated with Joe Friday resonates in my life today. 

We have recently gone through an emotional situation in my family. It’s wonderful to see how much we all care and how passionate we all are about what we “think” and “feel”.  We are what I consider to be a passionate lot. I guess when you are part of one family, you have no idea how other people operate within their own families. Perhaps when it comes to someone or something we love or care about, we are all passionate and operate much the same way. I have no idea if this holds true. Only you can tell me how you or your family handles a crisis situation. I hope you do by leaving a comment. 

If there is one thing I notice in life, not only in dealing with personal problems, the closer to home the situation is, the more emotional we become and as a result, the less objective.  Whether positive or negative, emotions can cloud our vision and hamper our judgment. We need our emotions.  They make us tick and are a vital part of our human nature. However, when we are very emotional about a situation, we can let them get the better of us.

At times, it is not only necessary but better to step back and let cooler heads prevail. This can be very tough to do in any situation but in a crisis situation it is essential to make a wise and informed decision. I agree with Sargeant Friday.  Sometimes, we need “just the facts” without the emotions riding rampant.  I’m taking Sargeant Friday’s words of advice to heart.  Oftentimes, I need to be reminded to go for a walk to clear my head and deal with “just the facts”.  What about you?  

By the way, I checked that famous quote out. Joe Friday really said “All we know are the facts, ma’am”.  It kind of morphed into “Just the facts, ma’ma…just the facts” over the years. As far as I’m concerned, as long as we deal with “just the facts”, we will make much wiser decisions.  However, it doesn’t hurt to check them out as well to ensure that they actually are the facts.  

       

Even Guardian Angels Sometimes Need Extra Help ~ December 26, 2011 by Dorothy Griffore

MEMORY LANE

5:00 am in the morning is my favorite time to sit quietly and listen for inspiration from God before I start my busy day. On this particular Tuesday morning in late fall, as I enjoyed the presence of the Lord, I heard the sound of angels’ wings – lots of angels’ wings.

Knowing I already had a guardian angel to watch over me I responded with joy and exuberance. I thanked God for the extra angels and told Him that I felt so special that He would surround me with so many angels. I knew this was going to be a special day. What surprises did God have in store for me?

Eagerly I grabbed my cup of coffee, brief case, and keys. I then headed off to work driving my husband’s truck rather than my car.  I felt uplifted and was able to maneuver in and out of traffic. Seeing a traffic light ahead and knowing I had enough time to make it through the light, I didn’t ease up on the accelerator but continued at 45 mph. As I was entering the intersection, a SUV made a left hand turn in front of me. I didn’t have time to hit the brakes but without any hesitation, I turned the wheel to the left, missed the semi next to me, swerved into oncoming traffic and continued back into my lane.

The whole incident seemed to be in slow motion. I didn’t panic. It was as though I had help avoiding the SUV. I managed to miss all of the other vehicles. It truly was divine intervention and I knew who helped me. I had my guardian angel but I also had lots of other angels helping me that morning. In the midst of the adrenaline and my heart pounding, I began to thank God for His gift that day of extra angels.  This truly was a very special day!

Thank you very much Dorothy for describing how guardian angels work in our lives.

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“Faith is the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1)

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DRIP…DROP ~ December 24, 2011 by Dolores Ayotte

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND ANECDOTES

When we think about erosion in our environment, we may picture a huge wave beating against the wall of a cliff at sea. Eventually as it pounds away, the cliff caves in and the waves continue to erode the shore line.

In many of our personal relationships, the erosion that takes place doesn’t always  occur in the same dramatic way. Sometimes, it does take one big upset similar to a tsunami to end a relationship but usually it takes many years of neglect or even physical or emotional abuse. At times, our unacceptable or unattractive behavior is more subtle, like a lack of consideration or at times unkind behavior as the drip…drop of our uncaring ways eat away at  the bond we may have once shared.  The drip….drop may include gossip or maligning. The drip…drop may also include conditional love.

Whether with family or friends, a continuous drip…drop of inappropriate behavior eventually takes its toll and the relationship caves in much like the major erosion that takes place at sea.

To create and maintain a quality relationship, it is necessary to show that we care. We do this by taking the time to cultivate or maintain these special connections. In doing so, it is necessary to put forth the much-needed effort in order to keep the relationship alive and healthy.  If we don’t do this, the relationship will not be very positive or rewarding and more than likely will eventually die.

Caring about the people we love involves making them feel like a special part of our lives. It’s not about taking them for granted but rather about showing our appreciation and love for them in some of the simplest ways…putting them first on the list instead of last, a special card, a visit…or any other small act of kindness that we may choose in order to let our family or friends know we love them.

Please, during this special Christmas Season as we are celebrating the birth of Jesus, it is wise to remind ourselves to make room in the “Inn” of our hearts instead of allowing the drip…drop…of our behavior to force family and friends into the stable of our lives. If that’s where they are…perhaps we must ask ourselves why.  Have we really and honestly made room at our “Inn” or have we made them feel like they belong outside? Having room at our “Inn” is a year-long activity not a once a year occasion.

Hopefully, the true meaning of Christmas and the celebration of Christ’s birth, will also be exemplified by our behavior between New Years and Christmas, rather than the short week between Christmas and New Years.  On this note, I would like to wish you a wondrous, peaceful, and joyous Christ-filled Christmas as well as an abundant 2012 with room in your “Inn” to celebrate all year-long!

HE’S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS ~ December 19, 2011 by Dolores Ayotte

               INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND ANECDOTES

I am the mother of three married daughters. I have eight delightful grandchildren.  I always knew that I loved my children with all my heart but I had no way of knowing until I became a grandmother that I would love my grandchildren with the same depth. Each time a grandchild is born, I feel the same thrill as when I gave birth.

When we raise a family we all go through the trials and tribulations that come with each phase of growing up.  I remember thinking to myself that after all three daughters were married and settled down, I would have a lot less to worry about. I must admit that this was one naive thought. 

As my family continues to multiply I find that I actually have more to worry about, not less.  Now my daughters are experiencing some of the woes of raising their children and I am well aware of almost everything that they are going through.  I try my best to encourage them to “not sweat” the small stuff but one of the things I still “sweat” about is childhood illnesses especially in the youngest grandchildren.  The older ones can at least tell you what’s wrong when they’re not feeling good. Is it only in my own mind or has there been an increase in childhood illnesses?  When these little ones get sick, I’m so concerned in a way that brings out the worrywart in me.

It is at these times that I have to search inside and draw from the same strength I used when my daughters were young. That strength is my faith. I know that each and every child born on earth is a whole world to God. I also know that He’s got the whole world in His hands. I not only desire to trust in Him, I need to trust in Him for the benefit of all just like my daughters need to do.

It’s wonderful to have been blessed with such an ever-growing family and I thank God on a daily basis but as I said, it’s not only the family that is multiplying.  The fears and concerns that go with it have also multiplied.  I need my faith now more than ever in order to  encourage my daughters. I want to be there for them as much as possible as they face what life has to offer.  I heard many years ago, that you never fully realize how much you believe in God until you have children.  I couldn’t agree more!  We need prayers and our faith as we work through the challenges that go with raising a family.  Don’t you agree?

 

JUST FOR LAFFS ~ December 16, 2011 by Dolores Ayotte

JOKE OF THE DAY ~ Life’s like that!

A man who had been called for jury duty asked to be excused. The judge asked, “On what grounds?”

“We’re very busy at the office, sir, and I ought to be there,”  the man said.

“So you’re one of those men who think they’re indispensable. You think the firm can’t do without you, is that it?”

“No, sir, far from that,” the man replied. “I know very well they can do without me. I don’t want them to find that out.”

“Excused,” the judge said.

 

THE TRUTH ~ December 15, 2011 by Dolores Ayotte

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND ANECDOTES

 

THE TRUTH: It may not lead you to where you thought you were going, but it will always lead you somewhere better. When ignored, it will eventually show itself. The closeness of your relationships is directly proportional to the degree to which you have revealed the truth about yourself. It can be painful.  (Source Unknown) 

It is not always easy to have honest and open relationships. The more honest they are, the more vulnerable we become….it is one of the reasons that we choose to wear masks in life.  We do this to protect ourselves from what others may think or say about us.  We usually try to put our best foot forward in order to impress people.  The more comfortable we become in a relationship, the more we feel safe to take down these barriers. 

The truth …”It’s a process of peeling away the layers of your false self, your trying-to-be-something-you’re-not self, your copycat self, your trying-to-sound-a-certain-way self, your spent-my-life-watching-television self. It’s like going to psychotherapy, delving deep and allowing the real you to emerge, only in this case you want it to find its way on to the page.” (Rachelle Gardner-Literary Agent)

Yes, the truth may not lead you to where you thought you were going but would you want it any other way…? 

The truth, if and when you choose to embrace it, has a way of cleansing your soul like a pleasant rain that falls ever so gently and washes away all your weaknesses.

The truth gives us the courage to face all that life offers.  

The truth is why we have chosen to write and to bare our souls to those who honor us by reading our words.  Yes, the truth for those who seek it, can find its way to the page. May you feel the mist on your face that mingles with your tears as you wash away your woes. (click on the above picture to feel the cleansing rainfall that the truth can offer)

 

CHILDHOOD TALENTS ~ December 14, 2011 by Laura Davis

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND ANECDOTES

I was at lunch with my friends and one of the topics of conversation had to do with our children. We observed that certain passions or talents exhibited during childhood led our kids to the careers or ministries they have chosen today. For example, my daughter Sarah took an interest in drawing and displayed a natural talent for it when she was no more than two years old. Today, she is planning a career in animation. One friend told us that her son, as a wee boy, would be drawn to police cars and loved dressing up as a policeman. Today, he is a police officer. The granddaughter of my friend Carol loves to video tape herself doing cooking shows. I’m guessing she is either going to be a cook, or an actress, as Carol tells me she’s quite a natural in front of the camera! 

As we continued to talk, we started to see a trend – what we were passionate about as children or had a natural talent for, eventually led us to what we would do in our adult years. I used to sing myself to sleep at night and began singing at a very early age. As I grew older, God led me into a singing ministry. I also spent countless hours reading when I was growing up and writing all kinds of fanciful stories. So, I shouldn’t have been surprised when, after my singing ministry ended, I started writing. 

So, I started to wonder – what did Mary see in Jesus when he was growing up, that led her to ask him to turn water into wine?  Had Jesus performed other miracles before this one? None are recorded in the bible. So, what made Mary force his hand at the wedding in Cana? How did she know he could help them in a miraculous way? By her knowledge of his birth and childhood! She knew Jesus was God’s son. She didn’t need any convincing on that score. So, like any good Jewish mother she nagged, pushed and prodded until her child did as he was told. Not that Jesus would need to be nagged – the bible said he was obedient to his parents (Luke 2:51). Despite the fact that Jesus was reluctant to display his power so early in his ministry, he obeyed his mother and his first miracle caused his first disciples – James, John, Peter, Andrew, Philip and Nathanael, to put their faith in him. 

What are you passionate about? What are your talents? These desires and gifts, if you look back far enough, have been built into you from an early age. You are God’s workmanship and He designed you with those particular passions and talents in mind. He has a plan for you and made you for a specific purpose. Examine your life. Are you doing what God created you to do? 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Thank you Laura for your inspirational story.

Laura is a fellow author.  Her book is titled “Come to Me”. 

For more information about Laura please visit:

Author Laura Davis      Interviews & Reviews 

 

JUST FOR LAFFS ~ December 9, 2011

Dear God: When we get to Heaven, can we sit 
on your couch? Or will it be the same old story? 

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“It’s hard to be sympathetic about ‘the loneliness at the top’ when you’re being smothered by the crowds at the bottom.”

“Greatness is achieved not by wanting to be great, but by wanting to be useful.”

“There’s hardly anything a person does easily that wasn’t first difficult.” Sources Unknown