Inspirational Living: Life Lessons for Success & Happiness

Inspirational Living: Life Lessons for Success & Happiness

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Inspirational Living: Life Lessons for Success & Happiness episodes

  • Overcoming Grief, Sorrow, and Pain | Finding Faith
    Listen to episode 252 of the Inspirational Living podcast: Overcoming Grief, Sorrow, and Pain | Finding Faith. Edited and adapted from Comfort by Hugh Black.
    Inspirational Podcast Excerpt: THE world is full of men and women who are carrying burdens of work or care or sorrow, and the burden often seems too heavy for them to bear. The sorest part of the trouble is that it appears meaningless, with no evident relation to life. The result is that there is only a dull bending of the neck for the load, or a listless doing of the duty.
    Should the burden seem inevitable, it would be something if we could see some useful purpose in it. The apparent aimlessness of pain is more disabling than the pain itself. Life loses its spring, and the world turns grey, when the eye has no larger vision. The greatest need of humanity is a message of good cheer, of heartening for the daily task. But this cannot come by mere well-wishing and the usual surface consolations — patching another’s grief with proverbs.
    It can only be by seeing that the whole of life is reasonable and can be made to show some meaning. For great living, we need to believe in the worth of life. In the face of the almost appalling difficulties that confront faith, we are nevertheless driven to meet them to keep life sane.
    At the same time, we can hold our central faith in the worth of life, without having a rounded theory to explain the universe. It is enough that we see cause to take heart of our blessings and to be strong and of good courage.
    So, the purpose of today’s talk is not to give a speculative solution of the deep problem of pain, but to show a practical way by which a brave soul can gather courage and strength and comfort. It is to note the fruits which the tree of life can be made to bear.
    17 min
  • The Joys of Gratitude, Hope, Charity & Kindness
    Listen to episode 250 of the Inspirational Living podcast: The Joys of Gratitude, Hope, Charity & Kindness. Edited and adapted from The Royal Path of Life by T.L. Haines & L.W. Yaggy.
    Inspirational Podcast Excerpt: Welcome to the Inspirational Living podcast. Today is our 250th episode and I would like to express my gratitude to all of you, who have embraced the uplifting message of this podcast and are striving to live up to your highest potential.
    A special thanks also to our patrons, as well as those who have reached out with positive reviews on Facebook, iTunes, and Stitcher. It is your generous financial support and kind words of encouragement that will guide us through another 250 episodes and beyond. Thank you again.
    Now on to today’s reading, which was edited and adapted from The Royal Path of Life by T. L. Haines and L. W. Yaggy, published in 1882.
    Gratitude is rightly said to be the mother of most virtues, because from this one fountain so many rivulets arise; such as reverence, friendship, love, charity, and self-sacrifice.
    I am reminded of this in the old story about a poor and aged man, who while busy planting and grafting an apple tree, was interrupted by a young passerby, who said: "Why do you plant trees, when you can’t even hope to eat their fruit?" The old man raised himself up, and leaning upon his spade, replied: "Someone planted trees for me before I was born, and I have eaten their fruit; I now plant for others, so that a memorial of my gratitude may exist when I am dead and gone."
    Nothing tenders the heart, and opens the gushing fountain of love, more than the exercise of gratitude. Like the showers of spring that cause flowers to rise from seeds that have long lain dormant, tears of gratitude awaken pleasurable sensations unknown to those who have never been forced from the sunshine of prosperity into the cold shade of adversity — where no warmth is felt but that of kindness; no light enjoyed but that of charity.
    18 min
  • The Royal Path of Life | Integrity & Character
    Listen to episode 246 of the Inspirational Living podcast: The Royal Path of Life | Integrity & Character. Edited and adapted from The Royal Path of Life by T.L. Haines & L.W. Yaggy.
    Motivational Podcast Excerpt: Welcome to the Inspirational Living podcast. A special thanks to our newest patrons: Melissa Pascal, Andres Oropeza, Ceyahnai Kuteh, William Elliott, and Mandy & Steven Ponte. If you would like to become our patron and receive a private podcast feed with full transcripts to every episode, please visit: LivingHour.org/patron.
    Now, on to today’s reading, which was edited and adapted from The Royal Path of Life by T. L. Haines and L. W. Yaggy, published in 1882. What you can effect depends on what you are.
    You put your whole self into all that you do. If that self be small, petty, and mean, your entire life work is paltry; your words have no force; your influence has no weight. If that self be true and high, pure and kind, vigorous and forceful, your strokes become blows, your notes staccatos, your work massive, your influence strong — you can do what you will.
    Whatever your position, you are a power; you are felt as a grand spirit; you are as one having true authority. Character creates confidence in people in every station of life. Character is also capital, and much surer to yield full returns than any other capital — for it is unaffected by panics and failures, and fruitful when all other investments lie dormant.
    There are trying and perilous circumstances in life, which show how valuable and important a good character is. It is a sure and strong staff of support, when everything else fails. It is the Acropolis which remains impregnable, imparting security and peace when all the other defenses have been surrendered to the enemy.
    The higher walks of life are treacherous and dangerous; the lower full of obstacles and impediments. We can only be secure in either, by maintaining those principles which are just, praiseworthy, and pure — and which inspire bravery in ourselves and confidence in others.
    16 min
  • Opportunity Knocks | The World is Your Oyster
    Listen to episode 242 of the Inspirational Living podcast: Opportunity Knocks | The World is Your Oyster. Adapted from Stepping-Stones to Success by Horace D. Hitchcock.
    Podcast Excerpt: THE world today is full of opportunities. In business, in art, in literature, in every field of endeavor, the call of opportunity is greater than ever before. To the ambitious, the world presents a rich hunting ground, a wide expanse for fruitful endeavor. But to those who lack knowledge and courage, it seems as a great city, walled in by those more fortunate who have gained entrance to its rewards, through fame, fortune, or influence.
    The old adage that opportunity knocks once on every person’s door, is, perhaps, so old that it is now out of date. The saying was undoubtedly intended to exemplify the fact that opportunity actually comes to one less often than it is sought. The fields of endeavor are full of opportunities today, but they are ever playing "hide- and-seek" with the ambitious.
    The first step toward any success is the grasping of an opportunity. In speaking of opportunity William Gladstone said: "In some sense, and in some effectual degree, there is in every person the material for good work in the world." In every one of us, there is the God-given germ which may be termed our "capacity for usefulness." In every one of us, this quality is capable of being developed, through proper exercise and nourishment.
    Today's podcast was sponsored by Audible.com. To get your free 30 day trial, which includes one free audiobook, go to Audible.com/inspirational. Or text the word inspirational to 500-500.
    18 min
  • The Confident Man & Woman | A Victorious Attitude
    Listen to episode 239 of the Inspirational Living podcast: The Confident Man & Woman | A Victorious Attitude. Edited and adapted from “You Can. But Will You?” by Orison Swett Marden.
    Motivational Podcast Excerpt: Welcome to the Inspirational Living podcast. If you are looking for that perfect nightstand book to usher you into a relaxed and inspired sleep, purchase our book Evergreen: 50 Inspirational Life Lessons. Learn more at our website: InspirationalLifeLessons.com.
    Today’s reading was edited and adapted from the book “You Can, But Will You?” by Orison Swett Marden, published in 1920.
    Do you know that you will never accomplish anything great unless you not only hold the conviction that victory is your birthright, but also show evidence of it in your face, in your manner and bearing? No person can expect to be a conqueror while they carry the confession of defeat in their face. You must not only feel like a winner, but you must also appear and act like one. You must show victory in your very expression.
    It is not difficult to pick out a successful person among a multitude. If you are a leader, a person who relies upon yourself, every step, every movement, will indicate it. You are covered all over with telltale signs. There is assurance, confidence in your face and bearing. You walk like a master and talk like one. Everyone knows that you believe in yourself and in your mission.
    What marks the difference between a winner and a loser? The winner is a person who gets up after they have been knocked down with more determination than before; a person who is stung into greater activity by some serious setback; a person who does not know when they are beaten. A temporary failure does not mean much to such a man or woman; it is only an episode in their life.
    18 min
  • Living an Authentic Life | Originality vs. Conformity
    Listen to episode 238 of the Inspirational Living podcast: Living an Authentic Life | Originality vs. Conformity. Edited and adapted from Working With God by Gardner Hunting.
    Motivational Podcast Excerpt: Welcome to the Inspirational Living podcast. By special request, we’ve just finished producing a new series of autosuggestion meditations to help those who are struggling to break free from cigarettes, alcohol, or heroin. When used in combination with our Majesty program, these meditations are a powerful tool to help create a new life free from addiction.
    Learn more by visiting our website at LivingHour.org/breakfree. Now on to today’s reading was edited and adapted from Working With God by Gardner Hunting, published in 1934.
    THE poorest reason in the world for doing anything is that somebody else is doing it. Children have a name for the imitators; they call them a "copycat." But isn't it a curious thing that the "copycat" habit is almost universal among human beings? Most of us say the same things about newspapers, relatives, and sunsets that our friends do. We rise, sit, sleep, and eat as others do. And, whether consciously or unconsciously, one of the aims of our lives is not to be weird--that is, unlike others.
    Isn't it pitiful, how we so often conform: conform to style, to custom, to mode, to trend. And if we think about it, we come upon a curious anomaly. The world is actually crying out for originality (for something new under the sun) yet it slaps at it instantly when it raises its head.
    No person is so unpopular as the one who begins to be unlike the rest. However, no person receives such rewards as the one who persists in it! Strange! All people seem to be in a conspiracy to curb originality, yet we also all laud and reward it — and then when the applause begins, we all begin trying to ape the originator.
    16 min
  • Carl Jung on Life, God & Religion | Psychotherapy

    Listen to episode 237 of the Inspirational Living podcast: Carl Jung on Life, God & Religion. Edited and adapted from the work of Carl Jung.

    Inspirational Podcast Excerpt: Welcome to the Inspirational Living podcast. Visit our lifestyle brand BookofZen.com to shop for inspirational fashion and gifts. Proceeds help support the production of our podcast. Today’s reading was edited and adapted from the work of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung.

    “The decisive question for humanity is: Are we related to something infinite or not? That is the telling question of our lives. Only if we know that the thing which truly matters is the infinite can we avoid fixing our interests upon futilities and upon all kinds of goals which are not of real importance. The more we lay stress on false possessions, and the less sensitivity we have for what is essential, the less satisfying is our life. We feel limited because we have limited aims, and the result is envy and jealousy. If we understand, and feel, that here in this life we already have a link with the infinite, our desires and attitudes change.”

    “An understanding heart is everything in a teacher, and cannot be esteemed highly enough. One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feeling. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.”

    “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become…..You are what you do, not what you say you'll do.”

    “There are as many nights as days, and the one is just as long as the other in the year's course. Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word 'happy' would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness…..As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being.”



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    14 min
  • How to Live a Good Life | Lubbock, Seneca, Epictetus

    Listen to episode 236 of the Inspirational Living podcast: How to Live a Good Life | Lubbock, Seneca, Epictetus. Edited and adapted from edited and adapted from The Use of Life by Sir John Lubbock.

    Inspirational Podcast Excerpt: Welcome to the Inspirational Living podcast. To gain access to the full transcripts of our more than 200 podcasts, please become our monthly patron for less than the price of your favorite Latte. Learn more at LivingHour.org/patron. Today’s reading was edited and adapted from The Use of Life by Sir John Lubbock, published in 1894.

    The most important thing to learn in life, is how to live. There is nothing people are so anxious to keep as life, and nothing they take so little pains to keep well. This is no simple matter. "Life is short. Art is long. Opportunity fleeting. Experiment uncertain, and Judgment difficult,'' says Hippocrates.

    Happiness and success in life do not depend on our circumstances, but on ourselves. More people have ruined themselves than have ever been destroyed by others: more houses and cities have perished at the hands of men, than storms or earthquakes have ever destroyed."

    There are two sorts of ruin; one is the work of time, the other of humankind. Of all ruins, the ruins of humanity are the saddest, and our worst enemy, as Seneca said, is the one in our breast. Providence does not create evil, but gives liberty, and if we misuse it we are sure to suffer, but have only ourselves to blame."

    I am sometimes accused of being optimistic. But I have never ignored or denied the troubles and sorrows of life: I have never said that we all are happy, only that we might be so; and that if we aren’t, the fault is generally our own: that most of us throw away more happiness than we enjoy. And this makes it all the more melancholy. In other words, "For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: it might have been."



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    18 min
  • When Things Go Wrong | The Power of Constructive Thinking
    Listen to episode 235 of the Inspirational Living podcast: When Things Go Wrong | The Power of Constructive Thinking. Edited and adapted from Success Through Thought Habit by Benjamin Johnson.
    Inspirational Podcast Excerpt: Welcome to the Inspirational Living podcast, creators of The Majesty Program, a life-changing meditation program using our very own autosuggestion sound method technique. Get 30% off the $11.99 purchase price with the coupon code: inspiration. Learn more at: LivingHour.org/majesty.
    Today’s podcast has been edited and adapted from “Success Through Thought Habit” by Benjamin Johnson, published in 1908.
    IF ever the true merit of constructive thought is placed to a test, it is when things go so wrong that there is apparently no way to turn, and no solution to our difficulty. Try as we may, we can find no reasonable excuse for what’s happening.
    Once in a while, we may be placed in the trying position of not being able to blame anyone for our plight, and, as we think things over, we are forced to admit that were circumstances to be again arranged as they had been, we would do the same things all over again.
    Then, perhaps, we grow a little sorry for ourselves and we say — beneath our breaths — "What is the use of trying. I was just as good as I could have been for days, weeks, and months, and then this awful thing had to happen for no reason at all." Next, we may get angry, or possibly disgusted, and just in proportion to our own state of mind, does the outlook continue to look worse and worse until soon dull despair settles down in great chunks of gloom.
    "What is the remedy?" you ask. There is only one to be used in cases of this description, and that is absolute Faith in the ultimate outcome, no matter how bad everything looks — and the realization that nothing that happens to us at any time is an accident, but is what we need, in order to show what we are made of.
    Resistance, resentment, anger, and blame only mean that we shall continue to have more tribulations of a similar nature, until our lessons have been learned, and we find that out of every evil, good will come. In the mental world, as well as the physical, anyone who breaks a law is punished — not always in the way we may recognize, but just so surely the punishment comes....
    17 min
  • A Merry Heart | The Poetry of Happy Living | Inspiration
    Listen to episode 230 of the Inspirational Living podcast: A Merry Heart | The Poetry of Happy Living. Edited and adapted from A Book of Friendly Thoughts by Nixon Waterman.
    Podcast Excerpt: Welcome to the Inspirational Living podcast. If you enjoy our podcast, please spread the word by telling a friend or sharing your favorite episode on Facebook. We also would love it if you could leave us a review at the iTunes store, Google Play, or Stitcher.com. I always appreciate hearing back from you, and knowing this podcast has had a positive impact on your life. Thank you.
    Today’s reading was edited and adapted from A Book of Friendly Thoughts by Nixon Waterman, published in 1913.
    WHO among us can presume to estimate the value of a joyful heart? What a perpetual blessing it is to its possessor and to all who must come into close relationship with the owner of it! There is nothing more pleasantly "catching" than happiness. The happy person serves to make all who are about them the more happy.
    What the bright, inspiring sunshine adds to the beauty of the fields, a happy disposition adds to the charm of all the incidents and experiences of one's daily life. Do not you, who listens to me now, love to associate with a friend possessing a cheerful disposition? And do you not intuitively refrain from meeting with the unfortunate one whose looks and words are heavy with complaining or whose eyes fail to see the beauty of the world lying all about?
    If we are given to wise thinking, we must reach the conclusion that as we regard these attributes in others, so others must regard them in us. Nothing is more eloquent than a joyful face. It is the open sesame to all our hearts. A sunshiny face melts away all opposition and finds the word "Welcome" written over the doorways where the face that wears a hard, unfriendly look sees only the warning, "No Admittance."
    18 min

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