Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee; "Which Are You?"

Grandmother Says... Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee; "Which are you?" A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose. Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they got soft.She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma. The granddaughter then asked. "What's the point,grandmother?" Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity--boiling water--but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her granddaughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?" Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level? ---AUTHOR UNKNOWN

10 Min Model Workout

I wanted to remember how to find this workout, so I thought this would be a good place to store it.  Go to it here.  It's fun to work on getting fit!

Continue in Patience

Have you ever wondered why patience is important?  Is there a benefit of learning delayed gratification?  Watch this cute little video and learn :)

The ability to wait may be a key predictor of future success.  This reminds me of a quote on the wall of my best friend:  "Happiness is giving up what you want now for what you want most."  If we can keep the big picture in mind and remember what we really desire, it makes it easier to put of the short-term gratification right in front of us.  This can apply to school, relationships, living a virtuous life, and developing important character traits.  Hope you enjoy this video :)

Cooperation and Team Work

Have you ever wondered how to be part of a team and work together with another person or another group?  These guys have figured out how to cooperate with others with a common goal and do it very well.  Take a minute to look at the people, teams, or groups that you work with and decide how you could be more in 'sync' with each other.  The results can be amazing!

Japanese Synchronized Gymnastics

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Have we ever been critical of the weaknesses of others?  Do we ever judge others without even understanding what they are going through?  Maybe when we tend to judge others, it would be better to look at our own issues and work on those instead :)

Looking Through Windows - Don't Judge, by Pres. Monson

What Can You Achieve?

Have you ever wondered what you are capable of?  Do you need to feel motivated?  This video can help inspire you to be your best . . .

Motivational Seminar Closing Video

Make 2012 Great!

Getting a little motivation can help us focus on our goals and figure out how to meet them.  I enjoyed listening to Tony Robbins about this, and thought you might too!

What do you want to change about your life and how will you get there?