Author Archives: Laura Dobson

“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return… For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela, born on this day inContinue reading “Thought for the day, Thursday 19th January”

“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day!” From Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne, born on this day in 1882

“Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.” Benjamin Franklin, born on this day in 1706

“Do stuff. be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention. Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. stay eager.” Susan Sontag, born on this day in 1933

“If you can’t be a pine at the top of the hill,be a shrub in the valley – but beThe best little shrub on the side of the hill,Be a bush if you can’t be a tree.If you can’t be a highway, just be a trailIf you can’t be a sun, be a star;For itContinue reading “Thought for the day, Sunday 15th January”

“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others. Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. The only thing of importance, whenContinue reading “Thought for the day, Saturday 14th January”

“The stars speak through the stones. Light shines in the densest matter. Heaven and Earth are one. Our physical beings and our heavenly souls are united in the Mystery of Being.” Philip Carr-Gomm

“Tasting dark chocolate,A ripe apricot,A luscious elixir –Savour the expanding joy in your body.Nature is offering herself to you.How astonishingTo realize this world can taste so good. When sipping some ambrosia,Raise your glass,Close your eyes,Toast the universe.The Sun and Moon and EarthDanced togetherTo bring you this delight.Receive the nectar on your tongueAs a kiss ofContinue reading “Thought for the day, Thursday 12th January”

“Everyone has oceans to fly, if they have the heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do dreams know of boundaries? No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the rootsContinue reading “Thought for the day, Wednesday 11th January”

“On this day in 1969, the photograph Earthrise was published in Life magazine. The picture was taken by William Anders, an astronaut on the Apollo 8 mission, who writes about that moment in A View from Space: “We’d come 240,000 miles to see the moon, and it was the Earth that was really worth lookingContinue reading “Thought for the day, Tuesday 10th January”