The Traveler's Gift--An amazing read!!

I have been reading a book that has given me some new perspectives on many things.  I just wanted to share a couple that I have enjoyed learning about.  I would recommend this book to anyone.  It gives seven decisions that determine personal success.

Just a little bit of the story line--David comes into some hard times and decides that his family is better off without him.  He drives his car out of control and finds himself going back in time and is lucky enough to meet some very important people that give him some great advice about life and how to live.  Just a few of the people he meets are:  Harry S. Truman, King Solomon, Christopher Columbus, Anne Frank, Abraham Lincoln, etc...

Abraham Lincoln--

The Sixth Decision for Success--

I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit...

Here is his advice...

For too long, every once of forgiveness I owned was locked away, hidden from view, waiting for me to bestow its precious presence upon some worthy person.  Alas, I found most people to be singularly unworthy of my valuable forgiveness, and since they never asked for any, I kept it all for myself.  Now, the forgiveness that I hoarded has sprouted inside my heart like a crippled seed yielding better fruit.
No more!  At this moment, my life has taken on new hope and assurance.  Of all the world's population, I am one of the few possessors of the secret to dissipating anger and resentment.  I now understand that forgiveness has value only when it is given away.  By the simple act of granting forgiveness, I release the demons of the past about which I can do nothing, and I create in myself a new heart, a new beginning.
I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.  I will forgive even those who do not ask for forgiveness.
Many are the times when I have seethed in anger at a word or deed thrown into my life by an unthinking or uncaring person.  I have wasted valuable hours imagining revenge or confrontation.  Now I see the truth revealed about this psychological rock inside my shoe.  The rage I nurture is often one-sided, for my offender seldom gives thought to his offence!
I will now and forevermore silently offer my forgiveness even to those who do not see that they need it.  By the act of forgiving, I am no longer consumed by unproductive thoughts.  I give up my bitterness.  I am content in my soul and effective again with my fellowman.
I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.  I will forgive those who criticize me unjustly.
I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.  I will forgive myself.
For many years, my greatest enemy has been myself.  Every mistake, every miscalculation, every stumble I made has been replayed again and again in my mind.  Every broken promise, every day wasted, every goal not reached has compounded the disgust I feel for the lack of achievement in my life.  My dismay has developed a paralyzing grip.  When I disappoint myself, I respond with inaction and become more disappointed.
I realize today that it is impossible to fight an enemy living in my head.  By forgiving myself, I erase the doubts, fears, and frustrations that have kept my past in the present.  From this day forward, my history will cease to control my destiny.  I have forgiven myself.  My life has just begun.
I will forgive even those who do not ask for forgiveness.  I will forgive those who criticize me unjustly.  I will forgive myself.
I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit!!!

I don't know if Abraham Lincoln every said this...but it sure makes sense!!   

Great advice for anyone!!!