We have all heard, read, or had injected deep into our subconscious, expressions and edicts about how we should conduct our lives. From Ben Franklins Early to rise advice, to Jungs To be normal is the aim of the unsuccessful, other mind movers such as Freud and William James had caveats for us on work, accomplishment and success. Some folksy wisdom comes quickly to mind Keep your eyes on the prize, your nose to the grindstone, your shoulder to the wheel.

Apart from the physical discomfort that these maxims suggest, (Who could carry out any meaningful work in that position?) other questions arise. While few would deny that there may be an element of truth in those pearls of wisdom, there is also a cheerless haze hanging over the lot. They proclaim in no uncertain terms that work, accomplishment, success is, well work! Included here are all the negative connotations that the word implies.

The title of this humble dispatch promised something more positive, more inspirational. We are reminded that the word inspiration is defined as the drawing of air into the lungs; inhalation. When we suck up fresh air, we energize, re-charge the body and clear the brain. With this fresh influx of air, we could observe another piece of advice, Take time to smell the roses. We know the pernicious effect of All work and no play, which gives us pause to ruminate on life and what it is all about. Surely life without joy is not the prize. We must be vigilant to find those things which provide joy, for these delights can be encountered daily. With this in mind then, heres a new motto to consider Keep your nose to the rose.

As I write this, spring approaches. Soon my walking trail will be showy with wild roses, blooming profusely. I will stop and enjoy the fragrance, sharing my discovery carefully with the bees, for we still have bees here. Another section of my walk winds by a rose garden, planted with many varieties chosen for a spectacular display. The sorry thing about this garden is that it is all display, as the fragrance has been lost, in the gene manipulation. I may be too cynical, but I am reminded of a red-carpet walk by celebrities, during one of the many award shows on television. There is something one-dimensional about these displays, be they people or roses.

The advice givers we considered earlier were sincere, there is no doubt. Our present day task must surely be to ensure that our days are filled with a full spectrum of possibilities. I wish you all the work you need, work filled with fulfillment and joy. Arising from this will be success and the satisfaction of accomplishment, as the fragrance from a wild rose. Enjoy!

About the Author:
Kevin MacAskill works at home in British Columbia, Canada, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. This prompts him to reflect on life and the human condition. You may use this essay in an ethical manner, providing this resource box is included.

To find links to sites which will help you in your goal of creating prosperity, intrinsic motivation and affluence, please visit:
http://www.prosperity-patterns.com/
His Blog
http://prosperinet.blogspot.com