The Ants and the Grasshopper

The Ants were spending a fine winter's day drying grain collected in the summertime. A Grasshopper, perishing with famine, passed by and earnestly begged for a little food.

The Ants inquired of him, "Why did you not treasure up food during the summer?'
He replied, "I had not leisure enough. I passed the days in singing."

They then said in derision: "If you were foolish enough to sing all the summer, you must dance supperless to bed in the winter."

I Would

If I had my life to live over,
I'd dare to make more mistakes next time
I'd relax. I'd limber up
I would be sillier than I have been this trip
I would take fewer things seriously
I would take more chances
I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers
I would eat more ice cream and less beans
I would perhaps, have more actual troubles, but I'd have fewer imaginary ones
You see, I'm one of those people who lived sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day.

Oh, I had my moments
If I had to do it over again
I'd have more of them
In fact, I'd try to have nothing else
Just moments, one after the other
Instead of living so many years ahead of each day
I've been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute
If I could do it again
I would travel lighter than I have
If I had my life to live over
I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall
I would go to more dances
I would ride more merry-go-rounds
I would pick more daisies.

The Comfort Zone

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail.
The same four walls and busy work were really more like jail.
I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before,
But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.
I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such.
I claimed to be so busy with things inside my zone,
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win.
I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.
I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before,
I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you're in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.
A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.
Reach for your future with a smile;

Success is there for you!