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I am thankful for all of those who said NO to me. It's because of them I'm doing it myself.

— Albert Einstein

The first quote is by "Person of the Century," according to Time Magazine. This quote has several messages for the reader. Let's take it piece by piece to make sure we get every drop of this genius' intended message.

Do you remember the last time you asked for something and the answer was no? It could be anything, a mortgage, a plea to God or the universe, or even a simple request for a favor. Remember the exact way that you felt at the time of the "No." Most likely you felt a bit deflated or upset, a completely normal human emotional response. It is what you did with that emotional response that matters most.

First, it is important to recognize that most people do not want to say no. The majority of people in the world want to help and please others, and they want to say yes. Some people, myself included, have actually had to learn how to say no to the requests of others when the request is not in their own best interest - and some of us are still trying to fully grasp that lesson. So when a person, friend, or stranger, has the internal strength to report to you in a kind way that your request cannot be granted, maybe the first feeling after disappointment should be respect. We, as a nation, and as a people must come to understand that when we too often put others needs in front of our own we can deteriorate our own well being. In this state, it will eventually be impossible for us to help anyone. Put the mask on yourself first, and then help as many of those around you as you can.

Second is the fact that in life we must respect all universal answers; even the ones that do not bring instant gratification. We must accept them because there are no coincidences or mistakes in the universe. It is our perception of "No" that creates the negative emotion. Did you ever play that game where no means yes and yes means no on "opposite day"? As fun, and silly as it may seem, it really brings about a valid point about perception. Perception is everything. It is one of the defining characteristics that helps us control what we do with our emotions. Just imagine for a moment that you were assured that every time someone answered "No" to you, that something great was about to happen in your life - guaranteed! Something unimaginably better would be waiting for you within 24 hours after the answer came. It would go something like this, "I'm sorry Mr. and Mrs. Smith, we cannot approve your mortgage today." And the next day Mr. and Mrs. Smith won the lottery! That is a rather simplified example, but don't you think that people would be standing in line, waiting with baited breath for someone to say no to them? The irony is that in a roundabout way, that really is how life works. A NO is almost always a path to something better, even though it is not immediately apparent.

Third and lastly, it is the "No's" in life that motivate us as human beings to do great things, to achieve the next level. It is the no's that truly make life worth living. Einstein mentions his gratitude to those who have told him no, and if I had to guess I don't think there is any sarcasm or bitterness in that statement. It is truly just as important to thank those who say no to us, as it is to thank those who say yes. We are most grateful and learn the most from those things in life that are not easy, from the no's.

This week look for opportunities to remember that "no" can open doors and possibilities unforeseen to the naked eye. On the receiving end, trust that the answer you are getting is the appropriate one. Be grateful for that answer, and willing to follow wherever it might lead. Today's disappointment could be tomorrow's victory. Change your perception regarding a circumstance that you might normally be very upset about. See it in a new way, and find the opportunity you might not have otherwise seen. Find a way to express your gratitude for that opportunity.

On the giving end be generous, but make yourself a promise not stretch yourself too thin. Do not be afraid to put yourself first, remembering that your well being will allow you to help many more people in a more effective way. Do not be afraid to say "no". Realize that you might be giving someone the best gift they have ever received.

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

We have all heard the is quote by Emerson, and it never gets old! Life itself is a journey. The key to life is to remember that our destination is not the most important part. When you finally arrived at the vacation spot of your dreams, the gigantic desk on the top floor corner office, or even the foreign country where you'll hold your new adopted child for the first time, how long before the nostalgia wears off and you are seeking your next destination? For most of us the answer is - not long.

Destinations are merely carrots dangled on a string that urge the rabbit in us through the all important journeys of life. Without the carrot we might never embark on our journey; but our largest misconception might be overvaluing the importance of the carrot. Once the journey begins, it is extremely important to be present and in the now of every day, every hour, minute and second of the journey, for that is where the heart lives.

Once our journey is chosen, how do we begin? How many of us have procrastinated at the beginning, unsure which path to choose, which route to take? Some people take the path of least resistance, others the most beautiful, still others choose to punish themselves with the most destructive path - but what is the right path?

Emerson's quote tells us not to take a path. Do not stand before your journey looking for a path that has already been carved or worn, for that is not your journey, but the journey of another. Look in your own heart and forge a path that is custom to you, for no other path will suit you quite as well. The options are limitless, and the journey on a path not yet created is unique and priceless.

Creating our own path is an act of courage like no other. It requires extreme trust in ourselves and faith in our higher power. It requires support and encouragement from our loved ones and friends. There will likely be times that are not so easy, and times full of great joy, and happiness. Sometimes our next step will not be clear, and we may need to ask for help. Other times we might be called upon to help another on their journey. At times we will choose walk together with another, sharing our path, sometimes leading and other times following; and other times we will walk by ourselves, though it is important to note that we will never walk alone.

Assistance is always available. The universe in its ever abundance, will find a way. Ask and you shall receive. It is not our job to know where the help will come from, but only to expect it and to accept it when it arrives.

We have been chosen and molded for our unique journey. Whether or not we are aware of it, we all have the tools to travel to the places we are intended to go. Sometimes we will get lost, only to find that our journey is about something completely...