

“People’s confidence in their abilities influences how they approach life. Their dreams are likely anchored to what they feel they can achieve.”
― Firestarters: How Innovators, Instigators, and Initiators Can Inspire You to Ignite Your Own Life
― Firestarters: How Innovators, Instigators, and Initiators Can Inspire You to Ignite Your Own Life

“Then, in an unusual moment, she grew emotional, which left little doubt about the level of profound respect and admiration Merkel had for her American colleague:
‘So eight years are coming to a close. This is the last visit of (President) Barack Obama to our country…I am very glad that he chose Germany as one of the stopovers on this trip…Thank you for the reliable friendship and partnership you demonstrated in very difficult hours of our relationship. So let me again pay tribute to what we’ve been able to achieve, to what we discussed, to what we were able to bring about in difficult hours.”
― Dear Barack: The Extraordinary Partnership of Barack Obama and Angela Merkel
‘So eight years are coming to a close. This is the last visit of (President) Barack Obama to our country…I am very glad that he chose Germany as one of the stopovers on this trip…Thank you for the reliable friendship and partnership you demonstrated in very difficult hours of our relationship. So let me again pay tribute to what we’ve been able to achieve, to what we discussed, to what we were able to bring about in difficult hours.”
― Dear Barack: The Extraordinary Partnership of Barack Obama and Angela Merkel

“In her usual manner, Merkel spoke in German. It is worth pointing out, however, that before the translator had an opportunity to convert her statements to English, Obama gave the chancellor and the press a big smile, saying, ‘I think what she said was good. I’m teasing.’ The laughter in the room drowned out the sounds of the cameras clicking and flashing, with Merkel’s giggle and smile among the loudest.”
― Dear Barack: The Extraordinary Partnership of Barack Obama and Angela Merkel
― Dear Barack: The Extraordinary Partnership of Barack Obama and Angela Merkel

“When you travel mentally from a low point to a high point, the ensuing inspiration eclipses the negativity of the initial downfall.”
― Firestarters: How Innovators, Instigators, and Initiators Can Inspire You to Ignite Your Own Life
― Firestarters: How Innovators, Instigators, and Initiators Can Inspire You to Ignite Your Own Life

“At one point, approximately halfway through her remarks, Merkel stated in German something about ‘being able to greet the president of the United States of America, Barack Obama,’ and an overly ambitious Obama, who perhaps thought that was his cue, headed toward the podium. Perhaps catching the president’s movement out of the corner of her eye, Merkel thought quickly, and without even looking up from her notes, she told the excited American president, in English, ‘Not yet, dear Mr. President, dear Barack Obama.’ Obama sheepishly returned to his seat to allow the chancellor to finish her speech.”
― Dear Barack: The Extraordinary Partnership of Barack Obama and Angela Merkel
― Dear Barack: The Extraordinary Partnership of Barack Obama and Angela Merkel
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