Reaching Jeff

Jeff is HAPPY, and you should be too! Life is too short to get stuck on the little things that bring you down. Jeff wants to make the most out of life that he possibly can. Jeff says, "Life may be short, but you can still reach for the sky!" If you don't try, then where will you end up? You can only move forward if you keep reaching for the stars. Also everyone always says to reach for the stars, but nobody says what to do when you get there. Jeff says that once you get to that star that you have been reaching for, then look beyond what you have achieved. There is always something more, so go for it.

Distracted Jeff

As you know, Jeff is a turtle that loves to have a good time, but also is willing work his tail off when he needs to. He wants you to work hard so that you can be successful in life. Jeff says, "You need to work hard, even when it is hard to work." If you think about the most successful people on the planet, they all worked their tails off to get where they are. Of course we must also ask the question, "How do we measure success?" Is it the person with the most money? Jeff says, "NO!!" He feels like the most successful person is the person who is closest to the people around them. When we work, we also need to think about why we are working. Jeff works hard for his family and friends. Jeff asks, "Are you workin hard, or hardly workin?"

Bus Stop Jeff

Jeff first wants to say that he is sorry about not writing you in a while. Just like everybody, Jeff needs a break too sometimes, so he went on VACATION! But now it is time to get back in the groove. Jeff says that you can't have a break if you don't start the work. Now that Jeff has finished his vacation, he is ready to get back to work, specifically going to school to study the art of Turtleology. Jeff knows that this will not be an easy task, but he is going to work hard. Jeff says, "The harder the task, the greater the satisfaction!" He knows that if you work hard on something, you will feel more accomplished once your task is finished. No matter what, keep going. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Learning Jeff

Jeff knows that school and work can sometimes be frustrating and even boring at times. The tasks can be uneventful, and they take a lot of work and time that sometimes we don't have. Jeff wants you to remember that if you are doing something by yourself, it may make your experience less enjoyable. He encourages you to get involved with other people. Whether it is learning in a class, playing a sport, or going to work, it is always more fun to do things with others. Jeff says, "Learn to have FUN!"

Art Jeff

Jeff loves to be artistic! He loves to see all the colors and shapes working together to make a wonderful piece of art. They say that the eyes are the bridge to the soul, so if we are looking at something beautiful then it is going strait into our heart. Jeff says you can't spell heart without 'art'! Jeff wants to see some of your artistic talent. If you are willing, please send a picture of your masterpiece (could be anything, even a turtle) to visserg1@central.edu, and Jeff will put your picture up right here!

NOTE: I will not put anyone's name on this that doesn't want their name on it.

Special Thanks To Jack who gave me this painting!

visserg1@central.edu

Growing Jeff

Jeff wants you to remember your inner child. No matter how old you get, remember yourself when you were younger. Each day as a child, your goal was to have fun. Why does that have to change? Sure you get older and have more responsibilities, but that doesn't mean that the fun has to go away. Find a job that you love to do. Try and make some jokes each day. Spend time playing games or doing what you love. Jeff says, "Go ahead and grow up, but don't let it get you down!"

Flying Jeff

Jeff says, "Look at the bright side of life, even if you feel stuck!" He remembers one time that he was walking down a hill and he stumbled. Jeff rolled to his back and couldn't get back to his feet, but he didn't think 'Oh no. I'm stuck.' but rather he thinks, 'I can fly!' He tries to take a bad situation and turn it around by looking at the positive. We can do this as well. Whenever you are feeling down in the dumps, just try and remember all the good things in life. When you do this, life's troubles don't seem as bad anymore. Jeff wants you to remember that you can fly too, if you believe in yourself!

Reading Jeff

Jeff wanted to say thank you for all of your support. Because of you, Jeff's book will be FINISHED SOON! In the book, it talks about what Jeff does in a day. It gives many funny jokes as well as lessons that may help you in your life. Jeff is happy that you have spent some time listening to him and hopes that you will be able to enjoy him in his book. Jeff will keep everyone posted on the book and let you know when it is published. He also will send you a copy of the book if you would like one in your home. It also will hopefully be sold in various book stores. Jeff wants everyone to know that he loves you and thanks you with all his heart!

Jeff's Family

Many of you probably have been wondering about Jeff's family. Well he would like you to meet them! Jeff is close to his family and enjoys getting together with them. The first turtle that Jeff would like you to meet it his wife, Jessie. Jessie is a sea turtle that Jeff met when he went to the coast. Jeff and Jessie have three wonderful children, Jake, Jerry, and Jessica. Jeff and Jessie have enjoyed looking over their children and love each one of them. Jeff also has a brother, Jay, and sister, Jackie. Jeff's parents names are Jim and Josephine. They are extremely proud of their little boy and all he has accomplished. Jeff's step parents are named Joe and Jenna. They are happy that their daughter was able to find a fun turtle like Jeff. Finally we have Jeff's grand parents, Jacob and Jade. As you can see, Jeff has a big family who he likes to spend time with. Jeff say, "I wouldn't trade his family for anything, not even all the sweet strawberries on the Earth!"

Grand Canyon Jeff

Take a look around you. Look up at the sky. Now down to the ground. Just spend some time gazing upon this wonderful Earth. Sometimes we take for granted how much we really have. We have the miracle of life, as well as this amazing planet we have to live on. Remember during the difficult times that even though life may seem bleak, you have so much. Even just think of the small things that you have like clothes on your back and a place to live. It is also fun to think of the stunning places on the Earth such as The Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. Jeff says, "The world is a breathtaking place, but remember to keep breathing!"

Pizzazz Jeff

Jeff says, "It's good to have a hobby! It gives life PIZZAZZ!" When you have something that you enjoy doing, then you have something to look forward to during the day. A hobby can do just that. Find something that you like to do, and spend some time doing it each day. It is even more fun to do a hobby with someone else, such as playing a sport, or a simple game. Others can make your experiences in life more enjoyable. Make sure though that you don't go overboard with a hobby. It will be fun to do each day, but it shouldn't take over your life. Just go out there and have fun with something or someone you love!

Victory Jeff

Also remember that life will have moments when you don't feel good, but remember that pain is temporary. The pain will pass and you will be happy again. This thought always helps Jeff get through the hard times because he knows that there will be happiness in the future. Jeff says, "Pain is temporary. Victory lasts FOREVER!"

Vine Jeff

Jeff wants you to know that you are someone special! No matter what people say, you are amazing. Sometimes we can feel put down by ourselves or by others, but this shouldn't make us feel bad. Try and think of all the positive things about you. Even try and make a list, and you will see how great you are. The list could have such things as "I am fun", "I make others feel good" or even "I will work to achieve my dreams". Jeff says, "You are simply divine, just like what Tarzan likes to swing on. DA VINE!

Sweet Jeff

Jeff want you to remember that life is sweet! Always try and think of the positive especially when you are feeling down. Think of all your things that you have yet to do in your life and all the potential that you have. Think about the people that are close to you and will help you through anything. Think about this planet that you have to live on and the miracle of life. Just remember that you are amazing and special and you can get through anything. Jeff says, "Life is sweet. Take a bite!"

AMAZING JEFF COOKIE!!! THANK YOU JAARSMA'S BAKERY!!!

Kindness Jeff

Jeff says that we need to make the world a better place, but how can we do this? Many people think that changing the world is impossible because it is too big a task. Jeff has the answer to how we change the world. Jeff says, "Change the world with one act of random kindness at a time!" Just like with any task, taking on too much will overwhelm you, and it will make it more difficult to complete your goal. Take on one thing at a time. If we just do small acts of kindness each

HOPEY Jeff

Jeff says, "Be HOPEY and you will achieve your dreams!

Hope is one of the greatest things that brings imagination into reality. Before something comes into existence, it first is thought up, and then is hoped that it will work and come to be. You need to be hopey in order to achieve your dreams. One of Jeff's dreams that he was hopey about was that his voice would be heard all around the world, and look where he is now. He has been spreading his knowledge all over Iowa, Utah, and Hawaii, and he is now multinational as well. He has visited countries in the far east, and he is taking a trip to Mexico soon. If you have hope, than anything is possible!

Forever Jeff

Jeff says that family is extremely important to him. He loves to spend time with them and see them as often as he can. Good communication with the people that you love can brighten your day more than you think. Especially around the holiday season, people need the reminder that you care about them. Try and giving someone in your family a call just to say "Hi" or even let them know how you are doing. It will make both of you smile. Jeff says, "Remind others that you care about them, and you'll be together forever!"

Mirror Jeff

Look at yourself! You are amazing! Jeff wants you to keep being amazing, so he has a little advice for you. Jeff says, "You can make You be the best You You can be. Be Yourself! Always remember that if you have a positive outlook on yourself, then you will be able to achieve great things. The first step to the good path is believing in yourself. If you believe, than you can achieve. You also have to work to be the best you you can be though. If you are willing to go the distance and work hard, than you can achieve your greatest dreams!

Farmer Jeff

Jeff says, "You're outstanding, like a farmer in his field!" He wants you to remember that you are an amazing person, and by working hard, like a farmer, you can do anything you put you're mind to. Don't believe anyone that tells you any different. Don't be the second best you when you can become so much more. Play and relaxation is important, but do make sure that you are still getting work done because if you work hard, you can play even harder. Jeff says, "You can do it. Keep those crops a growin!"

Walking Jeff

Jeff loves nature! He loves to walk around and see all his friends running around in the forest. He loves to smell the flowers and see all the wonder that the earth has created around him. No matter what is going on in Jeff's life, he takes walks in the forest because it relaxes him and gets his mind off things. Jeff encourages you to take a walk in the forest by doing something that gets your mind off things. It is not smart to constantly work or be stressed, so by doing something that relaxes you, it makes you more prepared to get your work done. Jeff says, "Relax and take a walk. It's what your two feet were made for, or sometimes four feet!"

Space Ship Jeff

Jeff needs your help. He is trying to write a book about his life, but he needs help getting it off the ground. In order for him to write the book, he needs a little bit of money, and he would really appreciate it if you would be willing to help him. Jeff says, "Help me reach for the stars!" Please send $3.00 or more to iamjefftheturtle@gmail.com through Paypal to help him get his new book. Jeff thanks you so much for all your support!

Work Fun Jeff

Jeff wants people to know that every time can be a fun time. Even if you have a lot of work to get done, you can make a game out of the work. For example, if you have to clean up your room, make a game like laundry hamper basketball or speed cleaning to see how fast you can get done. If you have something like paperwork to get done, then all you have to do is try and sing the words that you are writing. This will make things go faster and will be more fun. Jeff says, "Work on making work playful!"

Fun Guy Jeff

Every day should be fun one! No matter what happens, you need to have some fun to keep your life going. Jeff knows this and likes to walk in the forest for his fun times. Sometimes he is in there so long that he becomes part of the forest. Jeff wants you to be a fun guy (not the mushroom type though!) He also says that you need to have fun with play and work. Don't be put down just because you have work to do. Often times, he tries to make a game out of work like tossing his stuff into baskets rather than just cleaning them up. Jeff wants you to join him and have fun in your life!

Train Jeff

Jeff says, "The happiness train is a comin!" He says that no matter what situation you are in now, that train will be co

min by again. Listen for the whistle blowin and keep your eyes on the track. What does the happiness train have in its cars you might ask. Well, many of the cars are filled with feelings. Feelings that will brighten your day such as love, compassion, and hope. Other cars are filled with people that you can turn to in your hour of need. These people are always willing to help no matter what the circumstance. Finally, some cars are filled to the brim with fun stuff and activities such as cake, ice cream, roller coasters, TURTLES, and much more. Remember that the happiness train is coming, just watch for it.

Alien Jeff

Jeff says that you shouldn't isolate yourself. Get out into the world and meet people. This doesn't mean that you should just go talk to everyone on the planet, but rather you should be social. Make friends and spend time with them. Other people are like Jeff and want you to be the happiest you that you can be. Jeff says, "Don't be an alien!" Be someone that other people can lean on as well. If you show others that you are there for them, then they will be there for you in the future.

Snail Jeff

Jeff wants everyone to know that you don't always have to be moving at 1,000,000 mph. Take your time, enjoy the journey, and don't forget to smell the flowers. If you just run though life to get to the next point as fast as you can, than there is no purpose. Jeff says that half the trip is getting there. He also want you to take some time for yourself. You deserve it. Even if it is five minutes, take a break and just think about life. Think about all you have done, all you have yet to do, and all the people that you have helped along the way. Jeff says, "It's okay to be slow, just look at me!"

Love Jeff

Jeff says he loves you and wants you to love others. Especially during this time of year close to Valentines day. Give someone a hug. Ask how they are doing. Let them know that you care. Sometimes, people just need someone to talk too. Also, Jeff says, "Don't be afraid to cry. It's your eyes way of talking." Crying is not a bad thing. It shows people that you care about something and that you are human (or a turtle). Just remember that you can always go to others in a time of need. Others want to help you.

I would like to dedicate this post to all the people that have helped the Visser family through this hard time. Thank you

Crazy Jeff

Jeff is questioning the word "Normal". What is normal, and why would anyone want to be it. Jeff says, "You are the best you. Be yourself and show your strangeness." If the world was normal, then nothing would ever happen, no progress would be made, and life would be dull. People used to say a certain person named Albert Einstein was strange, but look at all the things that he did. Who would ever want to be normal anyway. Jeff is not saying to go crazy and do anything, but rather be yourself. Don't let anyone put you down because you are being who you are.

Face Your Fears Jeff

People often run in fear if an opportunity presents itself. They do not want to tackle something when the think they "might" fail. You can't be scared to take risks or to try something new. Jeff does things spontaneously all the time such as the time that he joined Flying Pans. He just saw something that looked fun and went for it. If you take a chance and fail it is not as bad as if you walk away from the chance. Also, Jeff says that you can do anything that you put your mind to. If you believe that you can do something and work hard at it, it will come true. Jeff says, "Face your fears, you can do it!" Jeff also says, "Take something new by grabbing the horns!"

Swimming Jeff

Jeff knows that life can be stressful, and that at times it seems like you can't make it. But he wants to let you know that you CAN do it. No matter the adversity, if you have the right mindset and the goal in your heart then you will be able to overcome the trial. Jeff says, "JUST KEEP SWIMMING!"

 

Don't worry about what you have to do all at once. Just think of the task at hand, no matter how small, finish that, and move on. Jeff says, "Bite off only what you can chew." If you take too much on at one time, then you will not be able to swallow the job.

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3D Jeff

Jeff wants to show you himself in 3D FORM. Now he can stroll around the park or go get a bucket of berries to gobble down. He also wants to just come around to see you and give you a big turtle hug! Jeff says, "Just put one foot in front of the other, and you can go far!"

Head Stand Jeff

Jeff the Turtle wants to talk to all the people that may be struggling with something. He understands how you feel and wants to help. Jeff want people to be happy, and your happiness is the most important thing to him. Jeff says, "If your frowning just stand on your head!" He also says "Fun times are around the corner, so TURN!" All Jeff wants is for you to be happy. YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Classic Jeff Quotes

Jeff wants you to get to know him better. He wants to show you some of the words of wisdom that he has said in the past. Here are some of Jeff's quotes that will help brighten your day!