“Tomorrow is always a new day with no mistakes in it yet,” says Ann of Greengables.
We could always start all over again.
If today’s a bad day, don’t let it spill over the next day.
Set off anew... and move on.
Each day is a clean slate – another chance given to you.
Grab it!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Target Balance
Want to improve your self-esteem?
Try new things – that’s one track.
Get in touch with talents you may have hidden all these years.
Aim for balance – it’s important!
Say, if you think you’re left-brained, experiment on activities that will develop the right side, and vice-versa.
It’s good to have hobbies as well – and take pride in the new skills you develop.
Where to find time?
As in anyone’s experience, if you’re convinced of something, you’ll manage to sneak a little bit of time.
Try new things – that’s one track.
Get in touch with talents you may have hidden all these years.
Aim for balance – it’s important!
Say, if you think you’re left-brained, experiment on activities that will develop the right side, and vice-versa.
It’s good to have hobbies as well – and take pride in the new skills you develop.
Where to find time?
As in anyone’s experience, if you’re convinced of something, you’ll manage to sneak a little bit of time.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Project Change
In a conference, I heard Tony Blair say, “What is forgivable is to fail; what is not forgivable is not to try.”
He explained: “You don’t always succeed... Resistance is there.”
You may think you have a bright idea but for others, it’s not bright at all.
When introducing change, not everyone’s going to be on your side.
There could be rejections.
On sunny days though, you may receive suggestions or even commendations.
One day you fail; another day, you succeed.
Each situation is different. So, do keep trying so you learn to manage change.
Be open... Rectify if you must.
He explained: “You don’t always succeed... Resistance is there.”
You may think you have a bright idea but for others, it’s not bright at all.
When introducing change, not everyone’s going to be on your side.
There could be rejections.
On sunny days though, you may receive suggestions or even commendations.
One day you fail; another day, you succeed.
Each situation is different. So, do keep trying so you learn to manage change.
Be open... Rectify if you must.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Adversity Quotient
“Always remember that no matter how difficult a problem is or how insurmountable it seems... a problem is only a problem if you think you can’t solve it,” says a professor on Problem Solving and Decision Making.
Raise your Adversity Quotient!
Don’t be “onion skinned” – paralyzed with a little scratch.
Let adversities strengthen you...
That depends on how you face them.
Turn problems into opportunities ... make the most out of it!
Raise your Adversity Quotient!
Don’t be “onion skinned” – paralyzed with a little scratch.
Let adversities strengthen you...
That depends on how you face them.
Turn problems into opportunities ... make the most out of it!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Full Stop
I heard somebody say, “Don’t give up. It’s not wise.”
... even if difficulties seem to envelope you.
You may feel like you’re at the end of the road – a dead end, at times.
But it’s always possible to make a turn and go back to the right path.
Keep driving... Gas up, if you need to.
On its own, the car wouldn’t make a full stop unless the driver brings it to a halt!
... even if difficulties seem to envelope you.
You may feel like you’re at the end of the road – a dead end, at times.
But it’s always possible to make a turn and go back to the right path.
Keep driving... Gas up, if you need to.
On its own, the car wouldn’t make a full stop unless the driver brings it to a halt!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Seek to Understand
Don’t be quick to judge!
In others, you may find defects but you’ll never really see what’s inside (even the magic crystal ball can’t do that!).
You, too, are not perfect after all. So, suspend your judgment and try first to understand...
“And in the practice of compassion we discover, perhaps, with some surprise, that charitableness is so much more fun than harsh judgment and criticism.
In faultfinding and vindictive criticism, there is venom that corrodes and destroys the heart of the one who sits in judgment on his fellows.
In compassion, there is constructiveness, a creativity that brings a sense of achievement to the understanding soul – almost a feeling of exhilaration.
Because of our compassion, we are happier persons...”
Ref. Seventeen Steps to Heaven (Leo Trese)
In others, you may find defects but you’ll never really see what’s inside (even the magic crystal ball can’t do that!).
You, too, are not perfect after all. So, suspend your judgment and try first to understand...
“And in the practice of compassion we discover, perhaps, with some surprise, that charitableness is so much more fun than harsh judgment and criticism.
In faultfinding and vindictive criticism, there is venom that corrodes and destroys the heart of the one who sits in judgment on his fellows.
In compassion, there is constructiveness, a creativity that brings a sense of achievement to the understanding soul – almost a feeling of exhilaration.
Because of our compassion, we are happier persons...”
Ref. Seventeen Steps to Heaven (Leo Trese)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Fly High
“Don’t flutter about like a hen, when you can soar to the heights of an eagle.” (The Way, Josemaria Escriva)
If others can do it, why can’t you?
Take courage...aspire to be far above the ground (of course, not too far as reaching the sun to burn you up).
By taking small and sometimes, big steps, you’ll get to your aim.
Obstacles may come but be patient...at the right time, in the right place, you’ll conquer them.
Then, with greater force, more prudence, and better tactics, you’ll do better in the battle front.
Avoid negative thinking... otherwise, you’re proclaimed as defeated even before the war starts.
Be bold...to believe is to see!
If others can do it, why can’t you?
Take courage...aspire to be far above the ground (of course, not too far as reaching the sun to burn you up).
By taking small and sometimes, big steps, you’ll get to your aim.
Obstacles may come but be patient...at the right time, in the right place, you’ll conquer them.
Then, with greater force, more prudence, and better tactics, you’ll do better in the battle front.
Avoid negative thinking... otherwise, you’re proclaimed as defeated even before the war starts.
Be bold...to believe is to see!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Abandonment
"Jesus, take the wheel. Take it from my hands 'coz I can't do this on my own. I'm letting go..."
These lines are taken from a song which unexpectedly entered my mobile phone via bluetooth.
Well, I guess it's meant for me, for us.
When we're no longer sure of ourselves, after having done everything humanly possible, then it's the hour of abandonment.
If things still turn out not as we had expected them to be; then, maybe they're good for us.
We just have to trust...
These lines are taken from a song which unexpectedly entered my mobile phone via bluetooth.
Well, I guess it's meant for me, for us.
When we're no longer sure of ourselves, after having done everything humanly possible, then it's the hour of abandonment.
If things still turn out not as we had expected them to be; then, maybe they're good for us.
We just have to trust...
Friday, October 15, 2010
Pace Yourself
Take things one day at a time...as you leaf through a book from one page to the next.
If you try to solve everything today... most likely, you’ll be overwhelmed.
And before you know it, your “haywired” imagination would have eaten you up.
Don’t be overanxious about tomorrow... wait for each subject to take its turn.
Pace yourself and avoid getting burned out!
If you try to solve everything today... most likely, you’ll be overwhelmed.
And before you know it, your “haywired” imagination would have eaten you up.
Don’t be overanxious about tomorrow... wait for each subject to take its turn.
Pace yourself and avoid getting burned out!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
De-clutter
Spend a minute to take a view of your cabinet...
Overflowing with stuff? Lacking space to fit in all your effects?
If so, it’s time to sort things out one by one – this one, I still need; that other one, I don’t...
As soon as you’re done, there’ll be “magic” in your life.
It’ll be simpler, easier, and HAPPIER.
(Actually, it’s not “magic.” It’s just the natural consequence of de-cluttering. Most of the time, the state of our life is reflected in the amount of things we hold on to – some may be indispensable but most may not be truly necessary. If we’ve got too much stuff, it’s time to de-clutter – your brain, too - before your entire cabinet falls on you! Take a hold of your life and don’t allow yourself to be enslaved!)
Overflowing with stuff? Lacking space to fit in all your effects?
If so, it’s time to sort things out one by one – this one, I still need; that other one, I don’t...
As soon as you’re done, there’ll be “magic” in your life.
It’ll be simpler, easier, and HAPPIER.
(Actually, it’s not “magic.” It’s just the natural consequence of de-cluttering. Most of the time, the state of our life is reflected in the amount of things we hold on to – some may be indispensable but most may not be truly necessary. If we’ve got too much stuff, it’s time to de-clutter – your brain, too - before your entire cabinet falls on you! Take a hold of your life and don’t allow yourself to be enslaved!)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Time and Space
Relationships are never perfect... there are usually bumps.
When such times come, you may be quick to forgive and forget...but you can’t expect and force the other to be as swift as you are.
If the person’s not ready... give him/her time and space...
Take the chance to reflect – it’s an indispensable step! You, as well, ought to own up mistakes.
When you’re both ready, face each other to iron things out. And you’ll see ... what better results you’ll have.
When such times come, you may be quick to forgive and forget...but you can’t expect and force the other to be as swift as you are.
If the person’s not ready... give him/her time and space...
Take the chance to reflect – it’s an indispensable step! You, as well, ought to own up mistakes.
When you’re both ready, face each other to iron things out. And you’ll see ... what better results you’ll have.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Not Just Feelings
Love is not a matter of feelings – although feelings facilitate loving, nonetheless. But feelings come and go. Neither is love a matter of the intellect. Ideas should not be detached from emotions, leaving the idea bland and emotionally flat. Love knows how to strike the balance.
Love is kept burning from beginning until the end – consistently, persistently. Of course, there may be “dark nights.” But it doesn’t mean love is gone. It simply means that one finds oneself in extraordinary moments when love is tested and proven to be true.
Love is kept burning from beginning until the end – consistently, persistently. Of course, there may be “dark nights.” But it doesn’t mean love is gone. It simply means that one finds oneself in extraordinary moments when love is tested and proven to be true.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Smile
I just received this e-mail and found it interesting:
"The most thoroughly wasted of all days is that on which one has not laughed."
Enjoy each day!
By tomorrow, it’s already yesterday.
How to make each day meaningful?
Smile, laugh... and make others do the same.
That’s a clear indicator that you’ve spent the day well.
"The most thoroughly wasted of all days is that on which one has not laughed."
Enjoy each day!
By tomorrow, it’s already yesterday.
How to make each day meaningful?
Smile, laugh... and make others do the same.
That’s a clear indicator that you’ve spent the day well.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Set Free
Our stay in this world is not forever. That’s 101% sure!
Nobody escapes this reality... no riches can extend it if it’s really time to go.
Many don’t even want to think about it – “It’s morbid,” said a classmate of mine.
But whether we like it or not, we’ll have face it at one point in our lives.
Ergo, if you’re too immersed in your own world right now, kindly step back a little and look at your life from an outsider’s perspective... Where are you heading?
Understand that “all passes away in this life, whether it be joy or sorrow; but in eternity nothing passes away...We must leave all to gain all... He that desires nothing in this world is master of the whole world.” (Alphonsus de Ligouri)
Detachment is the name of the game.
Nobody escapes this reality... no riches can extend it if it’s really time to go.
Many don’t even want to think about it – “It’s morbid,” said a classmate of mine.
But whether we like it or not, we’ll have face it at one point in our lives.
Ergo, if you’re too immersed in your own world right now, kindly step back a little and look at your life from an outsider’s perspective... Where are you heading?
Understand that “all passes away in this life, whether it be joy or sorrow; but in eternity nothing passes away...We must leave all to gain all... He that desires nothing in this world is master of the whole world.” (Alphonsus de Ligouri)
Detachment is the name of the game.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Trust
Trust is given; trust is gained.
It cements all relationships.
It’s not forced overnight.
Days have to be counted.
Give yourself and you’ll learn it.
Once there, it is nurtured.
Yes, it could be broken.
But it could also be repaired.
The more you trust, the more you love.
And the more you love, the more you trust.
It cements all relationships.
It’s not forced overnight.
Days have to be counted.
Give yourself and you’ll learn it.
Once there, it is nurtured.
Yes, it could be broken.
But it could also be repaired.
The more you trust, the more you love.
And the more you love, the more you trust.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Rough Edges
Polishing is what our whole life is all about.
“It is inevitable that you should feel the rub of other people's characters against your own. After all, you are not a gold coin that everyone likes.
Besides, without that friction produced by contact with others, how would you ever lose those corners, those edges and projections — the imperfections and defects — of your character, and acquire the smooth and regular finish, the firm flexibility of charity, of perfection?”
So, don’t turn away from people you don’t like or your opposite or those who challenge or contradict you... they’ll smoothen those rough edges of yours!
Ref. The Way (Josemaria Escriva)
“It is inevitable that you should feel the rub of other people's characters against your own. After all, you are not a gold coin that everyone likes.
Besides, without that friction produced by contact with others, how would you ever lose those corners, those edges and projections — the imperfections and defects — of your character, and acquire the smooth and regular finish, the firm flexibility of charity, of perfection?”
So, don’t turn away from people you don’t like or your opposite or those who challenge or contradict you... they’ll smoothen those rough edges of yours!
Ref. The Way (Josemaria Escriva)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Fear Cycle
If you want to love... Don’t get stuck in the fear cycle!
How does one get caught in the cycle?
Obviously, it starts with previous negative experiences which generate more fear, leading a person to inaction in the form of paralysis, procrastination or purposelessness, thereby missing the chance to learn and face future obstacles. Side effects: self-pity, excuses, misused energy, hopelessness.
One moves further into the cycle by not wanting to experience anything that could possibly fail. This inexperience leads to further inability to handle difficult situations in the future. And it goes on and on... The deeper the person falls into fear, the harder it is to break the cycle.
Solution?... Don’t get misled – it’s not to remove the fear.
You can never avoid it... but you can conquer it! “The only way to break the cycle is to face your fear and take action, even though it may seem small or insignificant.”
Ref. Failing Forward (John Maxwell)
How does one get caught in the cycle?
Obviously, it starts with previous negative experiences which generate more fear, leading a person to inaction in the form of paralysis, procrastination or purposelessness, thereby missing the chance to learn and face future obstacles. Side effects: self-pity, excuses, misused energy, hopelessness.
One moves further into the cycle by not wanting to experience anything that could possibly fail. This inexperience leads to further inability to handle difficult situations in the future. And it goes on and on... The deeper the person falls into fear, the harder it is to break the cycle.
Solution?... Don’t get misled – it’s not to remove the fear.
You can never avoid it... but you can conquer it! “The only way to break the cycle is to face your fear and take action, even though it may seem small or insignificant.”
Ref. Failing Forward (John Maxwell)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
High Expectations
Caution: Expectations could stifle the ones who love YOU.
Worse, this could make it hard for them to “spell” YOU – to know each and every letter needed so YOU know they love YOU.
Unpredictability will then characterize YOU.
Yes, they’ll keep trying but they’ll never satisfy YOU...
Reason - Your world is centered on YOU.
Quite dangerous ... Happiness – yours and theirs - is at stake!!!
Worse, this could make it hard for them to “spell” YOU – to know each and every letter needed so YOU know they love YOU.
Unpredictability will then characterize YOU.
Yes, they’ll keep trying but they’ll never satisfy YOU...
Reason - Your world is centered on YOU.
Quite dangerous ... Happiness – yours and theirs - is at stake!!!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Red Flag: Anger (Part 2)
(Note: Since the 1st part had the most number of views, far exceeding the rest, I’ve prepared a sequel.)
“Never correct anyone while you are still indignant about a fault committed. Wait until the next day, or even longer. And then, calmly, and with a purer intention, make your reprimand. You will gain more by one friendly word than by a three-hour quarrel. Control your temper.” (The Way, Josemaria Escriva)
Simply put, let it sit.
Wait awhile until passions have subsided ...
And 100% guaranteed... you’ll have a better take on the matter.
More yet, you won’t forego your highly valued peace.
“Never correct anyone while you are still indignant about a fault committed. Wait until the next day, or even longer. And then, calmly, and with a purer intention, make your reprimand. You will gain more by one friendly word than by a three-hour quarrel. Control your temper.” (The Way, Josemaria Escriva)
Simply put, let it sit.
Wait awhile until passions have subsided ...
And 100% guaranteed... you’ll have a better take on the matter.
More yet, you won’t forego your highly valued peace.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tough Times
There are times in one’s life that are more challenging than the rest...you feel like you’re going to burst.
And there are also various ways of facing them – escaping is one, blaming is another.
But perhaps, the best course to take is to acknowledge that it is difficult, painful – and more yet, you’re “ironman” no more.
In short, face it.
... and by the way, don’t be ashamed to cry... we’re all humans anyway.
Then, off you go ... find solutions, learn insights, move ahead.
Very soon, you’ll be out of the dark.
And there are also various ways of facing them – escaping is one, blaming is another.
But perhaps, the best course to take is to acknowledge that it is difficult, painful – and more yet, you’re “ironman” no more.
In short, face it.
... and by the way, don’t be ashamed to cry... we’re all humans anyway.
Then, off you go ... find solutions, learn insights, move ahead.
Very soon, you’ll be out of the dark.
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