Category: inspiration

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inspiration

Hope Rises…AGAIN!

Another journey across the earth begun
As a new day dawns with the rising sun
Bursting forth in resplendent glory
Once again echoing the amazing story
To every tongue, every tribe and nation
That Hope rises…again

In the midst of the sadness and the gloom
Another beautiful flower starts to bloom
And you know beyond any shadow of doubt
No matter what you are feeling ‘sad’ about
That this is yet another indication
That Hope rises…again

Though your heart is filled with pain
And your tears seem to flow like rain
Hovering above the lush green fields that grow
Beyond the hills you can see the rainbow
Providing yet another demonstration
That Hope rises…again

Consider the fishes in the seas as they swim
The birds in the air as they dance and sing
Every single aspect of God’s wondrous creation
He made you more special than each and every one
Exult at the thought, bask in the realization
That HOPE RISES…AGAIN!

#hoperises #hope #optimism

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inspiration

First Impressions Last – But Should They?

We generally aim to ‘make a good first impression’; but perhaps this is idea that is actually quite overrated?

Because of our varied personalities and experiences, we are all predisposed to displaying different behaviors in different situations and around different persons, behaviours which might even be seen by some as ‘inappropriate.’ Given that each of us reflects the amalgamation of our various experiences at any given point, isn’t it therefore unreasonable to write off someone on the basis of that one ‘first’ impression? Is that how we would want to be treated?

We all have bad days and bad moments which, in hindsight, we may not be proud about. Some of these experiences can often be the catalyst that drives us to improve, or to become better persons, thereby allowing us to ‘grow’ out of that person we were when we displayed such behavior. Furthermore, how many of us have always shown their ‘true colours’ when meeting a group of total strangers? There is – or ought to be – room for redemption for everyone.

By that same logic, we are all capable of doing good things at different times, even those who we would consider undeserving of being shown kindness in any form. Therefore, would the sight of someone displaying good or positive behavior convince you that such a person is necessarily someone you would consider a ‘good person?’ It could be quite risky to form such a conclusion at that stage.

Furthermore, to continue to treat others on the basis of first impression is to ignore the fact that we too are making a first impression on someone else and therefore are subject to the same kind of judgement we pronounce on others, some of which can ultimately keep us back.

Let’s face it: if we were to rely on first impressions to write off or build attachment to others, our sphere of friendships would likely look very different today.

#FirstImpressionsLast #FirstImpression

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inspiration

Reality? Or Perception?

Someone’s reality and our perception can sometimes be world apart – until we take the time to get to know them

From the outside, we tend to see other people’s lives in either black or white. That is, we either love what we see or we hate what we see, mistakenly assuming what we see has got to be the reality. However, if we take the time to get the ‘inside scoop’ so to speak, we might find that there are numerous nuances and specificities that contribute to what, in reality, is a vastly different, complicated, and perhaps even interesting, picture than meets the eye!

The wise among us recognize that we should not seek to make conclusions about others simply based on what we see. After all many apparently poor people are inexplicably happy, and many apparently wealthy people are most miserable and unhappy! Conversely some who appear full of life and upbeat might be carrying great pain and scars underneath.

Sometimes we interpret restraint in others to be cowardice, missing the point that it takes great strength and self-control to keep one’s temper in check. Or perhaps we see someone’s willingness to forgive a grievous and malicious act against them as being foolish, when by extending forgiveness, they are wisely choosing to let go of the self-destructive poison of animosity and anger.

We need to delay forming conclusions about others until we have ‘walked in their shoes’ thereby getting the complete picture, and understand the underlying reason for their actions. Otherwise we can either be embarrassed on one hand, or cause embarrassment to others on the other hand.

They more we take time to really get to know others and what their real story is rather than being judgemental and jumping to conclusions, the more we will get to understand, and appreciate, that sometimes our perception of others’ reality is merely an illusion.

#perception #illusion

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inspiration

THE POWER IN YOUR MIRROR

Every time someone looks in a mirror

There’s a lot that they can see

For it either shows them who they are

Or something else they’re tryin to be

Take a good look in your mirror

Then take another look, or even two!

Do you recognize that AMAZING person

Who is looking right back at you?

When you look into the mirror

Do you really see yourself?

Do you see an image of AWESOMENESS

Or do you see something else?

Each time you look in a mirror

It’s a perfect opportunity

To see God’s AWESOME HANDIWORK

Of perfect and incomparable beauty

The next time you look ino a mirror

And gaze deeply into those eyes

I hope you notice the AMAZING POWER

That deep inside you lies.

Take time to look in the mirror

At that PERFECT YOU God made

Embrace that PRECIOUS IMAGE you see

No matter the height, size, or shade!

#Me #Reflection #MyMirror #WhoIAm #WhoAmI

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inspiration

The ‘little’ things…

The friendly smile, the gentle touch,

The timely word that means so much

The helping hand, the random act

That leaves someone not knowing how to react

The word of praise that needs no permission

And the hearty ‘thank you’ signifying a recognition

That someone didn’t have to, but still chose to do

Something that has meant the world to you.

Its the little things, that cost us so little

And which seem so insignificant like a jot or a tittle

That can have the biggest impact and leave a huge mark

On not just the receiver, but on our own heart

It is not the big things, no, far from it!

Give it a try and you’ll be forced to admit

That one small act can make a huge difference

To someone, anyone, whether strangers, or friends.

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inspiration

Do you trust the advice you give to others?

Do you trust yourself to give good advice to others?

How much do you trust the advice you give your closest friends or loved ones when they come to you about some challenge they face, or important decisions they have to make?

A little? A lot? Perhaps none at all?

We are often able to provide our most objective advice to our loved ones, regardless of the nature of the challenges they might be having. We tend to listen to them closely enough to really HEAR and understand what they are saying – and maybe even what they are not saying.

The bottom line is that when we love someone we usually would like to know they will have the best outcome possible, and hence our approach to offering advice tends to be more attentive and measured; practical and at the same time sympathetic.


Amazingly, our advice to others are sometimes treated as irrelevant when we face similar circumstances! Mind you, there might be certain details that make the same advice impractical in our own circumstances. However, for the most part, we might end up totally snubbing our own advice. Part of the reason might just be that no matter how much we think we understand what someone is going through, maybe we really don’t – or not as much as we thought! Moreover, it is far easier to give advice, than to act on the same advice even when faced with the same set of circumstances.

There’s no guarantee that the advice we give, even if sought, will be acted on. It might just be that when all the relevant facts are considered, they might find it difficult – very difficult – to actually act on it. Sometimes it’s out of fear of the unknown, or fear of the repressions, or perhaps because acting on the advice might see them being pushed too far out of their comfort zone.

When we offer advice, it is the best interest of the recipient that takes priority; not ours. Once that is the case, if our advice is good enough for others then it is good enough for ourselves. Recognizing this can help us to trust ourselves more, and ultimately benefit from the very advice we may have imparted to others.

#advice #GivingGoodAdvice

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inspiration

A Terrible Combination

So you spoke your mind…then what?

When you argue with someone is your aim solely to win the argument? Or is it to win over a friend or protect a friendship?

An angry state of mind and an ‘unbridled tongue’ I believe can be one of the most consequential combinations that negatively impact our day to day interactions. Admittedly, an angry disposition PLUS a weapon can be more dangerous, but that’s not the focus of this piece.

Too often we jump at every opportunity to voice our discontent or disdain about something that someone said or did, and we make use of a ‘loose’ tongue to ‘speak our mind’ and exact retribution and judgement against the person.

This is not necessarily to say that we should not voice our discontent. I believe it is best to ‘get stuff off our chest’ instead of harbouring malice and ill will against someone. However, resolving conflict in our interactions with others requires maturity and authenticity, and it helps to approach this with an appropriate combination of action and words. This is indeed the healthiest way to reach a resolution – IF reaching a resolution is in fact the goal.

Whether they be spoken or typed onto a screen, unless we stop and think about the intention or motive of the words we are about to utter, or type, we often end up causing more harm than good.

It sometimes requires us taking a step back, and a few more moments of thought – until the mind is clear – to rectify the situation and create a more harmonious outcome from the conversation. Thus we can end up sparing someone, even ourselves, great embarrassment.

Let us learn to pause before responding. There is great wisdom and value in the occasional delay.

Even if a conversation is charged, a positive outcome can be attained if we are mindful of how we go about it

#ThinkThenSpeak #PositiveConversations #BeCalm

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inspiration

“It’s YOUR Fault; Not MINE!”

If you keep looking for someone to blame, you will find them.

“I’ve messed up yet again; who should I put the blame on this time?”

Well…maybe not in those exact words, but by our very actions we might very well be guilty of blaming others for our mistakes and failures.

We all make bad decisions: some intentional, some unintentional, and others, well, through other people. Yes, sometimes we make decisions that involve other people who we use as surrogates for ourselves, creating the perfect opportunity to disown the outcomes. Decisions that can lead to one logical outcome: our own downfall.

When we selfishly live our life without considering others around us, we are setting ourselves up for isolation and loneliness;

When we fail to consider the feelings of others in our interactions with them, we are creating a hostile environment for ourselves;

When we pursue a philosophy of win/lose, where ‘I must win and you must lose’ thereby putting us in competition with everyone else, we instinctively find ways to keep others down ‘by any means necessary’.

When we selfishly refuse to lend a helping hand to someone else in need, even when we have the ability/capacity to do so, we are limiting the chance of others helping us in our own times of need.

When we seek to blame our past, our parents, or our circumstances while growing up for who we have become and for where we are now, we are denying the free will that we have, as adults, to make our own decisions.

Yes, when we refuse to take responsibility for our own actions and their outcomes, we might well be indirectly shifting the blame to others. Owning our actions and their outcomes allows us to humbly accept the responsibility for their outcomes, and the reward from learning from them.

Because he who refuses to learn from his mistakes is bound to repeat them.

If this were your name tag, would it accurately reflect who you are?

#OwnIt #TakingResponsibility #ItsMyLife #SuccessDependsOnMe #Winning

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inspiration

Routines Are Important (And So Are Disruptions)

DISRUPTIONS: Can’t live with them; can’t live without them

Our days are full of routines. They are necessary for us to operate at peak efficiency while infusing some measure of predictability and a healthy level calmness into our days. Regardless how spontaneous we might be, we do observe routines in most aspects of our lives.

Sometimes our routines get messed up. At times it results from our own action or inaction, while other times it is caused by events outside of our control. Perhaps it’s our bus being late; or a medical emergency; or perhaps something as simple as having to go back for an item we accidentally left at home.

When our routines are derailed we might find ourselves stressed and in a rush trying to ‘catch up’. The result: missing out on opportunities to take a well-needed break; missing out on opportunities for personal growth; or missing out on opportunities to share a laugh with friends. Sometimes it means missing out on opportunities to be a blessing to others.

Let us be alert to opportunities disguised as disruptions to our routines that we encounter each day. Let us anticipate disruptions and plan for them. When these disruptions come, let us seize the moment, and take advantage of the opportunity they present, to have a positive impact on the world we live in.

#HandlingDisruptions #Disruptions #Routines

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inspiration

Grow Where You Are Planted

A farmer never digs up the seed he has planted, to observe its progress. Neither does he keep moving the seed from one place to another before it germinates. If he does that, the seed will never germinate and grow to yield the rich harvest he seeks.

A good farmer knows that quite a lot goes on from this…

Like a seed, real transformation in our lives does not happen in a moment, nor a day, nor even a week. Instead it occurs over time as we patiently allow the strength we are developing within ourselves to ‘germinate’, take root, and grow into something beautiful.

… to this …

The process is chock full of laughter and tears, joy and pain, with numerous twists and turns along the way. But if we are ever to move from our current position at point A to point B(ETTER), we gotta allow the PROCESS to run its course.

You can indeed grow, and thrive, where you are planted if you just be patient with the process.

… to this.

#Growing #WorkingWithTheProcess #PersonalGrowth #Becoming