HAPPY NEW YEAR.
1 year ago
Your inner self
Nothing will be of any use to you unless you have the capacity within yourself to know it and accept it. Peace, love, beauty, success and fulfillment have meaning to you only when they have meaning within you. It is by knowing yourself that you can know all else. It is through nurturing love and goodness within you that you can experience love and goodness in the world around you.
Feel the purpose
There are times when nothing can hold you back. Imagine making today one of those times. There are moments when you're able to focus with absolute clarity and act with maximum effectiveness. You can make this moment one of those moments. What makes the critical difference that creates those times of optimum performance? What makes the difference is a clear and unambiguous connection to purpose.
Every act
Whatever you do, do it with passion, with love, with full attention and awareness. Put all you have into even the smallest of acts. The richness of life is in the doing. Fulfillment comes not from getting, taking, having or keeping, but from being and becoming. In every action there is the opportunity for greatness. The more of yourself you put into all that you do, the more successful you will be. This moment is not a practice or preparation. Now is when real life happens.
Your own special greatness
If something is truly important to the core of your being, then there is most certainly a way to make it happen. When you make the effort and spend the time on what really matters, the rewards will be great indeed. It will never be easy to follow your purpose. For by its very definition, your highest purpose demands the best that you have to offer. Yet following that purpose will fulfill you in a way that nothing else can. To every extent possible, align your priorities to who you truly are. Let your own special greatness light up this world.
Take the cue
What you see, what you think, what you feel, has a reason. What you happen upon, seemingly by blind chance, has a reason. In all that you experience is the voice of your most authentic self, carrying an important, appropriate and timely message. Listen, and seek to lovingly understand what the experience of each moment is saying. All the wisdom you've collected is speaking to you. All the possibilities that spread out in front of you, are calling to you.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Q of the day
12:25 PM
Americanising Desi
List the worst pickup lines you've heard (or can think of).
Some people just aren't as suave as they think they are.
Read more »
Some people just aren't as suave as they think they are.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Happy??
6:37 AM
Americanising Desi
Counting your blessings isn’t just practice for good arithmetic.
If you want to be happy, start believing you are.
Read more »
If you want to be happy, start believing you are.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
you are divine, we are divine
6:34 AM
Americanising Desi
Divine: not in the, “lightning bolt throwing, ocean swallowing, fire spitting, sword wielding, drinking-in-the-cosmos, fear inspiring deity” kind of matter.
But rather, we are divine.
Divine: as in, “the miracle of someone’s life, behold your ordinary and extraordinary beauty, let me hold you in my arms and cry with you, comes with both imperfections and perfections, an earthly deity looking to love so beautifully” kind of matter.
Every day, you are divine.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Q of the day
1:28 PM
Americanising Desi
What do you usually want to know about someone when meeting them for the first time?
Why is this information intriguing to you?
Read more »
Why is this information intriguing to you?
Every Corner
12:41 AM
Americanising Desi
Achievement in one area of your life shines a positive light on all the other areas in your life. So when you seem to be stuck in one part of your life, put some effort into making improvements elsewhere.
If, for example, you're having trouble making progress in your career, work on improving your level of physical fitness. The beneficial effects of a higher level of fitness will spill over into all parts of your life.
By the same token, you can't expect to ignore important parts of your life and have things go well in other areas. You can't ignore your spouse and family and expect your job to take up the slack.
Success is a full-time endeavor. It comes when you integrate positive efforts and expectations into every corner of your life.
Your health, your finances, your friendships, family, faith, community, career, learning, relaxation and recreation all contribute to each other. Balance your time and attention on a daily basis among all the things that truly matter, and the positive momentum will quickly grow.
The achievements that really matter are those that enhance your whole life.
Read more »
If, for example, you're having trouble making progress in your career, work on improving your level of physical fitness. The beneficial effects of a higher level of fitness will spill over into all parts of your life.
By the same token, you can't expect to ignore important parts of your life and have things go well in other areas. You can't ignore your spouse and family and expect your job to take up the slack.
Success is a full-time endeavor. It comes when you integrate positive efforts and expectations into every corner of your life.
Your health, your finances, your friendships, family, faith, community, career, learning, relaxation and recreation all contribute to each other. Balance your time and attention on a daily basis among all the things that truly matter, and the positive momentum will quickly grow.
The achievements that really matter are those that enhance your whole life.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Q of the day
1:27 PM
Americanising Desi
What would you like to do on your next birthday?
List the things that would help make getting older a little more pleasant.
Read more »
List the things that would help make getting older a little more pleasant.
See Clearly
5:09 AM
Americanising Desi
Focusing on the positive does not mean ignoring the negative. It is unrealistic and detrimental to deny that negative things exist.
Positive focus is determined more by how you respond than by how you perceive. There is no positive value in refusing to see or acknowledge your problems. In fact, that could be very harmful.
A positive attitude is not achieved by turning a blind eye to the negative, but rather by responding to every situation in the most positive way possible.
See negative things for what they are, and then respond with positive action. Acknowledge and accept the problems, the difficulties, the shortcomings, the abuses, and then do something positive about them. Denial and evasion will do nothing to address your problems. Positive action will.
Read more »
Positive focus is determined more by how you respond than by how you perceive. There is no positive value in refusing to see or acknowledge your problems. In fact, that could be very harmful.
A positive attitude is not achieved by turning a blind eye to the negative, but rather by responding to every situation in the most positive way possible.
See negative things for what they are, and then respond with positive action. Acknowledge and accept the problems, the difficulties, the shortcomings, the abuses, and then do something positive about them. Denial and evasion will do nothing to address your problems. Positive action will.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
What are you afraid of?
5:08 AM
Americanising Desi
The next time you feel anxiety, frustration, anger or despair, ask yourself -- what are you so afraid of? Negative reactions are almost always based on fear.
Many fears are useful and even essential. Other fears are not. Yet no matter how realistic or unrealistic a fear may be, it is always helpful to know what that fear is.
Why waste effort avoiding your fears, when you can use that energy to confront them? Look directly at your fears, and you've taken the first step toward getting past them.
Seek to cure the problem rather than just the symptom. Avoid hiding behind your negative reactions. Save yourself a lot of anguish. If there's something that causes you fear, do something about it.
Read more »
Many fears are useful and even essential. Other fears are not. Yet no matter how realistic or unrealistic a fear may be, it is always helpful to know what that fear is.
Why waste effort avoiding your fears, when you can use that energy to confront them? Look directly at your fears, and you've taken the first step toward getting past them.
Seek to cure the problem rather than just the symptom. Avoid hiding behind your negative reactions. Save yourself a lot of anguish. If there's something that causes you fear, do something about it.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Road to Forgiveness
1:10 AM
Americanising Desi
It is only when we realize our self need to be forgiven; we cultivate in us the habit of forgiving. With it comes the intention of making life worth living for self and others around us and so the motto, 'Live and Let Live!'In our habit as human we often indulge in the delight of treating people badly. So yes maybe they deserve it, but then is it worth it? To carry the heart in black filled with smoke and no ventilation? I have known some who deliberately come in finding ways to make lives miserable. I am yet to figure out the science where, we are so prone to pass judgments on others’ actions because somehow God has made us eligible enough to know exactly how the other person should behave. I get sick of people in general. It is not a habit it has been stabbed into my system. I use the expression stab, because it had been their deliberate attempt for me to abhor them so much. My friends tell me I am an easy to adjust with person, because I am. I don’t have a hard and fast line drawn on the good and bad, unless it concerns me and I judge no one on the basis of their doings. Some people come in and shit from their mouths and yet I keep my cool and let it pass; for the stink can only stay until I spray my air freshener or until I pull the flush. As we progress in our resurgence from the staunch judgmental fool to the forgiving souls, we find that, to accept ourselves, we must accept those around us. It is easy to label and say someone is full of crap and doesn’t need to be done any forgiveness or good deed with but the hard part is to let it go and feel free from the ache of excess unnecessary baggage. I have tried it, I have let my baggage off and it really feels great.
It may be difficult to be an audience to someone’s insanity as he/she displays more signs of going deep into the gutter than any revival. I have detached myself from the problems, just so I can start living in the solution. Now if I feel affected by anyone's actions or words, no matter how much it cuts me through I have adorned in my attire the smile of forgiveness. I am willingly being staunch about it. I choose to forgive and let go. Insane!!! Yes I hear you. But it is peace and that is my seek.
I have expected things to be my way for a long time. But today might be the day where I will strive to forgive more whether you forgive me or not. There is no give and take for me in this. I will give; I will try to act in such a way that I ignite in me the reason of self-love, of worthiness, of God's approval of me.
And Gandhi ji said,
Monday, August 24, 2009
Ambition or Arrogance
5:08 AM
Americanising Desi
Too many people confuse ambition with arrogance, and then wonder why it fails them.
The distinctions between ambition and arrogance are sometimes subtle, yet critical. From a distance, the two can appear to be the same. However, their results are worlds apart.
Ambition is expecting the best of yourself. Arrogance is believing you are better than others. Ambition is the desire to make a difference. Arrogance is the belief that you're indispensable. Ambition is doing whatever it takes to accomplish what you know you deserve. Arrogance is thinking that the world owes you something, and doing what you can to take it. Ambition is disciplined and assertive. Arrogance is pushy. Ambition is responsible and respectful. Arrogance is destructive and disdainful.
Are you driven by ambition or arrogance? Arrogance will drive you into the ground. Ambition will drive you to the top.
Read more »
The distinctions between ambition and arrogance are sometimes subtle, yet critical. From a distance, the two can appear to be the same. However, their results are worlds apart.
Ambition is expecting the best of yourself. Arrogance is believing you are better than others. Ambition is the desire to make a difference. Arrogance is the belief that you're indispensable. Ambition is doing whatever it takes to accomplish what you know you deserve. Arrogance is thinking that the world owes you something, and doing what you can to take it. Ambition is disciplined and assertive. Arrogance is pushy. Ambition is responsible and respectful. Arrogance is destructive and disdainful.
Are you driven by ambition or arrogance? Arrogance will drive you into the ground. Ambition will drive you to the top.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Out of the Ordinary
5:03 AM
Americanising Desi
There is nothing ordinary about life. It is the most precious thing you possess. Life is at once strong and fragile, on both counts requiring the utmost respect and consideration.
There are no ordinary moments. No matter what the circumstance, there is always, always the potential for greatness befitting the wonderous character of life itself. The difficult times, the challenges, the tragedies are all the more reason to make the most of each precious moment.
No moment is ordinary when you care, when you sincerely give of yourself, when you make the effort to make it count. Whether you're giving your child a bath, designing software, playing golf, or waiting tables, each moment is a golden opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to create, to help, to love, to fully live.
Read more »
There are no ordinary moments. No matter what the circumstance, there is always, always the potential for greatness befitting the wonderous character of life itself. The difficult times, the challenges, the tragedies are all the more reason to make the most of each precious moment.
No moment is ordinary when you care, when you sincerely give of yourself, when you make the effort to make it count. Whether you're giving your child a bath, designing software, playing golf, or waiting tables, each moment is a golden opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to create, to help, to love, to fully live.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Looking beneath the surface
5:02 AM
Americanising Desi
Have you ever looked at a "Magic Eye" image? It's one of those pictures with a repeating pattern, and a hidden 3-dimensional image. To see the hidden image, you have to focus your eyes "behind" the surface of the paper, which is initially very counter-intuitive. We have a tendency to look at what's "there", and that prevents us from seeing what's "behind there." If you relax your eyes though, the hidden image will eventually "pop" into view, with amazing clarity.
Interestingly, once you've seen the hidden image, it is much easier to see it again. That's because you know, from experience, where and how to look for it.
Doesn't it make you wonder what other things lie "hidden" beneath the surface? The superficial things in life can be very distracting, and can prevent us from seeing what's behind them.
The next time something seems "obvious" ask yourself what else is there. What are you not seeing because you're looking too intently? Some of the most interesting people, the most exciting opportunities, the most powerful secrets of life reveal themselves with great subtlety.
Read more »
Interestingly, once you've seen the hidden image, it is much easier to see it again. That's because you know, from experience, where and how to look for it.
Doesn't it make you wonder what other things lie "hidden" beneath the surface? The superficial things in life can be very distracting, and can prevent us from seeing what's behind them.
The next time something seems "obvious" ask yourself what else is there. What are you not seeing because you're looking too intently? Some of the most interesting people, the most exciting opportunities, the most powerful secrets of life reveal themselves with great subtlety.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Q of the day
4:59 PM
Americanising Desi
What would you do if you were given a million dollars and only had one week to spend it?
Read more »
Take it up a notch
5:01 AM
Americanising Desi
It takes just as much effort to live poorly as it does to live well. It takes just as much effort to be mediocre as it does to be magnificent. As long as you're going to put in the time, you might as well make it count.
There are many people who pay to play golf, and there are some who get paid millions of dollars to play golf. There are some people who earn a few dollars per hour cooking food, and others who earn millions doing it. The difference is not in the time or effort expended, but rather in the commitment to excellence. The minimum wage cook is thinking about what he'll do when his shift is over. The millionaire chef is thinking of ways to improve his food. And they both get exactly what they dwell upon.
Whatever can be done, can be done better. Your situation doesn't limit you. There is opportunity for excellence in every situation. Any limitations you have are the result of your own attitude.
Take it up a notch. Aim a little higher today, and higher yet tomorrow. Think big. Make it count, and make a difference.
Read more »
There are many people who pay to play golf, and there are some who get paid millions of dollars to play golf. There are some people who earn a few dollars per hour cooking food, and others who earn millions doing it. The difference is not in the time or effort expended, but rather in the commitment to excellence. The minimum wage cook is thinking about what he'll do when his shift is over. The millionaire chef is thinking of ways to improve his food. And they both get exactly what they dwell upon.
Whatever can be done, can be done better. Your situation doesn't limit you. There is opportunity for excellence in every situation. Any limitations you have are the result of your own attitude.
Take it up a notch. Aim a little higher today, and higher yet tomorrow. Think big. Make it count, and make a difference.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Imagine Yourself
4:58 AM
Americanising Desi
Imagination is our strongest tool --
basically, the ability to see
ordinary things in new ways.
-- Keith Herrmann
Imagine your perfect day. You are surrounded by the people you most enjoy and admire. You are in your favorite place. You are doing what you love to to, and you're very good at it. You have all the things you need to enjoy life, to be effective and fulfilled.
There is no limit to what you can imagine. And whatever you can imagine, you can become. Yet imagination is only the first step. To get there, action is also needed. Imagination will guide that action. Most of us are taking some kind of action all the time. We have no shortage of action. Without imagination though, many of our actions are wasted. Imagination will guide your actions in the direction of your dreams.
Imagine yourself being, doing, having whatever you want. See it vividly in all its detail. Feel it. Enjoy it. See it so completely and so realistically that you literally begin taking the actions necessary to get there.
Imagine yourself following every step along the way. Pay particular attention to the first step, because that's the one you need to be taking now... There, did you take that first step? Your imagination is well on its way to becoming reality. Now move on to the second step. Your imagination can lead you there, as long as you do the walking.
Read more »
basically, the ability to see
ordinary things in new ways.
-- Keith Herrmann
Imagine your perfect day. You are surrounded by the people you most enjoy and admire. You are in your favorite place. You are doing what you love to to, and you're very good at it. You have all the things you need to enjoy life, to be effective and fulfilled.
There is no limit to what you can imagine. And whatever you can imagine, you can become. Yet imagination is only the first step. To get there, action is also needed. Imagination will guide that action. Most of us are taking some kind of action all the time. We have no shortage of action. Without imagination though, many of our actions are wasted. Imagination will guide your actions in the direction of your dreams.
Imagine yourself being, doing, having whatever you want. See it vividly in all its detail. Feel it. Enjoy it. See it so completely and so realistically that you literally begin taking the actions necessary to get there.
Imagine yourself following every step along the way. Pay particular attention to the first step, because that's the one you need to be taking now... There, did you take that first step? Your imagination is well on its way to becoming reality. Now move on to the second step. Your imagination can lead you there, as long as you do the walking.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The energy of DESIRE
4:58 AM
Americanising Desi
In every desire is the energy and motivation needed to fulfill that desire. The problem is that we often use even more energy to fight the desire. That's like driving your car with one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake pedal at the same time.
We have desires for a reason. They motivate us to take action. They compel us to take action. Unfortunately, we often don't want to take action. So we launch a counterattack on our desires, with powerful weapons such as fear, unworthiness, guilt, and anger. Not only does this require tremendous effort, it also destroys the original power of the desire. What a waste!
What are your desires, your goals? Are you using their own energy to go toward them? Or are you wasting your energy by fighting them, by frightening, shaming or rationalizing them away?
Far better to just go ahead and take the actions necessary to reach your desired goals. You know what you want. You know how to get it. Take action. Stop wasting your life fighting with yourself, and do what needs to be done.
Read more »
We have desires for a reason. They motivate us to take action. They compel us to take action. Unfortunately, we often don't want to take action. So we launch a counterattack on our desires, with powerful weapons such as fear, unworthiness, guilt, and anger. Not only does this require tremendous effort, it also destroys the original power of the desire. What a waste!
What are your desires, your goals? Are you using their own energy to go toward them? Or are you wasting your energy by fighting them, by frightening, shaming or rationalizing them away?
Far better to just go ahead and take the actions necessary to reach your desired goals. You know what you want. You know how to get it. Take action. Stop wasting your life fighting with yourself, and do what needs to be done.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Q of the day
4:56 PM
Americanising Desi
Have you ever Googled your own name? What funny, insane, or interesting things did you find?
Read more »
Priorities
4:56 AM
Americanising Desi
In order to accomplish anything, you cannot do everything. Life is constantly presenting you with an infinite number of possibilities. Yet no matter how rich, or talented, or well connected you are, you can only do so much. There are only 24 hours in a day.
Everything of value comes at a price. If it didn't have a price, it would have no value. And the price is sacrifice. In order to have anything, you must sacrifice other things. In order to play the violin, you must sacrifice the time it takes to learn and practice the instrument. To take the afternoon off and play golf, you must sacrifice the sale you would have made.
Every time you make a choice, you are expressing your priorities. If you don't like where your life is going, take a good look at your priorities. Not the priorities you claim to have, but the priorities that are revealed by your choices.
Every choice is a decision to sacrifice all the other possibilities. You must decide which possibility is the most important to you at any given time. What are your priorities? Make your choices accordingly.
Read more »
Everything of value comes at a price. If it didn't have a price, it would have no value. And the price is sacrifice. In order to have anything, you must sacrifice other things. In order to play the violin, you must sacrifice the time it takes to learn and practice the instrument. To take the afternoon off and play golf, you must sacrifice the sale you would have made.
Every time you make a choice, you are expressing your priorities. If you don't like where your life is going, take a good look at your priorities. Not the priorities you claim to have, but the priorities that are revealed by your choices.
Every choice is a decision to sacrifice all the other possibilities. You must decide which possibility is the most important to you at any given time. What are your priorities? Make your choices accordingly.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Life's Energy!
4:53 AM
Americanising Desi
Anyone who knows the basics of sailing can maneuver their boat to the desired destination, regardless of the wind direction. The ability to adjust the sails appropriately, and the amount of wind, are of far greater importance than the wind's direction.
Winners and achievers in life know how to use all of life's energy -- the tail winds AND the head winds -- to move ahead toward goal achievement. Fear gives us the heightened sense of awareness necessary for taking on difficult situations. Challenges give us superb opportunities for learning and growing. Setbacks and obstacles strengthen our resolve and determination. That is, if we decide to take them that way.
You can't control the wind, but you can control how to set your sails. And you can't control what life hands you, but you have complete control over what you do with it. Fear, setbacks, obstacles, and challenges can easily blow you off course -- or they can supply the energy to propel you ahead. It all depends on you.
Read more »
Winners and achievers in life know how to use all of life's energy -- the tail winds AND the head winds -- to move ahead toward goal achievement. Fear gives us the heightened sense of awareness necessary for taking on difficult situations. Challenges give us superb opportunities for learning and growing. Setbacks and obstacles strengthen our resolve and determination. That is, if we decide to take them that way.
You can't control the wind, but you can control how to set your sails. And you can't control what life hands you, but you have complete control over what you do with it. Fear, setbacks, obstacles, and challenges can easily blow you off course -- or they can supply the energy to propel you ahead. It all depends on you.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The pain is not taking action
4:48 AM
Americanising Desi
The two most powerful motivators are the desire to have pleasure and the desire to avoid pain. Of these two, the desire to avoid pain is usually strongest. Normally, we will do more to avoid pain than we will do to seek pleasure.
Is there something you know you need to do, that you have not done? Chances are, the reason you haven't done it is because there is some kind of pain associated with it. Even though taking action could eventually bring you much pleasure, your desire to avoid pain is even stronger than your desire for pleasure. It prevents you from doing what needs to be done.
So how do you get around this? Instead of focusing on the pain of doing it, focus on the pain of NOT doing it. It is painful to quit smoking, or start an exercise program, or make cold calls, or learn a new skill, or to do anything that will improve your life. And yet it is even MORE painful to not do these things. Focus on that bigger, long term pain and it will motivate you to act.
The desire to avoid pain has a powerful effect on your life. Learn to control it instead of letting it control you. Remind yourself that the biggest pain is the pain of regret for not taking action.
Read more »
Is there something you know you need to do, that you have not done? Chances are, the reason you haven't done it is because there is some kind of pain associated with it. Even though taking action could eventually bring you much pleasure, your desire to avoid pain is even stronger than your desire for pleasure. It prevents you from doing what needs to be done.
So how do you get around this? Instead of focusing on the pain of doing it, focus on the pain of NOT doing it. It is painful to quit smoking, or start an exercise program, or make cold calls, or learn a new skill, or to do anything that will improve your life. And yet it is even MORE painful to not do these things. Focus on that bigger, long term pain and it will motivate you to act.
The desire to avoid pain has a powerful effect on your life. Learn to control it instead of letting it control you. Remind yourself that the biggest pain is the pain of regret for not taking action.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Watch and Imitate
4:55 AM
Americanising Desi
The best and fastest way to learn a sport
is to watch and imitate a champion.
-- Jean-Claude Killy
Do you want to be successful in any particular undertaking? Then find someone else who has done it, and do exactly what they did. Model your actions on successful experience.
Successful people are not simply lucky. Luck has nothing to do with it. Success comes from specific actions, taken in a specific way. Winners make it look easy, and effortless, but it is not. Behind every successful person is a long line of effort, a specific sequence of actions.
Discover what those actions are, repeat them, and you too can have the same result. Don't waste your time directing envy or resentment toward successful people. Instead, be curious. Find out all you can. Ask questions. Read books and articles. Listen. Observe. Learn from the experience of those who have reached the top, and you'll be on your way there.
Read more »
is to watch and imitate a champion.
-- Jean-Claude Killy
Do you want to be successful in any particular undertaking? Then find someone else who has done it, and do exactly what they did. Model your actions on successful experience.
Successful people are not simply lucky. Luck has nothing to do with it. Success comes from specific actions, taken in a specific way. Winners make it look easy, and effortless, but it is not. Behind every successful person is a long line of effort, a specific sequence of actions.
Discover what those actions are, repeat them, and you too can have the same result. Don't waste your time directing envy or resentment toward successful people. Instead, be curious. Find out all you can. Ask questions. Read books and articles. Listen. Observe. Learn from the experience of those who have reached the top, and you'll be on your way there.
Friday, August 14, 2009
start where you are
11:15 AM
Americanising Desi
Start from where you are. Wishing for a different past will only waste your time. Old failures can not hold you back unless you let them.
From where you are right now, you can get to anywhere you want to be -- if you will make the commitment to do it. Waiting until things are better, or hoping that the road will somehow get easier, will only stall your progress and lead to regret.
Right now, right where you are, is the time to begin making your life the best you can imagine. The disappointments of the past are behind you, and a brand new day awaits.
What do you know you could accomplish? Who is the person you truly were meant to be? Right where you are is a great place to start. When you woke up this morning the past had ended. Now you can start to really live.
Read more »
From where you are right now, you can get to anywhere you want to be -- if you will make the commitment to do it. Waiting until things are better, or hoping that the road will somehow get easier, will only stall your progress and lead to regret.
Right now, right where you are, is the time to begin making your life the best you can imagine. The disappointments of the past are behind you, and a brand new day awaits.
What do you know you could accomplish? Who is the person you truly were meant to be? Right where you are is a great place to start. When you woke up this morning the past had ended. Now you can start to really live.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Chances
11:48 AM
Americanising Desi
People deserve first chances and second chances. Sometimes third chances, depending on the circumstances. But never fourth chances. By the time it comes to fourth chances, you are the one being played. In my experience, there is never an exception for fourth chances. You deserve better.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
You are Loved
8:46 AM
Americanising Desi
You are loved. I know that you’ve heard it before, but take a moment to really think about it. Think about the people who see something special in you—something worth treasuring. Think about the ones who feel blessed because you are in their life, in whatever way. Because no one in forced to love you. Yet they choose to, every day.
Hating is easy. It’s as simple as picking out something in another person—however small or big—and running with it. But loving, that isn’t so simple. Loving another is an investment, and it is not as easy as settling on a single aspect of a person. To love takes work.
So RIGHT NOW, stop reading this and think about all the people who consider you worth it. Think of all the ones who are willing to put an emotional investment into you. Think about the people who care about you and see something wonderful in you.
Yes, you are loved.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
5 lessons learnt yesterday
8:45 AM
Americanising Desi
Stop waiting for your turn to speak and take some time to listen. You might learn something wonderful.
People will always talk negatively about others when they have nothing relevant to say themselves.
Nothing is as complicated as your mind makes it out to be.
Give people time. After all, they’re only human.
Nothing is guaranteed except for the moment you are in; make the most of it in case it is the last one you have.
Read more »
People will always talk negatively about others when they have nothing relevant to say themselves.
Nothing is as complicated as your mind makes it out to be.
Give people time. After all, they’re only human.
Nothing is guaranteed except for the moment you are in; make the most of it in case it is the last one you have.
Monday, August 10, 2009
weakness or strength?
2:50 AM
Americanising Desi
Why not admit that we have a weakness? I always ask myself why should I not have a right to be weak. But while I am telling me about not always being strong, I preach that my weaknesses do not have to make me weak. We're all different, with unique perspectives and abilities. Weakness in one area is a good sign of strength somewhere else. That is what the game is all about.
Someone who is "lazy", and unwilling to put forth any more effort than is absolutely necessary, could be very skilled at determining the most efficient way to get things done. Someone who is shy and afraid to speak up, could be a very effective and observant listener. Someone who has difficulty with remembering details, could be extremely skilled at seeing the big picture.
You've managed to get this far along in life, in spite of your weaknesses, whatever they may be. Consider the strengths you've developed to compensate for them. When you think about it that way, you see that your weaknesses have actually been a catalyst for personal growth.
That's not to say that you should sit back and accept your weaknesses. Areas of weakness offer the greatest potential for overall improvement in your performance. If you put all your effort into improving the areas where you're already strong, you'll only make incremental improvements. However, when you work to overcome your most limiting weaknesses, the results can be dramatic.
Yes, you have weaknesses. We all do. Yet even those weak areas offer the opportunity to find new strength.
Someone who is "lazy", and unwilling to put forth any more effort than is absolutely necessary, could be very skilled at determining the most efficient way to get things done. Someone who is shy and afraid to speak up, could be a very effective and observant listener. Someone who has difficulty with remembering details, could be extremely skilled at seeing the big picture.
You've managed to get this far along in life, in spite of your weaknesses, whatever they may be. Consider the strengths you've developed to compensate for them. When you think about it that way, you see that your weaknesses have actually been a catalyst for personal growth.
That's not to say that you should sit back and accept your weaknesses. Areas of weakness offer the greatest potential for overall improvement in your performance. If you put all your effort into improving the areas where you're already strong, you'll only make incremental improvements. However, when you work to overcome your most limiting weaknesses, the results can be dramatic.
Yes, you have weaknesses. We all do. Yet even those weak areas offer the opportunity to find new strength.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
there is a reason
2:50 AM
Americanising Desi
There is something that will get you out of bed in the morning. There is something that will give you the strength to keep on going past the many obstacles which stand in your way. It could be something you want to accomplish, something you want to have, the person you want to become, something you need to experience. It could be your family, your spiritual faith, your desire to be the best in your field, your fascination with a particular subject.
It could be many things, and it is different for everyone. Yet one thing is certain. There is something, some reason within you, that will drive you, that will give energy to your efforts, that will motivate you to do whatever is necessary for its fulfillment. It will compel you to learn, to grow, to be effective, to be disciplined and focused, to become the best that you can possibly be.
There is a reason behind all you do. Find it, understand it, constantly keep it in mind, and it will bring the power of purpose to your efforts.
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It could be many things, and it is different for everyone. Yet one thing is certain. There is something, some reason within you, that will drive you, that will give energy to your efforts, that will motivate you to do whatever is necessary for its fulfillment. It will compel you to learn, to grow, to be effective, to be disciplined and focused, to become the best that you can possibly be.
There is a reason behind all you do. Find it, understand it, constantly keep it in mind, and it will bring the power of purpose to your efforts.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
now you are here
2:50 AM
Americanising Desi
Stop for a moment and consider how great it is to be alive. Think of the beautiful, abundant universe that surrounds you. Reflect on the wealth of possibilities in your life. Think of the people who care about you. Sure, you have problems. But what joy would there be if you had no challenges?
Right now, take a deep breath and feel how good it is to be alive, to be creative, to be capable of living each moment with as much joy as you choose to experience. Today is a magnificent day to be alive. Right now you have the opportunity to make a difference, in your own life, in the lives of others, in the world.
You've come a long way to arrive at today. All the effort you've put into life thus far, has brought you to this place, this time. All the things you've learned, all your experiences, all the people you know, all the actions you've taken, have culminated in today. Now that it's here, you finally have the chance to live this day for all it's worth.
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Right now, take a deep breath and feel how good it is to be alive, to be creative, to be capable of living each moment with as much joy as you choose to experience. Today is a magnificent day to be alive. Right now you have the opportunity to make a difference, in your own life, in the lives of others, in the world.
You've come a long way to arrive at today. All the effort you've put into life thus far, has brought you to this place, this time. All the things you've learned, all your experiences, all the people you know, all the actions you've taken, have culminated in today. Now that it's here, you finally have the chance to live this day for all it's worth.
Friday, August 7, 2009
you ve made it
2:50 AM
Americanising Desi
You can handle whatever life gives you. You did it yesterday, and the day before. You've done it all your life, and it has brought you to where you are today. Somehow, in some way, you have successfully made your way through every challenge, to arrive at this point in life, right here, right now.
Every day for as long as you can remember you've faced challenges, you've solved problems, and you have worked your way through the obstacles that blocked your path. You have proved to yourself and to the world that you are resourceful, that you are effective, that you can propel yourself to where you want to be.
Nothing yet has stopped you. You proven that you can handle the challenges. Don't stop now. Have the courage to go for what you truly want. Sure, the task looks daunting. Sure, there are hurdles to be overcome. Yet that's what you're so good at doing. You've made it here, and you can make it anywhere you want to go.
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Every day for as long as you can remember you've faced challenges, you've solved problems, and you have worked your way through the obstacles that blocked your path. You have proved to yourself and to the world that you are resourceful, that you are effective, that you can propel yourself to where you want to be.
Nothing yet has stopped you. You proven that you can handle the challenges. Don't stop now. Have the courage to go for what you truly want. Sure, the task looks daunting. Sure, there are hurdles to be overcome. Yet that's what you're so good at doing. You've made it here, and you can make it anywhere you want to go.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Watching ur thoughts
2:50 AM
Americanising Desi
Hold one hand out in front of you, look at it carefully, and then use it to pick up some object -- a pencil, a paper clip, your computer's mouse. Watch your hand as it holds the object. Then set the object back down and release it. Though the object is not a part of you, you can pick it up and use it when needed, and then set it aside when you're finished.
Now, in the same way that you've just observed your body, try observing the thoughts which course through your mind. Take a figurative "step back," and see each thought as it comes into your mind. Detach yourself from the thoughts and see them as things which your mind picks up, holds, and then discards.
Realize that although they are very useful and influential in your life, your thoughts are not you. If there's a negative, limiting thought occupying your mind, you have the ability to set it aside. The next time a frustrating, angry or despairing thought finds its way into your consciousness, step back, observe yourself thinking it, and see how pointlessly destructive it is. Then move it out of the way. Put something positive and uplifting in its place.
Hold on to the thoughts that serve you and set the rest aside.
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Now, in the same way that you've just observed your body, try observing the thoughts which course through your mind. Take a figurative "step back," and see each thought as it comes into your mind. Detach yourself from the thoughts and see them as things which your mind picks up, holds, and then discards.
Realize that although they are very useful and influential in your life, your thoughts are not you. If there's a negative, limiting thought occupying your mind, you have the ability to set it aside. The next time a frustrating, angry or despairing thought finds its way into your consciousness, step back, observe yourself thinking it, and see how pointlessly destructive it is. Then move it out of the way. Put something positive and uplifting in its place.
Hold on to the thoughts that serve you and set the rest aside.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
a special day
2:50 AM
Americanising Desi
Our lives are full of special days -- holidays, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, days of celebration, days of remembrance, fellowship, and leisure. We treasure those special days when we take time to celebrate and enjoy life, when we get together with loved ones, when we give a little more of ourselves and find special pleasure in the simple joy of being alive.
And the most special day of all is... today! Because today is where we live. Today is full of possibility, ready and waiting to be filled with life and love. Today brings the opportunities and challenges which give meaning to life. In every moment of today, there is treasure.
Every day is special because we make it special. No matter what the calendar says, each and every day is full of opportunities for life, for love, for making dreams come true. The weeks, the months and the years come and go. Along the way we collect fond memories of the past and build hope for the future. Yet today is when we do our living, when we create the memories and fulfill the hopes.
Life is full of special days -- one right after the other. All the special days in the past have brought us here today. And all the special days to come, begin to take shape right now. Today is indeed a special day, a sacred gift that is ours to fulfill.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
why would you?
2:50 AM
Americanising Desi
Why would you ever choose to be unhappy? Why would you ever neglect to do the things that bring fulfillment and joy to your life? Why would you ever want to hold yourself back from your own possibilities?
Perhaps because it is "easier" to just coast along, not really ever making a difference, not ever striving for what you know you could accomplish. But is it really easier? Is a life of comfort and mediocrity any less painful than a life of effort and accomplishment?
The pain of effort, no matter how intense, is temporary. It is more than compensated for by the achievement which the effort produces. The alternate pain of regret however, is permanent. After all, if you could make it go away, it would not be regret.
Do you think that empty pleasure will ever make you happy? Can you see yourself as ever knowing fulfillment, if you have not made the effort to create a life of value?
This moment, this day, this life is your golden opportunity to fulfill the magnificent possibility of you.
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Perhaps because it is "easier" to just coast along, not really ever making a difference, not ever striving for what you know you could accomplish. But is it really easier? Is a life of comfort and mediocrity any less painful than a life of effort and accomplishment?
The pain of effort, no matter how intense, is temporary. It is more than compensated for by the achievement which the effort produces. The alternate pain of regret however, is permanent. After all, if you could make it go away, it would not be regret.
Do you think that empty pleasure will ever make you happy? Can you see yourself as ever knowing fulfillment, if you have not made the effort to create a life of value?
This moment, this day, this life is your golden opportunity to fulfill the magnificent possibility of you.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Q of the day
2:43 PM
Americanising Desi
What cereal could you eat three times a day?
Explain why it's suitable for breakfast, brunch and brinner.
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Explain why it's suitable for breakfast, brunch and brinner.
not always
2:50 AM
Americanising Desi
Things are not always what they seem. Those with the most power are often the ones who exercise it the least. The smartest people are the ones who often say "I don't know." Many times, it is more loving to be firm than to give in. The best potential customer can sometimes be the one who at first appears the least impressive.
Because life is not always what it seems, we must learn to think, consider and act, rather than simply react. When you react in a predictable fashion, it permits others to easily control you. To control your own life, you must think for yourself and look beyond the obvious.
Every day is full of new possibilities, and every situation is different. What was true in the past, may no longer be. What seems to be obvious, may not be at all as it first appears.
Take the time, make the effort to see what is really there. You'll find opportunities that no one else has discovered.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
It's up to you
2:50 AM
Americanising Desi
In every situation you can find people who are bitter and others who are cheerful. The difference is not in the circumstance, but rather in how each person reacts to it.
The bitter people are those who blame their troubles on circumstance. The cheerful ones are those who continually put forth an effort to make the best of any situation.
Though you can rarely control what happens in the world, you can determine how it happens to you. It doesn't matter whose "fault" it is, or whose "job" it is, when you hold yourself accountable for it, then you are making it happen for you rather than letting it happen to you. And as a bonus, you free yourself from the wasted energy of resentment, despair and anger.
Whether you're searching for ways to blame or for ways to make a positive difference, you'll find what you're looking for. The more accountable you make yourself for life, the more it will work in your favor.
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The bitter people are those who blame their troubles on circumstance. The cheerful ones are those who continually put forth an effort to make the best of any situation.
Though you can rarely control what happens in the world, you can determine how it happens to you. It doesn't matter whose "fault" it is, or whose "job" it is, when you hold yourself accountable for it, then you are making it happen for you rather than letting it happen to you. And as a bonus, you free yourself from the wasted energy of resentment, despair and anger.
Whether you're searching for ways to blame or for ways to make a positive difference, you'll find what you're looking for. The more accountable you make yourself for life, the more it will work in your favor.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Q of the day
2:39 PM
Americanising Desi
If you had to lose one of your senses for a year, which one would it be?
Which sensations could you do without for twelve long months?Persistent or stubborn?
2:29 AM
Americanising Desi
Sometimes in an attempt to be persistent, we become stubborn. That's a mistake, because there's a big difference between the two. Persistence is the ability to keep your eye on the goal, to continue plowing ahead despite the challenges, to doggedly work your way past any obstacle. Yet persistence also demands flexibility. Stubbornness, on the other hand, is a refusal to accept reality and an unwillingness to adapt to changing conditions.
To reach any goal requires that we be unyielding about where we intend to go, while at the same time flexible about how to get there. Unfortunately, many times we get it backwards -- we persistently do the same thing every day, out of a sense of habit or comfort or lack of knowing what else to do, even if it is not taking us in the direction we want to go.
Few things ever come to pass in exactly the way that we plan them. The ability to adapt is very much a part of relentless persistence. When you're persistent about what you intend to accomplish, and flexible as to how it will happen, anything is possible.
