If you were only allowed to make one more phone call to a loved one, who would you speak to and why?
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.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Q of the day
8:32 PM
Americanising Desi
Save Yourself
11:19 AM
Americanising Desi
nobody can save you but
yourself.
you will be put again and again
into nearly impossible
situations.
they will attempt again and again
through subterfuge, guise and
force
to make you submit, quit and/or die quietly
inside.
nobody can save you but
yourself
and it will be easy enough to fail
so very easily
but don’t, don’t, don’t.
just watch them.
listen to them.
do you want to be like that?
a faceless, mindless, heartless
being?
do you want to experience
death before death?
nobody can save you but
yourself
and you’re worth saving.
it’s a war not easily won
but if anything is worth winning then
this is it.
think about it.
think about saving your self.
— Charles Bukowski
yourself.
you will be put again and again
into nearly impossible
situations.
they will attempt again and again
through subterfuge, guise and
force
to make you submit, quit and/or die quietly
inside.
nobody can save you but
yourself
and it will be easy enough to fail
so very easily
but don’t, don’t, don’t.
just watch them.
listen to them.
do you want to be like that?
a faceless, mindless, heartless
being?
do you want to experience
death before death?
nobody can save you but
yourself
and you’re worth saving.
it’s a war not easily won
but if anything is worth winning then
this is it.
think about it.
think about saving your self.
— Charles Bukowski
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Living Faith
12:48 AM
Americanising Desi
This is my living faith, an active faith, a faith of verbs: to question, explore, experiment, experience, walk, run, dance, play, eat, love, learn, dare, taste, touch, smell, listen, speak, write, read, draw, provoke, emote, scream, sin, repent, cry, kneel, pray, bow, rise, stand, look, laugh, cajole, create, confront, confound, walk back, walk forward, circle, hide, and seek.
Terry Tempest Williams (Leap)
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tune your Life
11:31 AM
Americanising Desi
Do - Do what you think is best and right for you.
Re - Reevaluate youself as often as possible vs. your goals.
Mi - Mistreating your soul is a sin.
Fa - Faith with honest intentions.
So - Solitude for reflection, inner searching or growth or enjoyment.
La - Lazyness is a barrier to achieve more from life.
Ti - Tidy up your path for success and happiness.
Do - Do it now while you still have time to compose your own Music of Life.
Enjoy your Tunes…
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Requisition
11:29 AM
Americanising Desi
Nine requisites for contented living:
*Health enough to make work a pleasure.
*Wealth enough to support your needs.
*Strength to battle with difficulties and overcome them.
*Grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them.
*Patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished.
*Charity enough to see some good in your neighbor.
*Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others.
*Faith enough to make real the things of God.
*Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.
-Johann von Goethe
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Be kind to yourself
9:55 AM
Americanising Desi
We are harder on ourselves than we are on anyone else. How many times have you looked in the mirror and said “Oh I’m so fat; Oh I have so many wrinkles” or any of the other negative comments? How many times have you called yourself “Stupid” or said “I’ll never be able to do that”?You wouldn’t say these things to your friends or even a stranger; why should you say them to yourself? Your subconscious starts to believe them after a while. You need to replace negative thoughts of yourself with positive thoughts and soon your subconscious will believe them. Look in the mirror and say kind things and smile at yourself. See how good that makes you feel. Do it every day and see what a difference it makes.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Keep 'Manual for Life'
3:36 AM
Americanising Desi
1. Have a firm handshake.
2. Look people in the eye.
3. Sing in the shower.
4. Own a great stereo system.
5. If in a fight, hit first and hit hard.
6. Keep secrets.
7. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday.
8. Always accept an outstretched hand.
9. Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
10. Whistle.
11. Avoid sarcastic remarks.
12. Choose your life's mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 per cent of all your happiness or misery.
13. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out.
14. Lend only those books you never care to see again.
15. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all that they have.
16. When playing games with ! children, let them win.
17. Give people a second chance, but not a third.
18. Be romantic.
19. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
20. Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems.
21. Don't allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It's there for our convenience, not the caller's.
22. Be a good loser.
23. Be a good winner.
24. Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret.
25. When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
26. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
27. Keep it simple.
28. Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
29. Don't burn bridges. You'll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
30. Live your life so that your epitaph could read, No Regrets
31. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on life, you'll regret the
32. things you didn't do more than the one's you did.
33. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
34. Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
35. Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you.
36. Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes.
37. Begin each day with some of your favorite music.
38. Once in a while, take the scenic route.
39. Send a lot of Valentine cards. Sign them, 'Someone who thinks you're terrific.'
40. Answer the phone with enthusiasm and energy in your voice.
41. Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 a.m.
42. Show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.
43. Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
44. Make someone's day by paying the toll for the person in the car behind you.
45. Become someone's hero.
46. Marry only for love.
47. Count your blessings.
48. Compliment the meal when you're a guest in someone's home.
49. Wave at the children on a school bus.
50. Remember that 80 per cent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.
51. Don't expect life to be fair.
Read more »
2. Look people in the eye.
3. Sing in the shower.
4. Own a great stereo system.
5. If in a fight, hit first and hit hard.
6. Keep secrets.
7. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday.
8. Always accept an outstretched hand.
9. Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
10. Whistle.
11. Avoid sarcastic remarks.
12. Choose your life's mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 per cent of all your happiness or misery.
13. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out.
14. Lend only those books you never care to see again.
15. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all that they have.
16. When playing games with ! children, let them win.
17. Give people a second chance, but not a third.
18. Be romantic.
19. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
20. Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems.
21. Don't allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It's there for our convenience, not the caller's.
22. Be a good loser.
23. Be a good winner.
24. Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret.
25. When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
26. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
27. Keep it simple.
28. Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
29. Don't burn bridges. You'll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
30. Live your life so that your epitaph could read, No Regrets
31. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on life, you'll regret the
32. things you didn't do more than the one's you did.
33. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
34. Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
35. Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you.
36. Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes.
37. Begin each day with some of your favorite music.
38. Once in a while, take the scenic route.
39. Send a lot of Valentine cards. Sign them, 'Someone who thinks you're terrific.'
40. Answer the phone with enthusiasm and energy in your voice.
41. Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 a.m.
42. Show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.
43. Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
44. Make someone's day by paying the toll for the person in the car behind you.
45. Become someone's hero.
46. Marry only for love.
47. Count your blessings.
48. Compliment the meal when you're a guest in someone's home.
49. Wave at the children on a school bus.
50. Remember that 80 per cent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.
51. Don't expect life to be fair.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Problems come with Solutions
3:35 AM
Americanising Desi
1. Tunnel Vision : The tendency to focus only on the immediate crisis or sore spot . Under stress, things look worse or more complex than they really are.
The solution
Perspective : Ask if it will matter in 6 months . Ask what else is going on? How did I create this situation and, in an ideal world, what would I like to do about it?
2. Fear : The anxiety or terror that things will go badly, that we will fail or be embarrassed.
The solution
Humor and Curiosity : Modern life has very few saber-tooth tigers . The situation is rarely life or death . Ask, What's the worst that can happen? What's the best? What can I learn? What would I do if I had no fear?
3. Confusion : The sense of being lost or unclear about our direction . The sense that we don't know our own priorities anymore.
The solution
Responsible Choices : Choose your values and priorities and set your own path . Your life is yours . Check your moral compass, pick a direction and do something extraordinary!
4. Guilt : The belief that we have hurt or failed or sinned and deserve punishment . Guilt is either accurate, because sometimes we do behave badly, or it is false and simply an illusion.
The solution
If we have transgressed, we must make restitution, ask forgiveness, learn from our error and move on . If it is false guilt, set it down as an unnecessary and irrational burden.
5. Shame : The belief that we are worth-less than others, that we have a terrible, incurable flaw . It is not that we have done something wrong (guilt), but that we are bad or wrong.
The solution
Clear, rational thinking : Everyone has behaved badly, but no one was created badly! Any flaws only serve to make you stronger, more heroic or more compassionate toward others.
6. Loneliness : The belief that no one loves us, that no one cares and we must desperately cling to anyone who finds us attractive or acceptable . This creates dependency, not intimacy.
The solution
Accurate Self-Assessment : Not everyone will love you, but many people will if they meet you, get to know you, and spend time working/playing along side you.
7. Resentment : Holding anger and refusing to move beyond real or imagined mistreatment in the past . Some people spend their whole lives as "victims", nurturing a terrible event in their past.
The solution
Let go! Life is not fair and people do not always behave well or kindly . Use your trauma to make you wise, kind, gentle, and strong . Holding anger will not work.
8. Self-Doubt : The repeated, endless questioning of your own abilities, opinions or actions . The inability to take a stand, to act boldly, or to follow-through.
The solution
Action! Think clearly, then take action and follow-through : Start small, but do it! You are the world's expert on your life! Use your wisdom to live well.
9. Stubbornness : The refusal or inability to re-assess a situation, change your mind, or admit you were wrong.
The solution
Wisdom and Humility : Only a fool stays on a course that is headed for disaster! Search for new and better information, remain flexible, open and creative . When the situation changes, adjust accordingly and set a new course.
10. Addiction : Humans become addicted to drugs, but we also become addicted to our jobs, our opinions or our lifestyle . We can be addicted to people and need them rather than love them.
The solution
Take a vacation! Periodically, walk in someone else's shoes . Break your habits, re-arrange your schedule, delegate those things that only you can do "right" . Use habits and traditions to set you free, don't let habits enslave you
The solution
Perspective : Ask if it will matter in 6 months . Ask what else is going on? How did I create this situation and, in an ideal world, what would I like to do about it?
2. Fear : The anxiety or terror that things will go badly, that we will fail or be embarrassed.
The solution
Humor and Curiosity : Modern life has very few saber-tooth tigers . The situation is rarely life or death . Ask, What's the worst that can happen? What's the best? What can I learn? What would I do if I had no fear?
3. Confusion : The sense of being lost or unclear about our direction . The sense that we don't know our own priorities anymore.
The solution
Responsible Choices : Choose your values and priorities and set your own path . Your life is yours . Check your moral compass, pick a direction and do something extraordinary!
4. Guilt : The belief that we have hurt or failed or sinned and deserve punishment . Guilt is either accurate, because sometimes we do behave badly, or it is false and simply an illusion.
The solution
If we have transgressed, we must make restitution, ask forgiveness, learn from our error and move on . If it is false guilt, set it down as an unnecessary and irrational burden.
5. Shame : The belief that we are worth-less than others, that we have a terrible, incurable flaw . It is not that we have done something wrong (guilt), but that we are bad or wrong.
The solution
Clear, rational thinking : Everyone has behaved badly, but no one was created badly! Any flaws only serve to make you stronger, more heroic or more compassionate toward others.
6. Loneliness : The belief that no one loves us, that no one cares and we must desperately cling to anyone who finds us attractive or acceptable . This creates dependency, not intimacy.
The solution
Accurate Self-Assessment : Not everyone will love you, but many people will if they meet you, get to know you, and spend time working/playing along side you.
7. Resentment : Holding anger and refusing to move beyond real or imagined mistreatment in the past . Some people spend their whole lives as "victims", nurturing a terrible event in their past.
The solution
Let go! Life is not fair and people do not always behave well or kindly . Use your trauma to make you wise, kind, gentle, and strong . Holding anger will not work.
8. Self-Doubt : The repeated, endless questioning of your own abilities, opinions or actions . The inability to take a stand, to act boldly, or to follow-through.
The solution
Action! Think clearly, then take action and follow-through : Start small, but do it! You are the world's expert on your life! Use your wisdom to live well.
9. Stubbornness : The refusal or inability to re-assess a situation, change your mind, or admit you were wrong.
The solution
Wisdom and Humility : Only a fool stays on a course that is headed for disaster! Search for new and better information, remain flexible, open and creative . When the situation changes, adjust accordingly and set a new course.
10. Addiction : Humans become addicted to drugs, but we also become addicted to our jobs, our opinions or our lifestyle . We can be addicted to people and need them rather than love them.
The solution
Take a vacation! Periodically, walk in someone else's shoes . Break your habits, re-arrange your schedule, delegate those things that only you can do "right" . Use habits and traditions to set you free, don't let habits enslave you
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
God will pour problems on you
3:32 AM
Americanising Desi
The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you -- depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:
1. God uses problems to DIRECT you. Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention?
2. God uses problems to INSPECT you. People are like tea bags . . . if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you?
3. God uses problems to CORRECT you. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents scold you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something ... health, money, a relationship . . . by losing it.
4. God uses problems to PROTECT you. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem -- but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered.
5. God uses problems to PERFECT you. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity.
Here's the point: God is at work in your life -- even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when you do!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Shed Your Stress
3:31 AM
Americanising Desi
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns .. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good ‘Thank you God.’
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
Read more »
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns .. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good ‘Thank you God.’
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
An Angel says, ‘Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn’t happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.’
Monday, September 21, 2009
Shake It Off And Take A Step Up
3:29 AM
Americanising Desi
One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.
Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing.
He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.
Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
Moral : Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
P.s. Be a smart ass!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Important Lessons to Learn
3:27 AM
Americanising Desi
Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.
Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2 : The world won’t care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won’t be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it’s not your parents’ fault, so don’t whine about your mistakes, ‘learn from them’..
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren’t as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent’s generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they’ll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn’t bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don’t get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
5 Ways To SuperSize Your Life
3:25 AM
Americanising Desi
1. Say Yes to Life.
2. Love Yourself and Others Unconditionally.
3. Take Risks.
4. Make the Impossible, Possible.
5. Make Your Life Really Count.
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."- Annie Dillard
Read more »
"Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact." -Henry James
Saying yes to life allows wonderful blessings to come to you. Say yes to opportunity and success. Say yes to a life that you live by your standards. Say yes to making your own decisions and not seeking approval of others. Say yes to a fulfilling and rewarding career. Say yes to a relationship that energizes, supports and stimulates you. Say yes to a promising future. Say yes to living without guilt, resentment or regrets. Say yes to spending more time on your self improvement. Say yes to living an authentic life. Say yes to taking chances and freeing yourself from fear. Say yes to happiness and achievements. Say yes to a well-lived life.
2. Love Yourself and Others Unconditionally.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs....."I Corinthians 13: 3, 5
When was the last time you loved without hesitation or caution? Withholding love as a means of control only leads to distrust and resentment. Loving unconditionally means loving without judgment. Free yourself from unrealistic expectations and accept the person you love for who they are. Do not expect your needs and wants to be fulfilled by someone else. Allow those you love to express themselves without fear of rejection. Do not punish yourself or loved ones for past mistakes. People use the word love very loosely, but do not stop to think of the implications of using the word. Take the time to be responsible in how you show love. Allow yourself to love and be loved.
3. Take Risks.
"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin
Everything in life involves a risk. Are you allowing fear of rejection and failure to dictate your life? Fear inhibits success. Take chances and free yourself from limiting beliefs. Taking risks empowers you to take charge of your life. Be curious about life; experiment and try new things. Set goals for yourself and take action. Step out of what is safe, comfortable and familiar to you. Examine what feelings emerge when you are thinking about taking a risk. Ask yourself, "What am I afraid of?" Concealing yourself in a safe container prevents you from exploring other possibilities. Embrace the unknown and anticipate success. You will never know the outcome if you don't take the risk.
4. Make the Impossible, Possible.
"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."- Winston Churchill
Think it can't happen; then it won't. It is possible to get through the difficult times in life. Learn from failures and take responsibility for your life. Listening to your inner critic can sabotage your dreams. Silence the critic by reaffirming all the things you are capable of doing. Dream big and be excited about your future. Find and release your untapped talents. Believe in your abilities and discover what you have to offer the world. Think about all the things you can't do and try to do them. Think back to a time, when something was difficult and you were able to overcome the challenge. Continuing to live life in a safe container doesn't help you gain anything in life. Take the necessary actions to achieve your goals. Stop assuming and start achieving!
5. Make Your Life Really Count.
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."- Annie Dillard
What's your legacy? How do you want to be remembered? The life you live defines who you are and the choices you make will determine what impact you will have on the lives of others. Never underestimate the power of your words and actions. You were uniquely created to make a contribution to the world. It is your right and your obligation to make your mark in this world. Surround yourself with people who are supportive, positive and encouraging. Show appreciation and gratitude to those around you. If you have a message to share, then share it with the world. Staying small and thinking small will not get you where you need to be in life. Starting today, have a new perspective on life. Start a new chapter in your life.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
10 Tips To Make Failure Work for You
3:21 AM
Americanising Desi
1) Failure is normal.
Everyone has faced failure. Some people talk about their failures. Some people don't talk about their failures, which makes it look like they never fail. Don't believe it.
2) Define or refine.
Failure can define you or refine you. If you quit, you have allowed failure to define you. If you keep going, learn from it and get stronger, you have used failure to refine you.
3) Learn from it.
Every failure has something to teach us, if we will only be teachable. To be teachable we need to ask good questions such as
"What contributed to this failure?"
"What can I do differently and/or better next time?"
"What's obvious now that I couldn't or wouldn't see before?"
4) Change your definition of failure.
We live in an either/or culture. Either you totally succeed or you completely fail. Many times it's neither. In baseball, you are considered very successful if you hit the ball one out of every three times you come up to bat.
5) Redefine what failure means to you.
A failure is simply evidence that you took a shot at accomplishing something, that you want to be a doer instead of just a talker. Most people are just talkers. They believe their own talk and then accomplish little, if anything. If you have failed, it can mean you are a doer instead of a talker.
6) Successful people fail often.
How can you be successful and fail often? You become successful by taking risks. Risk implies that you might fail. Otherwise it would not be called risk-taking; it would be called sure-thing taking. Babe Ruth was the strikeout king of baseball at the same time he was the home-run king of baseball.
7) Build on your failures.
Many of the great success stories are built on what was learned from failure or the motivation that can come from failure. Michael Jordan failed to make his high school basketball team. He seems to have built on that failure fairly well. You and I can, too.
8) Don't fear failure.
The fear of failure holds us back from doing many of the things we would like to do.
9) Give up your belief in failure.
A wise person once said
"Failure? I've never encountered it. I've just learned lots and lots of ways that don't work, and turned that into a few successes."
10) Never, ever give up.
An ancient Japanese proverb suggests that we are to
"fall down seven times, get up eight."
Read more »
Everyone has faced failure. Some people talk about their failures. Some people don't talk about their failures, which makes it look like they never fail. Don't believe it.
2) Define or refine.
Failure can define you or refine you. If you quit, you have allowed failure to define you. If you keep going, learn from it and get stronger, you have used failure to refine you.
3) Learn from it.
Every failure has something to teach us, if we will only be teachable. To be teachable we need to ask good questions such as
"What contributed to this failure?"
"What can I do differently and/or better next time?"
"What's obvious now that I couldn't or wouldn't see before?"
4) Change your definition of failure.
We live in an either/or culture. Either you totally succeed or you completely fail. Many times it's neither. In baseball, you are considered very successful if you hit the ball one out of every three times you come up to bat.
5) Redefine what failure means to you.
A failure is simply evidence that you took a shot at accomplishing something, that you want to be a doer instead of just a talker. Most people are just talkers. They believe their own talk and then accomplish little, if anything. If you have failed, it can mean you are a doer instead of a talker.
6) Successful people fail often.
How can you be successful and fail often? You become successful by taking risks. Risk implies that you might fail. Otherwise it would not be called risk-taking; it would be called sure-thing taking. Babe Ruth was the strikeout king of baseball at the same time he was the home-run king of baseball.
7) Build on your failures.
Many of the great success stories are built on what was learned from failure or the motivation that can come from failure. Michael Jordan failed to make his high school basketball team. He seems to have built on that failure fairly well. You and I can, too.
8) Don't fear failure.
The fear of failure holds us back from doing many of the things we would like to do.
9) Give up your belief in failure.
A wise person once said
"Failure? I've never encountered it. I've just learned lots and lots of ways that don't work, and turned that into a few successes."
10) Never, ever give up.
An ancient Japanese proverb suggests that we are to
"fall down seven times, get up eight."
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Q of the day
12:18 PM
Americanising Desi
What questions would you ask your great-great-grandparents if you could chat with them today?
Talk To Your Self - The 'I' Is Important
3:20 AM
Americanising Desi
1. A sharp tongue can cut my own throat.
2. If I want my dreams to come true, I mustn’t oversleep.
3. Of all the things I wear, my expression is the most important.
4. The best vitamin for making friends..... B1.
5. The happiness of my life depends on the quality of my thoughts.
6. The heaviest thing I can carry is a grudge.
7. One thing I can give and still keep...is my word.
8. I lie the loudest when I lie to myself.
9. If I lack the courage to start, I have already finished.
10. One thing I can’t recycle is wasted time.
11. Ideas won’t work unless ‘ I ‘ do.
12. My mind is like a parachute...it functions only when open.
13. The 10 commandments are not a multiple choice.
14. The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime! It is never too late to become what I might have been
‘Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle..’
Read more »
2. If I want my dreams to come true, I mustn’t oversleep.
3. Of all the things I wear, my expression is the most important.
4. The best vitamin for making friends..... B1.
5. The happiness of my life depends on the quality of my thoughts.
6. The heaviest thing I can carry is a grudge.
7. One thing I can give and still keep...is my word.
8. I lie the loudest when I lie to myself.
9. If I lack the courage to start, I have already finished.
10. One thing I can’t recycle is wasted time.
11. Ideas won’t work unless ‘ I ‘ do.
12. My mind is like a parachute...it functions only when open.
13. The 10 commandments are not a multiple choice.
14. The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime! It is never too late to become what I might have been
‘Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle..’
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The 99 club
3:17 AM
Americanising Desi
One of my favorites!
The King was not satisfied with that reply.
"The 99 Club? And what exactly is that?" the King inquired.
Read more »
Once upon a time, there lived a King who, despite his luxurious lifestyle, was neither happy nor content.
One day, the King came upon a Servant who was singing happily while he worked. This fascinated the King; why was he, the Supreme Ruler of the Land, unhappy and gloomy, while a lowly Servant had so much joy. The King asked the Servant, "Why are you so happy?"
The Servant replied, "Your Majesty, I am nothing but a Servant, but my family and I don't need too much - just a Roof over our heads and warm food to fill our tummies."
The King was not satisfied with that reply.
Later in the day, he sought the advice of his most trusted Advisor. After hearing the King's woes and the Servant's story, the Advisor said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the Servant has not been made part of The 99 Club."
"The 99 Club? And what exactly is that?" the King inquired.
The Advisor replied, "Your Majesty, to truly know what The 99 Club is place 99 Gold Coins in a bag and leave it at this Servant's doorstep."
When the Servant saw the bag, he took it into his house. When he opened the bag, he let out a great shout of joy... so many Gold Coins!
He began to count them. After several counts, he was at last convinced that there were 99 Coins.
He wondered, "What could've happened to that last Gold Coin? Surely, no one would leave 99 Coins!"
He looked everywhere he could, but that final Coin was elusive. Finally, exhausted, he decided that he was going to have to work harder than ever to earn that Gold Coin and complete his collection.
From that day, the Servant's life was changed. He was overworked, horribly grumpy, and castigated his family for not helping him make that 100th Gold Coin. He stopped singing while he worked.
Witnessing this drastic transformation, the King was puzzled. When he sought his Advisor's help, the Advisor said, "Your Majesty, the Servant has now officially joined The 99 Club."
He continued, "The 99 Club is a name given to those people who have enough to be happy but are never contented, because they're always yearning and striving for that extra "1" telling to themselves: "Let me get that one final thing and then I will be happy for life."
We can be happy, even with very little in our lives, but the minute we're given something bigger and better, we want even more!We lose our sleep, our happiness, we hurt the people around us; all these as a Price for our growing needs and desires.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Thankfulness
3:16 AM
Americanising Desi
"Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
For it gives you the opportunity to learn."
"Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
Because it means you've made a difference."
there is always room for some thankfulness!
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
For it gives you the opportunity to learn."
"Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
Because it means you've made a difference."
there is always room for some thankfulness!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Life is Coffee
3:14 AM
Americanising Desi
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university Professor.
Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the Prof. went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups:
porcelain, plastic, glass, some plain-looking and some expensive and exquisite, telling them to help themselves to hot coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the Prof. said "If you noticed, all the nice-looking, expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. That all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the better cups and are eying each others cups."
"Now, if Life is coffee, then the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, but the quality of Life doesn't change. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee in it."So friend, don't let the cups drive you...enjoy the coffee instead.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Q of the day
11:43 PM
Americanising Desi
Would you rather be dumb and beautiful or extremely intelligent and average looking? Why?
Read more »
Ponder
11:33 AM
Americanising Desi
You Will Never Agree to Spend Another Moment with Worried Thoughts and Feelings Once You Realize that they Don't Care about You At All! --- Guy Finley
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Basics
11:30 AM
Americanising Desi
there are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. when we are afraid, we pull back from life. when we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. we need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. if we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our potential to create. evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.
— john lennon
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
lonely
11:29 AM
Americanising Desi
Don’t attach yourself to anyone who shows you the least bit of attention because you’re lonely. Loneliness is the human condition. No one is ever going to fill that space. The best you can do is know yourself… know what you want.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Vision
11:24 AM
Americanising Desi
Life moves on, whether we act as cowards or heroes. Life has no other discipline to impose, if we would but realize it, than to accept life unquestioningly. Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy, and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such.
— Henry Miller
Monday, September 7, 2009
Your Way
11:26 AM
Americanising Desi
If it’s a broken part, replace it
If it’s a broken arm, then brace it
If it’s a broken heart, then face it
Hold your own
Know your name
Go your own way
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
And everything will be fine
Sunday, September 6, 2009
The 7 Deadly Sins
11:47 AM
Americanising Desi
The Seven Deadly Sins as set forth in literature as pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, and sloth, were made famous by Dante Alighieri in his epic poem “The Divine Comedy”. Surely they are not the exhaustive list of sins, it is just the gist. We have it established through the various prophets and Books from God that all that is unrighteousness is sin, but then there is the listing which is unforgivable by the Almighty.
“There are six things the LORD despises, seven that are despicable to him: arrogant eyes, a false tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that conceives wicked ploys, feet that rush into evil, bearing witness to falsehood and accusations and he who stirs up discord amongst brothers”. Yes, God has indicated the unpardonable sins. I am not here to go on about it in the context you already are well versed in. That will just make it a drag.
Dante in his poem listed the 7 deadly sins to keep the people from his era [1300s] in line with the right and away from the wrong. Clever man he was.
Many people are still righteous on the grounds of the unpardonable sins, even though the temptations and opportunities are far more approachable now, but now there are more “deadly” sins to avoid. Which we hardly do. Surprise yourself as you read along.
1. Waiting for happiness
For some oddity or malfunctioning thought, people believe that acquiring things is happiness. When they have a job, they are happy; once they are successful, they are happy; they buy a car, a house, build a pool, they are happy; they have a good bank account, they are happy; they know that their retirement is secured, they are happy. Really? And if their wait is endless to get what they want, they are unhappy.
Do we not need to just be happy in the first place to send positive vibes to get there where we want to be? How can a negative body language lead to any success in life in the first place?
There’s an excellent text by Crystal Boyd from her book “Happiness is a Journey”. It has a reminder for all its readers and that is "do not wait to be happy". And she does so in a really profound way that everyone can relate to. I recommend you read the text when you can, because I did and I am shining bright now. You can do so here
The key to avoid this sin is to remember, that happiness is no door which will unlock and the longer you wait for it to open, the lesser the time you'll have to be grateful and to be really happy, because you actually are, you are just too much into self-pity that is all.
2. Achieving success alone
Seen people using others as stepping stones to their progress and then disposing them like a packet of sour chips?
Being successful is not really all individual. Obviously for selfish reasons we want to credit ourselves only but even while we are alone, we are working with somebody. I tell myself that if I have to go forth, I have to take my teammates along. Victory will not be any good if I see my best mates on the ground floor and myself on the top. Looking down upon anyone is sin. Who gives you that right? Just because you stepped on them and progressed, you think you are all that deserving! Really!
There’s an old saying that reads "the road to success is lonely, but it won’t be when you help others". What Good is a house, if you can't make it a home?
3. Ridiculing others for their dreams
We all think too much of ourselves. We were made from the same mud and clay like the rest of our kind. There is no special ingredient that went into designing me or you. So why does it give me the pleasure to write off someone else's dreams and aspirations and push in mine! We are all the same. We want almost all the same. It is unpardonable to crush the hopes and dreams of others, just so you can reach it yourself. God has never given you the right to demean.
4. Self-satisfaction
It’s one thing to be satisfied with what you have, but it’s another story when you’ve completely settled. Not wanting anything, saying that you will give in to your desires because you have had enough of it. I have seen and known people who are so self satisfied that they give up prayers. They think that if they pray they have to ask for something and they don’t need anything so why pray. It is a sin to think you have it all. Really. We are constantly dependent on that entity. Even if you choose to be indifferent, you very well know that what you have can be taken away from you. To keep it even you need to ask, you need to want.
5. Not questioning
Never question God. You don’t have the right to do it. No matter how big the mess in your life is, it is not bigger than God and hence you have not been given the right to ask Him to answer you. It really doesn't work that way. But the greatest thing we can do for ourself is to question our own living, our own life as much as we can.
I always ask questions like:
- Why me? Where did I go wrong?
- Why not me? What do I lack? Where do I lag?
- Do I really love what I’m doing? Is it really what I want? Should I?
As humans we are not fed in with answers. It takes time to have what we are looking for. But the thought process should keep happening. Unless we don't question ourselves, we will not be able to overcome the lag.
6. Live without change
Who says you have to be something big to cause change? Why always go to the literal meaning of the word 'world', you can change your world whenever you want. It is not as hard as it seems. Your community, your neighborhood is the world you move in, if you are able to bring about a good change, it really will spread out eventually. But you have to start small to make it big. Simple acts can create drastic change.
7. Fearing
The whole point of the original seven deadly sins was to instill fear in people. But living in fear isn’t living. If I am fearful of the cars outside and because of that I stop stepping out, is that really worth a life?
We are humans. It is human to err and though we should be fearful of the consequences we still can acknowledge that the sin was committed and we repent. The Almighty is the most forgiving and merciful, He just wants us to ask for forgiveness with a pure heart and He loves to forgive.
There are many every day sins we commit. We give up hope. We commit suicide, slander, ridicule; we just don’t stop nowhere. Do you have any sins you’d like to confess? Obviously your confession, your business, but when you share you let others know what they are doing wrong too. Are you or were you guilty of any of these sins?
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Ways Out!
11:18 AM
Americanising Desi
your life is your life
don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
be on the watch.
there are ways out.
there is a light somewhere.
— Henry Charles Bukowski
Friday, September 4, 2009
Choose your attitude
12:58 AM
Americanising Desi
How much of your attitude is based on habit and how much is actually chosen? Is your response to any given situation based mostly on what you did a thousand times before?
Imagine for a moment that you could rise to a whole new level of living. Imagine that you could break free from your conditioned responses and live each moment as the unique opportunity that it is.
In your mind, step outside yourself and take a look at your thoughts from the perspective of an objective observer. Take note of all the times your attitude is nothing more than a habitual response.
Remind yourself that you do indeed have a choice. Your attitude is yours to determine.
When it's based on habit, your attitude can be easily manipulated by others, by those who do not have your best interest at heart. In contrast, when it's based on choice, your attitude can be a powerful force working in your favor.
In every situation, choose a positive, thoughtful response rather than a habitual reaction. It can quickly take your life to a whole new level.
Read more »
Imagine for a moment that you could rise to a whole new level of living. Imagine that you could break free from your conditioned responses and live each moment as the unique opportunity that it is.
In your mind, step outside yourself and take a look at your thoughts from the perspective of an objective observer. Take note of all the times your attitude is nothing more than a habitual response.
Remind yourself that you do indeed have a choice. Your attitude is yours to determine.
When it's based on habit, your attitude can be easily manipulated by others, by those who do not have your best interest at heart. In contrast, when it's based on choice, your attitude can be a powerful force working in your favor.
In every situation, choose a positive, thoughtful response rather than a habitual reaction. It can quickly take your life to a whole new level.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Q of the day
12:30 PM
Americanising Desi
You have the opportunity to talk 5 minutes worth of sense into a wayward celebrity. Who do you choose?
Read more »
Avoiding Mistakes
12:58 AM
Americanising Desi
One sure way to avoid mistakes is to avoid taking action. But in the long run, avoiding action would be the biggest mistake of all, for nothing would ever get done.
If you're going to move forward, you're going to make some wrong turns along the way. Don't let that stop you from proceeding.
There will be many times when you'll look back and wish you had done things differently. Don't let that stop you from moving forward.
Mistakes are bad enough on their own. Don't be so afraid of them that you avoid life itself.
Every mistake you've ever made is now in the past. The way to move ahead is to leave them there.
Learn from where you went wrong, then step confidently and positively forward. For now is your time to live and to act.
Read more »
If you're going to move forward, you're going to make some wrong turns along the way. Don't let that stop you from proceeding.
There will be many times when you'll look back and wish you had done things differently. Don't let that stop you from moving forward.
Mistakes are bad enough on their own. Don't be so afraid of them that you avoid life itself.
Every mistake you've ever made is now in the past. The way to move ahead is to leave them there.
Learn from where you went wrong, then step confidently and positively forward. For now is your time to live and to act.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Murky Anxieties
12:56 AM
Americanising Desi
There are no anxieties except the ones you create. And just as you created them, you can let those anxieties go.
What has happened has happened. What will come will come. You can make a difference. You can take positive action.
And your actions will be infinitely more effective when they're not burdened with anxiety. Your awareness will be remarkably more rich and clear when it is not clouded with worry.
Open your eyes to the possibilities of this moment. Put your considerable energy into living the best of those possibilities.
Free your mind, your body and your spirit to be productive, effective, and full of life. Let go of those murky anxieties and fully live.
Read more »
What has happened has happened. What will come will come. You can make a difference. You can take positive action.
And your actions will be infinitely more effective when they're not burdened with anxiety. Your awareness will be remarkably more rich and clear when it is not clouded with worry.
Open your eyes to the possibilities of this moment. Put your considerable energy into living the best of those possibilities.
Free your mind, your body and your spirit to be productive, effective, and full of life. Let go of those murky anxieties and fully live.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Sublime
6:32 AM
Americanising Desi
I’ve learned that upkeeping your happiness is a matter of finding bliss in everything.
The smell of fresh laundry, a cheap lunch, or a really good glass of beer.
A new ringtone, taking a nap in a really warm spot, or curling up with a good sandwich.
Mindless action movies, making a new playlist, or finding that other sock you lost.
Adding someone on Facebook, taking a new default picture, or a day at the beach.
Real optimism is being able to make the smallest things into your biggest sources of joy.
The smell of fresh laundry, a cheap lunch, or a really good glass of beer.
A new ringtone, taking a nap in a really warm spot, or curling up with a good sandwich.
Mindless action movies, making a new playlist, or finding that other sock you lost.
Adding someone on Facebook, taking a new default picture, or a day at the beach.
Real optimism is being able to make the smallest things into your biggest sources of joy.
