When my friend sensed that in a few weeks the light of life was about to be extinguished, and that there was no more hope for him, he called me to his side and said, "If only I had lived my life differently, I might not have felt such an emptiness now. Promise me," he caught my hand, "Promise me that you won't make the same mistake." And when I asked him what mistakes, he asked me to get a pen and paper and to jot down his last words. Here they are in condensed form:
1) Talk less; listen more.
2) Listen to your grandfather's stories about his youth. When he's gone, you will relive the bond through these memories.
3) Invite friend over for a snack or dinner even if the house is a mess.
4) Eat popcorn in the living room even though its messy.
5) Invite the friends who have children home. Don't worry about their children creating a mess.
6) Sit on the grass even though it dirties your pants.
7) Never buy something just because it lasts for a long time or because it is practical.
8) Stay in bed and at home when sick and stop pretending that the world cannot go one without me for a day.
9) Light up the wonderfully crafted candles and let them burn out. Better this than they accumulate dust in the closet.
10) Share life's responsibilities with a partner, not only expenses.
11) (Meant for Women) Instead of waiting for the pregnancy to get over, cherish each moment in your heart. Understand that the life in you is the only chance you will get to help god create magic.
12) Let your children hug and kiss you whenever they wish to. Don't stop them by saying things like: later, go wash your hands first, we have to eat dinner.
13) Say the following two phrases as often as possible: "I love you" and "I am sorry."
14) Stop worrying about who loves or and who doesn't or about what others have or don't have.
15) Cherish all personal human relations.
16) Play with a pet every day. Laugh and run with it and take part in all its antics.
17) Spend more time with the people who love you.
18) Stop sweating because of all the small details and problems of life.
19) Grab every moment, look at it and live it. That moment will never return again.
Her name was Susan, and she had one six year old daughter. Susan taught me these few basic ideals that I have tried to follow in honour of her memory. It has made me a better man, a much nicer husband and in general, a happier person. Even now I can hear her say that God has blessed each and every one of us, and that we should accept these blessings and strive to become stronger both physically, mentally and also emotionally. I will always remember what she said to me the last time we met: "Jack, you are lucky. Don't blow it."
Tampilkan postingan dengan label motivational. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label motivational. Tampilkan semua postingan
Jumat, 25 Maret 2011
Jumat, 18 Maret 2011
Life Advice: Looking Through a Window
Living in today's metropolitan world of cellular phones, mobile computers and other high-tech gadgets is not just hectic but very impersonal. We make money and then invest our time and effort in making more money. Does it end? Not usually because we are never satisfied. How many times have we convinced ourselves that if only we had some more money, life would be so sweet? But then, after receiving a substantial raise, we realize that it wasn't enough and that we need more?
What Should You Do?
I have read many books on life such as Robin Sharma's Monk says this and the monk says that, and they all seem to say that money is not necessary. But it is. Can you do without cash and a lot of it? I know I can't.
So, I went to the neighbourhood Rabbi and asked for advice that will help me find my true way in life.
The rabbi nodded and took me to the window. "What do you see?" he asked me.
Promptly, I answered, "I can see people walking to and fro and a blind man is begging for alms at the left corner."
The Rabbi nodded and guided me to a big mirror. "Now look and tell me what you see?"
"I can see myself," I man answered.
The Rabbi smiled. "Now you can't see anyone else. The mirror and the window are both created from the same raw material: glass, but because on one of them they have applied a thin layer of silver, when you look at it all you can see is your own reflection."
The Rabbi placed his arm on my shoulders. "Compare yourself to those two pieces of glass. Without the silver layer, you saw the other people and felt compassion for them. When you are covered with silver, you see only yourself."
I looked at the Rabbi and stared. "I don't understand."
The Rabbi continued. "You will become someone only if have the courage to remove the silver covering over your eyes in order to again see and love others." He patted me on my back and sent me on my way.
I have thought of what he said and come to the conclusion that he had a point. Yes. We need money and we should not aim to lead a moneyless existence; its pointless and will only cause us and our families many heartbreaks in the future.
Instead, I suggest that we should follow the advice the Rabbi gave me. When we approach life through a silver covering, all we are able to see is ourselves. But discard that covering, and you will be able to see and feel everyone else.
Conclusion:
In life, we are allowed to and should be able to look at both kinds of mirrors, but we should remember that a mirror reflects only us; a window is the door to compassion, health and true wealth. In other words, seek wealth by all means, but don't let it dissuade you from life, people, children and the poor and needy.
What Should You Do?
I have read many books on life such as Robin Sharma's Monk says this and the monk says that, and they all seem to say that money is not necessary. But it is. Can you do without cash and a lot of it? I know I can't.
So, I went to the neighbourhood Rabbi and asked for advice that will help me find my true way in life.
The rabbi nodded and took me to the window. "What do you see?" he asked me.
Promptly, I answered, "I can see people walking to and fro and a blind man is begging for alms at the left corner."
The Rabbi nodded and guided me to a big mirror. "Now look and tell me what you see?"
"I can see myself," I man answered.
The Rabbi smiled. "Now you can't see anyone else. The mirror and the window are both created from the same raw material: glass, but because on one of them they have applied a thin layer of silver, when you look at it all you can see is your own reflection."
The Rabbi placed his arm on my shoulders. "Compare yourself to those two pieces of glass. Without the silver layer, you saw the other people and felt compassion for them. When you are covered with silver, you see only yourself."
I looked at the Rabbi and stared. "I don't understand."
The Rabbi continued. "You will become someone only if have the courage to remove the silver covering over your eyes in order to again see and love others." He patted me on my back and sent me on my way.
I have thought of what he said and come to the conclusion that he had a point. Yes. We need money and we should not aim to lead a moneyless existence; its pointless and will only cause us and our families many heartbreaks in the future.
Instead, I suggest that we should follow the advice the Rabbi gave me. When we approach life through a silver covering, all we are able to see is ourselves. But discard that covering, and you will be able to see and feel everyone else.
Conclusion:
In life, we are allowed to and should be able to look at both kinds of mirrors, but we should remember that a mirror reflects only us; a window is the door to compassion, health and true wealth. In other words, seek wealth by all means, but don't let it dissuade you from life, people, children and the poor and needy.
Kamis, 21 Oktober 2010
Legacies Are Societal Actions
Have you ever thought that you have not done much with your life? During a recent conversation with a very dear friend, she expressed this very same sentiment. I was astounded that this energetic, high family and work ethic person had this negative self-image, but pleased that she felt comfortable sharing this thought.
Quickly, I began to ask her questions about all of the “Legacies” that she had left in this world during the last 60 plus years. Since her retirement, she relocated to be near her daughters, grandchildren and in-laws to support them. This support included taking her grandchildren to necessary school functions, being there for them after school while still being actively involved in her church and local civic organizations. Her high values, unselfish and positive attitudes to overcome life’s challenges became a rock for her family and friends. As we continued to talk, she expressed several times how I made her feel much better. Her honesty provided me with the opportunity to return one of the many legacies that she had shared with me during our 30 plus year friendship.
After our conversation ended, I began to wonder why someone with such incredible gifts and who had personally left countless individual legacies with so many people had such feelings of inadequacy?
Possibly, the presence of the media from local newspapers to television to the Internet may contribute to the development of these feelings. When we hear and see the success of others who have reached high positions whether in business or government, we may start comparing our accomplishments with these high profile media persons. Unfortunately what happens is that many of our “average” citizens fail to understand that it is these average citizens who are the backbone of this country and without their legacies we would not be the country that we are. Plato recognized the importance of citizens over 2000 years ago when he wrote, “ This City is what it is because our citizens are what they are.”
Each of us lives a legacy, not when we are gone from this earth, but when we are here. Our legacy may be something as simple as a smile to a complete stranger to taking the time to help a friend or co-worker through a difficult situation.
Just imagine what the world could be like if everyone looked at every interaction as an opportunity to leave a legacy? What would happen to your personal relationships if you intentionally acted with the desired end result to make each and every interchange one in which you left a legacy that the other person could build upon and then later share with another? Or how about at work? What additional heights could your team reach and how much stronger would your organization be by such “Legacy Leaving Actions”?
With the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the fourth anniversary of 9/11 on the horizon, the American public is being reminded of the importance of legacies. Citizens both private and corporate across the country are demonstrating “Legacy Leaving Actions” by donating their time and resources to help those affected by this natural disaster. Through the stories of those who survived 9/11 and those who didn’t, again, American citizens can hear and even see how they, average American citizens, left legacies during that fateful day which changed our country forever.
Legacies are intentional societal choices that we make every day. By being aware of these choices, makes us better citizens, better parents, better friends and ultimately makes for a better world for our children and the next generation. So as you venture forth today or tomorrow, ask yourself “Where can I leave my legacy?” and “How will that legacy benefit another citizen?”
619 Words
Copyright 2005(c) Leanne Hoagland-Smith, www.processspecialist.com
This article may be freely published. Permission to publish this article, electronically or in print, as long as the bylines are included, with a live link, and the article is not changed in any way (grammatical corrections accepted).
Quickly, I began to ask her questions about all of the “Legacies” that she had left in this world during the last 60 plus years. Since her retirement, she relocated to be near her daughters, grandchildren and in-laws to support them. This support included taking her grandchildren to necessary school functions, being there for them after school while still being actively involved in her church and local civic organizations. Her high values, unselfish and positive attitudes to overcome life’s challenges became a rock for her family and friends. As we continued to talk, she expressed several times how I made her feel much better. Her honesty provided me with the opportunity to return one of the many legacies that she had shared with me during our 30 plus year friendship.
After our conversation ended, I began to wonder why someone with such incredible gifts and who had personally left countless individual legacies with so many people had such feelings of inadequacy?
Possibly, the presence of the media from local newspapers to television to the Internet may contribute to the development of these feelings. When we hear and see the success of others who have reached high positions whether in business or government, we may start comparing our accomplishments with these high profile media persons. Unfortunately what happens is that many of our “average” citizens fail to understand that it is these average citizens who are the backbone of this country and without their legacies we would not be the country that we are. Plato recognized the importance of citizens over 2000 years ago when he wrote, “ This City is what it is because our citizens are what they are.”
Each of us lives a legacy, not when we are gone from this earth, but when we are here. Our legacy may be something as simple as a smile to a complete stranger to taking the time to help a friend or co-worker through a difficult situation.
Just imagine what the world could be like if everyone looked at every interaction as an opportunity to leave a legacy? What would happen to your personal relationships if you intentionally acted with the desired end result to make each and every interchange one in which you left a legacy that the other person could build upon and then later share with another? Or how about at work? What additional heights could your team reach and how much stronger would your organization be by such “Legacy Leaving Actions”?
With the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the fourth anniversary of 9/11 on the horizon, the American public is being reminded of the importance of legacies. Citizens both private and corporate across the country are demonstrating “Legacy Leaving Actions” by donating their time and resources to help those affected by this natural disaster. Through the stories of those who survived 9/11 and those who didn’t, again, American citizens can hear and even see how they, average American citizens, left legacies during that fateful day which changed our country forever.
Legacies are intentional societal choices that we make every day. By being aware of these choices, makes us better citizens, better parents, better friends and ultimately makes for a better world for our children and the next generation. So as you venture forth today or tomorrow, ask yourself “Where can I leave my legacy?” and “How will that legacy benefit another citizen?”
619 Words
Copyright 2005(c) Leanne Hoagland-Smith, www.processspecialist.com
This article may be freely published. Permission to publish this article, electronically or in print, as long as the bylines are included, with a live link, and the article is not changed in any way (grammatical corrections accepted).
Rabu, 08 September 2010
Going The Extra Mile Benefits Everyone Including Yourself
In a world where mediocrity is becoming alarmingly common, it's a refreshing change to encounter people who are willing to go the extra mile.
If we are lucky we encounter such people on a daily basis. A checkout clerk who is particularly courteous, a co-worker who helps you do something not in their job description, or even a family member who does something to lighten your load.
Going beyond what others expect of you can never be a bad thing. It's a great principle to live by no matter who you are or what you do.
Your attitude is something that shines out beyond the boundaries of what you present to others. There's nothing that beats the feeling when someone surprises you by going the extra mile.
Nature encourages the habit of going the extra mile. If every animal/plant in the ecosystem had a lazy attitude the world would end. It's as if mother nature encourages working harder than is called for.
If every human on the planet adopted a philosophy of going the extra mile the world would undoubtedly be a better place.
Imagine a world were service is always courteous and delivered with a smile.
While it's possible to still earn a living without ever having to push the boundaries of what you will and will not do much in terms of helping you achieve your goals.
10 Reasons to go the extra mile:
1. Can foster a sense of direction in life
2. Develops a positive mental attitude
3. Encourages initiative
4. Creating a more pleasant environment for everyone
5. Gives job security
6. often there's extra compensation
7. Has a positive effect on all those around you – coworkers, clients etc.
8. Clear conscience
9. Can prevent procrastination
10. Going the extra mile can stimulate your soul.
That warm feeling you get inside when you go the extra mile for someone else is irreplaceable. There's no substitute for a heartfelt thanks and you can rest easy in the knowledge that you have made life just that little bit easier for those around you.
Why not try to incorporate this idea into your daily life. By setting a goal that you will go out of your way for someone else on a daily basis – you commit yourself to that warm fuzzy glow daily too!
Going the extra mile can make you stand out in a crowd. And of course it might just help you achieve that financial success you dream of.
If we are lucky we encounter such people on a daily basis. A checkout clerk who is particularly courteous, a co-worker who helps you do something not in their job description, or even a family member who does something to lighten your load.
Going beyond what others expect of you can never be a bad thing. It's a great principle to live by no matter who you are or what you do.
Your attitude is something that shines out beyond the boundaries of what you present to others. There's nothing that beats the feeling when someone surprises you by going the extra mile.
Nature encourages the habit of going the extra mile. If every animal/plant in the ecosystem had a lazy attitude the world would end. It's as if mother nature encourages working harder than is called for.
If every human on the planet adopted a philosophy of going the extra mile the world would undoubtedly be a better place.
Imagine a world were service is always courteous and delivered with a smile.
While it's possible to still earn a living without ever having to push the boundaries of what you will and will not do much in terms of helping you achieve your goals.
10 Reasons to go the extra mile:
1. Can foster a sense of direction in life
2. Develops a positive mental attitude
3. Encourages initiative
4. Creating a more pleasant environment for everyone
5. Gives job security
6. often there's extra compensation
7. Has a positive effect on all those around you – coworkers, clients etc.
8. Clear conscience
9. Can prevent procrastination
10. Going the extra mile can stimulate your soul.
That warm feeling you get inside when you go the extra mile for someone else is irreplaceable. There's no substitute for a heartfelt thanks and you can rest easy in the knowledge that you have made life just that little bit easier for those around you.
Why not try to incorporate this idea into your daily life. By setting a goal that you will go out of your way for someone else on a daily basis – you commit yourself to that warm fuzzy glow daily too!
Going the extra mile can make you stand out in a crowd. And of course it might just help you achieve that financial success you dream of.
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