On Reflecting Less….

May 28, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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Photo of Hannah Young

 

It is true, I was excited to ask Alpha for the schedule of contributors’ posts this quarter. I had become attuned to giving over mine a day or two before my turn, so that I could talk about what’s current with me, or with the world.

This is not one of those. I almost missed on this post and it was only by an angel that I remembered. Still saved by grace. I realized I haven’t written much online over the past few weeks, even though certainly a number of good things happened which I can be happy to let people know about, and daily I’ve had sort of challenges and confusions that I could have shared for counsel of online friends. But I haven’t this time, and yes I pondered on this as I write today.

Why the cut on my reflections? Have I become tired of writing? Did I feel I like losing my mysteries? Is it good or bad for me…what is this change—so unnatural to me who cannot get on in a day without writing—all about? And then, here’s what got—

I’ve been reading the Holy Book (the Bible) and Ecclesiastes Five spoke to me as it ended,

18 “This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. 20 They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.

 

And yes—I think I’m there, what this wisdom reveals. The point when you do not rush anymore and are not anxious about things going on. You just have the joy with what you do and are simply occupied with gladness of heart, twenty four hours long, even in events of tears… that you no longer count nor wait on the days. Every day you are complete and peaceful. And then when the joy gets full and overflowing, you share it and spread the cheers.

I am thankful to amsdaily that it has become an outlet of this gratefulness. Unlike many times before when I still felt deprived and insecure, I’d write arrogantly on my page and would like to let the world know how angry and incomplete I was. If you had been to that phase like life has owed you many things and you thought rebellion was the best weapon you got- you understand what I’m telling now. Your pen became a sword.

But hey, the pen should be mightier than the sword! It knows of honor above nobility, dignity over courage, and respect more than bravery. Though each is beautiful, one responds to a higher calling. The good news is, there is a time to heal the sores of life, a time to laugh about how you behaved, and a time to look up and smile, a time when prayer becomes your lifestyle instead of rebellion. And that’s where you start to reflect on, not too loud but with quietness and gentleness, leave inspiring marks on many hearts.

Before, I used to write in so many diaries. I still encourage that among my students, because diaries are good reminders of the past. But diaries are meant to be kept secretly, I’d add. And to an audience it is good to find an online page such as this to wrap up my thoughts and tell how great God is! This is the wealth I have received, my lot in life to reflect less but tell about good news more, a gift of God that I fully enjoy.

What’s your lot in life?  Have you found its meaning?

 

Lots of love,

Buena

 

Buenaflor Laoang-Rosete is a mother, freelance writer and a researcher based in Tarlac, Philippines. She writes her thoughts on her website Fragrant Lives. You can contact her via email atbuenalaoang@yahoo.com, facebook, or subscribe to her blog.

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Who Do You ‘Write’ For?

May 23, 2013 By 1 Comment

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Photo of Hannah Young

By Kenton Sefcik

 “You never have to change anything you got up in the middle of the night to write.” ― Saul Bellow

 

It’s true that I write for you, Dear Reader.  It’s true that I write to augment my career.  It’s true that I write to get my crap out.  It’s true that I write to leave a legacy behind, because words and articles and books in print are forever.  However, there is one very important reason I write:

Life is fragile.  As I get older, I hear more stories of cancer, Huntington’s, ALS, stroke, heart attack and other conditions and diseases that are taking people’s lives.  I hear about the freak accidents like slipping and hitting one’s head.  And with all of this I can’t help think about my children.

What would happen if I left them tomorrow?  What would happen if I didn’t wake up?  What happens if I acquired some incurable disease?  What would I leave them with?  What could I give them to hold onto?

I write so that my children, and the generation after them, have a blueprint to follow; an ‘idea book’ of sorts where I’ve collected my thoughts, passions and muses for them to get to know their father.  I want to set an example that clearly shows that what we’ve said all along can be done: you can have, be, and achieve anything you want.  There are just a few simple rules in doing so.

I want to show them with nothing more than hard work, effort, passion, drive and creativity, the world is theirs.  I write for them, and I bring you, Dear Reader, along for the ride.

 

Kenton Sefcik is a father, husband, Registered Acupuncturist, published author, public speaker and martial artist. You can read more of his ramblings on his website Harbour Health. You can contact him via email at harbourhealth(at)gmail.com or subscribe to his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/harbourhealth

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Take the opportunity today to make a new friend

May 21, 2013 By 3 Comments

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Photo of Hannah Young

 

By Stuart Young

 

Like most people I have a core set of friends. Those that I’ve known for many years, and some for only a few years. They all have one thing in common. At one point in time I didn’t know them!
Obvious I know, but think about it for a moment. If you are invited to a dinner party or other social event or maybe even a work get together and you know that most of the people present will be strangers to you – it puts you off doesn’t it? OK, some of you are saying ‘No, I love that.’ Well this guide today isn’t for you, it’s for those out there who are happy staying in the comfort and company of familiar friendly faces.
Try to imagine that one of the people you meet today will end up being one of your ‘best’ friends ever. How great is it to have best friends? It’s great, friends that really ‘get’ who you are and in who’s company you can ‘be’ who you really are. Imagine that one of the people you meet today will be one of those friends and you will have a sense of excitement and anticipation. You won’t be able to wait to get out and meet new people.
Stuart Young is the author of How to Change Your Life One Day at a Time and creator of the ‘Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life’ program. His mission is to help individuals change their lives for the better by offering daily practical guides and new ways of thinking. You can contact him via facebook, email or his blog.
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Remarkability

May 16, 2013 By 2 Comments

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What is a Remarkable Act?

 

I would not have the answer for this question until a few days ago.

 

Monday, I went back to work and an hour into my day I bumped into one of my colleagues and she said, “Alpha, we have something in support for you!” I said nonchalantly, “Well, thank you!” not knowing exactly what that ‘something’ was about. Quickly she responded, “No, Alpha you have to come and see me. You have to read it.” So, I replied, “Sure, I will stop by sometime today after my meetings.”

 

A few hours passed and I made my way to her office. When I got there, she gave me what I thought was just an ordinary document – and I began to read it. What exactly was on that paper was something beautifully written, something I would never ever expected that my colleagues would do for me.  They wrote (or at least spearheaded by MLR) what they thought of me, as their colleague. On the bottom of that paper were a few signatures of my colleagues, which really at that point made me say, ‘Oh you guys did not have to this. But thank you!’ But then, I realized what MLR gave me was not just a piece of paper, but actually at least five pages filled with signatures of my colleagues petitioning me to stay where I am and continue to work with them.

 

At that point, tears began to fill my eyes and I caught myself crying (I held it back as much as I could because there were students in MLR’s office). I felt very very special to be thought of that way and to be regarded that way by my colleagues– but something even greater and even more remarkable than the words they used to describe me, came out of that moment. And it was them – my colleagues.

 

That moment truly defined what kind of people I work with. They did what was remarkable. They did what I thought was so amazing, I can not even thank them enough! It was the very act of them getting together and placing their signatures of confidence in the work that I do with them. It was them – and their very remarkable act of standing what they thought was right and how they are willing to support a colleague (me) in the work that we do as a TEAM.

 

I probably could have hugged MLR at that moment but I did not. I was just too overwhelmed or maybe too happy or maybe too inspired – I do not know, to tell you the truth. Whatever the reason or my state of mind at that time, I knew for sure what my colleagues did was something that will keep me inspired and work even harder with them because I know people like them, who are remarkable deserve a remarkable kind of leadership.

 

And that is the promise I take with me. Thank you everyone!

 

 

Alpha Sanford is the creator and editor of Aspire.Motivate.Succeed! a personal development website which aims to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life through its bi-weekly articles. She interviews and features inspiring individuals whose extraordinary work impact the lives of many people in the community. You can contact her via facebook, twitter, and email.  You can also join her FREE monthly newsletter where you will get tips to a more successful life. 

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Understanding others’ point of view

May 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment

hannah3

Photo of Hannah Young

 

By Avdhessh Arya

 

 

Just a couple months ago I organized a community feast in my village. It was nothing religious, but sort of community get-together.

 

My parents have religious inclinations and they gave it a religious touch. They made my wife and I take part in various religious ceremonies. Considering the fact that my parents believe in such things, I participated in those ceremonies, though with a little skepticism.

 

In the end, both of us had to offer the food to the gods. I am not really that kind of stuff, but I agreed and sat at the place of worship along with my wife. The people from the singing troupe started singing a popular devotional song and I don’t know how, I got into a kind of trance, time stopped. And I felt something that I had never experienced before. I was in a state of pure bliss.

 

That day I realized that sometimes, in order to understand others point of view, you actually need to be there. It’s only when you’re in their shoes, will you be able to experience what they were talking about, not before that.

 

 

Avdhessh Arya is a personal development coach and voice actor based in New Delhi, India. He writes his thoughts on his website avdhessharya.com You can contact him via email at avdhessharya@gmail.com, facebook, twitter, or subscribe to his blog.

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