Take the opportunity today to make a new friend
Understanding others’ point of view

Photo of Hannah Young
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.
Amid Red Upper Lips and High Fevers
Photo of Hannah Young
The weekend begins with red upper lips,
For five straight minutes, her nose bleeds,
As my husband and I try to stop the bleeding and console her,
Our daughter, confused and frightened by the red fluid trickling down her soft upper lip.
Oh, how these moments break my heart.
We conclude what happened is from a broken blood vessel from nose picking,
And continue with our plan for the day,
With chicken for lunch and sample treats at the store,
The two kids especially enjoy our weekend errands.
Oh, how these moments make me smile.
Then to the car wash we go before heading home,
When it was whimpering for the boy and girl before,
It was now excitement to see Spongebob and Dora,
With squeals and giggles as we pass the tunnel to wave at Taz and Clifford.
Oh, how these moments warm my heart.
But on I-75 on the car ride home,
I turn around to see yet again red little fingers,
With the car stopped roadside and cars whizzing by for five minutes,
I succeed to halt another nosebleed, another frazzled crying babe.
Oh, how I want to switch places with her.
So, to the ER we go to resolve our doubts now,
But after a long process of waiting, chasing around a still active toddler,
And watching Yo Gabba Gabba in the waiting area,
It is indeed concluded to be just a broken blood vessel inside her nose.
Oh, how this news relieves my heart.
Fifteen hours later, it is my son’s turn,
What allergies he and his sister share,
Has now turned into low then high fevers,
With a trip and tests for both at the doctor’s, thankfully they just have a cold,
Oh, but his fevers, I wish they’d go away.
What is typically a playful and boisterous boy,
Is now irritable, whiny, and snotty,
Just watching television, blowing his nose every other minute,
Not even a single attempt to tease his sister dear.
Oh, the very few times I wish he actually would.
Tonight, after dinner,
While I cuddle my son, chatting with him,
My daughter comes with her toy stainless pot complete with a lid,
And as if to offer it whole-heartedly, she says in her sweetest voice, “Zoup Dale.”
Oh, how everything in this moment completes today and everyday.
Finally, what a blessing just red upper lips and high fevers are,
And to realize that things could be worse, but are thankfully not,
How humbling it is to be reminded of the gift of good health that we often take for granted,
And to cherish our loved ones on healthy and “red upper lips and high fever” days.
P.S. Yes, amid red upper lips and high fevers, I am grateful for the general calm I had in my heart and mind this past weekend and today. I am grateful that the Universe injected modest but meaningful moments with my family that I will forever cherish despite several unpleasant “first-times.” What modest but meaningful moments did you share with loved ones today? Yesterday?
Charm Moreto Damon is a mother, a TESOL professional and a freelance editor. She graduated from the University of the Philippines, and pursued graduate studies at the Ohio State University, where she also taught academic writing and research to international students. She is currently a stay-at-home-mom, and keeps herself busy with family, friends, and editorial work. She writes foramsdaily.net regularly. She may be contacted at charm.damon@gmail.com.
Success Story: Kimberly Mitchell, Loving with Purpose
It has been almost a year ago when Kimberly Mitchell sent me a copy of her book, Loving with Purpose. Since then, whenever I have the time I would take a few minutes and read through some of her sage advice on loving, living and starting to see things in a more purposeful way in dealing with people. In some fashion, I would say that her book has similarities with the book that I authored with the rest of the AMSDaily writers last July – the only huge difference is Kimberly’s book focuses solely on loving and maintain relationships with purpose.
Today, she shares with us her story – and one lucky reader shall receive a FREE copy of her book. Make sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the interview.
Please do visit Kimberly’s website at http://www.lovingwithpurpose.com. She has a lot of information on her site which will definitely help you see love with purpose. You can also like her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LovingwithPurpose.
Here is Kimberly’s purposeful story:
Alpha: What inspired you to write your latest book?
Kimberly: I was at a crossroads in my life and decided to write again. I actually wrote most of my life, but never a book. Once I made the decision to write, I had to figure out what subject matter I wanted to take on. Then one night, when I went out to dinner, I saw an older gentleman escort his wife to the table by putting his hand on the small of her back. That’s when it hit me; I would write about chivalry! Once I started writing, I couldn’t stop. The book took on a life of its own; covering topics from dating to blending, and more. I’m actually working on my second book now, along with blogging for others, offering presentations and speaking engagements.
Alpha: What have been the rewards and challenges of writing it?
Learning each and every task necessary to publish my own book. The second challenge was telling my story, while protecting anyone in my life by hurting them. I wanted to make sure I was genuine, honest, and responsible.
Alpha: What is the book’s core message?
The book is about a lot of things, but mainly it’s about a woman’s choices; her choices in dating or marriage, with her children, friends…even her finances! I talk about abuse, blending, discrimination, and religion, too. If there’s a choice for women to make, most likely she can find a section in the book covering that topic.
Alpha: What do readers need to know about you?
I am a woman with a purpose; to help women make better choices, while helping them realize their own self-worth.
Alpha: Any advice to a struggling writer?
Make a table of contents BEFORE writing so you follow the flow as thoughts come to mind. Research, learn, and then write.
Alpha: Where do you see book publishing is heading?
Self-publishing and audio books. When you go with traditional, you still have to do most of the marketing, which is the hardest part of the work. I tried to go traditional, but after almost ninety proposal packages I gave up. Now, after doing all the work, I’m grateful for what I’ve accomplished. My only regret is that I can’t share my work with many of the bookstores because of nontraditional.
To read other inspiring Success Stories, click here.
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. Emailamsdaily@yahoo.com with the heading NEWSLETTER to join. If you are already an amsdaily subscriber, you will not automatically receive these monthly newsletters unless you email her.
How to Become a Better ‘YOU’

Photo of Hannah Young
Where do you go from here?
The decision to become a better person starts with you right now, right here, at this very moment. When you switched your thinking to what you want and just focus on it, you are on your way to success. You know that you have a good leg to start your journey once you have identified what it is that you truly want. You have to have a clear thinking on what you want to become in order to succeed. Having a clear blueprint of what you truly want in your life is crucial.
Have you ever wondered about how others are successful in their careers? Or, have you ever asked yourself why your other friends are enjoying the kind of life they have and you aren’t? The good thing is they are not any different from you. In fact, you and them are all the same. The only difference between you and them is that they were able to focus in what they want earlier than you did. But don’t worry, today is now your chance. You have what other successful have! It is already inside you. All you have to do is to have that burning the desire to know and exactly know what you want. Then, feel it. Know it by heart. You have to be clear on it – and then work on it.
Only then will you know that being clear on your future and the life you want is so important for a successful life.
Do you want to become a better person?
Then, get a piece of paper and write down exactly what you want in life.
Remember it is not where you are right now that is important; what is important is where you will end up to be. You have the power to become the best.
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, email or pinterest.
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