You Have The Right To Choose

We have choices in life. We can look for the lesson and beauty in every single thing that happens to us. Or we can go through life kicking and screaming about everything that has, is, could, or will happen to us. Life is meant to be a journey, something we learn from and grow from. It is meant to be a journey of self discovery and joy, but you have to choose.
There's this sisters growing up in the same house. Their mother is an excellent seamstress and sews for many people in the town. She also makes all of the clothes her two daughters wear which gives her great pride in dressing them in the latest fashions at a fraction of the cost. The mother loves seeing her daughters in her creations. Sewing for her daughters is an act of love for the mother.
One sister loves the fact that her mother sews her such beautiful clothes. She calls then her designer clothes. She feels the love and care that goes into each new garment. She feels so special putting on the new dresses and showing her friends.
The other sister hates the fact that her mother sews her clothes. She feels others will think they cant afford store bought clothes. She hates being even slightly different than her friends even though it means she has nicer clothes. She is embarrassed and feels that if her mother really cared she would buy her clothes from the store.
Can you imagine? Two sisters living under the same roof, experiencing the exact same circumstances in different ways. One has chosen to make one meaning out of it and the other, a totally different meaning.
We have choices too. How will we see things in our lives, our businesses, relationships, our abundance or lack of it. What are we willing to do to see the positive side of the coin. More to the point, what are we willing to do to change how we see things?

I once read a book that touched me and made me realise that living life to the fullest is all my choice and not about how much I have, I think thats true.

Tough Times Never Last

You ever heard the phrase "tough times don't last but tough people do"
For most of us, life is a mixture of placid and tumultuous
experiences. Like a roller coaster ride,life brings us
periods of smooth ride punctuated with interludes of stomach
churning, accelerating drops through the unexpected. Most of us tend to resist the unpredictable and
difficult life challenges coming our way, thinking that if we
could exert control by working harder or smarter then life will be smooth and predictable. WRONG.

For me I have come to realize that life is supposed to be just as it is. In
fact, Ive come to appreciate the breath-taking drops for
the opportunities they bring me, not that I always welcome
them, but I appreciate them.

Tough times have much to offer us. Only when challenged do I
have the opportunity to experience who I am and what I can
do. Tough times show me my true self, and permit me to
demonstrate who I am to my loved ones and myself
In the midst of tough times, I have also learnt a few things, for example:
- That much of the tough in tough times stems from fear of what
might result.
- That most fears do not materialize.
- That there is opportunity within every difficult time-the
chance to live as your highest self.
- And again that tough times don't last but tough people do.

Technorati Tags: tough times

Change, The Unwelcome Guest

Have ever heard the slogan "change is the only constant thing in life"

The person who masters change, masters happiness.
You see today the best way to thrive in this ever-fluid, volatile world, is to become a master of change. A "Change Master" not only welcomes, invites and celebrates the flux of constantly evolving life, but also consciously drives and directs these rhythms. When you live smart, you drive change. When you shift from a resistance-to-change mindset toward a self-empowered frame of mind, you unlock your vitality, creativity and spirit. The better you manage change, the better you manage your happiness.

Most of us were not raised to welcome change. We're advised to try to keep our life as regular, set and stable as possible. The unknown future is portrayed as dangerous and threatening. "Don't rock the boat!" we' re admonished. The collective strategy is that the more aspects of our life that remain the same, the less we have to adjust and adapt. And the less we have to change, the easier life will be. The party line is that change is inevitable, unfortunately but certainly no fun. Having to constantly change and grow is experienced as a struggle, a challenging, hard ordeal-by most of our elders. Their motto: "Avoid change at all costs."
But contrary to popular belief, change does not have to be hard! Change can only be difficult if we choose to fight it or deny it like the perennial ostrich, sticking its head in the sand and pretending something doesn't exist. When we're in denial, changes come at us " out of the blue!" When we don't prepare ourselves for life's rollicking rollercoaster, we don't enjoy the ride.

So change today for the better, it's always appealing!

Technorati Tags: change

You Have The Power To Change Your Life

I was chatting with someone from Asia this morning, she gave me the impression of someone on the brink of giving up just because things aren't going the way she wants it to, all attemps to let her know things can get better was like yeah, I see, ok. I got to thinking, is she really going to call it quits and I thought many people are actually like that, they give up even before they start the race.

They fail to realise the potential in them.
They fail to see the power they hold in their hands.

Hm,but you know, you have one of the most remarkable abilities known to man. You have the power to direct the course of your life.

You have one of the most remarkable abilities known to man. You have the power to make a radical difference in your life. This is not a secret known only to the fortunate. This power lies deep within each of us. All you must do is choose to tap it!

Too often we read about individuals and their accomplishments and tell ourselves, "they had luck on their side." We tell ourselves anything that will allow us to excuse ourselves from trying to succeed and change our lives.

Its time to put that negative self-talk to rest. Most of Thomas Edisons patents were worthless for example. Even his teachers thought he was stupid. Walt Disney was fired for incompetence. Winston Churchills teachers considered him a "slow learner" and yet he went on to save Britain.

These men and so many others have all realised the power in them. Persistence and focus can help you realize your inner potential, and help you to realize your lifelong dreams. So, before you put yourself into a "box" remember that the opportunity to fail is inseparably linked to the possibility of success.

I always tell myself this, "look girl you can be whatever you want to be, just keep your focus straight like an eagle, don't you dare even blink, that way the sky will be your limit"
See, I believe this with all my heart and so can YOU.

Technorati Tags: Walt Disney

An Interesting Week

I had a very beautiful time through out last week, there was this technology exhibition organised by the US Consulate in Nigeria, since I work for an IT firm, we were naturally at the exhibition and my, did I have a wonderful time, I mean I made so many contacts and talked lots, of course that's my hobby!

Generally it was quite a good outing not just for me but for my organisation as well. And I got to learn a few things too. You know most times we often pride ourselves on how much we know about what we do and believe me I used to be like that but well that was an eye opener, I really got to know there is a whole lot of things I dont know. Well you know what? I'm going to dig deeper now. By the time this exhibition will be on next year, WATCH OUT! a bomb! yap.

The Power Of Focus

Kirk Franklin does not sing well.

Kirk Franklin admits that he does not sing well.

So how did someone who does not sing well become one of the largest gospel recording acts today?
The answer is that the man can do just about everything else. He is a songwriter, choir director, consummate performer and record producer. As for the singing, he finds vocalists who sing well to do that for him. But who's name is on the CD cover? Kirk Franklin.
Kirk Franklin didn't ignore his shortcomings, he made them work for him. He had a vision for his life and he followed it. And no, he doesn't sing a word on his current CD, "TheRebirth of Kirk Franklin." He raps. Funny, isn't it?
I have come to realise that it is not by ability but by how faithful and persistent you are that you can make it in life.Yes most of the world's top achievers will tell you that focus and hard work pays off. It really does.
So if you keep the vision of your life in front of you all the time, you won't pay attention to the judgments of others. After all, I'm sure plenty of folks let Kirk Franklin know that he did not sing well.

And look where he is now!

A letter to Mum; Happy Mothers' Day

Well, it's another mothers' day again. This is for you Mum; a very happy mothers' day to you. Thank you for loving and caring for me and bringing me up right, and for all you gave up for me, my brothers and sisters. I love you soooooo much, I think all of us feel this way about our mums too. Well to all of you mums out there, this is wishing you all a happy mothers day. Hey! This bouquet is for you!

How To Make Friends Easily

Many of us mistakenly believe that its wrong or conceited to think we have any good qualities. We may spend a lot of time berating ourselves for our negative qualities, thinking that self criticism is the key to improving our performance. However, a constant focus on our supposed shortcomings can hinder our efforts to make friends with other people. I am actually a very shy person, infact almost timid but believe me when I tell people that, their attitude is always “YOU of all people” You guessed right, total disbelief.
But the truth is I asked myself how can I have the confidence to make new friends if I think I don’t have much to offer? How can I believe that others could like me if I believe my inner being is flawed? Or if I think I am too boring to interest anyone else?
We may wonder what anyone else would see in us if we don’t see any good in ourselves. In order for others to be attracted to us, they must be able to easily see our best qualities.

You might be thirty pounds over your ideal weight for example, but you may have a wonderful laugh and a huge zest for life. There are many people to whom your extra pounds will literally be invisible. You may drive a shabby car, but you might be a loyal friend. There are people out there looking for loyalty, or fun, or sweetness, or wit, and the package it comes in is not important.

You can decide to feel inferior because you don't have much money and you dont drive
a nice car. You can believe that this is the reason that you don't have many friends in your life, but remember that if you are very wealthy you may be suspicious that everyone is after your money and that nobody really likes you as a person. The point is, you can fixate on just about anything and believe its the reason you do not have friends and cannot make any. But believe me, it's all about you, if you want to have friends then show yourself friendly, SIMPLE AND SHORT.

Technorati Tags: weight, pounds

Be Different And Unstoppable

Do you realize that everybody is born with a trait or the ability to succeed? So whether you’re a success or a failure is just up to you, you alone have the responsibility of taking action to free yourself of all the chains of limitations, which bind you. You have the ability to change your circumstance and dictate how you want to live your life. Don’t sit back and watch yourself fall apart as many often do. Most celebrities like Micheal Jordan and others will attest to the fact that sheer hard work and determination play a key role in transforming ordinary people's lives into huge successes.
But for you to be that person you’ve always dreamt about you must have:
-A clear vision of what you want to achieve.
-Great determination.
-An intense desire to succeed.
-A capacity for hard work.
-Great commitment to your cause.
-Resilience.
-A willingness and ability to take risks.
-A positive attitude.
-Self-confidence.
-No room for self-pity.

Dare to step out from your perceived circle of limitation and reach out for your dream.
Be different and unstoppable!

Technorati Tags: resilience, Michael Jordan

Working Against The Odds

I'm writing this for those who feel limited and tied down by their current situation.
Now what do you think are the odds against you? What kind of labels have you been associated with that make you feel different?
What is standing in your way of success? Is it your race, your level of education, memories of your childhood, your spouse, your lack of confidence, your disability or your insecurities to name but a few?

Do you know that it is possible for you to be who you are, live in any continent of the world, face major adversities, be physically handicapped and yet be unstoppable in your pursuit for success and achievement? You have to realise that success has nothing to do with luck, race or country of origin. It can only be achieved by taking deliberate actions and striving toward your set goal.

Regardless of who you are and where you are from, you can rise above the odds that are against you. All you need to have is a different spirit and the perception of a winner and an achiever. Others have, you can too. check out this young man Jerry Drhino Clark.

Technorati Tags: Jerry Drhino Clark, education

Quote Of The Day

"Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision merely passes the time. Vision with action can change the world."
Joel Arthur Barker

Breakfast Of Failures

Josh Hinds mailed this to me, I found it quite interesting and would want to share.

It's called Breakfast of Failures

"If you want to increase your success rate, double your
failure rate." -- Thomas Watson, Sr. Founder of IBM

Before the Breakfast of Champions - there was the Breakfast
of Failures:

* C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia) had over 800
rejections before he sold even one piece of writing.

* Oprah Winfrey was not deterred when she got fired from her
television reporter's job being told, "You're not fit for
TV."

* Og Mandino (The Greatest Salesman in the World) had lost
his family to drink and became a homeless person before
becoming an inspirational bestselling author selling over 30
million books.

* Marie Curie, recipient of two Nobel Prizes once said, "I
tried out various experiments... and the results were
sometimes unexpected.

At times I would be encouraged by a little unhoped-for
success, at others I would be in the deepest despair because
of accidents and failures resulting from my inexperience...
I was taught that the way of progress is neither swift nor
easy."

* Bill Gates and Michael Dell were college drop-outs.

* Babe Ruth had more strike-outs then any other baseball
player of his time. He also had the most home runs.

* Ann Bancroft, the first woman to travel across the ice to
the North Pole, reminisced later about not reaching a goal
to cover 2,300 miles across Antarctica (bad weather forced
them to be airlifted off) on an expedition with her sister:
"Once again this (expedition) is another successful
failure."

* After auditioning for his band, musician Eddie Bond told a
young Elvis Presley to "Stick to driving a truck, because
you'll never make it as a singer."

* Abe Lincoln lost his job and his sweetheart, failed
miserably in business, was defeated for state legislature,
had a nervous breakdown, was defeated for nomination for
congress, lost the renomination, was defeated for US Senate,
defeated for nomination of Vice President, and again
defeated for US Senate, before being elected as the
sixteenth President of the United States.

Forget about living a 'comfortable' life. I'm not interested
in the items you've crossed off your to-do list today. I
want to know: have you failed - I mean really failed lately?
breakfast,Bill Gates,Michael Dell,Og Mandino,Baseball