Are You The Master Of Your Destiny?Written by Michael Lee
How strong are you? I'm not asking if you can carry 150 lbs. of weight. What I'm after is your strength of character. How resilient are you to hang on to your dreams amidst raging forces of discouragement and criticisms? There are far too many individuals who never get to experience joy of attaining their desires because other people's influence has significantly (and sometimes negatively) affected their crucial decisions. Are there instances in your life when other people said that you should not continue your plans because they're never gonna work? What did you do? Did you continue your endeavors or did you just follow their command? If you always adhere to other's beliefs and opinions even though they are contrary to yours, you're just torturing yourself. It's like you don't have a mind of your own. You're like a shadow following moves of someone else. You may listen to other people's advices, but never let them control you. If their advices would contribute to your success and well being, then by all means follow them. But if they would hinder you and stray you away from what you really want in life, then you've got to make a stand and pursue your heart's aspirations. Sure there would be criticisms. But if you always avoid them, then you will never be truly happy.
| | Smelling the Roses: Better Living Through SavoringWritten by Maureen Killoran, MA, DMin
“Stop and smell roses,” people often say. Then they smile ruefully, because everybody knows there isn’t enough TIME to stop or, as my daughter says, to “chill.” This is Conventional Wisdom – and I’m here to tell you that CW is simply WRONG. Researchers in Positive Psychology find that people actually get more done if they take time out to SAVOR their day. Not only that, but, over time, people who set aside a few hours every week are likely to be healthier, more relaxed, and better able to cope with stresses of everyday life. Why not try it? Give yourself gift of Savoring. (Hey, stress is all you have to lose!) To start, make a list of 10 things you REALLY enjoy doing, whether or not you’ve made time for them lately. I’m talking about stuff that gives you real pleasure. They may be things you do alone, or with one other person, or with a group. Look over list, and see if one thing says “pick me.” Choose one of those activities that you enjoy. Now: Take out your calendar, and SOME TIME IN THE NEXT MONTH, block out at least a 2-hour period that is JUST FOR YOU. Half a day is better. A whole day is best of all. Do whatever is needed to make that time free. Ask a neighbor to baby-sit. Tell your spouse you’ll be busy. Say “no” to half-dozen requests that will almost certainly challenge your Savoring Time .
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