Never Assume

Everybody wants to be lucky. Most lucky people nurture pessimism, guarding it against assaults, exercising it daily to keep it lean and hard. The uses of pessimism among the lucky can be articulated in terms of Murphy's Law that I have learned back when i was still a psychology student. It is stated  that "If something can go wrong, it will." Never, never assume that you are fortune's darling. Never drop your guard. It is like a constant vigilance against wary chronic Lyme disease. Lucky men and women, notably more than the unlucky, are aware that no life is ever totally under control of its owner. If you cling to an illusion of control, you wont build defense against bad luck. When bad luck does strike, you will be too demoralized to react in useful ways. People who are lucky are by definition those whom fortune has favored - but one reason they are favored is that they never assume they will be. They know fortune is fickle.

Day Start

A wonderful morning is a blessing. I have lost count of the number of times when I had to explain the "good morning" catch phrase or standard greeting. The reason behind this quite simple. Good morning represents the hope that greets us each day and the optimism that we should be armed with as we face the challenges, hurdles, and disappointments that are inevitably part of our daily grind. Good morning is our way of expressing faith in the good Lord for his provisions and never ending blessings, be it small or big wonders. Good morning is not just a good start of blank wedding invitations or corporate letters but is also the daily hope of of a good life. good morning is sharing the good news of good health, opportunity, success and wellness to the friends and strangers that we meet.  Try starting each day with a bright good morning! And make sure to end it with a hopeful and optimistic, good morning!

Relationship Tolls

Relationship can succeed if we learn the principle of forgiveness. As i stood and watched two children were running on the playground in opposite directions, and I saw it coming before they did. They each circled the same object until literally met in the middle. Two more kids came around and did the same thing. Tempers, flared, emotions ran high, tears rad down their cheeks as if one has just cheated by a game of  scramble with friends cheat. Feelings were hurt. Less than two minutes later, they were off running and playing together, and all was forgotten. What would happen in adult relationships  if we learned how to do that? Instead of internalizing everything, we learned not to take it all personally. Instead of holding grudges, we learned to hold hands. Children have soft hearts and life can sometimes hardened them. Sheds a little light on the phrase, "Except you become like children", doesn't it? 

Our Own Choice

Going against can not always start with a chaos. I know this can't be a perfect world, and I accept that there are certain liberties we enjoy now that we couldn't back then, but there are some things we should consistently stand for. We may not be able to fight against a corrupt city hall, but we can refuse to bribe the government employee who says he can process your papers faster with a small "fee". We may not be able to do much about traffic, but we can choose to stop when the red light flashes, even if the intersection is free. Everyone is watching the scandalous videos that was being discussed in the Senate , but we can decide not to be part of the circus by not clicking on the link that makes you privy to what was supposed to be kept private. I may sound self righteous as if I have never cheated using scrabble word finder in playing small games with friends, but one of the things I firmly value as well is being non-judgmental. I admire men and women of integrity, but believe that individuals who have made grave mistakes deserve to be redeemed.

New Hope

I've spent more than four years trying to find myself and the path that I really want to lead without success. I've failed in many areas where I used to think I wouldn't when I was young. I've actually thought that it's too late to start again and too late to think that I'll be someone of essence one day. I also used to do creative writing and enjoy games like Words for Words with friends, but I gave that up too. I just feel that once I start writing, I couldn't ignite the momentum anymore. But with a new perspective right now, I realized that I have to finish the thing that I started and I must finish it strong. I've also realized that no matter how late it might be, it's never too late to stand up and start working. At least I'm getting somewhere, at least I know I'd get there. Once I get the reputation I deserve, It'll walk with me someday, I'll earn the fruits of my labor. 

National Leaders

Please give me the courage to wait. Many leaders fall when they lose their vision for  the community, a destiny greater than all their individual aspirations added together. A vision that is merely about this life becomes burdensome. A vision characterized as the individual's sole dream can be clouded as mere compulsion. Compelling visions are always transcendent. And genuine leaders see themselves as servants of such visions, their lives dedicated to their pursuits. They say that in politics there are no permanent friends and enemies. Let us give that to our politicians. But a leader with no clearly articulated agenda is on the wrong side of history. And a leader who will not risk his own political career if just to remain true to his dreams for the community is already history. Obviously it helps if the leader is a brilliant graduate from military schools in California or is a brilliant lawyer, and technocrat. But let him be wary that the top to bottom benevolent leadership model has been on the way to bankruptcy. Divorcing the greater community from the pursuit of the good smells of outright betrayal. And the people know it. 

Face Folds

Our face can be very fragile. Finding pillow creases in our face can be a bit alarming. We wake up in the morning and discover a brand new deep wrinkle that was not their yesterday. Pillow creases occur as a result of sleeping on a wrinkled pillow case or where skin is pulled and creased. Fortunately it is not a permanent wrinkle and will smooth itself out within a couple of hours. But who has a couple of hours to wait for wrinkles to disappear when in a rush to get to work? For some who don't know how to get rid of the facial pillow creases, knowing the answer is like finding cash for gold locations. When we sleep the skin is busy doing most of its regeneration. By pressing our facial skin against the pillow in the same position for hours, proper blood circulation can be impeded. This basically the reason why we wake up with a swollen face and those bothersome pillow creases. We can prevent pillow creases by lying on our back when we sleep. Washing our face with warm water and moisturizer could also work the trick.

Sexy Within

What is sexy? By the first definition, sexy is very basic and chemical. It is timeless. For example, I find perfection boring. I find people with slight imperfection sexy. Like, the Barbie and Ken dolls are supposed to be scientifically perfect, but I don't find them sexy. I like bat ears or bow legs. It's very personal for everyone, and its definition is timeless. It's definition is very subjective like how you define 50th wedding anniversary party ideas. But if you look at the other definition, being highly appealing or interesting, then you can speak about something that changes with time. The bathing suits we're selling now are sexy, but in the 60's people were covered up, but it was also sexy. For the runway, sexy means being tall and skinny, that's the standard. For TV, you have more regular models. Their are those that can do beauty but can't do fashion, and vice versa. My personal definition? Sexy is something that comes from within, from how you feel. 

Given Time

This is an important truth. I have learned that in truth, we don't want our love ones to show their love for us in big ways. Swimming the widest oceans, crossing the deepest rivers, and climbing the highest mountains seems spectacular - but that's not what we really want. Neither the most expensive or grandest 65th birthday gifts can measure to the time we can spend together for our love ones. Deep in our hearts, we just them home with us. Sometimes, God will operate that way. Suddenly, He decides not to answer our prayers, or fill our need, or heal our sickness, or give us the miracle we're asking for. He's got reasons why He won't, and believe me - they are pretty good ones. He'll just be there beside you, holding you, in a hug, sharing your pain, weeping as you weep. That small comfort will be more than enough to sustain you. Because the most essential truth you already know. 

Life Time Proposal

Marriage is a very crucial decision in every relationship. The one characteristic above all others that distinguishes marriage that last from those who don't is the willingness of husband and wife to testify in each other;s behalf. If a husband and wife can depend on each other 's behalf,  nothing really bad can happen to them. On the other hand, the man or woman whose partner eagerly testifies against him or her will soon be looking for a replacement. A good marriage offers a man and woman the best of everything:  a steadfast ally against the world, a gracious and charming companion, sexual satisfaction, and a partner in the dazzling miracle of creating new human beings. Obviously, not every marriage can achieve all these things. That is the reason why 25th anniversary gifts for parents deserve to be extra special. Nearly every marriage provides the chance for a man and woman to grow closer and more loving with each passing year, and to find in one another the fulfillment of every human need.

Lasting Passion

Keeping the passion is sometimes challenging in long term relationships. Not many people know about the hidden power struggles that can occur in a relationship. This is about the a hidden power struggle known as rhythms. Understanding rhythms are the best the thing that you can give as gifts for the blind of reasons and feelings. Every person has their own unique rhythm whether that is they eat, sleep, work, relax, or even think and breathe. However, in every society we have been taught to assume to everyone is alike or that there is a specific way that everyone needs to go about their day in order to strive and be successful. This can cause a power struggle in a relationship in two ways. People have different speech patterns, speed, and rhythms. If the people within the relationship are able to recognize these rhythms, then a successful relationship wouldn't be very complicated. Bring your partner into awareness, then accept, and appreciate both your partner's  and your own unique rhythms. With acceptance, nonresistance, and being authentic, you will find that both of you will be at your fullest in all areas of your lives. 

Shadows of Death

Time is all we have. A time when the earth stood still and silence just engulf your soul. When an empty sound whispers to your ear, you shiver  and wept. Even the most expensive 75th birthday gifts cannot elate your lonely heart. You are afraid, you are cold, you are alone. In the waning time you are approaching death. The living see it as a time of parting, a time of goodbyes. However the universe see it as rebirth, a new life. You will be born again. Just like the life of a phoenix, from ashes you are created; to ashes you shall return and be born again. On the last breath you are counting. Counting not the numbers but the time. Waiting, hearing your own precious breath. Breathing in, breathing out. Death shouldn't be something we would dread. Rather, we should see death as an opportunity. A time of rebirth where all that has past is put to rest.

Back to School

School is always fun. Believe it or not but back when I was a kid, I do look forward to the school opening. By the end of summer, I am already bored staying home and can't wait to see my classmates. Their are times that i feel anxious about returning to the classroom. I may hate waking up early, feel pressured by the new lessons coming up, worry about meeting new teachers, or dread seeing classmates that are bullying me. But consequently I would still prefer to go to school. Earth science and English were my favorite subjects. I remember enjoying the science class encounter learning topics about the dinosaurs, different plants and herbs and their respective properties like  Moroccan oil. These are some of the feelings that I can clearly remember when i was just a little kid. Remembering the past always help me keep my feet on the ground and be level headed in my perspective in the adult world.

Listening Without Ears

We should appreciate what we have. Most people who have perfect sense of hearing most often does not value this ability. but to the Deaf, it makes a world of difference. To them, radio is useless, and music is an alien concept. Even an iphone earpiece who needs iphone help is insignificant because it is still of no use anyway. Unless they have close captions or interpreters of sign language, TV shows are just a bunch of flickering images. The Deaf cannot attend just any normal school. They cannot drive, and are considered very vulnerable on the street. Their world is often scary, uncertain, unsafe place where they are not fully understood by others, even by their own parents. Loosing the sense of hearing means losing most of the conventional language facilities. However deafness should not be an impediment to excellence. A deaf person can always be driven to succeed just like any other person. When skills and talents are honed and proper motivation is thrown into the mix, then success is always possible.

See Simplicity

It is the most serene season. Last week was the Lenten season. Fortunately Monday is a holiday too so everyone had four long days of vacation. Most were out for vacation while many families went to the province or the beach for a happy Easter. I spent my holy week in a nearby small and meek island. Being born in the city and growing in it made me appreciate the beauty of simple things. It is the perfect wisdom I have gained, because it enabled me to see the true ephemeral beauty that is not often seen by the eye. Just like the beauty of Easter, the local families with their simple and hard life was able to spend the time on the beach and enjoyed the small happiness together. When I saw this, it made think of writing it on a blog. Perhaps i'll inquire for wordpress support to see how I can add the beautiful picture of a family that i took during Easter. Life is really filled with blessings.

The Game Moves

We have our own set principles. I am always a good sport. I play by the rules and accepts my defeat well as much as how I savor the glory of victory. I respect and value the essence of a true sportsman. But the rules of sport is always at bend when applied in real life situation. Most often the one bold enough to cut the ropes of laws and moral ethics get the bacon home. It is a sad truth but life is indeed a jungle. Survival of the fittest gets the lead of the game. The strong are only ones who can continue while the weak takes its place. The purest intentions as clear as argan oil may win the sympathy of the majority, but being pure is not enough to ensure a win. As I am growing up, my idealism  is clearly no longer black and white. I have learned the game and the learned the rules both written and unwritten within the book and the within the game itself.  

Seeking Justice

This needs justice. A friend of mine has been a victim of a senseless random act of violence. He was shot by an unknown gun man and died just yesterday, just right after midnight. To all of the people who knew this guy, we are deeply in grief. He was an incredible person, very talented and meek. He never fails to support and gives advice whenever a friend is in need. In fact, everyone of us in the group including him is very much excited about the baptismal christening of another friend's baby in a few days. This tragedy comes with a real shock for all of us. Way back then, we all just found each other from being next door neighbors from this site. We consequently became friends and thought that life is young and we have a long bright future right ahead of us. But all those dreams was cut short by his death. We will stop at nothing in finding justice for our dear friend. We will all continue our dreams brother. Have a peaceful travel. 

Free From Pain

Anger only makes breathing difficult. I do not want to be angry. As much as possible i am always doing my best not be angry. But because I am only a person, their would always come a time that my patience is tested. I am advice by my doctor to avoid putting myself in situations with high risk factors of stress. I am also instructed not to involve myself in any argument or debate as this will only trigger my anxiety problems. But it is harder for me to do so because one triggering source comes from my own home. I am tired and frustrated. Although I am trying my best to stay healthy by eating organic food like garden salad or using organic products like  argan oil, my health is still not getting better. I hope that I wouldn't stay dependent on anti-depressant pills. I miss the times when life is as good as how I thought it would be.