Quotable Quotes

I came across these nice quotes in the photo-frames for sale at Crossword:

1. A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.

2. It's not because things are difficult that you don't dare.

It's because you don't dare, that they are difficult.

3. (This one from TOI's t-shirt quotes):

If you can't bear the heat, don't tickle the dragon.

Today and Tomorrow

Good heavens. This is the first time I read a sentence like 'encumbered with your old nonsense', on pravsworld. But then, the message that is being conveyed needs such an ending, to drill it through our heads that once a day has passed, there is no point in agonizing over it(if it went badly) or gloating over it(if it was a positive one) after the moment has elapsed. It's time to think 'What's next?'. Try it. I did and it's very successful.

Things that last

How true! Need I say more?

Reach for the stars

Do you agree? Simple enough, yet, a lot is said in this quote. Most importantly, don't be disappointed when your endeavour doesn't work out the first time..keep reaching..a bit higher..a bit higher...and there you are!!:)

Feelings

Tell me, isn't that so true? We know it. We know that people will always remember how we made them feel. Do you take care of how you're making people feel when you interact with them? Consciously? Try it next time you meet or greet someone. Let a happy, friendly tone be your friend. The results will speak for themselves. Guaranteed. I do that, so I know.(Except on the rare few occasions when I'm feeling zapped out by the world..heh heh. Nobody's perfect, after all)

Growth

What do you think?Is this the simplest way to reach for the sky in all your endeavours? You bet it is!!

Game of life

The wonderful thing about the game of life is that winning and losing are only temporary...unless you quit.

Dr. Fred Mills

You say' I know, I know', right? But then, why don't we treat the pluses and minuses thusly, instead of getting elated or totally depressed in these respective cases?As the pic says'keep calm and carry on'.:)Till the next post, TC.

Never Explain

I loved this one...but, we never learn, do we? We keep explaining!:)

Past and present

Is it worth it? You bet

Need I say more? So simply said, so easily understood!!Yet,so difficult to implement with the external factors all around us!:)

Spotting the Good

Spotting the Good

We're usually very good at spotting mistakes. We can also develop the quality of spotting the good in others and situations. If I keep thinking "they are wrong", I create a barrier which blocks me from reaching my own goodness. By going beyond the curtain of negativity, I will see and feel the good in myself and others...from As A Man Thinketh.

Don't you think the world would be a better place if we all began at least trying to look for the good in others and situations? But, somehow our mental conditioning, courtesy our environment, be it at home, work, office, site, if it's more negative than positive, reflects on our attitude as well. I worked out one way to avoid negative environments- make an excuse and leave the conversation. Or,just switch myself off and think of positive things.Try it, it might work, it should work for you too! Cheerio..Amit

Is there something...

I sometimes wonder about this strange trait of ours. We see a friend in trouble, we want to help him, but something holds us back. Something makes us ask' can I do anything to help?'...it's almost as if, deep inside, we don't really care or have the time, the question is a formality to which the expected answer is 'no,thanks'.

Next time you see such a situation, why not go ahead and do something that you know will alleviate your friends troubles? I'm definitely going to try it out.(Of course, I always pray that none of them have any problems in the first place.:))

Yesterday,Today,Tomorrow

So simple and yet so difficult to achieve, right?Can you forget the events of a day, specially if they've been one of the extremes-happiness, sadness,fights, arguments, someone close shouting at you......I guess what we can do is to try and replace the negative thoughts with positive ones..that'd help to a great extent. What do you say?

Stones

We can throw stones,

complain about them,

stumble on them,

climb over them,

or build with them.

from...As a man Thinketh

Now, how inspirational is that? Sounds really simple/silly when you read it first. But, think over it from the angle of different perspectives of different people.

Some consider stones as something to throw, others want to complain, others stumble over them...amazingly simple huh? Can be likened so easily to our daily life and it's events. Like, think of difficulties that come our way...we scream ourselves hoarse about them, but how often do we use them as a building block to surmount these difficulties and ensure we come out stronger at the end?

Circumstances

The trick is to let the laughter outweigh the tears...isn't that indeed a neat trick? But then, when we are in one of those off-moods, what happens is quite the opposite-the tears outweigh the laughter. Stop looking at others, stop comparing yourself to others, stop thinking of what others will say. What's important is you! Once you conquer your sorrow(s) and convert them to gladness, the other people follow suit, imitating your happy mood, don't they not?

Interest or Commitment

I never really differentiated between these two, in the past. But yes- when I think over it seriously, it's true. Just being interested in doing something is not really a commitment- it's like' If I can do it, fine. If I don't, I still don't lose anything. So that's also fine'

Commitment is,well, commitment- from start to finish, you see the task through! No two thoughts about it. So, let's change over totally from interest to commitment, right?

Ships

Amazing metaphor of ships and our lives, isn't it? Think over it- are you a ship in the harbour and always playing it safe, trodding the oft-trodden path only? If so, what's the fun in life, the challenge?

Life

OMG, do life's questions get any simpler and at the same time, any more complex?

Hope

Simplicity personified. We often put all our eggs in one basket, and when that basket gets crushed, we're shattered. We don't know what to do,which direction to go. And, the future seems totally bleak. So,why not have a number of hopes and aspirations?And, going a step further-why not have different alternatives to each hope,each aspiration-so that, if one doesn't work out, the other will?Or, the next one...

Simplest example-students feeling disheartened if they get less marks than expected in Board exams.

Common Sense

A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing...William James

Now,that describes me most of the time..:)

God's Greatness

When I asked God ( Must Read )

When I asked God

When I Asked God for Strength

He Gave Me Difficult Situations to Face
***************

When I Asked God for Brain & Brown

He Gave Me Puzzles in Life to Solve
***************

When I Asked God for Happiness

He Showed Me Some Unhappy People
***************

When I Asked God for Wealth

He Showed Me How to Work Hard
***************

When I Asked God for Favors

He Showed Me Opportunities to Work Hard
***************

When I Asked God for Peace

He Showed Me How to Help Others
***************

God Gave Me Nothing I Wanted

He Gave Me Everything I Needed
***************

Thank You,God!!

Happy You

If you start out having a good day and you're in that particular happy feeling, as long as you don't allow something to change your mood, you're going to continue to attract, by the law of

attraction, more situations and people that sustain that happy feeling....Bob Doyle in 'The Secret'.

The Secret-one book which has really inspired me the most in the last few months. The Law of Attraction-explained so lucidly throughout the book. For example, think of the above sentence- the example they've given is of getting up in the morning,and, stubbing your toe against the bed or the chair. You say a few 'nice' words, you go to brush-an excess of toothpaste comes out-you feel wilder still. And, feel sure it's going to be a bad day. More thoughts like this and slowly, you find only such thoughts and such events happening.

But, imagine switching your thought that first time in the morning-and, having a good laugh at your clumsiness/half-asleep state of mind. That makes you feel light-hearted. Stare in the mirror and you grin at yourself. More good things to follow.The day goes well-you go to sleep,feeling well-rested. Like I am, right now!!haha!Cheerio!! Have a great day tomorrow and the day after and the day after......

Do

"Do, or do not. There is no ‘try’."- Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back

There you go- very small, but, very thought-provoking.

I often think-when I tell someone'I'll try'- am I really going to try my best? Or, am I convinced it can't be done and I'll do it half-heartedly with a preconceived notion that it can't be done? I mean, if you know you can do something, why would you tell anyone that you'll 'try'? It's only when you have doubts that you cannot do it, that you use the 'try' word.

I learnt this in my previous company- the big boss was always crystal clear- and, after 1-2 talks with him, I'd changed my tune to either saying 'Yes, it can be done' or, 'No, it cannot be done'- and, that was more appreciated than the 'let me look into it', 'let me recheck/crosscheck', 'let me try/ try once again'...

Try it(Haha,but, not with any doubt)- I'm sure you'll be more successful by saying to yourself 'I'll do it', when the next challenge comes your way. Good luck!!!:)

The Psyche

Your thoughts on this, please?I'm still trying to judge whether this quote is as simple as it seems, or there's a deep-rooted meaning to it. I'm sure it's the latter. Will edit the post later to reflect my view.

Day

Very simple, yet,very true!I think hardly any day passes when, at the end of it,either at work or at home, I feel that I should have done a,b,c...things.

But,is it worth it to brood over it and spoilt another few minutes of this precious life? Move ON!

Clueless

I'm sure you agree!:)Think of your workplace, specially.People want to know what everyone else is doing, they want to comment on what is wrong with everyone else is doing, how they should be doing it,etc. Ask these people a query about their own work and they're clueless!:)

Ah well, even these people add to the charm of everyday worklife!

Live and Learn

Hehe! A bit tough, for those of us who are traditionally of the loyal type. But,it's a truth in today's world. They need you, they keep you. You need them, you stay there. No two buts about it. Tomorrow, if you have an accident and are unable to perform your tasks, who'll take care of you? Your company? Haha!Joke of the day!Harsh but true!

Rediscover

This pic is currently my inspirational desktop pic as well. Is there any part of this pic that is not inspirational?

- The blue background-serene, bringing a sense of calmness.

- The boat on the backwaters-reminds me to stop resisting if it's not necessary(Read'ego')- go with the tide, everything automatically falls into place.

-'Rediscover your own backyard'-tells me to look at my favourite place, Baroda once again..hehe!

-'There is a lot about our country that we have yet to explore'-tells me that life's a never-ending voyage of discovery.'Our country' represents our world.

- 'The seamless transition of blue is broken only by the gentle wrinkles created by the lone boatsman,making his way home'-the lines remind me that there're 'wrinkles' in everyday life, and how we float past them is what makes all the difference.

- The calendar reminds me that time is ticking by- so stop pondering over the trivial stuff.

- Lastly-' Incredible! India'- need I say more? *smiles*. Amen!!

The story of our lives- at any stage,we keep oohing and aahing for the next one.So, think over it- why not appreciate where we are, as of this moment,what we have, and what we need to be thankful for, rather than cribbing?

Photo 1:

Have Time + Energy …but No Money

Photo 2:

Working Age:

Have Money + Energy …but No Time


Photo 3:

Old age:

Have Time + Money …but no Energy

Smile

Believe me,it works!!I've been able to make the grumpiest people smile, by continuing my 'smile crusade' --smile at them everyday till their frown disappears.The latest person was one of the cashiers at a restaurant here.:)Try it and tell me the results the next day.

Motivation

Now,if that's not motivational, what is? Need I say more?

Before you

Amen to that-do the best thoughts come any simpler than this? And,since there are six suggestions,why not try one everyday, with Sunday being the day to implement all six together? Good luck!!(To me,too,coz I want to try it as well!)Truly inspirational gem!Thanks,Pravsworld.

Happy Thoughts

I thought the list in the last but one post said a lot, but, I received an email, with some further tips to avoid hassles, specially at work. Here goes:

An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what
may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain.
Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.'

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that
will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over
time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find
out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you
can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key
buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent
an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a religious book with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small
problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try
and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is
often a good 'Thank you God '
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that
you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING
THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

---------

There,doesn't that make a lot of sense in the context of our daily working lives?

Attitude

Be understanding to your perceived enemies..

Be loyal to your friends.

Be strong enough to face the world each day.

Be weak enough to know.

you cannot do everything alone.

Be generous to those who need your help.

Be frugal with what you need yourself.

Be wise enough to know that.

you do not know everything.

Be foolish enough to believe in miracles.

Be willing to share your joys.

Be willing to share the sorrows of others.

Be a leader when you see a

path others have missed.

Be a follower when you are shrouded

by the mists of uncertainty.

Be first to congratulate an opponent who succeeds.

Be last to criticize a colleague who fails.

Be sure where your next step will fall,

so that you will not tumble.

Be sure of your final destination,

in case you are going the wrong way.

Be loving to those who love you.

Be loving to those who do not

love you; they may change.

Above all, be yourself.

Simple, yet inspirational. Think of the last time you went and genuinely congratulated your competitor-at school/college/work. Or, the last time you didn't look smug when a colleague failed/got a firing from the boss.Sigh!!But,on the positive side,once you're aware, things always improve.:)

Better Life Tips

Hi, all!Again,courtesy, Pravs. Don't think the list is too big and avoid reading it. Once you go through it, at least 50% will have made sense to you and will make you happy. Really simple things to do, yet, things that'd make a world of difference.

Tips for Better Life
1. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Sleep for 7 hours.
4. Live with the 3 E’s — Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Play more games.
6. Read more books than you did the previous year.
7. Make time to practise meditation, yoga, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10.Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11.Drink plenty of water.
12.Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13.Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip.
14.Forget issues of the past. Don’t remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
15.Don’t have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
16.Realise that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
17.Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
18.Smile and laugh more.
19.Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don’t hate others.
20.Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21.You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22.Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.
23.Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Don’t compare your partner with others.
24.No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25.Forgive everyone for everything.
26.What other people think of you is none of your business.
27.GOD heals everything.
28.However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
29.Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
30.Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

31.Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
32.The best is yet to come.
33.No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
34.Do the right thing!
35.Call your family often.
36.Your inner most is always happy. So be happy.
37.Each day give something good to others.
38.Don’t over do. Keep your limits.
39.When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
40.Don’t be more calculative in your life for all things.

There, wasn't it great? I read it through once more while giving each line a number, and it's amazing. Thanks,Pravsworld!

Success

Now,if only people would realize that,they might be able to give up their high ego levels, which lead to all the fights,tensions and arguments,wouldn't they? How often have we heard the dialogue' Do you know who I am?'..nothing puts me off more than hearing someone say that to someone they consider lower than their level.

As Time Changes

Isn't that just too,too true? We think of some people as being fickle-minded..people who're on your side one minute, and, flit over to the other, the other minute. Anything, as long as it suits their warped sense of what is right! Personally, I keep a watch out for such people, and, once I have a bad experience with them, it's simple- take everything they say with a pinch of salt or sugar, depending on whether they said something annoying or nice!!:)Have a lovely day, all!

World-mirror

Isn't that just soo well said? Everything around you is a reflection of you,your nature,how you look at the world. Indeed,positivity does beget positivity!For a day,just try to avoid anything even slightly negative(easier said than done,I know). I definitely will- and,will let you know the results tomorrow!Cheerio!

When..

When life's pressures leave you struck dumb,

Just search for an answer; The solution will come.

When a tragedy occurs leaving you feeling numb,

Just wait for your health; The strength will come.

When everyone relies on you and there is no way you can see,

Trust your mind to think with time; Patience is the key.

When you have made it where others always flee,

Just wait to gather courage; Soon you'll be where you want to be.

When it is nearing the end and you're in need,

Muster up your courage;

Endurance will lead.

I was quite inspired by the above lines, specially in view of the hectic week I just had at work. I do have a doubt on this- patience is the key, endurance will lead-agreed. But, what's the upper time limit for such things?I know of people who've spent a lifetime waiting for better things to happen to/for them...ah well,that's the power of positive thinking,I'd say. I'm sure everyone will have better times ahead!!Good luck.

Ten Commandments of Life

Thanks to Pravs World/Pravs Talk:

10 Principles for Peace of Mind

1. Do Not Interfere In Others’ Business Unless Asked:

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others’ affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God.. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.

–

2. Forgive And Forget:

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive,20Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

–

3. Do Not Crave For Recognition:

This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yourse lf in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.

–

4. Do Not Be Jealous:

We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody’s life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.

–

5. Change Yourself According To The Environment:

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

–

6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:

This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control. If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.

–

7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:

This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. . Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.

–

8. Meditate Regularly:

Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.

–

9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:

An empty mind is the devil’s workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God’s name.

–

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:

Do not waste time in protracted wondering ” Should I or shouldn’t I?” Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Why cry over spilt milk?