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Archive for February, 2012

What Do I Do Now?

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Have you ever pondered and asked, ‘What do I do now?’ You may be at a crossroad in your life and may not be too sure how to make your next move. Your ‘ex’ has moved on with someone else but you are still scared to to carry on with the one who loves you OR you may have quit your job because you know for sure that this is not the kind of life you want to live for the rest of your life. But then again, you are not sure what kind of life you want either. Welcome to the world of uncertainty. Be prepared for something greater for uncertainty breeds opportunity.

Even though you are now out of your comfort zone, this does not mean that you shall immediately enter a comfort zone. You look ahead and what lies ahead seems foggy. Do the next best thing. Tune inwards and that will shed some light. Ask yourself, ‘What do I love to do? What are my strengths and talents? How can I best serve the needs of others?’ List all the things that come to your mind including the absurd ones.

Do the next best thing. Pick one that you feel strongly for and take one small step towards it. You may have a strong interest in baking cakes and never fail to receive warm reception to your cakes. You may want to start with taking up a baking course to enhance your skills. Do one thing at a time. Enjoy the moment.

While making your way through the journey of uncertainty, there will be times that you may feel down, lonely and disheartened. It is normal. You may not be able to see far down the road and sometimes wonder if you are moving the right way. Don’t worry too much. Have faith that light will shine on your path every time you take another step. You just need to follow your heart and move from one step to the next. Don’t be overly concerned about what lies several hundred steps away. Stay focused. Be disciplined. Take one step at a time, you will be guided.

Remember that the darkest hour is just before dawn. You will just have to hang in there. And dawn will surely come and that is the time when you shall shine.

Words can make, words can break

Saturday, February 18th, 2012

Words are powerful – whether spoken, written or those that we carry in our thoughts.

In recent days, I found many of my clients who have been going through problems only because of certain words they heard. While counseling them, I realized that isn’t each of us going through the same case. A kind word makes our day while a word of discouragement may put us to tears.

A late bloomer struggles with his school work. His teachers call him stupid. His friends call him names. His parents give up hope on him. His talents are stifled. His dreams are buried. The flower never gets to bloom.

A bubbly kid cannot come to terms with the sudden loss of his parents. He feels his world falling apart. The light in him fades. The school counselor reaches out to him. She consoles him. She encourages him. She gives him hope to carry on.

The sole bread owner in the family is asked to leave the company. He is depressed. He loses confidence. He loses direction. Until he picks up a book. And the words in that book fuel him. Power him. And change him forever.

Can you recall the times when you are feeling low and how comforting the gentle words from your loved ones and friends made you feel? Do you remember the times when you are pondering over life’s purpose and how the words in books and articles inspire you and give you a sense of purpose and direction?

Words can bring hope. Words can provide strength. Words can heal. Words can fuel. Words can make a person’s day. Words can build relationships. Words can build a person. Words can move mountains. Words can make a man rise up to power. Words can bring peace to the world. But words can also hurt. Words can break a heart. Words can kill dreams. Words can kill hopes. Words can stifle talents. Words can lead people astray. Words can cause enmity. Words can destroy.

Suhani Shah - Words

The words we speak can bring an inward calmness to the hearer that reflects in their outwardly behaviour.  Let’s also speak words of life to ourselves. Sometimes we have a tendency to be too harsh on ourselves, so make it a priority to speak loving words to yourself. Bless yourself, the hearer, with your gift of words, starting today!

So much being said about the power of words, what words would you choose? Yes, go for words that make, build, inspire or heal. Otherwise, it is better to leave things unsaid.