Greek Salad
Lambshanks w potatoes
Chicken & Lamb Souvlaki
Mixed Meat Platter for Two
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Breakfast!
Omelette & Bacon on Toast
As you may notice, this is my all-time favourite brekkie!
Pancakes :)
Monday, June 21, 2010
Blackbird Cafe (Lindt Cafe)
The chocolate was awesomely thick and yummy! Especially the mocha...very smooth and milky. The Montreux cake had hazelnut pieces in it, top layered with white chocolate!
Montreux Cake
Cappuccino
Mocha
Sydney Fish Market!
Grilled Swordfish Platter
Grilled Snapper Platter
Fried Calamari and the rest of the works
Fresh Crabs
Fresh oysters @ AUD18.99
Bay Bugs!
Fresh Salmon
The beautiful weather
The view at the Fish Market
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Crossfit Level 1 Certified!
Yup! As of today, I'm Level 1 Certified!
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Part of the Certificate.
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Commando Steve... the MAN with NO EXCUSES!
Fabulous Food!
Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on Toast
Open faced Smoked Salmon Foccacia
Smoked Salmon Calzone
Smoked Salmon Pizza
“The Lot” Pizza
Pepperoni with everything Pizza
My 'In-Process' plate of Pizza
Fettucine Pescatore
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Hash Brown, Bacon & Scrambled Eggs
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Pancakes with Bacon, scrambled Eggs & Pineapple
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Pork ribs with wedges
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Hot 'N' Poppa
(Pancakes with walnuts, Bananas, choc ice-cream with choc drizzle)
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Regular Stack of Pancakes with ice cream
(Last 5 pics were taken at Pancake On The Rocks, Darling Harbour)
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Thai Food Spices Up Winter!
Stir Fried Vegetables w Cashew Nuts
Tom Yam Gung
Thai Style Pork Rice
Green Curry Chicken Rice
Pad Thai
Food was great! The tom yam was the killer of them all. It was sour, yet spicy! The spicy pangs hits the nostrils and the back of the throat and WHAM! *cough cough cough* Thank goodness brains are still intact! LOL!
Then we had this:
THE best Gelato!
Yup! Needless to ask why we're having gelato in winter. Nothing beats that feeling of double irony. Anyway, I'm off my lifestyle food intake plan for the next few days/weeks so anticipate more pics of food and stuff! :D
Will try to post frequently with pics and stuff!! :)
Saturday, June 12, 2010
12 Ways To Be A Better Partner
by Bob Narindra
If you have ever been in a relationship that failed, you most likely have sat down afterwards and wondered what went wrong. Sometimes it is easy to spot how much of it was their fault but it is not too easy to look at where you, personally, went wrong. Everybody wants to be the best at what they do, and being the best you can be for your partner is no exception. Listed below are 12 simple lessons that will help you to achieve that goal. Remember, if you want to be good to someone else, you also have to be good to yourself.
Be romantic.
Whenever a relationship starts to fail, the lack of romance is one of the first indicators. It is very natural for people to get complacent and forget the fun things they used to do when they first got together. A relationship has to be constantly worked on and being romantic is an absolute must. If you would like some more information on how to bring the romance back in to your relationship, please take a look at some of the articles in the Romance Guide.
Never disparage yourself.
Whenever you are disparaging yourself, you are basically saying that you are no good for your partner. If you don't believe that you are good enough for them, then you won't be. It's as simple as that. Don't sit around and beat yourself up over past mistakes, that will only prevent you from trying and succeeding at new things tomorrow.
Always be honest.
There is not one single relationship that will succeed in the long run if built on a lie. Even if your partner never finds out the truth, the fact that you know you lied will affect your feelings for yourself and your partner. With that kind of a hindrance, the relationship will never reach it's full potential.
Do not do things just to keep your partner happy.
How many times have you done something for or to your partner that you really did not want to do, just to make them happy? How did it make you feel? Every time you compromise yourself in that way, a piece of your love for them dies. It is much better to explain to them that you don't feel good about certain things and work on an alternative together.
Do not ask your partner to do things you know they don't want to do.
This is the reverse of the above lesson and fairly self-explanatory. If you know they really don't like doing something, and if that something is for you and of no benefit to them, then why ask them to do it unless you are being selfish or mean?
Do not belittle your partner.
Everyone makes mistakes in life and everyone works or catches on at different speeds. If you spend your time nagging at your partner or putting them down about every little thing they do wrong, then how can you expect them to do anything right? Do you want a life-partner or a puppy dog?
Do not put off things you have promised to do.
Trust is an important part of any relationship and it needs to be developed. If you say you are going to do something and don't, then how can your partner rely on you in the future?
Always be there for your partner.
Nothing is more important in your life than your partner. Friends come and go, as do children, but your partner is with you for the whole journey. If they are in trouble or need you, nothing else matters, other than to be there for them.
Communicate.
Things change in a relationship almost on a daily basis. If you don't talk to your partner you could very easily wake up one day and find that you have drifted too far apart to bridge the gap.
Do not commit adultery or other harmful acts against your relationship.
This one is really self-explanatory. Nothing destroys a relationship faster than infidelity or wrong doings.
Treat your partner with respect.
It is extremely easy to take someone for granted and once you start to cross that line, it is very difficult to go back. Be careful not to treat your partner worse than you would treat your best friend.
Be open and receptive to your partner's wants and wishes.
It takes two people to have a relationship and when you shut one of them out because you are not open to their ideas and wishes then you really don't have a relationship at all. Always be open and receptive to what they say. Also, be open to new experiences and ideas, you never know what you might learn.
If you have ever been in a relationship that failed, you most likely have sat down afterwards and wondered what went wrong. Sometimes it is easy to spot how much of it was their fault but it is not too easy to look at where you, personally, went wrong. Everybody wants to be the best at what they do, and being the best you can be for your partner is no exception. Listed below are 12 simple lessons that will help you to achieve that goal. Remember, if you want to be good to someone else, you also have to be good to yourself.
Be romantic.
Whenever a relationship starts to fail, the lack of romance is one of the first indicators. It is very natural for people to get complacent and forget the fun things they used to do when they first got together. A relationship has to be constantly worked on and being romantic is an absolute must. If you would like some more information on how to bring the romance back in to your relationship, please take a look at some of the articles in the Romance Guide.
Never disparage yourself.
Whenever you are disparaging yourself, you are basically saying that you are no good for your partner. If you don't believe that you are good enough for them, then you won't be. It's as simple as that. Don't sit around and beat yourself up over past mistakes, that will only prevent you from trying and succeeding at new things tomorrow.
Always be honest.
There is not one single relationship that will succeed in the long run if built on a lie. Even if your partner never finds out the truth, the fact that you know you lied will affect your feelings for yourself and your partner. With that kind of a hindrance, the relationship will never reach it's full potential.
Do not do things just to keep your partner happy.
How many times have you done something for or to your partner that you really did not want to do, just to make them happy? How did it make you feel? Every time you compromise yourself in that way, a piece of your love for them dies. It is much better to explain to them that you don't feel good about certain things and work on an alternative together.
Do not ask your partner to do things you know they don't want to do.
This is the reverse of the above lesson and fairly self-explanatory. If you know they really don't like doing something, and if that something is for you and of no benefit to them, then why ask them to do it unless you are being selfish or mean?
Do not belittle your partner.
Everyone makes mistakes in life and everyone works or catches on at different speeds. If you spend your time nagging at your partner or putting them down about every little thing they do wrong, then how can you expect them to do anything right? Do you want a life-partner or a puppy dog?
Do not put off things you have promised to do.
Trust is an important part of any relationship and it needs to be developed. If you say you are going to do something and don't, then how can your partner rely on you in the future?
Always be there for your partner.
Nothing is more important in your life than your partner. Friends come and go, as do children, but your partner is with you for the whole journey. If they are in trouble or need you, nothing else matters, other than to be there for them.
Communicate.
Things change in a relationship almost on a daily basis. If you don't talk to your partner you could very easily wake up one day and find that you have drifted too far apart to bridge the gap.
Do not commit adultery or other harmful acts against your relationship.
This one is really self-explanatory. Nothing destroys a relationship faster than infidelity or wrong doings.
Treat your partner with respect.
It is extremely easy to take someone for granted and once you start to cross that line, it is very difficult to go back. Be careful not to treat your partner worse than you would treat your best friend.
Be open and receptive to your partner's wants and wishes.
It takes two people to have a relationship and when you shut one of them out because you are not open to their ideas and wishes then you really don't have a relationship at all. Always be open and receptive to what they say. Also, be open to new experiences and ideas, you never know what you might learn.
¬
"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the night saying, 'I will try again tommorow.'"
*It's a journey....
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Think your team is supportive?
"The crew from Iceland, for example, was like a pack of
Arctic dogs. They moved together, ate together, woke,
slept and breathed together. When one was competing,
all were competing.It felt like the entire island was raining down
around us.
During the runs, they were chasing each other around the course,
shouting encouragement and epithets to the point that I
doubt any competitor would dare not finish. After every
event they crowded around offering congratulations and
conciliation. In between they hung together, strategizing,
laughing and refueling for the next challenge.
Support like this can have enormous benefit because,
by spreading the burden over many shoulders, the
individual feels less alone. He can drown out pressure,
nerves, doubt and even pain. It gives him pride in himself
and in the group he represents, offering one more reason
not to quit when things get tough.
A network of support like this would never forge itself so
quickly in the real world, but it seems almost commonplace
in this community.
It’s a truism that a reciprocal relationship
exists between the impact we have on a group and
that which it has on us. Some guys are built of fire and
brimstone and need that type of environment to excel.
Others prefer cooler heads with less distractions. Some
seek both. In any case, finding the right balance makes
a huge difference."
¬ Blair Morrison
Arctic dogs. They moved together, ate together, woke,
slept and breathed together. When one was competing,
all were competing.It felt like the entire island was raining down
around us.
During the runs, they were chasing each other around the course,
shouting encouragement and epithets to the point that I
doubt any competitor would dare not finish. After every
event they crowded around offering congratulations and
conciliation. In between they hung together, strategizing,
laughing and refueling for the next challenge.
Support like this can have enormous benefit because,
by spreading the burden over many shoulders, the
individual feels less alone. He can drown out pressure,
nerves, doubt and even pain. It gives him pride in himself
and in the group he represents, offering one more reason
not to quit when things get tough.
A network of support like this would never forge itself so
quickly in the real world, but it seems almost commonplace
in this community.
It’s a truism that a reciprocal relationship
exists between the impact we have on a group and
that which it has on us. Some guys are built of fire and
brimstone and need that type of environment to excel.
Others prefer cooler heads with less distractions. Some
seek both. In any case, finding the right balance makes
a huge difference."
¬ Blair Morrison
"The vastness of space creates opportunities for those who seek."
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Showtime!
This is the first step was taken to a long journey into the unknown realm of ...... With my faith and conscience clear with the support from God and those around me, it's the moment yet again, that will change my life with reason. Whatever the result may be, I will learn valuable life lessons and live up to life's challenges with tenacity, vigor and a lil bit of insanity! Fight strong, be strong! Cos this life is short... and now, it's SHOWTIME folks! :)
“I kicked his ass. And Im going to try this time to do more worser”
Gago Drago
Pic courtesy of The Spinning Backfist Log
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Whoaaa....
I think we're onto something big,
Yet,
WE know that:
together
we learn and grow
Yet,
I risk failure?
Am I failing to take risks?
Will it bring dependence and solidarity through thick and thin?
Will there be space to share the light?
Oh so bright, it stings the heart!
The pain, the wait, the fallen and arisen....
The pain, the wait, the fallen and arisen....
WE know that:
together
we learn and grow
to forgive
to build
and share
to become one.
Hold on tight to the beat...
Smile, laugh and believe,
For it will take us places.
Amazing, serene and joyful.
to build
and share
to become one.
Hold on tight to the beat...
Smile, laugh and believe,
For it will take us places.
Amazing, serene and joyful.
“Courageous risks are life-giving, they help you grow, make you brave, and better than you think you are.”
Carli Lloyd is a U.S. midfielder, gave the Americans a 1-0 victory and a gold medal that at times seemed beyond the realm of possibility.
Pic courtesy of rycediet
Pic courtesy of rycediet
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Together Again
There are times when I look above, and beyond
There are times when I feel your love around me baby
I'll never forget my baby
(I'll never forget you)
There are times when I look above and beyond
There are times when I feel your love around me baby
I'll never forget my baby
When I feel that I don't belong
Draw my strength from the words when you say
Hey it's about you baby
Look deeper inside you baby
Dream about us together again
What I want us together again baby
I know we'll be together again cuz
Everywhere I go
Every smile I see
I know you are there
Smiling back at me
Dancing in moonlight
I know you are free
Cuz I can see your star
Shining down on me
(Together again, ooh)
Good times we'll share again
(Together again, ooh)
Makes me wanna dance
(Together again, ooh)
Say it loud and proud
(Together again, ooh)
All my love is for you
Always been a true angel to me now above
I can't wait for you to wrap your wings around me baby
Ooh wrap them around me baby
Sometimes hear you whispering no more pain
No worries will you ever see now baby
I'm so happy for my baby
Dream about us together again
What I want us together again baby
I know we'll be together again cuz
Everywhere I go
Every smile I see
I know you are there
Smiling back at me
Dancing in moonlight
I know you are free
Cuz I can see your star
Shining down on me
(Together again, ooh)
Good times we'll share again
(Together again, ooh)
Makes me wanna dance
(Together again, ooh)
Say it loud and proud
(Together again, ooh)
All my love is for you
There are times when I look above and beyond
There are times when I feel you smile upon me baby
I'll never forget my baby
What I give just to hold you close
As on earth in heaven we will be together baby
Together again my baby
Everywhere I go
Every smile I see
I know you are there
Smiling back at me
Dancing in moonlight
I know you are free
Cuz I can see your star
Shining down on me
by Janet Jackson
There are times when I feel your love around me baby
I'll never forget my baby
(I'll never forget you)
There are times when I look above and beyond
There are times when I feel your love around me baby
I'll never forget my baby
When I feel that I don't belong
Draw my strength from the words when you say
Hey it's about you baby
Look deeper inside you baby
Dream about us together again
What I want us together again baby
I know we'll be together again cuz
Everywhere I go
Every smile I see
I know you are there
Smiling back at me
Dancing in moonlight
I know you are free
Cuz I can see your star
Shining down on me
(Together again, ooh)
Good times we'll share again
(Together again, ooh)
Makes me wanna dance
(Together again, ooh)
Say it loud and proud
(Together again, ooh)
All my love is for you
Always been a true angel to me now above
I can't wait for you to wrap your wings around me baby
Ooh wrap them around me baby
Sometimes hear you whispering no more pain
No worries will you ever see now baby
I'm so happy for my baby
Dream about us together again
What I want us together again baby
I know we'll be together again cuz
Everywhere I go
Every smile I see
I know you are there
Smiling back at me
Dancing in moonlight
I know you are free
Cuz I can see your star
Shining down on me
(Together again, ooh)
Good times we'll share again
(Together again, ooh)
Makes me wanna dance
(Together again, ooh)
Say it loud and proud
(Together again, ooh)
All my love is for you
There are times when I look above and beyond
There are times when I feel you smile upon me baby
I'll never forget my baby
What I give just to hold you close
As on earth in heaven we will be together baby
Together again my baby
Everywhere I go
Every smile I see
I know you are there
Smiling back at me
Dancing in moonlight
I know you are free
Cuz I can see your star
Shining down on me
by Janet Jackson
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality."
John Lennon
Will you make that dream come true with me?
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
WhatAday!
Blessed with the people around me!
My family, friends and workmates!
Those I see alternate days, everyday and every other day!
Love you guys to pieces!
Thank YOU!
"Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well."
Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi
Sunday, May 9, 2010
What a Sunday!
Firstly, I wanna wish my momma a Happy Mothers Day! Cos without you, I will not be here, and I wouldn't have had what I have, be who I am today and have the honor to be your daughter! Even though I get pretty anal with the kitchen, cars and dishes I love you always! No doubt I act like the "mother" in the house sometimes! I think the longer I live, the more I become like her, and I'm proud of it!
Today was the PushMore Games! First time ever! Had been planning this event for a couple of weeks now and have had a few sleepless nights and made many phone calls and emails just to ensure this event went smoothly! My fear/worry was that I missed out/overlooked/forgot to do something on that day. Or that something may just pop out in the way...yeah, well, the usual worry that I always had since the yesteryears of event management. (Yeah I am a worrywart cos I am so particular over things!)
Result? Success! From the pre-event, briefing, event start, marshaling, score tabulations, food, prize presentation till the close, it was SMOOTH. It all went as planned and I'm glad my "what-ifs" didn't happen. I mean, cos anything can happen right? My main concern is safety. Safety of the participants - free from environment, mental and physical harm.I wanted everyone to leave feeling like they conquered the whole world yet safe, sound and sans injuries! So gotta make sure all the "what-ifs" are addressed. (And not forgotting the "threats" received after posting the Games Teasers and the revelation of the WODs on the blog!)
Right now, after the being on my feet the whole morning, I am so glad to be sitting down and enjoying my cupcake! I had about 15 sticks of yakitori from Kushi Q from LG,Tropicana City Mall near SS2. That was my only proper meal (till now) for the day. My apple at 10am felt like teeth pickings! From 3pm till 10pm today, it's gonna be an abnormal eating day with some sugar, noodles, oil and dairy stuff. Perhaps I'll get to have ice-cream tonight! :D
And finally, congratulations to all the winners and participants today! You guys gave it your best, every drop of sweat and skin that you lost today was worth it! I couldn't be more proud of you all! Give yourselves a pat on the back for a workout well done and get some REST! Seeing the faces of the participants going through and completing the workouts gave me a sense of happiness. People progress, people get stronger and most importantly, their mental attitude gets stronger. The inner athlete and warrior grows. For the strong will only survive and thrash competition!
Have a great week ahead people! :)
"What really matters is what you do with what you have."
Shirley Lord
Friday, May 7, 2010
Naturally...
How you choose to express yourself
It's all your own and I can tell
It comes naturally, it comes naturally
You follow what you feel inside
It's intuitive, you don't have to try
It comes naturally, mmmm it comes naturally
And it takes my breath away
What you do, so naturally
You are the thunder and I am the lightning
And I love the way you know who you are
And to me it's exciting
When you know its meant to be
Everything comes naturally, it comes naturally
When you're with me, baby
Everything comes naturally, it comes naturally
Bay bay baby
You have a way of moving me
A force of nature, your energy
It comes naturally (You know it does)
It comes naturally
Mmmm yeah
And it takes my breath away (Everytime)
What you do, so naturally
You are the thunder and I am the lightning
And I love the way you know who you are
And to me it's exciting
When you know its meant to be
Everything comes naturally, it comes naturally
When you're with me, baby
by Selena Gomez
It's all your own and I can tell
It comes naturally, it comes naturally
You follow what you feel inside
It's intuitive, you don't have to try
It comes naturally, mmmm it comes naturally
And it takes my breath away
What you do, so naturally
You are the thunder and I am the lightning
And I love the way you know who you are
And to me it's exciting
When you know its meant to be
Everything comes naturally, it comes naturally
When you're with me, baby
Everything comes naturally, it comes naturally
Bay bay baby
You have a way of moving me
A force of nature, your energy
It comes naturally (You know it does)
It comes naturally
Mmmm yeah
And it takes my breath away (Everytime)
What you do, so naturally
You are the thunder and I am the lightning
And I love the way you know who you are
And to me it's exciting
When you know its meant to be
Everything comes naturally, it comes naturally
When you're with me, baby
by Selena Gomez
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
10 Life Lessons You Should Unlearn
(OPRAH.com) -- In the past 10 years, I've realized that our culture is rife with ideas that actually inhibit joy. Here are some of the things I'm most grateful to have unlearned:
1. Problems are bad
You spent your school years solving arbitrary problems imposed by boring authority figures. You learned that problems -- comment se dit? -- suck. But people without real problems go mad and invent things like base jumping and wedding planning. Real problems are wonderful, each carrying the seeds of its own solution. Job burnout? It's steering you toward your perfect career. An awful relationship? It's teaching you what love means. Confusing tax forms? They're suggesting you hire an accountant, so you can focus on more interesting tasks, such as flossing. Finding the solution to each problem is what gives life its gusto.
2. It's important to stay happy.
Solving a knotty problem can help us be happy, but we don't have to be happy to feel good. If that sounds crazy, try this: Focus on something that makes you miserable. Then think, "I must stay happy!" Stressful, isn't it? Now say, "It's okay to be as sad as I need to be." This kind of permission to feel as we feel -- not continuous happiness -- is the foundation of well-being.
3. I'm irreparably damaged by my past
Painful events leave scars, true, but it turns out they're largely erasable. Jill Bolte Taylor, the neuroanatomist who had a stroke that obliterated her memory, described the event as losing "37 years of emotional baggage." Taylor rebuilt her own brain, minus the drama. Now it appears we can all effect a similar shift, without having to endure a brain hemorrhage. The very thing you're doing at this moment -- questioning habitual thoughts -- is enough to begin off-loading old patterns. For example, take an issue that's been worrying you ("I've got to work harder!") and think of three reasons that belief may be wrong. Your brain will begin to let it go. Taylor found this thought-loss euphoric. You will, too.
4. Working hard leads to success
Baby mammals, including humans, learn by playing, which is why "the battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton." Boys who'd spent years strategizing for fun gained instinctive skills to handle real-world situations. So play as you did in childhood, with all-out absorption. Watch for ways your childhood playing skills can solve a problem (see #1). Play, not work, is the key to success. While we're on the subject...
5. Success is the opposite of failure.
Fact: From quitting smoking to skiing, we succeed to the degree we try, fail, and learn. Studies show that people who worry about mistakes shut down, but those who are relaxed about doing badly soon learn to do well. Success is built on failure.
6. It matters what people think of me
"But if I fail," you may protest, "people will think badly of me!" This dreaded fate causes despair, suicide, homicide. I realized this when I read blatant lies about myself on the Internet. When I bewailed this to a friend, she said, "Wow, you have some painful fantasies about other people's fantasies about you."
Yup, my anguish came from my hypothesis that other people's hypothetical hypotheses about me mattered. Ridiculous! Right now, imagine what you'd do if it absolutely didn't matter what people thought of you. Got it? Good. Never go back.
7. We should think rationally about our decisions
Your rational capacities are far newer and more error-prone than your deeper, "animal" brain. Often complex problems are best solved by thinking like an animal.Consider a choice you have to make -- anything from which movie to see to which house to buy. Instead of weighing pros and cons intellectually, notice your physical response to each option. Pay attention to when your body tenses or relaxes. And speaking of bodies...
8. The pretty girls get all the good stuff
Oh, God. So not true. I unlearned this after years of coaching beautiful clients. Yes, these lovelies get preferential treatment in most life scenarios, but there's a catch: While everyone's looking at them, virtually no one sees them.Almost every gorgeous client had a husband who'd married her breasts and jawline without ever noticing her soul.
9. If all my wishes came true right now, life would be perfect
Check it out: People who have what you want are all over rehab clinics, divorce courts, and jails. That's because good fortune has side effects, just like medications advertised on TV. Basically, any external thing we depend on to make us feel good has the power to make us feel bad. Weirdly, when you've stopped depending on tangible rewards, they often materialize. To attract something you want, become as joyful as you think that thing would make you. The joy, not the thing, is the point.
10. Loss is terrible
Ten years ago I still feared loss enough to abandon myself in order to keep things stable. I'd smile when I was sad, pretend to like people who appalled me.What I now know is that losses aren't cataclysmic if they teach the heart and soul their natural cycle of breaking and healing.A real tragedy? That's the loss of the heart and soul themselves. If you've abandoned yourself in the effort to keep anyone or anything else, unlearn that pattern. Live your truth, losses be damned. Just like that, your heart and soul will return home.
By Martha Beck from O, The Oprah Magazine © 2010
1. Problems are bad
You spent your school years solving arbitrary problems imposed by boring authority figures. You learned that problems -- comment se dit? -- suck. But people without real problems go mad and invent things like base jumping and wedding planning. Real problems are wonderful, each carrying the seeds of its own solution. Job burnout? It's steering you toward your perfect career. An awful relationship? It's teaching you what love means. Confusing tax forms? They're suggesting you hire an accountant, so you can focus on more interesting tasks, such as flossing. Finding the solution to each problem is what gives life its gusto.
2. It's important to stay happy.
Solving a knotty problem can help us be happy, but we don't have to be happy to feel good. If that sounds crazy, try this: Focus on something that makes you miserable. Then think, "I must stay happy!" Stressful, isn't it? Now say, "It's okay to be as sad as I need to be." This kind of permission to feel as we feel -- not continuous happiness -- is the foundation of well-being.
3. I'm irreparably damaged by my past
Painful events leave scars, true, but it turns out they're largely erasable. Jill Bolte Taylor, the neuroanatomist who had a stroke that obliterated her memory, described the event as losing "37 years of emotional baggage." Taylor rebuilt her own brain, minus the drama. Now it appears we can all effect a similar shift, without having to endure a brain hemorrhage. The very thing you're doing at this moment -- questioning habitual thoughts -- is enough to begin off-loading old patterns. For example, take an issue that's been worrying you ("I've got to work harder!") and think of three reasons that belief may be wrong. Your brain will begin to let it go. Taylor found this thought-loss euphoric. You will, too.
4. Working hard leads to success
Baby mammals, including humans, learn by playing, which is why "the battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton." Boys who'd spent years strategizing for fun gained instinctive skills to handle real-world situations. So play as you did in childhood, with all-out absorption. Watch for ways your childhood playing skills can solve a problem (see #1). Play, not work, is the key to success. While we're on the subject...
5. Success is the opposite of failure.
Fact: From quitting smoking to skiing, we succeed to the degree we try, fail, and learn. Studies show that people who worry about mistakes shut down, but those who are relaxed about doing badly soon learn to do well. Success is built on failure.
6. It matters what people think of me
"But if I fail," you may protest, "people will think badly of me!" This dreaded fate causes despair, suicide, homicide. I realized this when I read blatant lies about myself on the Internet. When I bewailed this to a friend, she said, "Wow, you have some painful fantasies about other people's fantasies about you."
Yup, my anguish came from my hypothesis that other people's hypothetical hypotheses about me mattered. Ridiculous! Right now, imagine what you'd do if it absolutely didn't matter what people thought of you. Got it? Good. Never go back.
7. We should think rationally about our decisions
Your rational capacities are far newer and more error-prone than your deeper, "animal" brain. Often complex problems are best solved by thinking like an animal.Consider a choice you have to make -- anything from which movie to see to which house to buy. Instead of weighing pros and cons intellectually, notice your physical response to each option. Pay attention to when your body tenses or relaxes. And speaking of bodies...
8. The pretty girls get all the good stuff
Oh, God. So not true. I unlearned this after years of coaching beautiful clients. Yes, these lovelies get preferential treatment in most life scenarios, but there's a catch: While everyone's looking at them, virtually no one sees them.Almost every gorgeous client had a husband who'd married her breasts and jawline without ever noticing her soul.
9. If all my wishes came true right now, life would be perfect
Check it out: People who have what you want are all over rehab clinics, divorce courts, and jails. That's because good fortune has side effects, just like medications advertised on TV. Basically, any external thing we depend on to make us feel good has the power to make us feel bad. Weirdly, when you've stopped depending on tangible rewards, they often materialize. To attract something you want, become as joyful as you think that thing would make you. The joy, not the thing, is the point.
10. Loss is terrible
Ten years ago I still feared loss enough to abandon myself in order to keep things stable. I'd smile when I was sad, pretend to like people who appalled me.What I now know is that losses aren't cataclysmic if they teach the heart and soul their natural cycle of breaking and healing.A real tragedy? That's the loss of the heart and soul themselves. If you've abandoned yourself in the effort to keep anyone or anything else, unlearn that pattern. Live your truth, losses be damned. Just like that, your heart and soul will return home.
By Martha Beck from O, The Oprah Magazine © 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Happy Birthday Shayanne!
To the young one,
May this day be your archway to a fun childhood,
Make friends with all,
Know no fear,
Jump, run, pull, push all you want!
Know no fear,
Jump, run, pull, push all you want!
Fly high! Limitless!
God bless and love always!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Ten Character Traits Worth Developing
by the Character Counts Coalition
1.Be Honest. Tell the truth; be sincere; don't mislead or withhold key information in relationships of trust; don't steal.
2.Demonstrate integrity. Stand up for your beliefs about right and wrong; be your best self; resist social pressure to do wrong.
3.Keep promises. Keep your word and honor your commitments; pay your debts and return what you borrow.
4.Be loyal. Stand by family, friends, employers, community and country; don't talk about people behind their backs.
5.Be responsible. Think before you act; consider consequences; be accountable and "take your medicine".
6.Pursue excellence. Do your best with what you have; don't quit easily.
7.Be kind and caring. Show you care through generosity and compassion; don't be selfish or mean.
8.Treat all people with respect. Be courteous and polite; judge all people on their merits; be tolerant, appreciative and accepting of individual differences.
9.Be fair. Treat all people fairly; be open-minded; listen to others and try to understand what they are saying and feeling.
10.Be a good citizen. Obey the law and respect authority; vote, volunteer your efforts; protect the environment.
1.Be Honest. Tell the truth; be sincere; don't mislead or withhold key information in relationships of trust; don't steal.
2.Demonstrate integrity. Stand up for your beliefs about right and wrong; be your best self; resist social pressure to do wrong.
3.Keep promises. Keep your word and honor your commitments; pay your debts and return what you borrow.
4.Be loyal. Stand by family, friends, employers, community and country; don't talk about people behind their backs.
5.Be responsible. Think before you act; consider consequences; be accountable and "take your medicine".
6.Pursue excellence. Do your best with what you have; don't quit easily.
7.Be kind and caring. Show you care through generosity and compassion; don't be selfish or mean.
8.Treat all people with respect. Be courteous and polite; judge all people on their merits; be tolerant, appreciative and accepting of individual differences.
9.Be fair. Treat all people fairly; be open-minded; listen to others and try to understand what they are saying and feeling.
10.Be a good citizen. Obey the law and respect authority; vote, volunteer your efforts; protect the environment.
“I have no regrets in my life. I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through build character, making you a much stronger person.”
~Rita Mero
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