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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781546237204 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | AuthorHouse |
| Publication date: | 02/28/2019 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 408 |
| File size: | 790 KB |
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CHAPTER 1
A Helping Hand
What do I mean by, 'A helping hand?' You are right to ask because it is a loaded statement.
To begin with, the Creator gives us a helping hand daily in so many ways. We are helped to go to sleep and wake up. We are prodded or nudged to apply our thinking caps and listen to the voice within. We are helped through dreams to be better and more aware humans.
I am sure we have all at one time or another had vivid dreams which did not call for specialist interpretation, we just intuitively knew or understood the message.
On the everyday level, we assist each other in little or big ways. This happens when we console a person in deep sorrow, encourage a depressed or hopeless friend, share an insight or teach the uneducated. The practice of always giving a smile, exhibiting high principles in dealing with others, being an embodiment of dignity and honesty, showing courage no matter what, always seeing and saying good things about others, are all ways of giving a helping hand. Above all, embarking on charitable activities as a way of life I believe, soothes the mind and soul of the giver much more than that of the receiver. The list of what one can do is endless.
Meanwhile, let's ponder the above for today.
A New Age?
Many young people have given 'New Age' as an excuse for deviance. But what do we really mean when we say this is a new age? When is an age or period considered 'New?'
To my mind, every age is new to the group that's in their teens and Twenties. Deviance in any age is just the regular anti-social behavior of restless and ill-focused persons, pure and simple. There is no new or old age. What we have are just young or old persons making the best or worst of the era in which they live.
In many instances, a 'new age' excuse is an escapist song of Failure. A true 'new age' person creates success songs in any age she finds Herself. Fads of the times are treated necessarily and strictly as temporary distractions, not worthy of serious attachment.
So, if you realize that there is actually no 'new' age but only young and old persons existing at various periods, there will be no need for you to court failure with the excuses of new age.
Think about it.
About Age
Many are the unpleasant things that are committed in the name usually, of young age or youth. Youthful exuberance, is a popular phrase and it is common to see people of forty claiming to be youths! It is instructive to note that some countries of note try teenagers who commit capital offences as adults. The law does not condone criminal acts committed in the name of youthful exuberance Young person or not, you pay for your crime.
Long before attaining teenage, we already know what is good and what is bad It is therefore untenable to use youthfulness as an excuse for engaging in unacceptable acts like waywardness, stealing, robbery, lying, cheating and so on.
Bear in mind that whatever offences you commit will be recorded against you by an authority higher than civil law, irrespective of your age. Do you realize that there are at least, two impersonal authorities taking constant note of all we do?
The wise thing to do at every stage of life therefore, is to listen to that voice of reason which is always at our disposal. Even a child of three or four knows when he/she has done something wrong, how much more a young adult or a full-grown 'youth' or worse still, a mature adult.
Think about it.
Accepting Corrections
Proud and vain persons find it very difficult to accept corrections because of their highly bloated egos. This attitude is unhealthy for the individual who wants to have a harmonious existence.
Some young persons think that their youth will last forever, so go about in haughty abandon until it's too late. By the same token, some older people also believe their age gives them a license to arrogantly brush things aside until it is too late.
The best approach to life in my opinion, is to accept the fact that acquisition of knowledge is a continuous thing It is for this reason that inventions are always improved upon and thoughts or philosophies are constantly refined and redefined. A person desirous of growing in life will always welcome corrections since these can only make her more introspective.
Think about it.
Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements one makes about others or for one's self. They are like pep talks given by coaches before sporting events take place.
I call them encouragement pills. Affirm positive things for or about Yourself. They energize and give you a sense of being in charge.
'I am firmly in control of my life at every point!' is a good affirmation to repeat if one is in deep crisis. Other affirmations that I find helpful are; 'The Creator's light shines before me and about me always.' 'My good gifts abound and blossom.' 'I beam love to all and receive love in return.' "My world is perfect, God wills it so!!' There are many more and they are extremely helpful when repeated over and over again until totally infused into the subconscious mind. At that point, the thoughts are internalized and effectively activated.
Come up with affirmations that suit your situation and begin to put them to work. What do you say?
Alibis
Why do you think it is necessary to come up with alibis all the time, instead of simply explaining sincerely what you have done?
You know of course that an alibi is an excuse given for failure or inability to perform a function or task. It is even said that some people consider it fashionable to come up with alibis all the time. "I am really smart, I can come up with an alibi at a moment's notice," they boast.
But please my dear, believe me when I tell you that sooner than later, you will lose respect and nobody will attach any importance to whatever you say. Hollowness will then attend your discussions. Surely this cannot be in your interest?
Do think about it.
Appreciation
Be appreciative of yourself O worthy child of the universe! It is only by valuing yourself deeply that you can value others deeply. Let's face it, can a soul thrive on earth without nourishing doses of appreciation from loved ones, friends or even ordinary associates?
Apart from human appreciation, do not neglect the wonders of nature that surround us. Appreciate the kaleidoscope of colors exhibited in flowers, trees, shrubs, birds, butterflies and nature in general.
What about the seasons of the earth-the stars, moon and sun? Contemplate all these and you cannot help but deeply and solemnly appreciate the Author and Creator of everything. Contemplate yourself as microcosm of this macrocosm.
How do you feel?
Arts
There are different forms of art. The visual arts involve keen observation of nature and objects. The performing arts involve music, dancing, drama and so on.
You do not have to be an artist to appreciate art. Take time to listen to sacred music, which soothes the soul. Also listen to other forms of music that calm and move you to noble actions or deeds. Make out time to attend art exhibitions and marvel at what the creative mind can paint or sculpt. Full appreciation of the arts will surely broaden your horizon. This much I can assure you with confidence.
Think about it.
Attention
What are the benefits of giving attention to whatever you do? Plenty! For one, you will be better informed. You will also have more profit as well as being an authority on the subject or issue.
People are hurt when they realize that you hardly pay attention when spoken to but you usually expect them to pay attention to you! Conversations are surely more meaningful when each party pays attention and contribute reasonably.
Also pay attention to what is happening around you and in the world. To be well informed is to be well armed is an adage worth remembering.
What do you think about it?
Attractiveness
Attractiveness is the power to be pleasing or interesting. An object can have a particular feature that attracts people to it. I believe the same goes for a human being. Can you identify those traits that make you attractive to people? Remember, I am not concerned here with physical features like a pointed nose, baleful eyes or succulent lips! I am talking about modes of behavior, character traits.
Think about it.
Avoidable Breaches
Selfishness and greed are some of the reasons for the occurrence of Breaches. You know that a breach is failure to do what law requires. This law can be written or unwritten, formal or informal.
Do you sometimes knowingly break a law, like running a traffic light because it is night? What about throwing banana peels, empty bottles or other trash on the road because no one is watching? Do you refuse to stop at checkpoints because you are a 'big' man or intimidate fellow citizens because you are wearing a uniform and armed?
These are all avoidable breaches which add to the distress in Society. I know you feel a bit guilty after behaving badly but you steel Yourself. Later, you justify your action by asking no one in particular whether you are the one to clean up society's mess at this material time?
Imagine what will happen to society if we all hold such views! Yes, chaos will be the result. You can stop these avoidable breaches in our collective interest. What do you say? Surely your conscience cannot be totally in breach?
Think about it.
Awareness of shame
To express myself more effectively on this subject, I must use some pidgin expressions. For example, "you get shame for eye so?" "Me, I too shame-O!" "No take bold-face turnover your shame you hear!" These are some statements that indicate either consciousness of shame or lack of it. A person who knows what it is to be ashamed will be mindful of creating embarrassing situations. Such a person will avoid public display of hurt or anger. A person with acute awareness of shame can be counted on to be an ambassador of peace and reconciliation.
Do you have a heightened sense of shame, which guarantees comportment and empathetic behavior? If you are yet to develop it, please do not despair. You can always cultivate this trait if you are determined. Do not be ashamed to try, indeed be bold about it.
What do you think?
A Good Name
Many wise people have said over and over throughout the centuries that there is nothing like a good name. It is worth more than gold. This is an undisputed truth.
For today's discussion then, we will look at your life and ascertain whether you have taken every measure to ensure that your good name is preserved, no matter what. You are right in saying that it is difficult to safeguard one's good name in the midst of temptations and hurdles.
If there were no challenges to overcome, life would be pretty dull, don't you agree?
Be confident in the thought that your good name is your passport to a tranquil and diseases free life. What else can you desire if you are happy, have good will and good health.
Think about it.
A New Dawn
Today is a new dawn Do you realize that? Of course, you do! Apart from the fact that you slept last night and woke up this morning, today is yet another marvelous opportunity, the meaning of today's topic. We attract new gifts daily by our very presence on this earth plane and this should be appreciated humbly. I think internalizing this knowledge is bound to make us more proactive.
This is the time not to take your life for granted. Do, also utilize the new dawn properly in gratitude to the giver.
What do you say?
A Small World
I want us to bear this in mind as we go about our daily affairs. There is no hiding place for humans in this world. May be animals can hide but surely not humans! Why do I bring this to your attention? It is because some people behave as if they are above all laws and can get away with anything.
Always remember that the world is now so small that the only protection you have is wise living Respect and obey the laws of the land. Revere life and spread nothing but good will.
You meet people both known and unknown at the most unlikely Places. If you spread hatred and evil, the repercussions would surely extend beyond you.
Think seriously about this discussion.
A Way Out
Have you found yourself in a really nasty situation that looked set to consume you? The trick is to tell yourself that help is with you all the time. We all have guardian angels whose responsibility is to help, guide and guard us, all the days of our lives. We must then learn to communicate with our guarding angel so that a way can be found to extricate ourselves from the complex web How do we do that? I believe it can be done from the heart through silent or vocal appeal, in a deeply sincere way.
Beyond appealing to our guardians, we must also take practical steps to unravel the source of the mess. Is this a recurring situation or a one-time one? If recurring, have you finally imbibed the lessons?
Nothing should be taken for granted because as we all know, things do not happen in a vacuum.
Thank about it.
Abstinence
Many of us know that certain forms or types of conduct is not in our best interest, yet we persist in pursing them. We glibly claim that the 'spirit willing, but the flesh is weak!' We deceive none but ourselves of course! There are others who are ignorant and are totally unaware of the consequences of their actions until it is usually too late.
Abstinence means the complete avoidance of these practices that are harmful or diminish you as a person. Some of such practices are excessive consumption of certain foods and habit-forming drugs. Yes, I've talked about drugs before but the issue is so critical that it bears repeating, several times.
This is not an exhaustive list by any stretch of the imagination so feel free to add things like lying, cultism, armed robbery and so forth. On abstinence from sex particularly, the advantages for young persons who are not ready for marriage and married persons who must avoid contaminating their partners cannot be quantified.
Do you agree? Then do something about it today!
Abuse
Today's topic, 'abuse,' is defined in wester's Dictionary as: "to attack or injure with words, reproach coarsely, speak falsely."
I want you from today, to put yourself in a frame of mind that rejects abusiveness either by another person to you or from you to another. I ask this of you because injuring or attacking with words can sometimes be deadlier thank physical assault. Verbal attacks can push someone to suicide even!
Speaking falsely can also have similar or worse repercussions. A person in this situation can be driven to desperate acts like committing murder, particularly if there is no hope of redressing the falsehood heaped on him/her. I agree that the examples cited above are extreme but I just want you to realize the enormity of abusive language or behavior.
What do you think?
Accountability
Many people find it inconvenient to stand for accountability because they want to get away with shoddy or questionable practices.
Without accountability, progress will be nil or at best very, very slow This applies to personal, family as well as national responsibilities or a nation.
What does it mean then to be accountable? Being answerable for your actions, no matter what they are. You are not in the business of blaming others for your offenses or lapses. If you do something, you are ready to stand by and take the credit or blame for it.
You say to everyone concerned; "look, hold me responsible for whatever I do." With such stance, you become someone to be emulated, someone of substance and stature.
What do you say?
Achievements
There are some who think that material well-being is the height of 'achievement,' but I personally think there is something much greater than material well-being. Since the world and living in it is like an interlocking chain, I like to think that having positive impact on lives is a far greater achievement than just acquisition of material things.
As much as it is great to touch the lives of millions, one should not be discouraged if one's reach is not that far. One person loved and turned from evil is a wonderful achievement. So, we should be mindful of quality, not just quantity.
This means that the opportunity to be a great achiever is given to us All. Begin today, to make your mark in your part of the world. All of us, doing little by little you can change the world in a big way.
Think about it.
Acquiring Knowledge
There are many ways of acquiring knowledge Let us consider some Today. There are the traditional types like attending educational institutions, oral traditions, conversations or discussions, reading, listening to either radio or television, associations or relationships, traveling, research and advice.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "365+1 Creative Conversations"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Gesiere Brisibe-Dorgu.
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