Without Knowing

We hardly know the bruises we leave behind

As we walk on jostling through life.

Every day comes with its battles and problems

We struggle to keep things going

And somewhere in the process

We become a problem ourselves,

A problem for someone else.

As we grow wiser to our own lapses

We realize the people gone before us

Knew little of the damage they did

To our generation, to our family life

To our future.

Each thought they had a choice for themselves

Some chose for themselves

Some chose thinking about others

Each left behind consequences for others to endure

Suffer and overcome.

Perhaps a lot of us would have no story

No success and no victory if there was no hurdle

Obstacle or lack to deal with

They were the reason why we stand proud today

Thinking we handled the cards we were dealt with well.

We may fret and not want to share the glory or credit

Of our achievements with those who were part of the problem

But the truth is if the going was easy

We would be no winner!

There is a victory only when there is a struggle.

Often I have looked at families that have everything made

And feel sad about what I have missed

But then I realize someone in their family broke the mould

Made an impact through their actions

And freed the coming generations to live better lives.

You and I have been called to be winners

To be breakers of the mould

To be path creators and pioneers

Who will show the way to the struggling and lost 

We can be beacons and shine the light! 

Have a Look at Yourself...

Friends I want to share a quote that has changed the way I see things...

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? 

Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won't feel unsure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. 

As we let our own Light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." 

~Marianne Williamson 

We all have potential deep inside us. Sometimes when life batters us and our spirits go down, we find it difficult to hold up to our dreams... And then there are times we do well in something and feel almost guilty for doing well. The truth is we need to let go of the pressures we put on ourselves and just do our best. If it is better than what others do... think of it as raising the mark. Don't make yourself small to accommodate mediocrity in others. Lift them and their standards up to another plane by being good and being the best you can be! 

I have learnt that each and every person I know and have come across so far... has some innate ability, some gift, some talent or skill in them. Sometimes they have been looking at others and their gifts so much that they didn't do anything about the gift they had! What a great loss, isn't it? For everything I can do well, I can also think of several things that I need to do better and I confess I am still a learner in some of them. But for those things I struggle with... I do know people who can do those things effortlessly!!! What a gift they have! What makes me sad is that they just don't seem to realize it... and they don't give it any importance at all. 

So take a good look at yourself... Appreciate the things that are good about you... be generous for a change! Give yourself the permission to be 'good' and start working at the things you can be 'better' in. Maybe there are people around you who make you feel miserable with their negative talk... maybe there were people who said you are good for nothing... Please remember that you can reject those statements. Please know that you have a right to protect yourself from such negative attacks on your person. Please care for yourself... Stand up for yourself... when you do so you will grow in confidence and be able to stand up for others too when they are in need of it. 

When we go through the storm and come out a stronger person... we become beacons of light to those who are struggling in similar situations themselves. Don't underestimate the value of your success. It is the light that inspires others to fight for victory in their own lives. No one can gain if you allow yourself to beaten and die in defeat... but everyone can gain if you fight your battles and come out a success!  

Friend, I believe in you! I believe that there is the seed of greatness sown inside of you. Won't you water it and bring out the best in you? Won't you shine your goodness and let it light up the lives of others too? 

So what are you waiting for? SHINE!!!