Ricahrd Carlson said this: Remind yourself that when you die, your 'in-basket' wont be empty".
I was giving a lecture today and mentioned this to the audience. They looked surprised but agreed with me.
Yes, folks, we are so busy, working from dawn to dusk, trying to earn our keep, believing that things cannot function without us, at the expense of spending time with our families and love ones. Always giving excuses of finishing work that continuously fills up the 'basket'.
Let's think about it. If we fall sick, people may come and visit but only for a while cos' they have to go back to work, this is a 'working world'. Then we will be left alone to fend for ourselves and feel sorry for ourselves... People easily forget... yes folks, when we die, we die alone and yes, you guessed it, someone else will take our place, no one is indispensable... the 'in-basket' will never be empty and work will never be done.
So the moral of the story is: yes we can work, but remember to leave time for ourselves and our loved ones, cos' work will always be there, no matter what, but time spent with our family and loved ones might not be around waiting for us to finish work in our baskets...what is gone is gone.
So before we go...enjoy life, be happy, work yes but have some quailty life as well. Think about yourselves and your loved ones, its never too late...
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Family Day
Everyone knows what is meant by "Family Day'. At least I think so.
Well, why do we have family days? Many reasons:
-management of an organisation thinks its a good way to break the ice
-concept of "all work and no play..."
-everyone working in the same organisation should work and play as a 'family'
-foster cooperation, friendship, kinship, opportunities for networking abound...
-a fun way to relax with families getting together, cutting across management and lower rungs of organisation..
Yes, all in all, a noble, positive gesture.
Today, I attended my organisation's Family Day with my husband and two younger children...
I looked forward to it, a chance for my own sector people to get together with their families and mine as well as the management and other workers in the same organisation.
It was fun, I thought it was a great idea... I always enjoy family days though it is sometimes draggy... but it gives me a break as well, from work, from the household chores etc, a chance for my own family to join me as I move around quite a bit.
Those who miss it, well they have their own reasons...
I applaud the director and the organisers, Bakes, for organising it, a massive amount of preparation and yes, cleaning up afterwards.
Congratulations I say to everyone who had a part in making it a success.
I look forward to the next one...er... away from the office perhaps...
Well, why do we have family days? Many reasons:
-management of an organisation thinks its a good way to break the ice
-concept of "all work and no play..."
-everyone working in the same organisation should work and play as a 'family'
-foster cooperation, friendship, kinship, opportunities for networking abound...
-a fun way to relax with families getting together, cutting across management and lower rungs of organisation..
Yes, all in all, a noble, positive gesture.
Today, I attended my organisation's Family Day with my husband and two younger children...
I looked forward to it, a chance for my own sector people to get together with their families and mine as well as the management and other workers in the same organisation.
It was fun, I thought it was a great idea... I always enjoy family days though it is sometimes draggy... but it gives me a break as well, from work, from the household chores etc, a chance for my own family to join me as I move around quite a bit.
Those who miss it, well they have their own reasons...
I applaud the director and the organisers, Bakes, for organising it, a massive amount of preparation and yes, cleaning up afterwards.
Congratulations I say to everyone who had a part in making it a success.
I look forward to the next one...er... away from the office perhaps...
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Little things
A friend sent me this today...
L I T T L E Things...
Whatever that happens in life, happens for a good reason..... so stop worrying about
the future and forget the past.
After Sept. 11th, one company invited the remaining members of other companies
who had been decimated by the attack on the Twin Towers to share their available office
space. At a morning meeting, the head of security told stories of why these people
were alive, and all the stories were just the 'L I T T L E' things.
As you might know, the head of the company survived that day because his son
started kindergarten. Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.
One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time. One of them
missed his bus. One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.
One's car wouldn't start. One went back to answer the telephone. One had a child
that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have. One couldn't get a taxi.
The one that struck everyone was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning,
took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on
his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.
Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone.........
all the little things that annoy me. I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me
to be at this very moment...
Next time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed,
you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated.
God is at work watching over you.
My comment:
This seems to be the case with me these days.
Dont let things faze you. You have a choice.
Be happy, be sad, be angry, be upset, be annoyed...
Why torture yourself...let it go...
Nothing will change what is past, but you can make the future the way you want it,
So when I meet with some negative people or circumstances, a traffic jam...
I just re-focus my thoughts, let it pass, then turn on the radio (if i am in a car)
and go on my way... no point getting mad, that wont change things,
So here I am, sane as ever to face the new day...
L I T T L E Things...
Whatever that happens in life, happens for a good reason..... so stop worrying about
the future and forget the past.
After Sept. 11th, one company invited the remaining members of other companies
who had been decimated by the attack on the Twin Towers to share their available office
space. At a morning meeting, the head of security told stories of why these people
were alive, and all the stories were just the 'L I T T L E' things.
As you might know, the head of the company survived that day because his son
started kindergarten. Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.
One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time. One of them
missed his bus. One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.
One's car wouldn't start. One went back to answer the telephone. One had a child
that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have. One couldn't get a taxi.
The one that struck everyone was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning,
took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on
his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.
Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone.........
all the little things that annoy me. I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me
to be at this very moment...
Next time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed,
you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated.
God is at work watching over you.
My comment:
This seems to be the case with me these days.
Dont let things faze you. You have a choice.
Be happy, be sad, be angry, be upset, be annoyed...
Why torture yourself...let it go...
Nothing will change what is past, but you can make the future the way you want it,
So when I meet with some negative people or circumstances, a traffic jam...
I just re-focus my thoughts, let it pass, then turn on the radio (if i am in a car)
and go on my way... no point getting mad, that wont change things,
So here I am, sane as ever to face the new day...
Monday, April 21, 2008
The Brick story
Received this story some time back, figured this is a good place to share it. Anyone know the source...
It makes you reflective and thoughtful of living our lives in the fast lane, never taking time to 'smell the roses' as they say. We forget what's real and close to our hearts. You would love this beautiful story cos' I did too.
THE BRICK
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?"
The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop...." With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. "It's my brother, "he said "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up."Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me." Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts.
A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. "Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy! push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: "Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!" God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us.
It's our choice to listen or not.
Thoughts for the Day:
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring.
He sends you a sunrise every morning .
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
Read this line very slowly and let it sink in....If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
So if you are down and out, the saying " there's a sliver lining under every cloud" holds true.
God will see you through if you play your part, remain positive and tell yourself, 'this too shall pass".
So friends, there are so many other things happening around us, in our lives and those we love, we should not only lsiten with our ears but with our eyes and our hearts as well.
It makes you reflective and thoughtful of living our lives in the fast lane, never taking time to 'smell the roses' as they say. We forget what's real and close to our hearts. You would love this beautiful story cos' I did too.
THE BRICK
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?"
The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop...." With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. "It's my brother, "he said "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up."Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me." Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts.
A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. "Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy! push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: "Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!" God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us.
It's our choice to listen or not.
Thoughts for the Day:
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring.
He sends you a sunrise every morning .
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
Read this line very slowly and let it sink in....If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
So if you are down and out, the saying " there's a sliver lining under every cloud" holds true.
God will see you through if you play your part, remain positive and tell yourself, 'this too shall pass".
So friends, there are so many other things happening around us, in our lives and those we love, we should not only lsiten with our ears but with our eyes and our hearts as well.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
A poem about girls to girlfriends
Dear friends,
To all the ladies out there. This might just make your day...
Someone sent me this, thought I'd share it with you all...maybe the writer will get in touch...
GIRLFRIENDS
Someone will always be prettier.
Someone will always be smarter.
Some of their houses will be bigger.
Some will drive a better car.
Their children will do better in school.
And their husbands will fix more things around the house.
So let it go, and love yourself and your circumstances.
Think about it!
The prettiest woman in the world can have hell in her heart.
And the most highly favored woman on your job may be unable to have children.
And the richest woman you know, she's got the car, the house, the clothes~~~~ might be lonely.
And the word says, "If I have not Love, I am nothing.
"So, again, love yourself. Love who you are.
Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say, "I am too Blessed to be Stressed and too Anointed, to be Disappointed!"
"Winners make things happen ~~ Losers let things happen.
"Be "Blessed" Ladies~~~~~ and pass this on to encourage another woman.
"To the world you might be one person, but to the one person who is reading this, it could mean so much."
"Never regret anything that made you smile"
Your friend
Lucia.
To all the ladies out there. This might just make your day...
Someone sent me this, thought I'd share it with you all...maybe the writer will get in touch...
GIRLFRIENDS
Someone will always be prettier.
Someone will always be smarter.
Some of their houses will be bigger.
Some will drive a better car.
Their children will do better in school.
And their husbands will fix more things around the house.
So let it go, and love yourself and your circumstances.
Think about it!
The prettiest woman in the world can have hell in her heart.
And the most highly favored woman on your job may be unable to have children.
And the richest woman you know, she's got the car, the house, the clothes~~~~ might be lonely.
And the word says, "If I have not Love, I am nothing.
"So, again, love yourself. Love who you are.
Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say, "I am too Blessed to be Stressed and too Anointed, to be Disappointed!"
"Winners make things happen ~~ Losers let things happen.
"Be "Blessed" Ladies~~~~~ and pass this on to encourage another woman.
"To the world you might be one person, but to the one person who is reading this, it could mean so much."
"Never regret anything that made you smile"
Your friend
Lucia.
Why I chose this name for my blog...
Hi Hi Hi ......
I am 50 this year and intend to celebrate my life. Last year saw me experience all all kinds of feelings, ups and downs, euphoria, bouts of happiness, disappointments...love, great teamwork, meetings all kinds of people, travelling all over the country, real caring, new friendships and bonding... separations, you name it, been there, done this and done that. Suffice to say, I was having a great and normal life. Had my family and extended family all together...close as can be, had my work, though career could do with more lifts...
Then it hit me. This year 2008 I will be half a century old...50 so to speak and what do I have to show. My husband's there, reliable as always, kids all teenagers and growing, dont need me around that much to nag at them, career wise- ok, so what do I want? Where do I want to go and what do I want for the next half of the century, well, we can be positive right...Got to be realistic, can't grow any younger, can't look any younger, but I can live my life better, improve the quality of my life, choose my friends I want to grow old with, do things that will give me great satisfaction, take risks and overall be a good friend to all I meet and know.
That got me thinking. Hey, I want to be around, I want to celebrate my life, I want to do things and stuff I haven't yet done, meet people I haven't met, experience the thrills of life I may have missed, basically giving myself a chance to do things for myself. In other words, I got to take better charge of my life.
So once my mind was made up, sort of informed the family and ta ta... here I am.
For one, starting my own blog was one of the things on the list. Am so glad I finally started today...
I went on a self imposed weight-losing programme, no going to any tailor made diet plans out there, just watched my food intake, exercise often, feel good and made myself look better, changed my wardrobe some. That has seen some success, so far lost 6 kilos the past 4 months, kinda of slow you may say, but hey, I've been getting some positive feedback so am still working on it, another 4 kgs to go.
One thing I've learned, its true what they say, when you feel good, you will look better and when you choose to, you can do things you set your mind to. You're as young as you feel, they but certainly at 50, some will say hey, you're over the hill. My kids say hey mum you look good for '50', my friends are supportive and say, hey you look great, keep it up, so here I am today, feeling good and great too.
Positive thinking helps, reading lots of positive and self-help books is my forte..My family and friends know this, so over the years I've got quite a collection, bought some, got some as gifts etc.
I am quite troubled by the advert on the radio, that says, "my friend is already 50 and he looks great be cause he takes certains vitamins", well 'already 50" so what. You all out there, don't fret, go meet the 50 year mark with gusto, my birthday's not here yet, another 3 months to go, but hey, you're as young/old as you feel. There is life after 50 you know, just look around you, look at those above 50 years, read about what they do, get on with your life, I am doing just that and intend to be around to live my life to the fullest while I still can.
I am 50 and living my life as I see it. This year, I had the opportunity to abseil and go jungle trekking, and I tell you, it was the best thing I have ever done, did that in my younger days but never knew I would enjoy it all so much now. Looking forward to trying more physical stuff...
You are your own person, as many have said in the past, you have the choice to live your life, the way you want it. Don't let others tell you how to live your life, yes you got a boss or bosses who want to make your life miserable, you've got some 'kiasu' friends, but hey, you got a choice right, don't let them ruin it for you, think positive and enjoy life. Choose to be happy and that's exactly what I intend to do for the rest of my life, some hiccups along the way, but I want to make choices that are right and true for myself.
Girls and Guys, if you choose to be miserable, you will be, dont be, choose to be happy, do something for yourself but along the way, don't hurt people, help people, love them cos' like a
smile, it creates postitive effects, as they say, a smile creates two, love and you will be loved.
So everyone, I am going to be 50 and I will live my life as I see it and I will love the way I live it.
Friends, watch out...more to come. Share your thoughts, just be glad we are alive and living life.
Ta ta till next time...
I am 50 this year and intend to celebrate my life. Last year saw me experience all all kinds of feelings, ups and downs, euphoria, bouts of happiness, disappointments...love, great teamwork, meetings all kinds of people, travelling all over the country, real caring, new friendships and bonding... separations, you name it, been there, done this and done that. Suffice to say, I was having a great and normal life. Had my family and extended family all together...close as can be, had my work, though career could do with more lifts...
Then it hit me. This year 2008 I will be half a century old...50 so to speak and what do I have to show. My husband's there, reliable as always, kids all teenagers and growing, dont need me around that much to nag at them, career wise- ok, so what do I want? Where do I want to go and what do I want for the next half of the century, well, we can be positive right...Got to be realistic, can't grow any younger, can't look any younger, but I can live my life better, improve the quality of my life, choose my friends I want to grow old with, do things that will give me great satisfaction, take risks and overall be a good friend to all I meet and know.
That got me thinking. Hey, I want to be around, I want to celebrate my life, I want to do things and stuff I haven't yet done, meet people I haven't met, experience the thrills of life I may have missed, basically giving myself a chance to do things for myself. In other words, I got to take better charge of my life.
So once my mind was made up, sort of informed the family and ta ta... here I am.
For one, starting my own blog was one of the things on the list. Am so glad I finally started today...
I went on a self imposed weight-losing programme, no going to any tailor made diet plans out there, just watched my food intake, exercise often, feel good and made myself look better, changed my wardrobe some. That has seen some success, so far lost 6 kilos the past 4 months, kinda of slow you may say, but hey, I've been getting some positive feedback so am still working on it, another 4 kgs to go.
One thing I've learned, its true what they say, when you feel good, you will look better and when you choose to, you can do things you set your mind to. You're as young as you feel, they but certainly at 50, some will say hey, you're over the hill. My kids say hey mum you look good for '50', my friends are supportive and say, hey you look great, keep it up, so here I am today, feeling good and great too.
Positive thinking helps, reading lots of positive and self-help books is my forte..My family and friends know this, so over the years I've got quite a collection, bought some, got some as gifts etc.
I am quite troubled by the advert on the radio, that says, "my friend is already 50 and he looks great be cause he takes certains vitamins", well 'already 50" so what. You all out there, don't fret, go meet the 50 year mark with gusto, my birthday's not here yet, another 3 months to go, but hey, you're as young/old as you feel. There is life after 50 you know, just look around you, look at those above 50 years, read about what they do, get on with your life, I am doing just that and intend to be around to live my life to the fullest while I still can.
I am 50 and living my life as I see it. This year, I had the opportunity to abseil and go jungle trekking, and I tell you, it was the best thing I have ever done, did that in my younger days but never knew I would enjoy it all so much now. Looking forward to trying more physical stuff...
You are your own person, as many have said in the past, you have the choice to live your life, the way you want it. Don't let others tell you how to live your life, yes you got a boss or bosses who want to make your life miserable, you've got some 'kiasu' friends, but hey, you got a choice right, don't let them ruin it for you, think positive and enjoy life. Choose to be happy and that's exactly what I intend to do for the rest of my life, some hiccups along the way, but I want to make choices that are right and true for myself.
Girls and Guys, if you choose to be miserable, you will be, dont be, choose to be happy, do something for yourself but along the way, don't hurt people, help people, love them cos' like a
smile, it creates postitive effects, as they say, a smile creates two, love and you will be loved.
So everyone, I am going to be 50 and I will live my life as I see it and I will love the way I live it.
Friends, watch out...more to come. Share your thoughts, just be glad we are alive and living life.
Ta ta till next time...
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