Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Sharing is caring
It's been a while and I believe you have been wondering what I have been up to. Busy with other aspects of my dear life :). Anyway, I saw this interesting piece and decided to share :.
'Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.
A Message by George Carlin: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways ,but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete... Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. George Carlin'
A Message by George Carlin: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways ,but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete... Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. George Carlin'
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Lent
It's been quite a while since I came here.Sorry about that. I have been writing elsewhere.[My journal, my thesis :)].Last wednesday, the christian community started Lent. A 40 day period before Easter.The focus is on prayer,fasting, self-denial, spiritual growth, conversion and simplicity. The 4 pillars of lent are repentance, prayer, fasting and almsgiving.These pillars have meaning even if one is not religious.
1.REPENTANCE: working on broken relationships. The human person is a social animal and hence is co-dependent of others. Broken relationships with friends and families people sad, lonely and unhappy. Any attempt at resporation and healthy and necessary.Restoration of our relationship with the maker is the most important.
2. PRAYER: Involves meditation and self examination. This is a time where the individual goes into themselves to rediscover who they really are and to communicate with a superior authority (In the christian sense,God Almighty)
3.FASTING: Occusional denial of the body of food has been proven to be medically rewarding. Also self denial of any form of pleasure uplifts ones spirit as well as builds discipline and self control.
4. ALMSGIVING: It is rewarding to the human person to be able to help another. Scripture also encourages almsgiving as a way of atonement for our sins.
I wish you a fruitful lent.
1.REPENTANCE: working on broken relationships. The human person is a social animal and hence is co-dependent of others. Broken relationships with friends and families people sad, lonely and unhappy. Any attempt at resporation and healthy and necessary.Restoration of our relationship with the maker is the most important.
2. PRAYER: Involves meditation and self examination. This is a time where the individual goes into themselves to rediscover who they really are and to communicate with a superior authority (In the christian sense,God Almighty)
3.FASTING: Occusional denial of the body of food has been proven to be medically rewarding. Also self denial of any form of pleasure uplifts ones spirit as well as builds discipline and self control.
4. ALMSGIVING: It is rewarding to the human person to be able to help another. Scripture also encourages almsgiving as a way of atonement for our sins.
I wish you a fruitful lent.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Are you waiting for permission? by Jason M. Garcia Author, Shifting the Balance
For years (and even now, if I’m honest) I waited for permission.
I needed confirmation from this person or an OK from that authority. I needed someone to say my idea was good enough, that I was on target or at least getting close.
And then it hit me.
I was waiting for reassurance that my idea would be accepted. But, by whom?
The more I thought about it, the more I realized there wasn’t a committee in the sky judging whether or not my idea was good enough. There wasn’t a single, all-knowing voice granting or denying me permission.
There wasn’t a set of guidelines that said: Yes, you are savvy enough or smart enough or worthy of this. Go get ’em tiger.
In truth, I was free to do what I wanted to do. It was OK.
I didn’t need someone else to tell me to go for it. I didn’t need someone else to do it first. I didn’t need anyone’s approval.
If something sounded good, I was free to try it. Of course, it might not work. But that isn’t the point.
The point is freedom. There was no more waiting, only ideas to mold and plans to act on.
I hereby grant you lifelong permission.
I know I’m different from most (don’t get me started!), but chances are good that you’re waiting just as I did.
You’re waiting for approval, for acceptance, for permission.
And though you don’t need any of that, I’m giving it to you just in case the message above isn’t enough to soothe your worried mind.
I grant you permission.
I grant you permission to be yourself. I grant you permission to take that brilliant idea you have and run with it. I grant you permission to live outside the norm and to hop-skip-jump to the beat of your own quirky drummer.
I grant you permission to do things you’ve never done.
I grant you permission to reach out to other people in ways you never have, pushing yourself past where it feels comfortable, but where it feels real.
I grant you permission to say what you think and to feel what you feel.
I grant you permission to stop doing what you think we want you to do. We don’t want you to do that anyway.
I grant you permission, my friend, to do, to be, and to have all the things that quiet little voice of hope whispers in your ear.
Don’t wait. Don’t linger. Make something happen.
You can do it. It’s OK.
I needed confirmation from this person or an OK from that authority. I needed someone to say my idea was good enough, that I was on target or at least getting close.
And then it hit me.
I was waiting for reassurance that my idea would be accepted. But, by whom?
The more I thought about it, the more I realized there wasn’t a committee in the sky judging whether or not my idea was good enough. There wasn’t a single, all-knowing voice granting or denying me permission.
There wasn’t a set of guidelines that said: Yes, you are savvy enough or smart enough or worthy of this. Go get ’em tiger.
In truth, I was free to do what I wanted to do. It was OK.
I didn’t need someone else to tell me to go for it. I didn’t need someone else to do it first. I didn’t need anyone’s approval.
If something sounded good, I was free to try it. Of course, it might not work. But that isn’t the point.
The point is freedom. There was no more waiting, only ideas to mold and plans to act on.
I hereby grant you lifelong permission.
I know I’m different from most (don’t get me started!), but chances are good that you’re waiting just as I did.
You’re waiting for approval, for acceptance, for permission.
And though you don’t need any of that, I’m giving it to you just in case the message above isn’t enough to soothe your worried mind.
I grant you permission.
I grant you permission to be yourself. I grant you permission to take that brilliant idea you have and run with it. I grant you permission to live outside the norm and to hop-skip-jump to the beat of your own quirky drummer.
I grant you permission to do things you’ve never done.
I grant you permission to reach out to other people in ways you never have, pushing yourself past where it feels comfortable, but where it feels real.
I grant you permission to say what you think and to feel what you feel.
I grant you permission to stop doing what you think we want you to do. We don’t want you to do that anyway.
I grant you permission, my friend, to do, to be, and to have all the things that quiet little voice of hope whispers in your ear.
Don’t wait. Don’t linger. Make something happen.
You can do it. It’s OK.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Why 'present day' relationships in Ghana don't work: 14th February, 2011
In this month of love and expectedly today the feast of St. Valentine, I would like to go through some of my personal observations regarding the fate of recent marriages.
Generations ago when our grandparents were children, the woman’s place was the home. She took care of the domestic needs of her family. If she was single, her duty was to her parents and brothers; when married it was to her husband, children and in-laws. A girl was considered ripe for marriage as soon as she experiences her first monthly flow and the 'puberty rite' of passage of initiation from childhood to adulthood was performed for her. A man’s duty was to himself and parents until he got married. In the Patrilineal system of inheritance he had a share in his father’s property. In the Matrilineal system, he had a share in his maternal uncle’s property. He was considered ripe for marriage if he had a regular source of income and had his own accommodation and household needs. Marriage was contracted between two families instead of only the two individuals involved. The two families owed it a duty to ensure the success of the sacred contract.
Most women were full time home makers and even when they earned some income at all, it was meager.
To them a husband was a 'lord' and a 'father figure', the one who took care of their every need. Since most 'girl children' had no share in the inheritance of their fathers house, their aspiration was to get married to a responsible and industrious man who was capable of taking care of all their needs including their financial needs. To most men, it was a big favour to have asked for a woman’s hand in marriage and for most women it was a privilege if someone came to ask for your hand in marriage.
Most women had no say in decision making of their homes since they remained at the receiving end of their husbands taste, choice, preference and generosity in all issues including those that were of direct relation to the welfare of the woman.
Today, a lot has changed. Most girls are considered ripe for marriage after completing a trade or completion of a form of post-secondary profession or University degree. The average Ghanaian woman is employed and earns enough to take care of her needs. The reality of situations is that, she now rubs shoulders with her male counterpart. Also, today, young men are considered ripe not only when they have a decent job and accommodation but when they meet a girl they will want to marry without necessarily having social or financial independence.
Today, young women don't sit at home waiting for a man to ask their hand in marriage anymore. They meet their spouses whilst studying or at the work environment. Arrangements are made without concrete input from parents or respective extended families.
The union therefore is greatly dependent on the two individuals involved. The expenses of some marriages are paid for by both the man and the woman. So right from the onset, 'power sharing' begins :).
In the midst of challenges, it is the two individuals involved who thrush it out. There is very little family influence or involvement which helped save some marriages in the past. Therefore when the two involved get tired of trying, they end it at their own level.
In addition, in the past, the woman was in charge of every household chore since that was her contribution towards the running of the home. Today’s woman wishes for some help in this regard since her duties extend beyond the home to a carrier. If her expectations in this regard are not met, it could be a source of tension.
Secondly, in the past 'submission' on the part of the woman came naturally since she depended on the husband for her every need. Today, submission is not the fancy of many women and does not seem to make sense to them once they pay for their every need including 'dowry' sometimes :). If the man's expectation in this regard is not met, it could create problems.
Also, some young men still have the ideas of their grandfathers :) regarding the role of a wife. He has not risen to the reality that the world has evolved, the environment has changed and so has mentalities. This when not handled cautiously can challenge the foundations of the marriage.
I believe that all the parties involved in today’s marriage should rise to the challenges that culture is dynamic and some of the ways of doing things have changed. It is only when recent realities are acknowledged can people make informed decisions and judgments to save their marriages.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY !!!
Generations ago when our grandparents were children, the woman’s place was the home. She took care of the domestic needs of her family. If she was single, her duty was to her parents and brothers; when married it was to her husband, children and in-laws. A girl was considered ripe for marriage as soon as she experiences her first monthly flow and the 'puberty rite' of passage of initiation from childhood to adulthood was performed for her. A man’s duty was to himself and parents until he got married. In the Patrilineal system of inheritance he had a share in his father’s property. In the Matrilineal system, he had a share in his maternal uncle’s property. He was considered ripe for marriage if he had a regular source of income and had his own accommodation and household needs. Marriage was contracted between two families instead of only the two individuals involved. The two families owed it a duty to ensure the success of the sacred contract.
Most women were full time home makers and even when they earned some income at all, it was meager.
To them a husband was a 'lord' and a 'father figure', the one who took care of their every need. Since most 'girl children' had no share in the inheritance of their fathers house, their aspiration was to get married to a responsible and industrious man who was capable of taking care of all their needs including their financial needs. To most men, it was a big favour to have asked for a woman’s hand in marriage and for most women it was a privilege if someone came to ask for your hand in marriage.
Most women had no say in decision making of their homes since they remained at the receiving end of their husbands taste, choice, preference and generosity in all issues including those that were of direct relation to the welfare of the woman.
Today, a lot has changed. Most girls are considered ripe for marriage after completing a trade or completion of a form of post-secondary profession or University degree. The average Ghanaian woman is employed and earns enough to take care of her needs. The reality of situations is that, she now rubs shoulders with her male counterpart. Also, today, young men are considered ripe not only when they have a decent job and accommodation but when they meet a girl they will want to marry without necessarily having social or financial independence.
Today, young women don't sit at home waiting for a man to ask their hand in marriage anymore. They meet their spouses whilst studying or at the work environment. Arrangements are made without concrete input from parents or respective extended families.
The union therefore is greatly dependent on the two individuals involved. The expenses of some marriages are paid for by both the man and the woman. So right from the onset, 'power sharing' begins :).
In the midst of challenges, it is the two individuals involved who thrush it out. There is very little family influence or involvement which helped save some marriages in the past. Therefore when the two involved get tired of trying, they end it at their own level.
In addition, in the past, the woman was in charge of every household chore since that was her contribution towards the running of the home. Today’s woman wishes for some help in this regard since her duties extend beyond the home to a carrier. If her expectations in this regard are not met, it could be a source of tension.
Secondly, in the past 'submission' on the part of the woman came naturally since she depended on the husband for her every need. Today, submission is not the fancy of many women and does not seem to make sense to them once they pay for their every need including 'dowry' sometimes :). If the man's expectation in this regard is not met, it could create problems.
Also, some young men still have the ideas of their grandfathers :) regarding the role of a wife. He has not risen to the reality that the world has evolved, the environment has changed and so has mentalities. This when not handled cautiously can challenge the foundations of the marriage.
I believe that all the parties involved in today’s marriage should rise to the challenges that culture is dynamic and some of the ways of doing things have changed. It is only when recent realities are acknowledged can people make informed decisions and judgments to save their marriages.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY !!!
Friday, January 14, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR (January 2011)
It has been a while and I guess you have been wondering what happened. I have been doing a lot of 'inward looking' and 'personal assessment' as the year was drawing to a close.
However I decided to write most of my thoughts in my memoir rather that post them in public. So here we are. To start with, I must say that God has been so good to me!!! The year 2010 was not easy. It was a year of growing up, loosing my mind and rediscovering it J. I have also strained myself like I have never before in order to prove a point.
I look forward to a more relaxed year, strategically working as my kid bro will say, 'working smart' and not 'working hard'. I fought a lot of battles the past year. This year I would rather watch as the lord fights my battles for me. As for me, the only one I trust wholeheartedly is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is my source, strength and sustainer.
The year is entirely dedicated to him. I have my plans and definitely will work towards achieving them. But ‘unless the lord builds the house, the laborers labor in vain’. So sweet Jesus, take the wheel and drive me to happiness, wealth, health and accomplished dreams. I wish same for my family and friends.
Happy New Year
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
IMAGINATION By Bob Proctor
Have you ever wondered how children can sit through replays of their favorite
Lion King or Little Mermaid video? It amazes me that they’ll watch the same show everyday without a single complaint or request for something new. What’s more amazing, though, is that adults do the very same thing with their days. The majority of men and women play “movies” in their heads day after day relentlessly focusing on past events, most of which are unpleasant and disturbing experiences. If they’re actually able to stop their contemplation of past events, then they allow impressions of their current surroundings and recent results to govern their thoughts. If they contemplate the future it is usually by worrying about it, or wishing that something better might come along. Then they wonder why bad things keep happening to them, or why they never rise above the issues and obstacles in their lives.While it is true that people are free to think anything they please, as long as they remain set in their ways, there is very little that can be done to change the unpleasant experiences that keep cropping up in their lives.
Recently, the study of the mind and its veritable unearthly power is at last taking its proper place in modern civilization. Proper use of the mind and its various faculties will give you anything you choose – but the emphasis here is on the word “proper.” To move in this direction requires study and focused, consistent effort with a good measure of creativity stirred in.
Just as the oak tree develops from the gene that lies within the acorn and a bird develops from the gene that lies asleep in the egg, so too will your achievements grow from the organized plans that first begin with your imagination. An image in your mind is the first stage of the creative process in life. From your imagination your visions and plans arise.
In his best selling book, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill wrote, “You will never have a definite purpose in life; you will never have self confidence; you will never have initiative and leadership unless you first create these qualities in your imagination and see yourself in possession of them.” He went on to say, “... imagination is the most marvellous, miraculous, inconceivably powerful force the world has ever known.”
There is a concept called “Fantasy - Theory - Fact.” The premise underlying this concept is that everything has its origination in the form of Fantasy, which some adventurous souls dare turn into a theory and then boldly turn into fact.
Give this serious thought for a moment. The idea of moon landings,
communicating by email, traveling on jets, cellular phones or wearing synthetic garments was, a very short time ago, sheer fantasy. Today, they are considered commonplace. Your marvelous mind has factors that you can, with little effort, develop to use to improve the quality of life, not just for yourself, but for human kind. Imagination is one of those creative faculties. The individuals who were responsible for the conception and creation of the email, cell phones and any of the thousands of modern conveniences we enjoy today had a highly developed imagination. Furthermore, they were not easily influenced by the opinions of the masses, the naysayers who historically have criticized and ridiculed anything they do not understand. These pioneers used their mental faculties to fantasize, to build wild and wonderful pictures in their mind. Then, holding their thought with their will, they watched their fantasy unfold into a theory and then into fact.
They seemed to have an innate awareness that if they could visualize it, they could do it. Use this power to let your mind play. Fantasize a much better life than you presently enjoy. Draft your future with imagination, ponder and calculate with intelligence and awareness, then knit it carefully with care. Next, devise paths and find tools to help get you there. Commit to reach new goals. The only barrier separating you from your goal is ignorance – ignorance of how simple, and simply powerful, your mind really is.
Bob Proctor is widely regarded as one of the living masters and teachers of The Law of Attraction. Featured in the blockbuster hit, The Secret, Proctor has worked in the area of mind potential for over 40 years, is the best-selling author of You Were Born Rich, and has transformed the lives of millions through his books, seminars, courses and personal coaching.
Lion King or Little Mermaid video? It amazes me that they’ll watch the same show everyday without a single complaint or request for something new. What’s more amazing, though, is that adults do the very same thing with their days. The majority of men and women play “movies” in their heads day after day relentlessly focusing on past events, most of which are unpleasant and disturbing experiences. If they’re actually able to stop their contemplation of past events, then they allow impressions of their current surroundings and recent results to govern their thoughts. If they contemplate the future it is usually by worrying about it, or wishing that something better might come along. Then they wonder why bad things keep happening to them, or why they never rise above the issues and obstacles in their lives.While it is true that people are free to think anything they please, as long as they remain set in their ways, there is very little that can be done to change the unpleasant experiences that keep cropping up in their lives.
Recently, the study of the mind and its veritable unearthly power is at last taking its proper place in modern civilization. Proper use of the mind and its various faculties will give you anything you choose – but the emphasis here is on the word “proper.” To move in this direction requires study and focused, consistent effort with a good measure of creativity stirred in.
Just as the oak tree develops from the gene that lies within the acorn and a bird develops from the gene that lies asleep in the egg, so too will your achievements grow from the organized plans that first begin with your imagination. An image in your mind is the first stage of the creative process in life. From your imagination your visions and plans arise.
In his best selling book, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill wrote, “You will never have a definite purpose in life; you will never have self confidence; you will never have initiative and leadership unless you first create these qualities in your imagination and see yourself in possession of them.” He went on to say, “... imagination is the most marvellous, miraculous, inconceivably powerful force the world has ever known.”
There is a concept called “Fantasy - Theory - Fact.” The premise underlying this concept is that everything has its origination in the form of Fantasy, which some adventurous souls dare turn into a theory and then boldly turn into fact.
Give this serious thought for a moment. The idea of moon landings,
communicating by email, traveling on jets, cellular phones or wearing synthetic garments was, a very short time ago, sheer fantasy. Today, they are considered commonplace. Your marvelous mind has factors that you can, with little effort, develop to use to improve the quality of life, not just for yourself, but for human kind. Imagination is one of those creative faculties. The individuals who were responsible for the conception and creation of the email, cell phones and any of the thousands of modern conveniences we enjoy today had a highly developed imagination. Furthermore, they were not easily influenced by the opinions of the masses, the naysayers who historically have criticized and ridiculed anything they do not understand. These pioneers used their mental faculties to fantasize, to build wild and wonderful pictures in their mind. Then, holding their thought with their will, they watched their fantasy unfold into a theory and then into fact.
They seemed to have an innate awareness that if they could visualize it, they could do it. Use this power to let your mind play. Fantasize a much better life than you presently enjoy. Draft your future with imagination, ponder and calculate with intelligence and awareness, then knit it carefully with care. Next, devise paths and find tools to help get you there. Commit to reach new goals. The only barrier separating you from your goal is ignorance – ignorance of how simple, and simply powerful, your mind really is.
Bob Proctor is widely regarded as one of the living masters and teachers of The Law of Attraction. Featured in the blockbuster hit, The Secret, Proctor has worked in the area of mind potential for over 40 years, is the best-selling author of You Were Born Rich, and has transformed the lives of millions through his books, seminars, courses and personal coaching.
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