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Saturday 22 August 2015

Tainted View

There are different ways we can view things, but only one perspective really matters, the right one.
Many of the views we hold today have been tainted or distorted, and are being passed off as the truth, when in reality they couldn’t be further away from it.

Viewing something from another angle or with a different lens changes the perception we have of that particular matter, and the issue that was so prevalent, will no longer be a cause for concern.
A shift in perspective breaks through the cause and effect cycle in motion, and things will begin to change to fit the new view.

You see with a tainted view, things look darker, bleaker and less attractive, but once the lens has been changed you’ll begin to enjoy the beauty of what was always around you but oblivious to you at the time.


As you watch this vlog, think to yourself, "what lens have I been looking through?", and if a wrong lens has been tainting your view of life, then its high time you invested in the right lens. It will bring about a clearer image, ultimately leading to a better more confident life.

PLEASE CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO VIEW THE ACCOMPANYING VLOG:

https://youtu.be/VCCZaaZBxwo

Monday 13 July 2015

What the Tortoise has, that we all need

Reminiscing on some life lessons learnt from a recent trip I took, I was reminded of the story, ‘The Tortoise and the Hare'.

The story goes a little like this:

Tired of constantly being jeered and belittled by the arrogant Hare, the Tortoise challenged the Hare to a race.

Predictably, the Hare sped off leaving the slow Tortoise behind, and rather over confident in his ability to win the race; he decided to take a midway nap. 

Upon waking, the Hare smugly sprinted towards the finish line, only to realise that slowly but surely the Tortoise had managed to overtake him during his nap, and went on to win the race.
  
The END!

Now there ARE many lessons that can be deduced from this analogy, from how the Hare’s arrogance proved to be detrimental to his victory, to the wisdom and grit shown on the Tortoise’s part. 
Nevertheless, I want to shed some light on a key factor that can very easily be overlooked: the ‘power of perseverance'.

The Tortoise would have persisted in his pursuit, even though winning seemed like an impossible task.
Spectators would have scoffed at the idea of him crossing the finish line before the unquestionably faster Hare.

Thoughts of doubt very likely crossed his mind, but he would have quickly replaced them by re-focusing on the objective - his desired end result.

The track was probably harsh against his inner shell, the pressure on his feet oftentimes overbearing, and the heat from the baking sun overwhelming.
Despite it all, he would have consistently pressed ahead fuelled by the force of his dogged perseverance. 

Just like Mr. Tortoise, sometimes you need to challenge yourself to change the status quo, or what is expected of you. People may make you feel inadequate, and society may have labelled you, but YOU need to persist in shutting them out.

For years I thought I was at a disadvantage to my peers, as I didn't quite look the same and so accepted the label that was constantly chucked at me. This led to me developing a negative mindset regarding myself and what I could do; inevitably limiting my accomplishments.

Having recently taken on a different perspective, I now try to act upon what I know to do, no matter how daring it may seem.
Little by little, I know that progress is being made as I diligently head towards my purpose.

The Tortoise ran his race at his own pace, so just like him, we must not compare or measure ourselves against the speed of others; which only serves as a distraction. Remember that the race is not for the swift*.

If you don't like where you are, do something about it. Get out of your comfort zone, and change your environment. This will help you see differently, which will change the way you act. You cannot do the same thing, and expect different results.

Regardless of whether or not the tortoise had a strategy to winning; after analysing the pompous character of the Hare, and hoping that he would indeed take that nap.
Or whether he just took a chance stirred by the irritation of his situation, one thing remains true: He MOVED and then he WON!

This my friends, is what perseverance looks like, and this is what the Tortoise possessed that we all need.

*Ecclesiastes 9:11 
*Image Credit: EveLivesey.deviantart.com


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Monday 8 June 2015

The different faces of presumption

Rushing down the escalators he managed to hop on the train before the doors shut. Quickly glancing across the carriage, he knew that he would have to stand for the rest of the journey.
Deciding to get comfortable, he leaned against the see through panel on the side of the seats, whilst placing his headphones on; drowning out the clanking sound from the tracks.

As the train approached the next stop, he remembered exactly why he hated the underground during rush hour, as what looked like a sea of people were seconds away from boarding.

He allowed the multitude to squeeze past him; packing into the carriage like a bunch of sardines, and the whiff that followed didn’t smell far off from fishy either.

As the train rather bumpily took off again, he accidentally fell onto a woman who was standing directly in front of him. Promptly getting his balance back, he immediately apologised as he noticed the distinct distaste in her face.

Another five minutes into the journey, the woman reached into her handbag as she prepared to exit the train. Her non-stop rustling soon turned into sheer panic, as she realised that she couldn’t find her purse.
Without a second thought, she glanced at him straight in the eyes saying, “I know you took it”.

Oblivious to what she may have been looking for and what he was meant to have taken, he gently replied, “Lady I don’t know what you are talking about, and I definitely didn’t take anything”.

Starting to raise her voice, she angrily muttered, “no one else could have taken my purse. I had it before I got on this train and now its gone, so you explain that to me”!

Getting a little agitated, he began to realise what was going on and politely requested that she did not raise her voice at him, further stating; “your accusation is ridiculous, because you have no proof, yet you’re claiming I’m a thief. There are at least two other people standing right next to you, yet you're pointing the finger at me?”

The train had now stopped at the next station, and a few passengers boarding and exiting brushed passed them as the quibble continued.

Insistently and intentionally she continued to yell alerting the rest of the carriage as to what was happening.
“I’m not a fool. I know your type, you did not ‘accidentally’ bump into me earlier, it was all part of your little scheme to slither your hands into my bag. With people like you around, we will never be safe. Ever!”

He abruptly retaliated with ‘what exactly are you implying? ...You know what don’t even answer that. I haven't got the energy for your reply; besides I’m getting off at the next stop so I won’t have to deal with this any longer.”

“Oh…how convenient!" she said, "this guy has just stolen my purse, and now he’s going to walk right off this train, scott free. Brilliant!
If only you worked for your money, then you might understand the value of it and realise that you just can’t go around taking from others.”

Tutting with disgust he rhetorically replied, “I don’t understand the value of money hey? You think you have the right to talk to me about the value of money or working hard, when you probably have no idea what that is yourself.
You look like the type of person who just sits at home, with not a care in the world, living off the more than generous handouts from your rich husband.
Without having to lift a finger, you’ve probably got it all, the fancy house and nice cars..., yet you want to lecture me on understanding the value of money?”

Responding in a more mellow tone she said, “How can you make such an assumption? I’ll have you know that I work very hard to put food on the table and make sure that my children still get the best in life, regardless of the fact that they no longer have a dad.”

“Erm, the same way you’re assuming I took your purse” he retorted, as he placed his headphones back on.
He noticed the glares the other passengers were now giving him, but turning his back to them, he faced the door as he prepared to get off.

Once he was off the train, she stuck her head out the door hollering various profanities and screaming “you will not get away with this, if not for the fact that I might get stabbed, you definitely would not have gotten off this train.”

Feeling rather drained and somewhat embarrassed, he briskly walked away, and completely ignored her.

Later on that evening…

Rushing to get her phone before the call cut out, the woman greeted “hello Emily speaking”.
“Hi Emily, this is Ian from Transport for London. You left your purse at the ticket window in Liverpool street station earlier today. Another customer noticed it lying on the side and handed it in to us.”

Almost frozen in her tracks, the only thought permeating her mind was the fact that based on her preconceived assumption; she acted maliciously towards a completely innocent man.

“Hello, hello, Emily are you still there?” called Ian.

“Yes sorry, I’m still here. I could have sworn I put my purse back in my bag; I have never been this careless in my life. I will surely head back to the station right away.
Thank you Ian”.

Pondering on how despicable her behaviour had been, She knew it was too late to make amends, as she would probably never see that young man again. She knew her assumption might not only negatively affect him, but it further fuelled the prejudices that were already rife in society.

This experience taught her a valuable lesson, a lesson where she would always take the time to think about the other possibilities a situation may pose. A lesson where she would not react on her assumptions; as there are always two sides to a story.
In doing so, she would defy the odds and remain confident in knowing that regardless of the facts, she is now going to remain true to what is right.


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Sunday 3 May 2015

Question Time

There’s a time and season for everything, a time to remain quiet, and a time to speak. Likewise, there comes a time where asking specific questions are essential to our growth and progression in life, because the right questions will often lead to the answers we seek.

This concept is so simple yet often ignored, and we must remember that other people’s experience(s) can be a great learning tool for us - iron sharpens iron. #TeamWeNotMe


If you have a couple of minutes to spare, feel free to learn one or two things about me by watching the Q&A vlog below, and hopefully get a little inspired into choosing Life, choosing Love, and Living Confidently.



PLEASE CLICK ON THE VIDEO LINK BELOW: