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.

Please take a few minutes to watch the accompanying Vlog by clicking the link below & don’t forget to subscribe:

https://youtu.be/n4Rn-KBWow0

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:

https://youtu.be/F_1LvLoCp8I

What Lies Ahead

Little did she know that the path she chose would be full of trial and errors. Often laborious by the passing hours. Often sheered in severe pain.

Little did she know that what she so carefully mapped out would eventually lead nowhere, as that was not her course. That was not where she was meant to be.

It was barely a figment of her imagination. What she considered as the right direction, was nothing more than a diversion on the greater canvas.

Little did she know that this experience may have been difficult, even heartbreaking; as she met one obstacle after the other, whilst scraping through nettle bushes. Nettles which inevitably uncovered fresh fleshy wounds, until eventually the sign ahead read 'Dead End'!

Nevertheless, the disruption was intentional, purposeful, and a new plan would emerge that would ultimately bring about the fulfilment she so desired.

Time passed by and…

Little does she know that although she has now built a harsh hard exterior, just like the butterfly, she will soon morph and emerge into something so beautiful, it will captivate hearts and minds.

Little does she know that her current feelings of anger and anguish, will melt away leaving room for something brand new to reignite. 

A passion for new discoveries and a renewed love for life. The scars will slowly disappear, and the old pushed back into the sphere of the past.

Little does she know that although not yet visible, greatness awaits her. Her real journey down the correct path will soon commence.

Moreover,

Little did I know that she was waiting for someone like me. Someone to reassure her through this confounding process. Someone to let her know that I had once trekked the same path, and if she looked a little closer, there would be a narrow turn just off that road. A turn for the better. A turn that brought about hope.

Little do I know of what else awaits me in this journey called life, but just like her [with the truth illuminating its light before me, exposing just a 'little' bit more of the trail], it is evident that the One who knows much more is behind it all, putting another piece of the puzzle in place.

The beauty of the whole picture may not have yet been revealed, nonetheless we have the assurance that it will all be worth it, because 'Little' do we know and 'All' does He know.

You can view the accompanying vlog below:

http://youtu.be/VrWTp5H2quw

Please feel free to comment, like & share.

The Mind MATTERS

Meaning of ‘Matters’ in this context:

1.     A physical substance created from our thoughts

2.     Concerns/ Circumstances

Gazing at the finish line that was now in full sight, memories of when I first began started to swamp my mind. The adrenaline I initially felt was steadily creeping back as I realised that I was ACTUALLY going to complete this; regardless of the fact that other things I embarked upon did not get any further than take off.

Nevertheless, I pondered on whether or not I felt any different? Was there anything indicating a real difference in my thinking, or was this whole process a waste of time?

As I reflectively assessed my progress, by pulling away the optimistic veneer that could so easily cloud my judgement; I really was not sure how I felt about the whole thing.

I had mixed emotions of excitement, to slight apprehension from that underwhelming feeling of ‘is that it?’!

I thought that by day 20 of this Brain Detox*, the changes would be so radical; I would suddenly become this brand new person with a completely different thought life that I so eagerly yearned and prayed for.

There and then I suddenly became aware of what was going on in my mind, and how even before this habit-forming three week exercise was complete, I had already reverted back to thinking negatively about the whole thing.

Very swiftly I made the conscious decision to replace these destructive thoughts by questioning how I so hastily assumed the process was not working.

Why did I expect sudden transformation, in an area that I had developed over many years of wrong thinking?

I also told myself that these 21 days were to set precedent of how I needed to proactively ‘choose’ to think positively. A precedent of making right decisions, as my thoughts would ultimately become my actions. A precedent that would turn this new habit into a lifestyle, and it was a choice that only I could make!

The realisation of the thoughts I had just processed, and how I reacted; suddenly shed light to the fact that contrary to my initial feelings, I had indeed made vast progress in how I dealt with the ‘matters of my mind’.

I had fought the toxicity that came to mind, replaced it and had a better outlook, which immediately changed the way I felt.

This was something that would never have happened a couple of weeks prior, and I knew that this new awareness would help dispel any thoughts of doubt that may try to form again.

I knew victory was sure for me, because it lay not in the crossing of the finish line, but in the winning attitude maintained during the course of the race.

I have just scratched the surface, but it has given me a boost into seeing a much brighter future. A purpose filled destiny awaits me, as I continue to take those necessary steps to becoming who I am meant to be: The Confident Woman.

* 21 Day Brain Detox by Dr. Caroline Leaf – Watch the accompanying Video Blog (Vlog) for more details about the programme and what led me to embark upon it.

Watch the Vlog below:

http://youtu.be/8qGMRpjKWLY

Mini Book Review: 

This book is good at explaining the process of renewing your mind, and the correlation between scriptural principles and science, something that is not often discussed or highlighted.

It assesses the importance of your mind, with emphasis on the powerful role of our thoughts and how they play out in our actual lives.

It also dispels many of the myths we have learnt or have been told about both the brain and our minds. It is very insightful, inspiring and informative.

The only major setback I encountered was the excessive use of scientific terminology, as it was a bit off putting at times.

Nevertheless, I didn’t let this distract me from completing the book, because before I embarked upon the detox programme. I wanted to get a better understanding of how the mind works, and as I mentioned in the blog; I was eager for change.

My suggestion: It is worth a read, as it outlines the basic 5 step learning process, which is the crux of the detox. (However, I believe you can still start the detox without having read the book).

All in all, it is generally a very good book, and you will definitely learn a thing or two that you wouldn't have thought were possible, and if like me you diligently go through the whole process: your life will change for the better.

Disclaimer: Please do not embark upon something without the conviction that you need it or that it is right for you. 

This is something I prayerfully chose to do because I believe it is what I need at this particular stage of my life/ journey. 

It has worked for me because I was eager for change and stayed committed to seeing it through.