attitude – Page 12 – Sugar And Spice… Among Other Things

Daily, Family and Society, Life, Quotes, Random Thoughts

Of Roses and Thorns

Posted on December 5, 2019August 23, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

An unexpected meeting with a friend of the previous workplace at the hospital, had lead to a short chat over a cup of tea. While enlisting the difficulties she had encountered on the home front and professional front, she had a lot to brood over and take over a negative vibe. Surprisingly her attitude and outlook was more of hopeful, than what would mine have been, if I were in her shoes. Facing life daily with a husband who has been bedridden (victim of a drunk driving accident), diagnosed with SLE, holding temporary jobs with children still in school are just few of the problems that were tackled. While holding the fort with an optimistic outlook outlook is difficult, the fact that she and many more like do it, is what gives a new meaning to positive approach in life.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

“People who are too optimistic seem annoying. This is an unfortunate misinterpretation of what an optimist really is.

An optimist is neither naive, nor blind to the facts, nor in denial of grim reality. An optimist believes in the optimal usage of all options available, no matter how limited. As such, an optimist always sees the big picture. How else to keep track of all that’s out there? An optimist is simply a proactive realist.

An idealist focuses only on the best aspects of all things (sometimes in detriment to reality); an optimist strives to find an effective solution. A pessimist sees limited or no choices in dark times; an optimist makes choices.

When bobbing for apples, an idealist endlessly reaches for the best apple, a pessimist settles for the first one within reach, while an optimist drains the barrel, fishes out all the apples and makes pie.
Annoying? Yes. But, oh-so tasty!”
-Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Making sense of optimism is never easy from another point of view. One of the aspects of keeping an optimistic outlook to life is to find an approach which encompasses an effective way out of the problems. For those who can do it in a subtle manner, while at the same time not fail to appreciate the gifts of life and its beauty are the true teachers of “optimism”. As taught and drilled into the mind, from a very young age, life isn’t a bed of roses. But what one must remember at all accounts is that, for every thorn along the way, the final destination holds a rose. While there mayn’t be a bed of roses for everyone, nothing stops one from rising above the thorns, appreciating the beauty and fragrance of the roses; for such is life.

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Daily, Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Reflections

“Gains” by the Storm

Posted on December 4, 2019August 8, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

No pain. No gain.

The saying as above, has been drummed into us from childhood and carried over to the adult lives. While the early days may have left us wallowing to it’s reality, while those peers from the rich, social backgrounds get “everything easy” as the rest slogs it out, adult life brings out the saying in its true form. As the years mature, one gives their best shot and bear the fruit of it in due immediate course of time never comes along. What happens to one, when despite all the pain, gain is absent ?

“It is only in sorrow bad weather masters us; in joy we face the storm and defy it.” Amelia Barr

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmomentsSource:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Those times, when all the pains seem fruitless and drain us of the mental hope, one needs to keep their inner flame going. Gathering courage to master the raging storm isn’t easy, but once we pull it out from within; surviving the storm would be the gain from the pain. On those days or times, when the pain hasn’t borne fruit; knowing and redefining the “gain” is what keeps the hope going. Though the immediate gain mayn’t be what is as perceived; handling the storm and crossing it is, at times, the biggest gain of all.

“You can be in the storm, but don’t let the storm get in you.” Joel Osteen

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Storms
Margie DeMerell

There will be storms, child
There will be storms
And with each tempest
You will seem to stand alone
Against cruel winds

But with time, the rage and fury
Shall subside
And when the sky clears
You will find yourself
Clinging to someone
You would have never known
But for storms.

“Dig deep & pull the roots of confidence from the ground of your being, standing firm in the raging storm until sunlight blossoms inside you.” Curtis Tyrone Jones

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Life, Personal Musings, Quotes, Random Thoughts, Stories Around the World

Weave of the Ribbon

Posted on December 2, 2019November 30, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abe Lincoln

Unexpected news or shockers from what was previously imagined as real can give a jolt to the person when understanding hits the surface. Yet when it does happens, how one reacts or rather how all of us react, makes the biggest difference.

35 years male. Single. Known case of thalassemia major. On blood transfusions since age of six years. Recurrent infections. HIV ELISA positive.

40 years female. Recurrent infections since the past year. Atypical pneumonia. Disease profiles variable. HIV ELISA positive.

7 year old male. Recurrent oral candidiasis. Recent diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis. HIV ELISA and PCR positive.

These above cases are not even close to the tip of the iceberg of the damage caused by what was originally believed to be the mutated form of the wild virus in non-human primates. Rising to global pandemic proportions, the origins are traced to as early as 1910 wherein probably the wild virus underwent mutations to the present form by series of changes ranging from suppression of the innate and internal immune response, high-risk transmission channels as well as social and environmental changes leading to the rapid spread of the mutated virus form. Though the earliest well-documented case of HIV in a human was done in 1959, the clinical cluster of cases (1981) in the United States with rare types of pneumonia (symptoms of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)) and rise of previously rare skin cancer called Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) prompted the CDC to develop a task force to control the outbreak. With these opportunistic infections being more prevalent in the hemophiliacs, drug users, certain endemic areas and social or sexual preferences; the task force stepped up the ante and the term AIDS was coined and brought to the forefront of the mass public.

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Ryan_White.jpg

From Ryan White to Greg Louganis or Magic Johnson and many numerous people, each of them had fought their battle with the disease of HIV/AIDS. Whether it was by their circumstances or series of unfortunate events, the questions and chaotic thoughts every person or loved one goes through on hearing the positive confirmation is the plenty of “why me’s” and the uncertainty of the future, disease progress and implications on the personal, professional as well as mental front. None of us realize the reality behind the scene, unless we step into the other’s shoes and walk a couple of miles. Only then the false pictures get morphed with those little details that help one to realize the truth was far from what was initially perceived.

“You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end,each of us must work for our own improvement and, at the same time, share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think can be most useful.” Marie Curie

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://vk.com/englisharoundtheworld

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://vk.com/englisharoundtheworld

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

As the global battle continues on multiple fronts, from raising awareness to finding solutions and reparative measures for the ongoing myriad of symptoms and disease complex, society in general as to sit up and take note. Ignorance may be bliss for now, but it always comes at a heavy price. Neither does guilt, accusations or pointing fingers help any. But awareness doesn’t hurt anyone. Instead it helps to build for a better tomorrow. The resilience of mankind lies in the ability to pick the battle and choose wise. Linking the goals for the common future would help for the days of tomorrow.

“A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life. And he adapts his mind to that regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts; ceases to kick against circumstances, but begins to use them as aids to his more rapid progress, and as a means of the hidden powers and possibilities within himself.” James Allen (As a Man Thinketh)

Source:https://vk.com/englisharoundtheworld

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/englisharoundtheworld

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

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Family and Society, Personal Musings, poetry, Random Thoughts

A bit of the Pebble or Clod ?!

Posted on November 29, 2019August 8, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Your reality is as you perceive it to be. So, it is true, that by altering this perception we can alter our reality.” William Constantine

When one of my friends had received a promotion, the catch was the transfer attached to it. During the last meet, which was both a farewell and treat; we had asked her about the family. For her, family of four, relocating the kids to a new school would be difficult and transfer for her husband wasn’t an option. The new place being four hour drive, regular travel wasn’t an option. On asked, how would she manage; pat came the reply, it’s just for a couple of months and then things will fall into place. It was refreshing to feel the optimistic and practical approach.

“The difference between a mountain and a molehill is your perspective.” Al Neuharth

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

A lot many time, one often encounters many situation not to personal liking or choice. While at times, one does feel a bit trod on and over whelmed, sticking on and staying true is a matter of principle, perspective and perception. Situations do change like the wind, but it’s how one masters them with the right perspective that makes the approach different. To whine and grumble; or buckle up and forge a new way ahead, is all in the mind, beliefs and actions. The wind blows either for or against, depending on the position we stand in. When the wind becomes a tempest; learning to bend and flow helps one to find their feet in the aftermath.

“We must look at the lens through which we see the world, as well as the world we see, and that the lens itself shapes how we interpret the world.” Stephen R. Covey

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

The Clod and the Pebble
By William Blake
“Love seeketh not itself to please,
Nor for itself hath any care,
But for another gives its ease,
And builds a Heaven in Hell’s despair.”

So sung a little Clod of Clay
Trodden with the cattle’s feet,
But a Pebble of the brook
Warbled out these metres meet:

“Love seeketh only self to please,
To bind another to its delight,
Joys in another’s loss of ease,
And builds a Hell in Heaven’s despite.”

“I am still determined to be cheerful and to be happy in whatever situation. I may be, for I have also learnt from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions and not upon our circumstances.” Martha Washington

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Life, Personal Musings, Quotes, Stories Around the World, Work

Alone or With A Leaf

Posted on November 28, 2019August 2, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” Albert Camus

The absence of my toddler at the table for his allotted cartoon time, had sent me to the garden. With the rains and the winds still lashing on though in a minimal way, I was mentally prepared to see him in mud. Surprisingly, I found him by the small pond (covered with a strapped wire mesh thankfully) with a little leaf complete with a long stalk in hand. On closer view, he was gently prodding two tortoises to reach their temporary home soon, before the night fall. While one with the help of the “leaf” had reached the pond soon; the other had almost managed on it’s own. With both of them safely in their home, the wide smile on the young face was worth the muddy shirt.

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.” Samuel Beckett

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

All of us have our own moments, of being “the tortoise” or “the child”. Wherein, one may need the extra support to go ahead or one has been the provider of that extra support. On the other hand, there have been many who have been in the shoes of the tortoise without that help. Each step was taken with effort, not calculating or finding the prospects in the future; but going about the task and dealing with each aspect along the way.

“At the very moment when people underestimate you is when you can make a breakthrough.”? Germany Kent

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Once one has crossed the finish line, on looking back, the feeling of awe, relief, happiness, contentment and thanksgiving all come rolled in one. Later as one dissects the situation, the realization comes that all things are possible, no matter how big it may seem; as long as we keep the self belief and start tackling it, no matter how small the step may seem to be. No sculpture is made one blow alone, but by series of continued chipping to create the many planes, inclinations, curves and angles for the final effect. Our lives reflect a lot similar. Help or no help, once we start moving, one reaches the end point sooner than just twiddling the thumbs or flapping around. Beauty in life as such, is experienced only after a wee little effort on own part.

“You may be the only person left who believes in you, but it’s enough. It takes just one star to pierce a universe of darkness. Never give up.” Richelle E. Goodrich

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

A Determined Spirit
Author Unknown

Once upon a time, a small bird named Tasoo lived in a vast jungle. One hot summer day, a terrible wildfire erupted and the flames devoured many trees and animals living in the jungle. Other birds flew high into the sky and far away to safety, but Tasoo couldn’t bear to leave her precious jungle home to burn. Day and night, she flew with all her might back and forth to the river, filling her tiny beak with water to drop on the raging fires. Tasoo’s rare heart of courage and unshakable determination moved the heavenly gods to shed tears, and a great rain poured down upon the jungle, extinguishing the flames. And so it is that even the smallest actions of a determined spirit can change the world.
(Popular parable of the Quechua (Incan) Indians of South America)

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmomentsSource:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Daily, Life, Stories Around the World

Plant the Right Seed

Posted on November 21, 2019July 19, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

To stick to one’s own internal policy is never easy, especially in the modern world where the temptations are too strong and the lure to be “the important one” quite potent. Which is why when any event or project happens; versions vary a lot, the outcome goes tangentially way off the expected on the downward spiral and tensions cause plenty unrest. In short, somewhere along the way of growth, success, achievement and modernism; the core principles of integrity, respect, honour, kindness and humaneness have been lost. While each one pursues their own versions of truth; eventually the masks will fall off and the bare bones of evidences will expose themselves. By then, if the path travelled is on the right grounds, one can safely move ahead with integrity and above all, peace of mind.

“Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.” Spencer Johnson

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

“The emperor grew old in one eastern country and realized that it was time to choose a successor. But instead of nominating a successor from among one of his assistants or his heirs, he decided to choose something else. All the young people who only lived in the empire, he asked to come together in one day. When everyone gathered together, the emperor addressed the young people with these words: “I am already old, it’s time for me to resign. We need to choose the next emperor. I decided to choose one of you. ”
The children of the emperor were shocked! But the emperor continued. “Today I am going to give each of you one seed. These are seeds of very special plants. I want you to sow the seeds, pour water on them, and a year later, starting today, you must return here to grow from these seeds. Then I will compare the plants you bring, and the one I choose will be the next emperor! ”

One young man named Ling was also at the emperor’s reception that day, and he, like the others, received the seeds. He went home and anxiously told his mother about everything that had happened in the palace. Mama Ling helped the young man pick up the pot and soil for the plant, he sowed the seed and poured it. Every day he watered him, looked after him and watched if the sprouts appeared. After about three weeks, other young people started talking about their seeds and plants, which began to grow. Ling continued to check his seed, but nothing grew. It took another 3 weeks, then 4 weeks, then 5 weeks … However, nothing grew in Ling’s pot. While all the other young people were talking about their plants, about how fast they grow, Ling didn’t have anything, and he felt like a loser. Half a year has passed, but even a tiny sprout did not appear in Ling’s pot. With bitterness in his heart, he was forced to admit to himself that he had ruined his seed. However, Ling said nothing to his friends. He simply continued to wait, in the depths of his soul hoping that his seed would grow.

Finally, the year ended, and young people from all over the empire brought their plants to the emperor for testing. At first Ling told his mother that he was not going to carry an empty pot to the palace. But his mother advised the young man to be honest, to tell how everything happened, and although Ling felt devastated, in his heart he knew that his mother was right. He took his empty pot and went to the palace. Coming to the emperor, Ling was amazed at the variety of plants grown by other young people. They were beautiful, varied in shape and size. Ling put the empty pot on the floor and everyone started laughing at him. Some felt sorry for him, and they simply said: “Hey, well, that I tried.” Then the emperor entered the hall and greeted the young people. Ling tried to hide behind the backs of others.

“There are three constants in life . . . change, choice and principles.” Stephen Covey

“Well done! What magnificent plants, trees and flowers you have grown, ”said the emperor,“ Today one of you will be appointed emperor! ”Suddenly, in the depths of the hall, the emperor noticed Ling and his empty pot. He ordered the guard to lead him forward. Ling was terrified. “The emperor knows that I am a loser!” – he thought. “Maybe he will order me to be executed?” The guards brought Ling forward, and the emperor asked him his name. “My name is Ling,” he answered timidly. Everyone laughed. The emperor asked everyone to calm down, and then looked at Ling, and declared: “Here is your new emperor! His name is Ling! ”

Ling could not believe his ears. After all, he could not even grow his seed. How could he have been chosen by the new emperor?

Then the emperor said: “Exactly a year ago, I distributed the seeds to all those present here. I ordered you to take the seeds, plant them, water them, and come back to me today. But I gave you all the boiled seeds that could not germinate. All of you, with the exception of Ling, brought me trees, plants and flowers. When you realized that the seed would not grow, you replaced the seed that I gave you. Ling was the only one whose courage and honesty was enough to bring me a pot with my seed. That is why he will be the new emperor! ”

“As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself. Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility.” Nelson Mandela

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Daily, Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Quotes

Colours Across the Path

Posted on November 18, 2019July 23, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” F. Scott Fitzgerald

Being in the tropics, the time of fall isn’t as colourful as the temperate areas. Though the winds and the rain against the mosaic of colours still mark the season of autumn. Collecting the leaves for my toddler’s scrapbook is never a job too tedious or tiring. Coming across each leaf with their own shape and colours, even though dead, each leaf has their own beauty and story to say.

“If only humans could die like the autumn leaves, with a splash of beauty and the promise of another season.” Shana Chartier

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Each leaf has a story of their origin through spring, summer and travel across the wind. Each leaf may have seen the good and the bad. Some leaves may have been the vibrant green placed amongst the fragrance of flowers, while others may have been subject to the town air, of dust and grime. Despite the changes, they follow their course and change their tunes as per the season. No leaf stays the same. Like us, each leaf is subject to change and tune their travel as per the requirement of the elements, never losing out on their initial spark. Little wonder then, that even towards the end of their journey and back to being a part of the earth; they colour the lives around them, bringing joy to the faces and lives around them.

“Leaves grow old gracefully, bring such joy in their last lingering days. How vibrant and bright is their final flurry of life.” Karen Gibbs

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

An Autumn Leaf
Immanual Joseph

Yesterday, I was the mist of the waterfall
Tomorrow I will be a raindrop
Racing toward my destiny
But today I am the cloud
Floating amidst the mountain peaks
The hangman’s noose is empty
For I am life
I cannot be destroyed
The winds of adversity
Buffet and mould me
Yet I float free
I am freedom
The bird that flits happily
Among olive trees
I am the wind of the evergreen glades
I am boundless
Without secrets, without fear
I am love
The red ferns on mossy grass
I am Now
This hour, eternity
I know no beginning or end
I cannot be destroyed.