motivational – Page 3 – Sugar And Spice… Among Other Things

Daily, Family and Society, Personal Musings, Quotes

Building On

Posted on February 5, 2020December 6, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

In the holiday-to-do projects, my nephew had drawn up the plan for a real miniature boat for the creative arts class. To call it a boat would be a little primitive. After building two models to get an idea of the specifics, he had decided to go ahead with his plan for an English galleon with the four mast type. Although the initial work of the basic models of ” the dhow” and “the cutter” were simple, the real work was for the bigger galleon. It would have been so easy to go with the basic model as submission for the holiday art project, yet he didn’t. He had wanted to his pet project and that was it. While initially masts had refused to hold up, later they did. The sense of completeness was an experience in itself when the project was finally complete.

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” Arnold Schwarzenegger

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:English_Galleon_Model.jpg

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhow#/media/File:Another_Dhow.JPG

Source:vk.com/veruj

Working out the principle of “sticking on” in our daily lives, the rewards in itself would be great. Watching a fledgling gear up their wings or a novice worker with his tools, is akin to trying something new. As one learns to experiment and grow from their mistakes, the confidence within slowly builds up and plans work out. Eventually one learns to fly.

“When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.” ” Unknown

We all need beginnings. When the beginnings work out, it is the staying on that matters the most. Like walking for a toddler, the first few steps maybe difficult then things catch up on being easy. One the other hand, learning to do a skilled embroidery, the first few stitches may go in easy, but as the patterns become more complicated the difficulty arises. But it’s when one learns to perfect the art through a slow and steady approach, the entire work gets done.

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

The experience of achieving a dream, is something that can be felt only in the aftermath. There is always the possibility of fall in every step. Unless we gather the courage for a step, we would miss out the joys of experiencing the unknown.

“There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask “What if I fall?”
Oh but my darling,
What if you fly?”
― Erin Hanson

Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma

Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, poetry

Beyond the Logic

Posted on January 27, 2020December 21, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Drawing up plans for constructing a new house, my maternal cousins had asked for an appointment for the leading architect in the city to draw up their plans. Imagine their surprise post-consultation, that there was a common element of family connections. As they had dropped in for dinner with their plans, in the due course of discussion, their architect was one of my distant paternal cousins who had decided to break from the family business to follow his dream. Recalling the earlier days, we both had attended the same high school and his passion for art and drawing was simply amazing. On choosing the main subjects for college, it took plenty of inner strength and courage to go away from the regular choices and plan a new path.

“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” Roy T. Bennett

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Each of us may have seen similar episodes or events in our lives. From the days of high school to the present day, there will those among us who decide to pursue their dream. Each of us, too may had similar dreams but were held back by the voices either in our head, or echoing around us. Those who go against those voices may reach their dream eventually, either now or later. As for the others, there may be a sense of regrets that may follow. And worse of all, the guilt of “not trying” and “missed chances” makes things difficult all round.

“There will be a few times in your life when all your instincts will tell you to do something, something that defies logic, upsets your plans, and may seem crazy to others. When that happens, you do it. Listen to your instincts and ignore everything else. Ignore logic, ignore the odds, ignore the complications, and just go for it.” Judith McNaught

Unless one tries, one will never know. While the odds mayn’t be in own favour the first time round, keep the drive and inner will. For one day, we will reach the skies in the dreams that we hold true to ourselves. The choice to follow the inner dream lies within. Barring aside the logic, possibilities or probabilities, the most important and main factor is the choice to try. On looking back, that alone makes the biggest difference in all.

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Rise Above The Crowd
by Anonymous
The world is full of people,
content to be what they are
Who never know the joy of success;
they lack the will to go that far.

Yet in this world there is a need,
for some to lead the rest
To rise above the average life,
by giving of their best.

Are you the one who dares,
to try when challenged by the task
To rise to heights you’ve never dreamed,
Or is that too much to ask?

This can be your year,
for great purpose to achieve
If you accept the challenge,
and in yourself believe.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Personal Musings, Quotes, Random Thoughts

Stars in the Dark

Posted on January 16, 2020October 18, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Helping out my niece with their science assignment, we had rigged up a makeshift primitive telescope to take the pictures of the night sky. The purpose was to either get a constellation or two in full focus or click a shooting star. As the project was underway, the beauty of the night sky was something to reckon with. All the twinkling lights reminded of the bright points scattered across the vast dark canvas.

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Source:https://vk.com/englisharoundtheworld

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Looking at one of the many mysteries of nature and gifts of life, one often feels the awe and magnificence in His Works. Though at times, unbidden thoughts enter the mind, especially during the trying days, of “Why me?”and as the feeling of helplessness overwhelms; it is the faith in the hope of a better day tomorrow that helps one survive.

Faith is a bluebird you see from afar.
It’s for real, and as true as the first evening star.
You can’t touch it, or buy it, or wrap it up tight;
But it’s there just the same, making things turn out right.
– Rufus Wainwright (The Rescuers, 1977)

Faith is the anchor in the unbidden thoughts of negativity, self-doubt, depressive or defeated nature, which often occur every now and then. Getting out across these boulders and pits, requires something as simple but deeply profound as faith. Days like those which promote the negativism can be shot down by the Faith one holds deep inside.

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

“Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.” Oswald Chambers

One can’t possibly get everything figured out. There are things that happen, either in a single moment or as a sequence of events; that mayn’t be explained by simple logic or by own understanding. During those standstill moments, it is the inner Faith that helps us find a way to get to the light of tomorrow. And the more when one is thrown off the deep edge, devoid of the understanding why; the more one can deepen their Faith in the glory of His Way, His Will and His Word. Life never makes sense, but by faith in the hope that things will eventually work out, difficulties are crossed out, trouble overcome and the inner spirit strengthened making the present livable. For one day in the future, these days of the past will be acknowledged for their way in them making our Faith stronger in Him and helping one to reach those better days of the tomorrow.

Source:https://vk.com/veruj

Source:https://vk.com

Source:https://vk.com/veruj

Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Reflections

Getting Back On

Posted on December 27, 2019November 8, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Courage isn’t having the strength to go on – it is going on when you don’t have strength.” Napoleon Bonaparte

Winding down to the end of the year, while many of us may have a feel of pleasantness and personal achievements to remember the year by; for few it mayn’t be so. This year may have brought more struggle, loss or grief than the years before. This year may have brought unhappiness from the start, bringing more memories of sorrow than joy. Despite all this, the courage to go on is what matter the most.

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

True that one may have more than their fair share of experiences of the “downhills” more than many. Yet looking beyond all this, to have the opportunity to see another tomorrow may be the gift of our presence and support to someone else. Life never goes as planned. Even when the ship goes smooth sailing, knowing how to face the turbulence and brave the storm makes the journey more enriching and rewarding. In the face of all odds, taking each day as it comes helps one to gear and get prepared for another chance or experience of the year to be.

“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Marcus Aurelius

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.”
― Christian D. Larson

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

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

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