perceptions – Page 13 – Sugar And Spice… Among Other Things

Missed Out

Posted on August 8, 2019May 14, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

In one of the recent birthday celebrations, one of the party games was to ask the blindfolded person was asked to to guess what was wrapped in the paper by feeling out the package through tactile methods. While some got their guesses right, many went way off track; which was the fun of the game. Introspectively one plays a lot of the “blind guesses in life”.

“Blessings sometimes show up in unrecognizable disguises.” Janette Oke

One of the perils of engaging the human mind is that it thinks way off track than the reality. When in a conundrum, the human mind brings more things to imagination than the reality. Consequently a lot is lost in life as one is too busy wildly speculating, instead living in the present. On the other hand, when one waits for events to unfold and see what is at hand; the blessings enjoyed would be many.

“Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know that everything in life has purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences, all events are blessings given to us to learn from.” Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Unfortunately the human mind learns most through certain regrets in life. Then it may be too late to change things and get back on track. Each one of us have been given the gift of the present. Instead of guessing out whether we will receive what we have always asked for; continue to put in one’s best shot in life. Doing the latter, would result in better blessings or gifts, more that one may have dreamed of. Losing out on the blessings due to one’s pride, arrogance, blind expectations or insecurities can result in opportunities being missed, lost relationships and precious time wasted. Although by the time, hindsight, regrets and remedial measures may be taken, it may be too late to do them.

“Sometimes we don’t realize the blessings we have until we no longer have them. Appreciate all the blessings in your life, take none for granted.” Catherine Pulsifer

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://vk.com/we_live_a

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

A young man was getting ready to graduate from university. For a long time he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealers showroom and knowing his father could well afford it, he told his Dad that was all he wanted. As his graduation day approached the young man began looking for signs that his father had bought the car. Finally on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son and he told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely leather bound Bible with the young man’s name embossed in gold. Angry, he raised his voice to his father and said, ‘With all your money you give me a Bible?’ and then stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in his own business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realised his father was very old and thought perhaps he should go to him as he had not spoken to him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him that his father had passed away and had willed all his possessions to his son so he needed to come home and take care of things. When he arrived at his father’s house sadness and regret filled his heart. He began sorting through his fathers papers and saw the still new Bible just as he had left it years ago.

With tears in his eyes he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse . . . Matthew – 7:11, ‘And if ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father which is in Heaven give to those who ask him?’As he read these words a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealers name and on the tag was the date of his graduation and the words paid in full.
How many times do we miss out on blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?
Author Unknown (Source:vk.com)

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Daily, Life, Personal Musings, poetry

Reality of the Frequent “Cannot”

Posted on August 7, 2019May 11, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Opportunities will come and go, but if you do nothing about them, so will you.” Richie Norton

One of the most frequently encountered on assigning any project at the high school age group is the word “can’t”. Those “cannot”s revolve around the excuses of lack of time, to increased work load, less fun time, more effort required and so on. The resonance of “cannot”s increases almost in proportional to the effort or inconvenience caused. While in school life, “the cannot”s are heard maximum when asked to help in household chores, baby sit, accompany on hospital visits or grocery shopping; adult life “cannot”s echo almost a similar vein albeit largely increasing the responsibility level.

Source:https://vk.com/neverbbetter

Source:https://vk.com/neverbbetter Source:https://vk.com/neverbbetter Source:https://vk.com/jpgpicture

“Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell ’em, ‘Certainly I can!’ Then get busy and find out how to do it.” Theodore Roosevelt

Little does one realize the potential havoc caused by that word or emotion “can’t”. From an opportunity to learn or do something new, grow in responsibility, bond together, chance on new avenue of opportunities and so on; are all lost at that single word “can’t”. While can’t may be really necessary at certain points in life; frequently indulging them will result in more loss than gain in the long run.

“Never say that you can’t do something, or that something seems impossible, or that something can’t be done, no matter how discouraging or harrowing it may be; human beings are limited only by what we allow ourselves to be limited by: our own minds. We are each the masters of our own reality; when we become self-aware to this: absolutely anything in the world is possible. Master yourself, and become king of the world around you. Let no odds, chastisement, exile, doubt, fear, or ANY mental virii prevent you from accomplishing your dreams. Never be a victim of life; be it’s conqueror.” Mike Norton

Source:https://vk.com/jpgpicture

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Can’t
Can’t is the worst word that’s written or spoken;
Doing more harm here than slander and lies;
On it is many a strong spirit broken,
And with it many a good purpose dies.
It springs from the lips of the thoughtless each morning
And robs us of courage we need through the day:
It rings in our ears like a timely sent warning
And laughs when we falter and fall by the way.

Can’t is the father of feeble endeavour,
The parent of terror and half hearted work;
It weakens the efforts of artisans clever,
And makes of the toiler an indolent shirk.
It poisons the soul of the man with a vision,
It stifles in infancy many a plan;
It greets honest toiling with open derision
And mocks at the hopes and the dreams of a man.

Can’t is a word none should speak without blushing;
To utter it should be a symbol of shame;
Ambition and courage it daily is crushing;
It blights a man’s purpose and shortens his aim.
Despise it with all of your hatred of error;
Refuse it the lodgement it seeks in your brain;
Arm against it as a creature of terror,
And all that you dream of you someday shall gain.

Can’t is the word that is for to ambition,
An enemy ambushed to shatter your will;
Its prey is forever the man with a mission
And bows but to courage and patience and skill.
Hate it, with hatred that’s deep and undying,
For once it is welcomed ’twill break any man;
Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying
and answer this demon by saying: ‘I can.’
-Edgar A. Guest

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/neverbbetter Source:https://vk.com/neverbbetter Source:https://vk.com/jpgpicture

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Family and Society, Life, Quotes, Reflections, Stories Around the World, Work

In Own Backyard

Posted on August 5, 2019May 11, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” Alexander Graham Bell

For any small scale establishment, to generate revenue to keep on going is a necessity. From outsourcing to hiring, giving better offers to the clients; various ways and means are explored to generate income with a margin of profit. At one of the recent monthly audits, on reviewing the performance, it was surprising to note a significant area of potential left untapped as (to phrase it) “no one had thought about it”. What immediately came to mind, is how it easier to hire and branch out than develop at the home front using the opportunities in one’s own backyard. Be it a group establishment or personal endeavors, one doesn’t have to go far to get a chance when one uses the available options, resources and potential at hand.

“Most people miss Opportunity because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas A. Edison

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

We are all a bit like the protagonist in Conwell’s famous essay, “Acres of Diamonds”, based on parable of a rich but yet poor man who eventually loses out on life. Like the protagonist, it’s easy to explore for better opportunities on the other side of the wall; little realizing how much potential lies within one’s own territory. Exploring other possibilities may be needed in some cases, but at times one is losing out on time when failing to explore the first choices at hand. True that there is always something better than what is at hand; but frequently going only for the former, may result in loss of the latter. Options are always available and open around us; yet they appear only when one is determined and willing to think, foresee, identify the goal or purpose as well as work with the available resources than being always on the hunt based on blind avarice for more.

“You can journey to the ends of the earth in search of success, but if you’re lucky, you will discover happiness in your own backyard.” Russell Conwell

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

There was once a wealthy man named Ali Hafed who lived not far from the River Indus. “He was contented because he was wealthy, and wealthy because he was contented.” One day a priest visited Ali Hafed and told him about diamonds. Ali Hafed heard all about diamonds, how much they were worth, and went to his bed that night a poor man. He had not lost anything, but he was poor because he was discontented, and discontented because he feared he was poor. Ali Hafed sold his farm, left his family, and traveled to Palestine and then to Europe searching for diamonds. He did not find them. His health and his wealth failed him. Dejected, he cast himself into the sea. One day, the man who had purchased Ali Hafed’s farm found a curious sparkling stone in a stream that cut through his land. It was a diamond. Digging produced more diamonds — acres of diamonds, in fact. This, according to the parable, was the discovery of the famed diamonds of Golconda.
– Heart of the speech “Acres of Diamond”, later published as an essay by Russell H. Conwell (Source: Nine Pillars)

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, Reflections, Stories Around the World, Work

Making the Best Of

Posted on August 2, 2019May 14, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Every experience in your life is being orchestrated to teach you something you need to know to move forward.” Brian Tracy

One of the very common teachings or saying passed on from one generation to the next, especially when hitting road blocks in life are the words “to make the best out of the bad situation”. On hindsight, once when one has landed on other side of the situation, the thought strikes that every “bad situation” has brought out a different side of oneself. Interestingly, whether the “different side” is for the better or the worse depends on oneself alone.

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston S. Churchill

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Have you ever observed a lone ant moving on the ground? When it’s path is blocked, it finds a way around it, scurrying towards the intended or alternate direction somehow. Looking through he glasses of “life”, may of us like these ants are forced to find alternate routes to get to the final point. No matter how big the hindrances may seem, time and life forces one to move on, despite the inner resistance to change from the “deemed normalcy”. As one changes the directions pertaining to the situation, a series of effects are created which when done with the right will, manner, intent and effort will aid in achieving better than what was expected by self or by the world around us. Instead of simply making best of the bad situation; let the “worst situation” bring out the hidden best of ourselves.

“The outcome is not up to you. The outlook is.” Germany Kent

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

On another occasion, talking to a friend who was concerned about Salmon P. Chase’s ambition for the presidency, and who thought Lincoln should ask Chase to resign, Lincoln observed that Chase’s department was functioning very well, and as long as it continued to do so he would not worry about Chase’s presidential aspirations. The situation reminded him of a time when he and his step-brother were plowing a corn field in Indiana, he driving the horse and his step-brother guiding the plow. The horse, naturally lazy and slow, suddenly rushed across the field so fast the boys could hardly keep pace with him. On reaching the end of the furrow, Lincoln discovered an enormous chin fly fastened to the horse and knocked it off. His step-brother asked why he did that; whereupon Lincoln explained that he didn’t want the horse bitten. “But,” protested his step-brother, “that’s all that made him go!” “Now,” said Lincoln, “if Mr. Chase has a presidential chin fly biting him, I’m not going to knock it off if it will only make his department go.”
Source: Lincoln’s Humour: An Analysis. Benjamin P. Thomas. Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association. Volume 3, Issue 1, 1981, pp. 28-47

“There is always a solution to any problem. Find opportunities in any circumstance. Never become a victim.” Lailah Gifty Akita

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Family and Society, Life, Quotes, Stories Around the World

Step Over, Move Ahead

Posted on July 31, 2019May 9, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Be of good cheer. Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.” Helen Keller

With the university applications for the new academic session closed for the present year, many have been forced to decide to apply for the available options or to forgo a year and attempt again for better courses either through scholarships, exams or interviews while doing a regular course or working part-time. For each applicant, witnessing the huge amount of unrest and mental stress warring with their inner dreams and ambitions; the struggle to break out of the chaos is evident and the sheer will required to do so is immense. Similar emotions are felt when trying for employment, change of careers or a higher grade position. Breaking out of the web of constant trials, stress, rejections and fear of the uncertainty needs courage, effort and will, to use what one perceives as road blocks into opportunities or learning sessions.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

“Everyone has the ability to increase resilience to stress. It requires hard work and dedication, but over time, you can equip yourself to handle whatever life throws your way without adverse effects to your health. Training your brain to manage stress won’t just affect the quality of your life, but perhaps even the length of it.” Amy Morin

Problems are a part of life, or even vice -versa; life has it’s own problems stored at each turn or corner. At times, they may all pop up together; while at other times it’ll be one by one, most common though when we least foresee or expect them. When one learns to step over the rocks in the path or shake off the dirt and grime; continue ahead altering or following the route; the journey then taken may be more interesting, than simply sitting and staring at those very rocks. Like the river that goes on it;s course finding a way across the rocks, turning the rough corners smooth over time; such should be the attitude that one adopts towards the “rocks in their path”.

“When you reach for the stars, you are reaching for the farthest thing out there. When you reach deep into yourself, it is the same thing, but in the opposite direction. If you reach in both directions, you will have spanned the universe.” Vera Nazarian

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

One day the donkey of a farmer fell into a well. He brayed and screamed terribly, calling for help. The farmer ran up and threw up his hands: “How can you get him out of there?” Then he reasoned: “My donkey is old. He did not have much time left. I was still going to get a new young donkey. And the well, all the same, almost dried up. I was going to bury it for a long time and dig a new well in another place. So why not do it now? At the same time I’m burying a donkey so that there is no smell of decomposition ”. He invited all his neighbors to help him bury the well. All together they took up shovels and began to throw the earth into the well. The donkey immediately understood what was happening and began to publish a terrible squeal. And suddenly, to everyone’s surprise, he fell silent. After a few earth shots, the farmer decided to see what was down there. He was amazed at what he saw there. Every piece of earth that fell on his back was shook off and crushed with his feet. Very soon, to everyone’s amazement, the donkey appeared above – and jumped out of the well!

“Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you.” Arnold Palmer

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Daily, Life, Personal Musings

Gaining the Second Wind

Posted on July 29, 2019May 5, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

The exhaustion is setting in with the limbs being slowly drained out as they move in tandem motion. Suddenly a spurt of energy like an electricity bolt charges through the tired muscles giving them a new life for what may be perceived then as “the minutes that may make a difference to reach the finish line.”

The above emotions may be experienced by many from a wide variety of genres with variations. Consider a first time runner preparing for a long distance marathon, new time jogger or cyclist trying to cover more ground, racing for the train or bus about to leave the station or even worse, running to reach the airport departure terminal before the boarding gate closes. Add to the list, the daily event of running behind a toddler especially when he is racing towards the main road from the porch, taking part in an endurance challenge as a bet with colleagues, old time friends or the “eternal rush against time” (although the internal batteries are near empty) for the next planned event to start.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

While some of us may fit into one of the above or similar scenarios, the rest of us may have many more to add to the growing list. On scientific terms, all these instances correlate with the phenomenon of “second wind”. Most common as an exercise phenomenon or a sleep phenomenon, both involve the sudden increase in energy during a period of fatigue. Similar to the runner’s high (happens after the race is over), second wind is a occurrence in distance running or similar sports whereby an athlete who is out of breath or too tired to continue suddenly finds the strength to press on at top performance with less exertion. While science relates second wind to be a result of the body finding the proper balance of oxygen to counteract the buildup of lactic acid in the muscles; endorphins may also play a role to it.

Descriptions of second wind go back centuries old, found initially associated with strenuous exercise. Metaphorically speaking, second wind often translates as “continuing on with renewed energy past the point thought to be one’s prime, be it in sports, careers or life in general.”

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

We all need to gain our own second wind in life, especially during the low points in life. While the trigger may be from within or from those around us directly or indirectly; finding the “energy to move on ahead” is important to come out of the dregs that life sometimes throws at us. The best part is that each one of us has “that second wind within us”. All we need to do is to gain the will, faith and courage to bring it out and charge through to get to the “better side” of life that each one of us secretly harbours within. As the adage proves time and again, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”; gain one’s own second wind to reach the “temporary finish lines” and breakthrough the barriers and obstacles that each journey has. Each road is one’s own.

“The fatigue of the climb was great but it is interesting to learn once more how much further one can go on one’s second wind. I think that is an important lesson for everyone to learn for it should also be applied to one’s mental efforts. Most people go through life without ever discovering the existence of that whole field of endeavor which we describe as second wind. Whether mentally or physically occupied most people give up at the first appearance of exhaustion. Thus they never learn the glory and the exhilaration of genuine effort…” Agnes Elizabeth née Ernst Meyer

Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma

Daily, Family and Society, Personal Musings, Quotes, Stories Around the World, Work

The Way We Phrase Them

Posted on July 26, 2019May 2, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“But words are things, and a small drop of ink,
Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces
That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.”
– George Gordon, Lord Byron

Reasoning with a child especially of the preschool years, or getting out of their earnest request for their wishes is never easy. The reason being simply is the way they put across their choices with words. From the initial demand of “I want that” to requests pleading “may I please have it” to outright tantrums and then finally the round-about way. The latter is the most difficult one to get out of. The “round-about” ways include “If I would get that new cycle, then I’ll be able to spend less television time and more play”, “new roller blades translates as more exercise” or “the more ice cream and the more veggies trade” and so on. During most of these occasions, what strikes me as most remarkable is their way with words as they put across what they want.

“You can change the course of your life with your words.” Anonymous

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

The age old conflict of the “pen or the sword being mighty”, it’s the essence of the words that have the power over both. The way we say things have a powerful effect. While positive words leave a good feeling behind, besides changing many perspectives for the better along the way; negative words can have a drastic impact as well. For instance the negative emotions especially at the work place; to put across one’s anger, from direct hurtful words to pointed polite reminders or snide remarks, there are different ways to express out the emotion. Although in doing so, the task may or mayn’t be done; but more than that the bitter taste of the words have the potency to darken the mood of the day. What we say matters. The way we say matters. The “how” we say matters.

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Nelson Mandela

For those days, when we think silence speaks louder than words; at times they may do; but when those words which should be spoken aren’t said, misunderstandings may happen, sometimes reversible; or not. It’s so easy to break, but difficult to repair whether they be people, time or relationships.

Source:https://vk.com/veruj

Words when born out of concern, kindness, humaneness, love and understanding have the brightness to turn the most stark, dull or difficult occasions into stepping stones as well bring courage to brave the darkness and survive. Yet words when in haste, when in anger, thoughtless or out of tune to the situation and scenario, have the potential to destroy and impair beyond the perceived boundaries.

Words and communication are a gift. While on one hand we have the gift of the using the right words at the right times, the other deep end is either ceaseless chatter, verbal diarrhea, thoughtless and hurtful talk. Being at both ends, that of the sender and the receiver, will teach us through experience and lessons that words can change one’s live, no matter how small or big it may be.

“For me, words are a form of action, capable of influencing change. Their articulation represents a complete, lived experience.” Ingrid Bengis

SourcE:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

One day a blind man was sitting on the steps of a building with a hat near his feet and a sign saying: “I am blind, please help.”
One person passed by and stopped. He saw a disabled person who had only a few coins in his hat. He threw him a couple of coins and, without his permission, wrote new words on the tablet. He left her a blind man and left.
By the end of the day, he returned and saw that the hat was full of coins. The blind man recognized him step by step and asked if he was the person who had rewritten the tablet. The blind also wanted to know exactly what he wrote. He replied:
– Nothing that would be wrong. I just wrote it a little differently.
He smiled and left.
A new inscription on the plate was: “It’s spring now, but I can’t see it.”

“There is something about words. In expert hands, manipulated deftly, they take you prisoner. Wind themselves around your limbs like spider silk, and when you are so enthralled you cannot move, they pierce your skin, enter your blood, numb your thoughts. Inside you they work their magic.” Diane Setterfield