time – Page 9 – Sugar And Spice… Among Other Things

Daily, Family and Society, poetry, Quotes, Reflections

Eyes That Watch Us

Posted on September 18, 2019May 24, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Children learn more from what you are than what you teach.” W.E.B. DuBois

As the little toddler grows up in the family, certain mannerisms and phrases have been coming along too quickly for his age. From putting into place a cushion seat for his tiny legs during the allotted television time to aligning his shoes, experimenting with his father’s hair gel and picking up phrases of “Wipe your feet”, “no phone during meal times” and the like; highlights how much more they learn as they watch and observe the adults around them.

“What we are teaches the child far more than what we say, so we must be what we want our children to become.” Joseph Chilton Pearce

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

As time flies, being parents or guardians of these little wonders, one never realizes how much they significantly imbibe more from the world around them, than what they have been taught in the kindergarten or later even in school. Like the old adage goes, family is the first teacher of a child; the little things that children pick have an immense effect on their future. Whether it be the physical, emotional, mental or social aspects of their life, parents and elders are their first educators.

“Children or babies learn to mimic the vibration of the adults who surround them long before they learn to mimic their words.” Abraham-Hicks

For adults knowing this matters the most; for this silent teaching is what determines the future of those little ones. The errors of the present would require a huge effort in the future to be corrected then, instead of now. Realizing this significance in the present would shape their future thinking, behaviour and character. Time will always go ahead as always. Let the present memories not be those of regret and guilt; but treasured ones as they move ahead in their future lives.

“Your children will see what you’re all about by what you live, rather than what you say.” Wayne Dyer

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favourite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s alright to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, ‘Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.’

– Mary Rita Schilke Korzan

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

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

Maintain the Balance

Posted on September 11, 2019June 1, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.” Confucius

Of recent, few multinational companies have been allotting compulsory leave days for their top employees. These few days after every four months or so, come with a half pay and an order not to be seen in the company premises for either completing the new projects, clear the back log or develop new ideas. The whole idea was to “take a break” from the professional life and grow the personal one. In a way, these organizations have done this so as to increase the employee productivity as well as better the general work efficiency on the whole.

“No other success can compensate for failure in the home.” David O. McKay

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

When a young adult enters the modern career world, the importance is laid in establishing a good professional life, earning good money and save for the future. As time goes on, one may start a family or become a part of one. Being social beings, we crave for close relationships and bonds as thick as blood. Yet once family and friends arrives, certain things may be taken for granted; especially time spent with the latter. When one realizes the error soon, time may be left to pick up the broken links and rebuild them.

“In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

In the process of rebuilding, the metal once scarred or bent mayn’t be as strong as it looks. For the builder it involves immense effort to re-link the chains as compared to when building in flow with the fresh meta links. While wealth, riches, fame and materials are necessary for the social or professional order in life; it is the close knit web of family and bonds that help one to heal, grow, nurture and flourish away from the outside world. As one nurtures or is being nurtured by the family, the children of tomorrow are minor extensions of today. These inquisitive minds learn more from actions and deeds than words. In order to live life to the fullest, learning to balance the entire framework of professional as well as personal life is what brings fruit to the former. Time is always there to reform as long as one decides to put their priorities and focus in the right manner.

“The single most important factor in our long-term happiness is the relationships we have with our family and close friends.” Clayton M. Christensen

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

‘So now you have a farm, two houses, and four cars, correct?’ asked Marcelo. Ivan nodded. ‘Well done!’ Marcelo smiled amicably to his old friend. ‘And what else have you got? A master’s degree from University of Chile, a good and stable job, and what else? Money, ah, how much money have you got? More than a hundred million pesos, I suppose?’
Ivan did not reply, but his smile meant a ‘yes’ to all of the questions. ‘And with all of these in your hands, you’re still the first to arrive at work and the last to leave, yes?’ For the second time, Ivan nodded. ‘For how long?”Three years and a half.’ ‘Oh, poor Ivan Espinoza,’ Marcelo sighed. For a moment he stopped talking. The conversation that previously was filled with laughter and jokes suddenly turned itself into a deep silence. Marcelo gazed over Ivan and tapped his right shoulder tenderly. An air of confidence was transpired from the light of his eyes, despite his graying eyebrow. ‘My friend, did you see that table?’ ‘Yes,’ Ivan glanced to a table next to them. ‘How many legs?’ ‘Four’
‘If you break one of the table’s legs, will you have a balanced table?’ ‘No’
‘So is life. It’s got four legs: education, money, a job you love, and a family you adore. If you break one of life’s legs, you will have an imbalanced life,’ remarked Marcelo. Sighing, the man paused for a little while before continuing. ‘Now you have a good job, money, and proper education, but you don’t see your children except when they are asleep before and after work. Is that a balanced life? You work for your family, don’t you?”Yes.’
‘So why do you work so hard but spend less time with them?’
Written by Subhan Zein

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

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

Stay on the Course

Posted on September 5, 2019June 4, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Failures, repeated failures, are finger posts on the road to achievement. One fails forward toward success.” C. S. Lewis

The seventh rejection is often hard. Especially for a young couple who want to start their own bakery and chocolatier. Though ideas are plenty, talent is present; getting a bank loan as well as rental premises in the right place for a start-up is as important as skill and talent. In addition to it, getting funds for the best raw ingredients is what matters the most. When approaching for a loan, the few initial rejections may sting a bit; yet when it happens too frequently it takes courage to stick on to the plan and find alternatives. At times, in those moments, it is the family, neighbourhood and community that help initially till better options become available. Yet, even in their absence, finding alternate jobs as well as using available resources for starting small scale is what later makes the big dreams feasible.

“The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way.” Dale Carnegie

Soure:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Many of us, have similar plans or ventures, whether they be setting a shop with known or innate talents, building a new skill (like tapestry, crocheting) or exploring new ventures; obstacles are bound to be there. Staying on, despite the constant brick walls popping up, the hidden taunts, open criticism and judgmental nods, makes the final achievement more sweet. Keeping the latter alone in the forefront won’t make a difference. Being dedicated and focused on the dream itself and not the glory, reward or fame of succeeding is what makes most dreams come true. Success is secondary to mental and emotional satisfaction.

Soure:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Inspiring stories are always there to be seen from the lives of the people around us, of the present and the past. As William S. Banowsky stated, the story behind one of the greatest leaders of the 19th century is one of dogged persistence in the face of repeated setbacks.
In 1831 he failed in business.
In 1832 he was defeated for the state legislature.
In 1833 he failed again in business.
In 1834 he was elected to the state legislature.
In 1835 his sweetheart died.
In 1836 he had a nervous breakdown.
In 1838 he was defeated for Speaker.
In 1840 he was defeated for Elector.
In 1843 he was defeated for Congress.
In 1846 he was elected for one term to Congress.
In 1848 he was defeated again for Congress.
In 1855 he was defeated for the Senate.
In 1856 he was defeated for Vice President.
In 1858 he was defeated again for the Senate.
In 1860 he, finally, was elected President of the United States. And these are just a few of the rough spots in the life of Abraham Lincoln.

“If God closes a door AND a window, consider the fact that it might be time to build a whole new house.” Mandy Hale

Sitting back and just brooding over the setbacks with pessimism, dejected and down-heartened mood will not make things better. Instead try to improvise, find alternative means, work hard, keep the faith and try again from a different angle. Learning from mistakes isn’t easy for self-correction clashes with the ego. However with constructive criticism, corrective measures may be made for a better outcome. It is never the occasional rain than makes the stones smooth but the running water which flows making a path for itself, keeping the odds, feasibility and practicality in mind.

Soure:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

“The harder you fall, the heavier your heart; the heavier your heart, the stronger you climb; the stronger you climb, the higher your pedestal.” Criss Jami

Daily, poetry, Reflections, Work

Challenge of the Change

Posted on September 4, 2019May 21, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat.” Napoleon Hill

One of the most important requisites for living the comfortable modern life is “professional security (once known as job security)”. From the early years of childhood, stress is laid on completing academics, gaining a professional degree or mastering a course and ultimately being securely employed. The final objective was to earn a comfortable income to support, sustain and prosper for oneself. The price for this would range from foregoing doing something that one loves especially in the creative arts of writing, music or theatre ; to training and mastering oneself for a specific vocation or skill to bring the bread and butter to the table. The initial days of putting the new found skill at test may involve less returns with more efforts till an opportunity presents itself for a better outcome. Then the innate response to resist the change would lie in the disguised security and comfort zone of the present.

“What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.” Oscar Wilde

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

One never realizes their true potential if one refuses to evaluate the options for a change as they surface. In such situations, one may miss out on taking the opportunity to strike out and move along a different plane for the fear of losing out on the perceived benefits of the present. Those times, what may work best is when few principles are followed. Primarily does the change help us grow for the better. Second is whether the new opportunity, in the long run, aids us in the professional capacity. Third and above all, if the change brings forth the pleasure to work and peace of mind in doing the task at hand. The world is huge and big enough to accommodate the varied range of skills and talents. Yet staying with apparent surety of the known, refusing to explore the new out of fear and insecurity may cause regrets to surface in the later years.

“Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.” Buddha

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Reflecting on Life

Take time to stop today
Take time to stop a while
Reflect on how life changes
Then take the time to smile

Know that as the days go by
These things that challenge you
Will one day just be memories
Of times you have gone through

Look back now on yesterday
And all you have achieved
Recognise the strengths you’ve gained
The blessings you’ve received

One day in the future
You will think about today
You’ll see just how these challenges
Have helped you on your way

Written by Michelle Tetley
©2007

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

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

To Strengthen Oneself

Posted on September 2, 2019May 31, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“To every disadvantage there is a corresponding advantage.” W. Clement Stone

As the founding day of the establishment where I work at was drawing near, a wide range of activities were planned to mark the jubilee year. Among them was the reuse, reduce and recycle plastic waste project, with door to door campaigning and collection of recyclable plastic. One can then imagine the huge gap in the team when one of its members fell from the parapet and ended up with a cast of one leg. Although the team had changed members, time wasn’t wasted, but by taking to social media, speech and other funding measures to gather support for the project. What may be an unfortunate event, didn’t feel so when time, effort and means are taken to get the goals accomplished.

“Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.” Roy T. Bennett

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

As history has time and again proved, as seen by the lives of Stephen Hawking, Christopher Reeves and many more; every perceived disadvantage, misfortune or flaw can be made to one’s advantage, when used with the right support, training, effort and will to make something of their time in life. If one’s biggest weakness is the perceived fear or inability to do a skill; then gaining courage to do it will not put the fear to rest but also open the doors of opportunity. Learning to use the perceived defects us in, to master and strength them would make the difficult trials feasible.

“In life, try your best to do the right thing. Have fun while you’re alive. Take advantage of every asset you have. Don’t take anything for granted.” Justin Chon

Source: https://vk.com/slideshowarts

This story is of one 10-year-old boy who decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn’t understand why, after three months of training, the master had taught him only one move. ‘Sensei,’ the boy finally said, ‘Shouldn’t I be learning more moves?’ ‘This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you’ll ever need to know,’ the sensei replied. Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training. Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals.
This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a
time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened. ‘No,’ the sensei insisted, ‘Let him continue.’ Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake; He dropped his guard and instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion. On the way home, the boy and the sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind.
‘Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?’ ‘You won for two reasons,’ the sensei answered. ‘First, you’ve almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm.’ The boy’s biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.
By Joel Garfinkle

Source: https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Source:https://vk.com/pub_mdma

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

Balance the Scales

Posted on August 30, 2019May 18, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.” Edgar Allan Poe

The day before the weekends or sometimes the weekends themselves, bring out the cleaning spree in me. Bitten by the “cleaning bug”, from the curtains to the upholstery as well as furnishings including all the mats and the carpets are brought out, aired, sun dried and brought in, especially before the dark clouds start hovering around. When bitten bu the bug, the entire household tip toes around fearing the retribution of a spilled cup of water on the floor or even those muddy footprints around. Yet by sun down, the shining and polished furniture starts showing a scrape of grime brought by little hands after their outdoor (or attic) fun. While slowly the red fiery steam starts rising within, a heavy dose of temperance is brought out from within to quench the flames, lest the gleeful smiles and childhood memories are lost for the day.

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” Oprah Winfrey

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

There will be days in each of our lives, where one goes out of the way to do everything in the right manner. Despite all the efforts, there would be no returns but regrets and inner unrest. Those days, when one learns to take events in stride and move on, those perceived unhappy moments turn into blessed ones. In the light of the events of those days, the attitude that one chooses and the perceptions used to colour the day brightens up the gloomy mood, bringing forth the inner light.

“To change ourselves effectively, we first had to change our perceptions.” Stephen R. Covey

Each one is in the rush to lead their own lives. While each one may seem to measure the other, in the end it is the personal happiness and the inner peace that each one strives and craves for. Knowing when to remove the dust, leave it on or capture the muddy prints makes the difference in the day. To redefine the angry moments of the day by changing the perceived notions is important. Finding the balance between the “to do”, would like to do and long to do, is important to live our lives to the potential that one was born to.

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

“Dream delivers us to dream, and there is no end to illusion. Life is like a train of moods like a string of beads, and, as we pass through them, they prove to be many-colored lenses which paint the world their own hue. . . . ” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better to paint a picture or write a letter, bake a cake or plant a seed, or even ponder the difference between want and need?
Dust if you must, but there’s not much time, with rivers to swim and mountains to climb, music to hear and books to read, friends to cherish and life to lead.
Dust if you must, but the worlds out there with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower of rain. This day will not come around again.
Dust if you must, but bear in mind, old age will come and it’s not kind. And when you go – and go you must, you, yourself will make more dust! It’s not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived … and remember, a layer of dust protects the wood beneath it.
Author Unknown

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

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

Of Choices, Time and Priorities

Posted on August 26, 2019May 21, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

No matter how hard one tries to stretch the allotted time of twenty hours each day; there are bound to be a few things from the mental task list, still left undone. One of the earliest habits drilled during the school days was to prioritize and get the tasks completed for the day. While the initial years saw the assigned tasks being prioritized from somewhere around middle school onward; later on it became a daily must for most days of high school, college and later on in the adult world.

Prioritize.

Almost the whole of the adult lives revolve around prioritizing events scheduled around the planners, from big ones to the small ones. The scales have to be struck in a very fine manner between work, relationships, personal growth, hobbies or interests, family life and personal time. Too much of one focus results in the undermining of the others which may or mayn’t have consequences in the later years.

“Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.” Stephen R. Covey

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Prioritizing is as much an art, dependent on the way how one perceives the important facets of life. When one realizes that the focus has been on certain direction for quite some time, it may be too late to turn things around as time has already run out in those spheres. Learning not to step into those lines is a special talent. Priorities are shaped by the choices, desires, interests as well as the purpose that we grow within ourselves. Until one defines what they want out of their respective lives, the prioritization mayn’t work out right. One’s priorities should eventually bring completeness as well as pleasant emotions in life. Once when those aspects are met, the time spent for the prioritized tasks is time well spent; worth the treasure chest of memories, lessons and happiness that it brings along.

“Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions.” Dallin H. Oaks

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Priorities
So many things to do, I’m always rushing ’round
I wish that I had time to just sit still
I’ll get done all the things I need to do today
I promise then I’ll stop a while, I will

And so I start to tackle the list of chores I made
I’ll make this house look really spick and span
I’ll tidy up and wash the floor and vac and dust as well
Clean the bathrooms, clean the house – I know I can

A friend rings up. She’s feeling down. She wants to come around
She asks if I have time to talk a while
I stop to make a coffee and lend a listening ear
I have nothing to give except my smile

Then, when she’s feeling better and she knows that she’s been heard
She thanks me and then she goes on her way
I look around my house and continue with my chores
For I am going to get somewhere today

The telephone then rings. My son’s teacher’s on the phone
She wants me to come down and get him now
I go down to the school and I bring my sick child home
I’ll clean this house up later on somehow

And later when the kids are home; ‘Mum, I need to talk’
And so I stop to listen for a while
My daughter tells me how she feels, she opens up her heart
Then, when she knows I’ve heard her, she can smile

When the night has come, I wonder, ‘what did I achieve?’
And, then I look back on all I have done
The house is still not tidy and there’s still so much to do
Just like it was when I had first begun

But, then I stop and realise my priorities are right
For when someone’s in need then, I am there
I give to them the time they need and help them where I can
I let them know how much I really care

For when the years have passed and my kids have all moved out
They will feel the love and warmth I had to give
And I know that they’ll remember the lessons that they learnt
In self-worth and in how they choose to live

Source:https://vk.com/monahos