Life is full of surprises and challenges and when you're in the middle of it solutions aren’t always easy to find. Some get energized when expectations are intensified, others just fall apart.
here's a short story that i would like to share with all of you.. of course it has got to do with the title and the first paragraph which you've just read. i agree the notion that life IS full of surprises and challenges.AND unexpected things do happen when we never expected it to happen.most recent occurence was merely a day ago. and i shall not forget about it for the rest of the my life.
i told an old friend of mine about a week ago that i'm coming to visit and sleep over at her campus(as in her room lah..). she said,you're most welcomed,anytime.i marked her words,planned my trip and off i go..when i informed her that i was half way towards her location,she replied telling me that it would be impossible that i could get pass the security as for it was already late night and that it was against the rule that an 'outsider' to 'sleep over'..well,rules are there..of course its there.but this is a situation whereby someone from 'far'comes ..but if that's the kind of reply you get from a good friend of yours,plus the fact you are not even a student of that campus,of course you wouldn't want to let your friend into trouble JUST because you're coming to visit.well, i thought positively that it would be okay if i put my plans into a halt, and think of an alternative way of how/where i'm going to spend the night.
it was sheer luck that another gurl friend of mine was at home (about 15 minutes drive from the campus).i contacted her and informed her of my situation.she agreed to come and fetch me,WORRIED , that anything would happen to me for i was at the commuter station alone plus the fact it was already near midnite. i waited , waited anxiously till she finally arrived.alhamdulillah! my heart shouted.. that night's experience really thought me something.. a close or so called 'good' friend, means nothing subjectively.both gurl friends which i wrote about in this short story is the proof that it doesn't have to be your close friend who's gonna help you when help is needed..and that good friend doesn't have to be among your closest friends or amongst them which you've known for years.
i wouldn't say i'm bragging of my 'bad luck'.. but i would say that it is good luck for its very seldom that we see the 'true' sides of the word called 'friendship'..which isn't always beautiful as potrayed. and that night i got the chance to see that true side..have you??
-Our everyday talks brought the sunlight through my windows.Our deepest secrets are shared with each other.When times get rough, you were always by my side.Someone new walked in the picture.Friendship starts to get blurry.It seems as if that someone was your leader and you followed.You started to change your ways to be just like your leader.You were not the same again.The sunlight stopped shining through my window.And when times got rough, you weren't there anymore.Friends became strangers.................
20.8.04
MADAM MEDUSA
From the land of shadows
Comes a dreadful sight
Lady with the marble smile
Spirit of the nightSee the scourge of innocence
Swinging in her hand
Hear the silent suffering
That echoes through the land
From the tombs of ignorance
Of hate and greed and lies
Through the smoke of sacrifice
Watch her figure rise
The sick the poor the old
Basking in her radiance
Men of blood and gold
In her bloody footsteps
Speculators prance
Men of dreams are praying
For that second chance
Round her vacant features
Gilded serpents dance
Her tree of evil knowledge
Sprouts a special branch
Madam Medusa
Madam Medusa
Madam Medusa
Knock her right down
And then she bounce right back
Knock her right down
And then she bounce right back
She gone off her head
We`ve got to shoot her dead
She gone off her head
We`ve got to shoot her dead
Run for your life before she eat you alive
Run for your life before she eat you alive
Move out of the way cos`s you`re blocking out the day
Move out of the way cos`s you`re blocking out the day
Comes a dreadful sight
Lady with the marble smile
Spirit of the nightSee the scourge of innocence
Swinging in her hand
Hear the silent suffering
That echoes through the land
From the tombs of ignorance
Of hate and greed and lies
Through the smoke of sacrifice
Watch her figure rise
The sick the poor the old
Basking in her radiance
Men of blood and gold
In her bloody footsteps
Speculators prance
Men of dreams are praying
For that second chance
Round her vacant features
Gilded serpents dance
Her tree of evil knowledge
Sprouts a special branch
Madam Medusa
Madam Medusa
Madam Medusa
Knock her right down
And then she bounce right back
Knock her right down
And then she bounce right back
She gone off her head
We`ve got to shoot her dead
She gone off her head
We`ve got to shoot her dead
Run for your life before she eat you alive
Run for your life before she eat you alive
Move out of the way cos`s you`re blocking out the day
Move out of the way cos`s you`re blocking out the day
15.7.04
LOVE
The love of the Beloved
must be unconditionally returned.
If you claim love
yet oppose the Beloved,
then your love is but a pretence.
You love the enemies of your Beloved
and still seek love in return.
You fight the beloved of your Beloved.
Is this Love or the following of shaytaan?
True devotion is nothing
but total submission
of body and soul
to One Love.
We have seen humans claim to submit,
yet their loyalties are many.
They put their trust here, and their hope there,
and their love is without consequence.
must be unconditionally returned.
If you claim love
yet oppose the Beloved,
then your love is but a pretence.
You love the enemies of your Beloved
and still seek love in return.
You fight the beloved of your Beloved.
Is this Love or the following of shaytaan?
True devotion is nothing
but total submission
of body and soul
to One Love.
We have seen humans claim to submit,
yet their loyalties are many.
They put their trust here, and their hope there,
and their love is without consequence.
perhaps..
I'm on the cusp of another existentialist crisis. And that means depression.
It's not because it's a Thursday. It's not because I've had a bad weekend. And no, it's not because something "happened" to me. It is instigated by something, but I don't want to talk about that.
I don't think I'll ever resolve the conflict that is the question as to the purpose of my life - do I live a balance one? do I strive to be the best I can? do I push to attain my full potential? do I languish in anonymity and mediocrity? do I find satisfaction in being? or is there happiness in living? where does love fit into all this? and if that doesn't exist, what about relationships? and on and on it goes...
It occurred to me (and not for the first time) the other day that in my brief existence, I have, in a sense, always got what I needed, and perhaps even deserved (although that is a complicated and sticky concept). And in many ways, in the times that I did not get what I thought I wanted/needed, it has frequently turned out, in hindsight, to be for the better. Yes, I am saying that God/the forces that be/an angel up there loves me and is watching over my best interests... However, I still can't help but feel shortchanged.
The last three years have been some of the most trying times of my life. They have been years lost in the wilderness, with scant progress, at least not in the normal sense of the word, in any area of my life. In fact, if anything, there has been regression.
I started off wanting so much, carrying with me modest ambitions, conditioned by social expectations and history. I thought of a flowering relationship; an interesting, fulfilling and progressive career; and a dynamic exciting life in a leading developing country. Alas... alas... God, the forces that be, the angel up there, they all thought otherwise. So much of what I had wanted, I have not got, despite trying again and again.
The last three years have been characterised by stagnation, stasis and monotony. Nothing much has happened. Not much has been gained. Progress and growth are foreign words in a foreign land.
Instead of change and movement, the years have been spent consolidating, learning patience, and suffering quietly. Perhaps as in other periods of my life, the lessons learnt now will be required of me in a future phase, warped as it may sound. But one has to look for hope in the tiniest of cracks when everything else is so dark. And this, after all, is optimism...
Perhaps there is a point to all this. Perhaps it has all been intended. Perhaps God, the forces that be, the angel up there know what they're doing. Perhaps years later, I will look back in hindsight and realise (decide?) that is was all for the best
It's not because it's a Thursday. It's not because I've had a bad weekend. And no, it's not because something "happened" to me. It is instigated by something, but I don't want to talk about that.
I don't think I'll ever resolve the conflict that is the question as to the purpose of my life - do I live a balance one? do I strive to be the best I can? do I push to attain my full potential? do I languish in anonymity and mediocrity? do I find satisfaction in being? or is there happiness in living? where does love fit into all this? and if that doesn't exist, what about relationships? and on and on it goes...
It occurred to me (and not for the first time) the other day that in my brief existence, I have, in a sense, always got what I needed, and perhaps even deserved (although that is a complicated and sticky concept). And in many ways, in the times that I did not get what I thought I wanted/needed, it has frequently turned out, in hindsight, to be for the better. Yes, I am saying that God/the forces that be/an angel up there loves me and is watching over my best interests... However, I still can't help but feel shortchanged.
The last three years have been some of the most trying times of my life. They have been years lost in the wilderness, with scant progress, at least not in the normal sense of the word, in any area of my life. In fact, if anything, there has been regression.
I started off wanting so much, carrying with me modest ambitions, conditioned by social expectations and history. I thought of a flowering relationship; an interesting, fulfilling and progressive career; and a dynamic exciting life in a leading developing country. Alas... alas... God, the forces that be, the angel up there, they all thought otherwise. So much of what I had wanted, I have not got, despite trying again and again.
The last three years have been characterised by stagnation, stasis and monotony. Nothing much has happened. Not much has been gained. Progress and growth are foreign words in a foreign land.
Instead of change and movement, the years have been spent consolidating, learning patience, and suffering quietly. Perhaps as in other periods of my life, the lessons learnt now will be required of me in a future phase, warped as it may sound. But one has to look for hope in the tiniest of cracks when everything else is so dark. And this, after all, is optimism...
Perhaps there is a point to all this. Perhaps it has all been intended. Perhaps God, the forces that be, the angel up there know what they're doing. Perhaps years later, I will look back in hindsight and realise (decide?) that is was all for the best
10.7.04
90/10 Principle
salamz.i read the following article this morning.it's a forwarded email from ataj72@tm.net.my . the value from this article sorta lap with my previous post.so without further due,please read on.gracias!
"Have you read this before? Discover the 90/10 Principle. It will change your life (at least the way you react to situations)
What is this principle?
10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by
how you react. What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of
what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane
will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us
off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%.The other 90% is
different. You determine the other 90%.
How?
By your reaction, you cannot control a red light.,but you can control
your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.
Let's use an example.
You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a
cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just what happened. What happens when the next will be determined by how you react.
You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over.
She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows.
You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work.You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 (traffic fine) away, you arrive at school. Your
daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye.
After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your
briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home,When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter. Why?
Because of your reaction in the morning.
Why did you have a bad day?
A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?
The answer is D.
You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day.Here is what could have and should have happened.
Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say,
"It's ok honey, you just need to be more careful next time". Grabbing a
towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You and your spouse kiss before you go to work. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff.Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.
Notice the difference? Two different scenario. Both started the same.Both ended different.
Why?
Because of how you REACTED. You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% were determined by your reaction. Here are some says to apply the 90/10 principle.
If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc. How do you reach if someone cuts you off in traffic?
Do you lose your temper?
Pound on the steering wheel? (A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off)
Do you curse?
Does your blood pressure skyrocket?
Do you try and bump them?
WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work?
Why let the cars ruin your drive?
Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.
You are told you lost your job.
Why lose sleep and get irritated?
It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job. The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day.Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger. Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse. Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results.
You will lose nothing if you try it.The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.The result?
Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials,problems and heartache. There never seem to be a success in life. Bad days follow bad days. Terrible things seem to be constantly happening. There is constant stress, lack of joy, and broken relationships. Worry consumes time. Anger breaks friendships and life seems dreary and is not enjoyed to the fullest. Friends are lost. Life is a bore and often seems cruel. Does this describe you? If so, do not be discouraged.
You can be different!Understand and apply the 90/10 principle. It will change your life.
"Have you read this before? Discover the 90/10 Principle. It will change your life (at least the way you react to situations)
What is this principle?
10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by
how you react. What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of
what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane
will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us
off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%.The other 90% is
different. You determine the other 90%.
How?
By your reaction, you cannot control a red light.,but you can control
your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.
Let's use an example.
You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a
cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just what happened. What happens when the next will be determined by how you react.
You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over.
She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows.
You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work.You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 (traffic fine) away, you arrive at school. Your
daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye.
After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your
briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home,When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter. Why?
Because of your reaction in the morning.
Why did you have a bad day?
A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?
The answer is D.
You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day.Here is what could have and should have happened.
Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say,
"It's ok honey, you just need to be more careful next time". Grabbing a
towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You and your spouse kiss before you go to work. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff.Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.
Notice the difference? Two different scenario. Both started the same.Both ended different.
Why?
Because of how you REACTED. You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% were determined by your reaction. Here are some says to apply the 90/10 principle.
If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc. How do you reach if someone cuts you off in traffic?
Do you lose your temper?
Pound on the steering wheel? (A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off)
Do you curse?
Does your blood pressure skyrocket?
Do you try and bump them?
WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work?
Why let the cars ruin your drive?
Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.
You are told you lost your job.
Why lose sleep and get irritated?
It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job. The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day.Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger. Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse. Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results.
You will lose nothing if you try it.The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.The result?
Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials,problems and heartache. There never seem to be a success in life. Bad days follow bad days. Terrible things seem to be constantly happening. There is constant stress, lack of joy, and broken relationships. Worry consumes time. Anger breaks friendships and life seems dreary and is not enjoyed to the fullest. Friends are lost. Life is a bore and often seems cruel. Does this describe you? If so, do not be discouraged.
You can be different!Understand and apply the 90/10 principle. It will change your life.
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