Attitude: A Matter of Choice

Think of your attitude as the mental filter through which you experience the world. Some people see the world through the filter of optimism. Others see life through a filter of pessimism. Although attitude plays an important role in everyone’s life, many people don’t know its meaning or realize the influence it has on their performance at work and on their relationships. We have two choices: a “good attitude” that invites good people, harmonious surroundings and projects optimism, or a “bad attitude” that sends negative feelings to others and sets a bad mood for oneself. The attitude you carry around makes an incredible difference in your life. It can be a powerful tool for positive action, or it can be a poison that cripples your ability to fulfill your potential. Sometimes, we are not aware as we go along that we show more bad attitude than good attitude.

I’d like to share some simple tips to transform your bad attitude into a good one:

• Smile – Research has shown that smiling has both psychological and physiological effects. So put a smile on your face, and you’ll be on your way to a change. It’s free, so give it away.

• Change your actions – It is hard to change your attitude if you keep doing the same things the same way. To start thinking differently, do things differently. Be creative in your own way.

• Help others – One of the fastest ways to change your attitude is to take your mind off yourself and help others in need.

• Immerse yourself – Read informative materials that help you understand and adopt the new attitude. Watch films or listen to music that inspires you and encourages you to change. We can enjoy life with a good attitude, but with a bad one, I don’t think so.



Which one do you prefer? It’s a matter of choice

Let's Learn to Live in Peace & Harmony

People are killing people everywhere. The drums of war are loud and clear. Violence, vengeance, exploitation, discrimination, grudges, hostilities and international terrorism and political unrest (especially in Arab world) are everyday vocabulary. Where is the good news? Has humanity lost its way? Have we failed to tame the beast within us? Have we given over control of our actions and responses to evil? Aren’t we entrusted with this earth and asked to keep it safe and secure? Humanity has not forgotten the two wars it once waged that left untold sorrow, pain and suffering for years. History tells us, if we read it right, that fanning flames of prejudice, hatred and arrogance leads to destruction.

How beautiful is the language of the U.N. Charter’s preamble! It captures the dreams of all humans, regardless of nation, color, race or religion: “We the people of the United Nations have determined to save succeeding generations from the scourges of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind … to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors, to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.” Many problems could be done away with if we think like one global family, under one sky, sharing one earth. Why can’t we replace hate with love, conflict with harmony and war with peace? Instead of escalating hostilities, let’s escalate tolerance and forgiveness. Those who have should help those who have not to drain the swamps of poverty and exploitation that breed bitter feelings of hatred and maybe terrorism. Dr. Martin Luther King famously said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hatred cannot drive out hatred; only love can do that.” Let the cries of the dying bring mercy to hearts, awaken consciences and help handcuff the brute within us. Let peace prevail.

Cellphone Etiquette

Cellphone have become a ubiquitous communication innovation. For users, there are obvious advantages in terms of convenience and efficiency. As a cellphone owner myself, I can personally attest to both. However, an epidemic of inconsiderate use has given cellphones a bad reputation worldwide. Most of us have had an experience where an inconsiderate cellphone user disrupted the serenity of a meal in a restaurant, the progression of a business meeting or the enjoyment of a public event. The following guidelines for responsible cellphone use are based on the principle "Show respect for other people": Always turn the phone off in a public place. Place it on the silent or vibrate mode and activate voice mail to receive calls silently. Moderate the tone of voice. Ensure your conversation remains private. Act responsibly when using the phone while walking or driving. If you must to take a call a meeting, step away from a group so you don't force others to listen. Musical cellphone rings are universally offensive. They are louder, longer and more disruptive. Using cellphone to show off or impress others does not impress, instead it causes irritation and result in loss of respect for the inconsiderate user. Responsible cellphone use is easy to master. Simply use the cellphone in a way that demonstrate the same respect for others that each of us wants for ourselves.

Now, Are you inconsiderate cellphone user?

Life too Short to Waste: Practice the Power of Forgiveness

"Hello"

"Hi. Can I help you?"

" Yes, I need your forgiveness."

"Why?" "Because I did you wrong for so long that I can't even start saying "I' m sorry" and you've managed to stay by my side after all this time. You're a good friend and I don't deserve, but can you please forgive me?

"You are forgiven." See how easy that was?

If only we could find it in our hearts to forgive those have done us wrong, and only we could find it in our conscience to try to stop hurting those we care about, just to show that there is still hope in this world for a better tomorrow. Nobody's perfect; we all make mistakes, but the key is to have the guts to say " I'm sorry," and the strength to forgive. It's not OK to run over people just for the heck of it! It's not right to kick out someone who's begging for your forgiveness. The beauty of the heart is to forgive and apologize.

Forgiveness is something we all should practice regularly. It bring us peace of mind and is the way to release ourselves from the pain others have caused us. Release yourself. Let it go and know that the person who forgives is always the strongest person. Practicing forgiveness is not something we do for others; we do it for our own sake, so that we can get well and move on. It does not change our past; it just changes the feelings about the past.

Life is too short and precious to be wasted on things that don't even matter.I encourage everyone to exercise forgiveness just what I did. Really it feels so good. Just take a deep breath and let it go. Feel less stress, less anger and more forgiveness. Let's practice forgiveness until it becomes one of our habits.