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Monday, January 2, 2012
A Gift of Time
“Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life.”
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thoughts on Love and Relationships
There are a lot of factors in relationships, but one factor I want to highlight is that the more sacrifices and accommodations we make for another person, the more we invest in that person and, thus, the more that person/relationship means to us.
Yes, the other person appreciates it. Yes, the other person thanks you. BUT the other person does not end up loving you more for it – you end up loving them more. For them to love you more (in the sense of binding to you more), they need to be investing their energy, efforts and attention in you.
I believe in a relationship acts of love should be given freely without conditions of a return. Love should never be a bargaining chip.
- from Eric
Yes, the other person appreciates it. Yes, the other person thanks you. BUT the other person does not end up loving you more for it – you end up loving them more. For them to love you more (in the sense of binding to you more), they need to be investing their energy, efforts and attention in you.
I believe in a relationship acts of love should be given freely without conditions of a return. Love should never be a bargaining chip.
- from Eric
Friday, December 23, 2011
Success for the future
Success can mean different things to different people. Some may equate success with making a lot of money. Others may equate it with being happy. Others see it as having strong and meaningful familial relationships and friendships. And finally, to some, it means ALL of these things. No matter how success is defined, many people often attribute success to luck. Regardless of your definition of success, these characteristics are paramount in ensuring that success is achievable.
Know yourself. The first important thing to success is knowing yourself. How many times have you heard the story of an “ultra-successful” man or woman who had a life-changing experience causing them to fully shift gears and change their lives? This happens when an individual doesn’t stay true to who they really are and what is important to them. Understanding what makes you tick and having passion in your life underpins the ability to be successful. Passion drives people in ways that a paycheck can’t. And, if you have passion in what you do and in your life, success will follow. Get to know yourself intimately. Listen to your inner most feelings, thoughts and desires. Put stock into your intuition. Journal if you have to. The more you know about yourself, the more you’ll know how you personally define success.
Be Small AND Big Goal Oriented. Although you might have big goals for your future, realize that it takes steps to get there. You can’t be a successful CEO for a large company right out of college. You can’t have a successful marriage without work. Remind yourself that small steps are required along the way. Achieving small goals allows one to feel a sense of accomplishment, and gives you the motivation to continue towards the bigger goal. The more small goals you achieve, the more confident you’ll become in making larger steps towards ultimate success.
Patience And Perseverance. The old adage “good things come to those who wait” can seem strange in a day like today when instant gratification is so prevalent. Yet, it is very unusual for a person to become successful overnight. Many successful people have failed at least once before they succeeded, and have had to work very hard to get where they are. Even for those who seem “lucky” had to work for what they’ve gotten out of life. Those who are successful realize that they have to pay their dues, have to have patience, and have to persevere when the chips are down.
Speak up. Those who are successful do not shy away from expression. You don’t have to be the most conversant person in the room, or the loudest. You do, however, have to believe in yourself and take a stand for what you believe. As long as you are respectful to others in the process, you should feel comfortable saying what you feel, and expressing your needs and wants. This will demonstrate a level of self confidence that is important in garnering others’ confidence in you.
Get Smart. If you want to achieve something, you need to understand what it will take. Do you need a degree for a dream job? Do you need to save money for a dream house? Do you need to work through past relationship issues to have a relationship that is healthy? Be realistic and aware of what is required to be successful in your personal goals, and make sure that you are equipped with all that you need to make your dreams a reality.
Find Solutions, Not Problems. Those who are extremely successful turn problems into opportunities. They see things through a positive lens. Instead of complaining, they find a way to change the situation to make it better.
Dare to Dream. We would never see progress or change without dreamers. Dream as big as you want. Be creative with what you want out of life. Don’t sell yourself short or discount what is possible. If you follow all of the six secrets above, you will have the power to make your dreams a reality.
Know yourself. The first important thing to success is knowing yourself. How many times have you heard the story of an “ultra-successful” man or woman who had a life-changing experience causing them to fully shift gears and change their lives? This happens when an individual doesn’t stay true to who they really are and what is important to them. Understanding what makes you tick and having passion in your life underpins the ability to be successful. Passion drives people in ways that a paycheck can’t. And, if you have passion in what you do and in your life, success will follow. Get to know yourself intimately. Listen to your inner most feelings, thoughts and desires. Put stock into your intuition. Journal if you have to. The more you know about yourself, the more you’ll know how you personally define success.
Be Small AND Big Goal Oriented. Although you might have big goals for your future, realize that it takes steps to get there. You can’t be a successful CEO for a large company right out of college. You can’t have a successful marriage without work. Remind yourself that small steps are required along the way. Achieving small goals allows one to feel a sense of accomplishment, and gives you the motivation to continue towards the bigger goal. The more small goals you achieve, the more confident you’ll become in making larger steps towards ultimate success.
Patience And Perseverance. The old adage “good things come to those who wait” can seem strange in a day like today when instant gratification is so prevalent. Yet, it is very unusual for a person to become successful overnight. Many successful people have failed at least once before they succeeded, and have had to work very hard to get where they are. Even for those who seem “lucky” had to work for what they’ve gotten out of life. Those who are successful realize that they have to pay their dues, have to have patience, and have to persevere when the chips are down.
Speak up. Those who are successful do not shy away from expression. You don’t have to be the most conversant person in the room, or the loudest. You do, however, have to believe in yourself and take a stand for what you believe. As long as you are respectful to others in the process, you should feel comfortable saying what you feel, and expressing your needs and wants. This will demonstrate a level of self confidence that is important in garnering others’ confidence in you.
Get Smart. If you want to achieve something, you need to understand what it will take. Do you need a degree for a dream job? Do you need to save money for a dream house? Do you need to work through past relationship issues to have a relationship that is healthy? Be realistic and aware of what is required to be successful in your personal goals, and make sure that you are equipped with all that you need to make your dreams a reality.
Find Solutions, Not Problems. Those who are extremely successful turn problems into opportunities. They see things through a positive lens. Instead of complaining, they find a way to change the situation to make it better.
Dare to Dream. We would never see progress or change without dreamers. Dream as big as you want. Be creative with what you want out of life. Don’t sell yourself short or discount what is possible. If you follow all of the six secrets above, you will have the power to make your dreams a reality.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Morning Blessings
Morning Blessings
Blessing #14: Israel’s Glory
Every morning, a set of 15 blessings is recited to express our thanks to God for all the things that we, as healthy human beings, are capable of doing.
Ba’ruch Ah’tah Ah’doh’nai Eh’lo’hay’nu Melech ha’o’lam oh’tayr Yisrael b’tif’arah.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who crowns Israel with glory.
This blessing addresses the unique situation of the Children of Israel. From a religious perspective, the Children of Israel are crowned by the Torah, by our choice to accept the yoke of Heaven and to try and live up to this higher ideal, which brings us glory. From a more down-to-earth perspective, one might note the great achievements of many Jews in the areas of science, literature, art and more, as symbolized by the out-of-proportion numbers of Jewish Nobel Prize winners.
--Translation reproduced with permission from The Koren Sacks Siddur,
© Koren Publishers Jerusalem Ltd.
Blessing #14: Israel’s Glory
Every morning, a set of 15 blessings is recited to express our thanks to God for all the things that we, as healthy human beings, are capable of doing.
Ba’ruch Ah’tah Ah’doh’nai Eh’lo’hay’nu Melech ha’o’lam oh’tayr Yisrael b’tif’arah.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who crowns Israel with glory.
This blessing addresses the unique situation of the Children of Israel. From a religious perspective, the Children of Israel are crowned by the Torah, by our choice to accept the yoke of Heaven and to try and live up to this higher ideal, which brings us glory. From a more down-to-earth perspective, one might note the great achievements of many Jews in the areas of science, literature, art and more, as symbolized by the out-of-proportion numbers of Jewish Nobel Prize winners.
--Translation reproduced with permission from The Koren Sacks Siddur,
© Koren Publishers Jerusalem Ltd.
Fruits of the Spirit?
Selflessness: In a world where many people don’t have the time or the interest in others, selflessness is a quality that seems to be less and less common. People can be selfless in the time they give, the ability to listen, their level of patience and the love that they give. Those who are giving and generous in nature have the power to make others feel loved, appreciated and special. While those who are self-absorbed tend to do the exact opposite.
Tolerance: Those people who are tolerant make us feel comfortable with who we are and special as individuals. All of us are different, and many of us have quirks and idiosyncrasies. After all, these differences make the world go round. Having the ability to accept people for who they are and not expect them to be who we want them to be is important in life, happiness and in the health of our relationships.
Genuineness: Having the ability to be real, authentic and honest is unique in a world where we put so much emphasis on the superficial. Feeling comfortable in one’s skin and being true to one’s self is one of the most beautiful traits one can possess. To have a REAL relationship with someone requires honesty…it requires hearing and giving input or feedback that may not always be popular…it means having the strength to tell it like it is and to not be afraid to face the consequences for doing so…it means loving people for who they really are…deep down…and not for what they appear to be.
Sensitivity: So often we are focused on what is important to ourselves that we can forget about those around us. Those who are sensitive are often thoughtful, appreciative and loving, in a way that makes you feel understood, valued and respected. Often, sensitive people are also self-aware, making them mindful of how they impact others with what they do and say.
Integrity: Call me cynical, but I think this characteristic is especially difficult to find. In a time when people will do things that are underhanded to make an extra buck, integrity is a characteristic that is especially unique today.
Humility: Whether someone is super-smart, extremely talented or drop-dead gorgeous, there is something extra special about them if they don’t come across as though they know it all the time. Humility in those that possess extraordinary traits make others feel special too.
Tolerance: Those people who are tolerant make us feel comfortable with who we are and special as individuals. All of us are different, and many of us have quirks and idiosyncrasies. After all, these differences make the world go round. Having the ability to accept people for who they are and not expect them to be who we want them to be is important in life, happiness and in the health of our relationships.
Genuineness: Having the ability to be real, authentic and honest is unique in a world where we put so much emphasis on the superficial. Feeling comfortable in one’s skin and being true to one’s self is one of the most beautiful traits one can possess. To have a REAL relationship with someone requires honesty…it requires hearing and giving input or feedback that may not always be popular…it means having the strength to tell it like it is and to not be afraid to face the consequences for doing so…it means loving people for who they really are…deep down…and not for what they appear to be.
Sensitivity: So often we are focused on what is important to ourselves that we can forget about those around us. Those who are sensitive are often thoughtful, appreciative and loving, in a way that makes you feel understood, valued and respected. Often, sensitive people are also self-aware, making them mindful of how they impact others with what they do and say.
Integrity: Call me cynical, but I think this characteristic is especially difficult to find. In a time when people will do things that are underhanded to make an extra buck, integrity is a characteristic that is especially unique today.
Humility: Whether someone is super-smart, extremely talented or drop-dead gorgeous, there is something extra special about them if they don’t come across as though they know it all the time. Humility in those that possess extraordinary traits make others feel special too.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
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