2 minutes of gratitude

The statistic below has be published in numerous places across the world in the Internet.

It takes less than a minute to finish reading the 'report' and another minute to contemplate your standing in life. All together it takes 2 minutes, just 2 minutes of your 24 hours to appreciate the present gifts in your life:

If it were possible to reduce the population of the entire world to 100 inhabitants, maintaining the proportions of people which currently exist in the world, it would be made up as follows:

57 Asians
21 Europeans
14 Americans (North, Central and South)
8 Africans
52 would be women
48 men
70 non-white
30 white
89 would be heterosexual
11 homosexual
6 people would possess 59% of the world’s wealth
80 would dwell in inhabitable housing
50 would suffer from malnutrition
1 would have a computer
1 (yes, just one) would have a university degree

And consider this: if you are more healthy than sick, you are luckier than a million people who will not see next week. If you never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of prison, the agony of torture, the pain of hunger, you are luckier than 500 million of the world’s inhabitants.

If you have food in the fridge, clothes in your closet, a roof over your head, a place to sleep, then consider yourself richer than 75% of the world’s inhabitants.

If you have money in the bank, a wallet or some loose change lying around somewhere, consider yourself among those with the best quality of life in the world.

Welcome to Share with Friends - Free Texts for a Free Internet

Visions and dreams

"Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements."

Napoleon Hill

This quote struck a chord within me when I saw it a few days ago. I've asked myself many times, "What is my visions and dreams?" but only to be left staring at the blank wall of my mind. Why is there a wall in the first place... why is it there and what is hidden behind that wall?

When we were children it was easier for us to let our minds soar in our imagination, dreaming of what we could be in the future, wondering about the 'what if...'s and 'what about...'s. However as we grow up our mind's vision gets narrower and eventually limiting ourselves in so many ways; leaving us staring at a wall - blocked. By then, we our childhood visions and dreams would've been concealed behind that wall and the more we let it stay behind it, the easier we forget about it.

Randy Pausch once said: "Brick walls are there for a reason"

I agree with him. During times when you feel that you feel stuck, uninspired or lost try and remember your vision, goals and/or dreams. When you can't recall them but you know that there's something deep inside of you that you may have long forgotten, get over that 'brick wall' to reunite yourself to your life's purpose.

Think about it, get help from your childhood friend to remind you of your 'crazy' dream, talk to people, walk down memory lane, watch family videos...do anything that can remind you of what you wanted but have lost track of. It could be dreams that you had since you were a child (you can count on the honesty to yourself to know what you truly want in life) or something that you've discovered throughout the years. Whatever it is, hold on to them as they will fill your life with purpose and fulfillment...and of course be the blueprint to your success.

Knowing what you want and identifying your goals or dreams is only the first step to a more fulfilling life. From this you will have a goal to work towards to; a lighthouse to lead you ship to your destination. As you set your destination and embark on your life's journey, remember to check your 'map', your goals/dreams, so you won't lose your way.

All the best and here's to a happier and more fulfilling life!

Cheers.

Thank you for reading this article! Do share your thoughts, stories or comments. Feedback is highly valued here at The Present Gift. Feel free to drop a comment or e-mail me – just click on the Contact tab at the top of the page for my details.

Success

For the past week I made decisions that I never saw coming my way so soon. I thought it would take much later for me face them but I floated with the current and I'm glad that I did.

Many times I've thought about my decision, doubted it, supported it, doubted it again but in the end I decided to root for it (read: myself) because doubts and fear won't get me anywhere. It'll only remain heavy in my heart while washing my self-confidence down the drain, spiralling down the never-ending gutter.

It's because of that decision I know I've set a solid foundation for my career and boosted my first step into financial indepence. And that's the scary part.

You can say (and I admit) it's the fear of success.

"People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel that they don’t deserve them, or that they’ll be unable to achieve them. We, their hearts become fearful just thinking of loved ones who go away forever, or of moments that could have been good, but weren’t, or of treasures that might have been found but were forever hidden in the sands. Because, when these things happen, we suffer terribly."

Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

It happens to me and it is this fear that's holding me back from what I have the potential to gain. It's so scary that it immobilise you in your tracks while whispering doubts into your ear as you step outside of your comfort zone.

But I realised that everything's going to be just fine. What is there to be afraid of when it's not for sure that those threats exist in the first place?!

How can I be sure that my future employer would be disappointed in me when I'm willing to work my butt off?

How would I know that things would go wrong half-way when in fact everything's going to plan?

How would I know that I wouldn't be able to make ends meet when everything's just fine?


Rather than spend your time and energy worrying about things that don't exist, enjoy the things that do.

I've set on a career and secured a job before graduation. Shouldn't I be rejoicing it rather than fear about what could go wrong?

As silly as it may sound to some, I think there are many out there who share the same kind of fear of what lies ahead, the sacrifices we have to make, the unknown obstacles that drop on us unexpectedly and the things that we are not comfortable with...yet.

But tell your heart this:

“The fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself.”

Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Not doing the things that you want or holding yourself back from the experiences that will bring your far in life because of fear would only bring more suffering. It brings no satisfaction at all.

Even though I've just made that first step towards a great life and haven't seen its rewards yet, I know that what's more important is that I didn't hold myself back and there will be no looking back wondering if I could've had a better life.

All I had to do was make that positive decision.

So can YOU.

...
..
.

Here's an inspiring photo by tdoxie aptly named, Don't Fear What Lies Ahead.



Thank you for reading this article! Do share your thoughts, stories or comments. Feedback is highly valued here at The Present Gift. Feel free to drop a comment or e-mail me – just click on the Contact tab at the top of the page for my details.

The Work

For the past few entries I've mentioned about turning around your thoughts to focus on the positive. Turning your thoughts around is something I believe can change everyone's perception positively to cultivate a better environment for the world and I would like to thank Katie Byron for coming up with this method which is also known as The Work.

More about The Work...
So what is it? How can turning my thoughts around help me and is it that simple?

According to it's official website:

The Work is a simple yet powerful process of inquiry that teaches you to identify and question thoughts that cause all the suffering in the world. It's a way to understand what's hurting you, and to address your problems with clarity.

People who do The Work as an ongoing practice report life-changing results.

Alleviation of depression:
Find resolution, and even happiness, in situations that were once debilitating.

Decreased stress:
Learn how to live with less anxiety or fear.

Improved relationships:
Experience deeper connection and intimacy with your partner, your parents, your children, your friends, and yourself.

Reduced anger:
Understand what makes you angry and resentful, and become less reactive, less often, with less intensity.

Increased mental clarity:
Live and work more intelligently and effectively, with integrity.

More energy:
Experience a new sense of ongoing vigor and well-being.

More peace:
Discover how to become "a lover of what is."





Who's the face behind The Work?

BYRON KATIE: became severely depressed in her early thirties. For almost a decade she spiraled down into depression, rage, self-loathing, and constant thoughts of suicide; for the last two years she was often unable to leave her bedroom.

Then one morning in February 1986, she experienced a life-changing realization. There are various names for an experience like this. Katie calls it "waking up to reality."
In that instant of no-time, she says,

I discovered that when I believed my thoughts, I suffered, but that when I didn’t believe them, I didn’t suffer, and that this is true for every human being. Freedom is as simple as that. I found that suffering is optional. I found a joy within me that has never disappeared, not for a single moment. That joy is in everyone, always.

She realized that what had been causing her depression was not the world around her, but the beliefs she'd had about the world. Instead of hopelessly trying to change the world to match her thoughts about how it should be, she could question these thoughts and, by meeting reality as it is, experience unimaginable freedom and joy. As a result, a bedridden, suicidal woman was instantly filled with love for everything life brings.

Katie's process of self-inquiry, called The Work, didn't develop from this experience; she says that it woke up with her, as her, that February morning in 1986. The first people who did The Work reported that it had transformed their lives, and she soon began receiving invitations to teach the process publicly.

Since 1986, she has brought The Work to hundreds of thousands of people across the world, at free public events, in prisons, hospitals, churches, corporations, universities, schools, at weekend workshops, and at her amazing nine-day School for The Work.

***

I recommend The Work to those who seeks for peace and optimism in their lives. It is a method that I'm implementing in my live and I hope that you can benefit from this too.

What do you think about The Work? Do share your thoughts and even your queries. :)

Thank you for reading this article! Do share your thoughts, stories or comments. Feedback is highly valued here at The Present Gift. Feel free to drop a comment or e-mail me – just click on the Contact tab at the top of the page for my details.

Thoughts

The Moment you are in Tension
You will lose your Attention
Then you are in total Confusion
And you will feel Irritation
Then you will spoil personal Relation
Ultimately, you won't get Co - Operation
Then you will make things Complication
Then your blood pressure may raise Caution
And you may have to take Medication
Instead, understand the Situation
And try to think about the Solution
Many problems will be solved by Discussion
This will work out better in your Profession
Don't think it's my free Suggestion
It's only for your Prevention
If you understand my Intention
You will never come again to Tension

- Bill Gates


I received this forward in my inbox recently which I think I should to share. Also, it so happens to be related to the topic of my post today which is the importance of your thoughts.

"Your outer circumstances are but a reflection of your inner thoughts."
Various authors

We act according to our emotions. For instance when we're happy we smile or when we're angry we clench our fists. All these actions are the results of your emotions but what causes you to feel those emotions?

It's your thoughts.

When I say thoughts it's actually your reaction to situations.

Take football fans for example. When their favourite team scores a goal, they'll jump up from their seats and throw their fists in the air or high-five their friends around them.

But when their team loses the ball to the opponent during a critical time, immediately the fans would groan and slap their foreheads, displaying their frustration over the mistake.

Whether we are football fans or not, we react pretty much the same way as they do, only in different situations.

It can happen anytime and anywhere... in your class, while you're working on your assignments, with your friends, when you're discussing with your parents, when you're at your part-time job and even when you're alone in your room.

If you can recall the last time you regretted losing your temper too quickly or for stressing too much about something that you have no control of, you'll understand what I mean.

It's not easy to control your emotions which affects your reaction but what you can control is your thoughts!

When you're angry, think of the positive side of things or whatever thoughts that can lighten your mood - there'll be less fist fights or quarrels.

When you're frustrated, stay away from the problem for awhile, take a walk and think of the good things that happened to you recently - you'll get to avoid burnouts and calm your mind.

Or when you're sad, listen to your favourite songs, think of 3 good things to be happy about yourself or the situation (every cloud has a silver lining) - things won't seem so bad after all. Who knows you'll find a solution to your problem?

So when you find yourself feeling under the blue, frustrated, extremely stressed or angry, stop and check your thoughts. Turn them around positively and look forward to a better outcome.

It's much better than resulting to medications when things go out of hand right?


Thank you for reading this article! Do share your thoughts, stories or comments. Feedback is highly valued here at The Present Gift. Feel free to drop a comment or e-mail me – just click on the Contact tab at the top of the page for my details.

Oolong tea for the soul

I received this story in my email inbox today and it got me thinking. What kind of person am I when facing adversities? Or rather...what kind of person I become during and after adversities.

It made me more aware of how I react to situations and how it has affected me all these years. After going through it in my head several time, the story has motivated me to be even more optimistic and see the brighter side of things.

Here's the story and I hope it will help you in your journey in personal growth:


A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed Oolong tea.

She let them sit and boil; without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the Oolong out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and Oolong tea,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft.

The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the Oolong. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The Oolong tea was unique, however. After they were in the boiling water , they had changed the water color and taste.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a Oolong tea?

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the Oolong tea? The tea actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the tea, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level?

How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a Oolong tea?

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.



Thank you for reading this article! Do share your thoughts, stories or comments. Feedback is highly valued here at The Present Gift. Feel free to drop a comment or e-mail me – just click on the Contact tab at the top of the page for my details.

The HWS Summary

Here's a compilation of tips from the Happiness Week Special! Included are the things that I would like to highlight about each tip for your convenience.

To view the full articles, click on the tip title of your choice!

Another thing I would like to add is that these tips are no quick or permanent remedies. They are steps that you can adopt as part of your lifestyle to help put some cheer into your life.

By constantly practicing the 'happy lifestyle' even when you're not exactly in a positive situation, can help lighten the things around you and keep your mind focused on moving forward positively.

Without further ado, here are the 5 tips!


HAPPINESS TIP 1#

Open up your senses.

All you need to do is open up your senses and pick up the good things that you can come across whether it is during your drive to work, lunch at the cafeteria or your walk to your next class.

Anything can happen – anything good can happen.Noticing the simple, good things in life can make a difference to the quality of your day. It also makes being optimistic easier to do.

HAPPINESS TIP 2#

Laugh

When you're having a dull day, try laughter. Find a joke online or watch a funny video and laugh - you'll feel better.

Laughing encourages you to focus on the positive attitudes rather than the darker counterparts as it releases anger, fear, guilt, anxiety and tension.

It doesn't take long and it's really simple to do. It'll lighten things up a little in your day and your problems will be more bearable than before.

HAPPINESS TIP 3#

Do what you like to do.

It's pretty straight forward - you'll find happiness in the things that you enjoy doing. Make time for the things that you love to do but always seem not to have time for.

It's your choice really - if you can have time to work, you'll always have time for your favorite hobby even if it's just watching a movie on DVD at home.

Remember, it's your choice.

HAPPINESS TIP 4#

All you need to do is check your thoughts.

“All that you accomplish or fail to accomplish with your life is the direct result of your thoughts.”
James Allen

Start to listen to your thoughts and be aware of how you react to your surroundings.

Whenever you catch yourself thinking about the negative stuff, stop and turn those thoughts around.

IMPORTANT: THINK POSITIVE (at least think about something to look forward to for a start)

HAPPINESS TIP 5#

Stop comparing

The simple truth is that you’re unhappy because you’re comparing your circumstances…

Tim Brownson once stated that making comparisons make people unhappy.

Live in the moment by focusing on your current wellbeing and your life – not the ones of others.

Make peace with what you cannot change, or you will wrestle with it to your own ruin.
Andrew Ong, Hairstylist from Ipoh

Thank you for reading this article! Do share your thoughts, stories or comments. Feedback is highly valued here at The Present Gift. Feel free to drop a comment or e-mail me – just click on the Contact tab at the top of the page for my details.

Happiness Tip 5#

Tim Brownson once stated that making comparisons make people unhappy.

The simple truth is that you’re unhappy because you’re comparing your circumstances…You may also be comparing yourself to somebody else that is better looking, earns more money, drives a faster car, has more hair, is more famous, or can eat a pound of chocolate without putting weight on.

Tim Brownson – Why People are Unhappy

I absolutely agree with Brownson.

You are your own person
You have unique combination of features and qualities that no one else has
Each of us grew up in different conditions, beliefs and limitations

It is doing you injustice by comparing yourself to another person whose circumstances are different than yours.

The tip: Stop comparing, Start Living!

With comparisons, often comes with complaints and with complaints comes the negative thoughts that doubt your ability to have the happiness you dream of.

Stop and check yourself. Remember Happiness Tip 4#? Be more than your moods. Be your own boss: delete the doubts and focus on finding a solution.

Live in the moment by focusing on your current wellbeing and your life – not the ones of others.

There are some things about you or in your life that you cannot change so you’ll have to live with them whether you like it or not.

As harsh as it may sound, there is something you can do about it. You can make peace with the less appealing aspects in your life and embrace the ones that make you feel great.

It’s better to have than have nothing at all.

Here’s a wise advice that I stumbled upon in a local newspapers awhile back:

Make peace with what you cannot change, or you will wrestle with it to your own ruin.

Andrew Ong, Hairstylist from Ipoh

He couldn’t have said it better.

Thank you for reading this article! Do share your thoughts, stories or comments. Feedback is highly valued here at The Present Gift. Feel free to drop a comment or e-mail me – just click on the Contact tab at the top of the page for my details.

Happiness Tip 4#

“All that you accomplish or fail to accomplish with your life is the direct result of your thoughts.”

James Allen

Your thoughts are very powerful – they can be the cause of your downfall or success. The good news is that YOU are your own boss. YOU can control your thoughts. YOU can choose to succeed. YOU can achieve that happiness.

All you need to do is check your thoughts.

Let’s be realistic here. Negative thoughts do creep into our minds every now and then. We worry about our rising monthly expenses, we worry our houses will be broken into when we’re away on vacation or even worry about our cars, wondering whether we have locked them after leaving the car park.

We’ll be so full of these worries that we couldn’t even work, eat or sleep in peace!

But then again…

How do we know that all these ‘bad’ things would happen? What are the chances of them happening at all?

We wouldn’t know that for sure, would we?

So rather than wearing out your mind with these kinds of thoughts why don’t you turn your mind around to the positive side this time? See how it works out for your happiness.

Look forward to your pay-rise, enjoy and be grateful for the much needed vacation and feel happy that you actually found a space to park. :)

Start to listen to your thoughts and be aware of how you react to your surroundings.

Whenever you catch yourself thinking about the negative stuff, stop and turn those thoughts around.

It may take some time to condition your mind to generate such optimism after being in a very cautious society for so long but the results of positive thinking are priceless.

If you choose, you can feel peace in a moment of anxiety, happiness in a time of sadness and liveliness during a time of weakness.

Try it and you’ll be amazed at the extent of your power over your thoughts. After all you are your own best cheerleader.


Thank you for reading this article! Do share your thoughts, stories or comments. Feedback is highly valued here at The Present Gift. Feel free to drop a comment or e-mail me – just click on the Contact tab at the top of the page for my details.

Happiness Tip 3#

I came across this great article on happiness aand I would like to share with you this particular point that I would like to add to the HAPPINESS LIST (look out for it on Friday!).

I think the point is well presented so I shall retain its authenticity by showing you the original snippet of the article. I present to you...

Happiness Tip 3#

Do what you like to do.

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
Albert Schweitzer

Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.
Franklin D. Roosevelt

A pretty obvious one. But it’s still easy to trap yourself into doing what you don’t want to for many, many hours. And seldom do what you really love to do. And I guess this one ties into tip #1. You may not be able to choose to do what you want to do right now. Or for many hours each day or week. But you almost always have a choice to do more of what you really want to do. There is always time. Or time you can free up . You have a choice.

Thanks Henrik Edberg for the excellent advice!

Thank you for reading this article! Do share your thoughts, stories or comments. Feedback is highly valued here at The Present Gift. Feel free to drop a comment or e-mail me – just click on the Contact tab at the top of the page for my details.

Happiness Tip 2#

My tip for happiness today is really simple: LAUGH

What? Are you sure that laughing can make you really happy?

I believe that the little things in life can affect the quality of our lives whether it's irritating, frustrating or funny.

All it takes is a friend to crack a really good joke over lunch and I'll be back in class feeling lighter and refreshed after hours of lectures since morning.

My advice is: When you're having a dull day, try laughter. Find a joke online or watch a funny video and laugh - you'll feel better.

Laughing encourages you to focus on the positive attitudes rather than the darker counterparts as it releases anger, fear, guilt, anxiety and tension.

It doesn't take long and it's really simple to do. It'll lighten things up a little in your day and your problems will be more bearable than before.

So what are you waiting for? Laugh to a happier you!

For more laugh facts refer to Dr Standley!


Thank you for reading this article! Do share your thoughts, stories and comments. Feedback is highly valued here at The Present Gift. Feel free to drop a comment or e-mail me – just click on the Contact tab at the top of the page for my details.

Photo by djcmeow♥

HAPPINESS WEEK SPECIAL

Having sifted through my ‘library’ I decided to make this week’s special on Happiness. By Friday you’ll have 5 tips (maybe even more) on being a happier person. You’ll also have a summary on the week’s special at the end of the week for your convenience.

Like every complete article there’s an introduction. In this introduction, rather than talk about why people become unhappy or why it exists in our lives which at the same time addresses why other people usually seem to be happier than we do… I’m going to ask you to forget about the why’s and focus on YOU.

Reason? Here’s your reality check – whining won’t make your problem go away. If you take even half the effort you put into complaining and applied it to solving your problem, you’ll not only become a happier person but you’ll also be surprised at your own ability to overcome the problem.

Imagine what you can achieve when you put in your 100%. It’ll be euphoric, I promise you.

With one tip to a happier you given even before I get to start on my proper list of tips, let’s kick start your journey with the basic.

Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals…

Here’s an essential word which I find very important for newbies in self-development or personal growth: YOU.

“Duh, of course it’s me. Why else am I reading this article now?” I hear.

Not so fast my friend. Of course it’s about you but you must know that only YOU can help yourself. No tips in the world (even if it’s called 100% Fail-proof Ways to Happiness) can help you achieve your dream if you don’t do it. Even getting help from someone requires you to put the effort to ask right?

I’ve kept the first tip away from you long enough. Here’s the tip of the day!


HAPPINESS TIP 1#: Open up your senses

When and what was the last positive thought you had today?
When was the last time you had a “Hey, that’s cool!” moment?
Who and when was somebody courteous to you?
What made you feel good today?

Could you answer any of the questions in detail or at least vaguely remember that you had that moment today?

If you couldn’t it’s time that you open the windows and let some sunshine into your life.
It’s a sign that your mind is too preoccupied with your problems, work and responsibilities that they cloud your eyes from the good things in life.

Give yourself a break, slow down and enjoy what’s around you even during a busy day.

All you need to do is open up your senses and pick up the good things that you can come across whether it is during your drive to work, lunch at the cafeteria or your walk to your next class. Anything can happen – anything good can happen.

It can be anything and everything from overhearing a joke when you’re in the lift, realizing that the nasi lemak man has put a bigger piece of egg with extra sambal in your takeaway, receiving a thank you when you opened the door open for others and even to smelling your favourite aroma of, let’s say, freshly baked cookies and coffee! (Have a look at this photo by ♥ melissa ♥. :)

Basically anything that will make you feel good or laugh!

Noticing the simple, good things in life can make a difference to the quality of your day. It also makes being optimistic easier to do.

The best thing is that it only takes a minute to notice the little good things in your life with minimal effort.

All you have to do is listen, observe and taste the good things around you that you will automatically feel good and happy.


Here’s a challenge for you:

Do this for a week and list down minimum 3 good things that you noticed each day. Note how you feel by the end of each day.

By the end of the week notice how your mood has improved. If you like what you feel go on and do it for another 14 days and noticing the little good things in your daily life will be like second nature to you.
(NOTE: According to Robin Sharma, author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, it takes 21 days for humans to develop a new habit).

Thank you for reading this article! Do share your thoughts, stories and comments. Feedback is highly valued here at The Present Gift. Feel free to drop a comment or e-mail me – just click on the Contact tab at the top of the page for my details.

A New Beginning

Life is a journey we have to take from our very first breath on this Earth. Some people have it easier in life compared to others but no one lives through it without some adversity or another.

Often times we ask ourselves…

Why do things don’t go my way?
Why do good things never happen to me?
Why are other people having a great time while I’m here in the dumps?

I was like that too until I asked myself this: Am I absolutely sure that I’m supposed to live an unhappy life? Do I want to be miserable for the rest of my life? Can’t I have the life that I want?

But the toughest question of all was:
What am I doing to bring myself out of this rut?

Realising that only I could improve my life I started to take action by going through personal development and motivational books, talk to people, read inspiring stories and turn myself inside out – I learned to live in the present, face the music and dance through life with meaning.

It was difficult for me to bring myself out of my comfort zone and take positive action in my life however I never regretted my decision.

My step towards self-improvement was a precious gift to myself.

I am grateful to have learned early in my years that LIFE can be the best gift in the world if one chooses to and I hope I am able to help project some positivity in YOUR life by sharing my knowledge even if it is just a little tip.

Here is my gift to you and hopefully in turn you will give yourself the gift of happiness by allowing it into your life.

The Present Gift is officially opened.

Cheers to a new beginning!

Photo by twnklmoon