Tuesday, December 26, 2017

2017-52 - New Beginnings…

There is something charming and peculiar about a beginning.

You feel it, like the change of seasons, from winter to spring, from spring to summer.

You feel it; the new blood pumping inside your veins.

You feel it; a thousand butterflies fluttering around your fingers to help you fly.

You feel it; on your lips, when you smile at the absurdities of life that suddenly make perfect sense.

You smile... Because in every beginning, there is a rebirth. Because in every beginning, there is a layer of you that you just discovered. A layer you forgot was buried in you all this time.

You smile because you are reminded of the immensity of fate. You smile because suddenly you feel so small and you like it.

So let's begin my dear. This life is beautiful.

~ Malak El Halabi



The beginning is the most important part of the work.

~ Plato

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

2017-51 - The Magic of Christmas

There I was, saying "There is no such thing as free lunch".

Me, down on my luck, bitter, penniless, and desolate. Standing in line... a line snaking its way on the pavement, pointing its steady head into the wide open portal of a street kitchen.

As I neared the doorway, on that Christmas eve, I saw myself surrounded by folk who were more or less in the same state of beingness as me.

In a few minutes, I was standing in front of the kitchen manager who was handing out plates and bowls to those headed to the tables laden with simple, but filling fare of bread and thick soup. Before handing me a plate, he said "Enjoy your free meal", by rote, or so I thought. I muttered back "there is no such thing as free lunch".

To my surprise, he replied, "Why not? Isn't the joy of giving without expecting anything in return simply magic?"

Stunned, I gave him my thanks... and turned towards a renewed version of my future.

~ Manoj Shriyan



The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness.

~ Thomas S Monson

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

2017-50 - The Leaf...

I asked the leaf whether it was frightened because it was autumn and the other leaves were falling.

The leaf told me, "No. During the whole spring and summer I was completely alive. I worked hard to help nourish the tree, and now much of me is in the tree. I am not limited by this form. I am also the whole tree, and when I go back to the soil, I will continue to nourish the tree. So I don't worry at all.
As I leave this branch and float to the ground, I will wave to the tree and tell her, 'I will see you again very soon.'"

That day there was a wind blowing and, after a while, I saw the leaf leave the branch and float down to the soil, dancing joyfully, because as it floated it saw itself already there in the tree. It was so happy.

I bowed my head, knowing that I have much to learn from the leaf.

~ Thich Nhat Hanh




One age ends, and another begins. It is the way of things.

~ Derek Donais

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

2017-49 - Get out...

Do you remember what it was like to change from a tricycle as a kid to cycling without supporting wheels?

You can still do this every day, whether it is a task you have never done before or facing an interpersonal issue, simply challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone.

Even if you feel uncomfortable, trust yourself, and go for it; you'll most probably end up gaining a sense of wonder and confidence.

Sitting in your comfort zone will make you stagnant.

~ Author Unknown



The best piece of advice someone has ever given me was ‘do it scared’.

~ Sherri Shepherd