The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

It takes a certain kind of person to survive in this world. So many different personalities you need to interface with on a daily basis…some aspects you like -- some you don’t. But how do you separate the good from the bad and accept the whole person? If you were so thin-skinned to get turned off by a singular action or comment every time it occurs then maybe you won’t reach very far in life. There are all kinds of people that make up this world in which we live and sometimes you just have to put your differences aside to get along whether it’s in the workplace, with family, friends or partners. It may sound simple but if we look outside of our little realm, this is also the key to preventing wars between nations, groups and religions. In my younger years I would have immediately “written-off” a friendship, colleague, acquaintance or the like for the slightest slips of the tongue or an inappropriate action, quirk or habit that I found to be rude, annoying or just not what I was accustomed to.

I have since grown and although I still find it difficult at times to process and accept the (good), the bad and the ugly behaviours in all the persons I encounter on a daily basis, I have learnt to adapt to situations as they occur and modify my exchanges and interactions with them accordingly. It is indeed hard and at times I wonder if I am too judgmental or rigid in my worldview. Then I realize that I myself have flaws or traits that other people may find irritating, rude or just a tad bit “spoilt” so I am able to keep myself grounded and in check. Then there are other times that I just think that certain guidelines of propriety should be adhered to in formal settings and situations that require a certain code of conduct or behaviour. I may sound like a prude and stickler for perfection but heck blame it on my upbringing and Catholic schooling. Each day we learn something new and if we are open-minded we can learn a life lesson that can be passed on to others. I am still learning and I feel inspired to share my lessons as they occur. ©

A special hello to the new visitors to my blog from Australia, Denmark, Slovenia and Russia…Join me on my journey and maybe we can learn together…till next time.

Peace.



photo credit - homeofbeauties.com

Back to regularly scheduled programming

For two days we witnessed the transformation of the streets of the cities and boroughs as it exploded into a kaleidoscope of colour, creativity and energy. Masqueraders were seen sporting an array of costumes adorned with beads, paint, feathers and accessories that each told a story of the Merry Monarch. They gyrated to the pulsating and intoxicating rhythmic sounds emanating from music trucks that energized all into a frenzy of excitement and fun during our annual street parade while crossing the several judging points. Carnival is over and although I should be glad the wine and jam is over it has sort of grown on me. Flashback to Carnival Saturday saw me having loads of fun as we partied well into the wee hours of Sunday morning. Each year has its highs and lows and the music will certainly live on in time on the dance floor as seen in past years. The results for the various competitions are in and have been the talk of the town for the past few days but we have to live with it because the judges’ decisions are final. We would all miss it and I’m sure some are looking forward to next year already. Now back to regularly scheduled programming.

Today the Christian community embraces the first day of Lent – Ash Wednesday when everyone tucks away the bad behaviour and revellery of the past few months and tries to conform once again… at least until Easter:) As some of us retreat into ourselves and reflect on Christ’s suffering and temptations in the wilderness centuries ago, we offer repentance for our transgressions and try to make amends by abstaining from something during the 40 day period. The temptations can be very alluring but in retrospect we can use it to exercise our willpower and strength, which can be a valuable practice of self-restraint that can prove useful when we need it most. Even if you do not commemorate the season of Lent we can use the time for much needed soul searching and repentance thereby allowing us to practice a spirit of humility and thanksgiving. A point to consider – everything in moderation is the key to good living. We are after all human but if you can’t handle the temptation maybe it’s wise to remove it altogether.

Have you found "the one?"

photo credit - onesong-oneworld.blogspot.com

With V-Day come and gone it’s sort of ill-timed to post this mushy stuff but since I’ve been reading  about it everywhere lately and everyone is writing and blogging about this thing called love, I thought I would add my two cents. Some people tell me I need to be more daring with my posts so here I am. At the moment,  I am actually listening to one of my friends on the radio who is playing lots of lovey dovey mushy sentimental songs and right now I am hearing Fleetwood Mac and dare I say more…. “thunder only happens when it’s raining and players only love you when they’re playing…” This is just too much…. now here comes – Foreigner, followed by the Backstreet boys and 98 degrees and one recalls the days of that famous reality show of the days when Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey were happily married. I said I would never blog about such things but really can couples really stand the test of time? Do people still stay together? And if they do remain together is everything really honkey dorey or just a pretence? Too much! I ask myself why the torture of listening to such music but it is indeed soothing. I was reading an article today which brought to mind a lot of familiar and somewhat shared feelings. An argument I had recently with a family member (whose name I will withhold) also brings to mind such raw but potent feelings of past loves gone wrong. Although I am over them all, one in particular seems not to want to go away and remain buried in the past. I am glad that I am in a place where I am proud to say there is no temptation whatsoever. Yet I wonder of the motives of the character in question. It is sort of an ego boost to some extent - that someone keeps coming around despite the constant insults that you hurl their way and the total disregard of their advances or actions. But what can I say such is life. Never miss the water till the well runs dry - figuratively speaking of course.

As we all look back at our past romances and relationships even if it’s in the fleeting moments of solitude as it crosses our mind while we are distracted by something else - do we ever reflect and wonder why things had to turn out the way it did? If the one that got away was actually our one true love and we missed the boat because both parties were not willing to work harder for it to work out? Do you ever think that the person you are with now is just a scapegoat in lieu of the real thing? Maybe you and the one that got away both crossed paths at the wrong time and perhaps if it were a different scenario it could have worked out. This of course is a farce though I’m sure it crosses everyone’s mind from time to time but deep down better sense prevails. Everything is exactly as it should be. There should be no "what if’s." Two souls collide at the right time because that’s how love happens. It’s not something planned or etched out as in a fairy tale. It’s something that you must work at and if it’s really meant to be, it will in fact stand the test of time which no one or nothing can separate. If you have found that special someone, show your appreciation everyday and never take them for granted. Everything is not perfect and it is continuous work. So thank God everyday for that blessing since there are several others that are still searching.  And for those that have been unlucky in love you know what they say: "it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." You've shared good times and the feelings you felt were indeed real for most and the memories are now a part of you. It's up to us how we use it - for good to be used constructively to help us in the future or for bad which can only serve to destroy us if we let the ill-feelings continue to grow and fester. The choice is ours. Our life is an amalgamation of experiences and it makes us stronger and more wholesome individuals for being brave enough to allow love in and experience all the moments that make up life. ©

And there endeth the radio show for tonight...till next time.

Blast from the past....Do you remember this one from the 80s???!!!!!

Did you give thanks for today?

I think it's high time for a new post. Lots of things have been happening to keep me away from my blog. One of which was a very brutal flu virus that had some serious lasting effects. But finally I can say I am free. And we all know that feeling all too well when we recover from the flu or any illness for that matter: you feel like your body is yours again and you can almost conquer the world. Well it's been so long in coming, I'm not really sure about the conquering the world part but you don't take good health for granted anymore. I have to admit that I have built up a pretty strong immune system over the past few years so I was taken aback by this flu. Long ago I use to catch every thing passing in the air but gone are those days (knock on wood).

Anyhew.....Carnival is in the air around here and I am not really feeling it. This is the one year that I feel kinda left out but I refuse to give away hard earned mula to say I partied hard. Spend half a gran and more for all you can eat food and drinks....just how much can I eat anyway? Well not to sound completely unpatriotic but I was planning to go to one good all-inclusive fete but I couldn't - even if my ticket source had come thru for me, because I coughed all night that night. To tell the honest truth I was never all that into the fete scene in previous years, then again I was always busy studying or doing something else and now I am free at last to enjoy it and I feel I should be and why not? We are in the heights of the season and you can't ignore it. Perhaps it's not too late. But que sera, sera. If I don't, it won't be the end of the world....there's always next year.

photo credit - elegation.posterous.com

On another note, sometimes when you really want something and then you finally get it, you wonder if this is it. Have you ever had that feeling? As I always say to myself you have to make the most of what is given to you. Something may look all glamourous on the outside until you sink your teeth into it and live it day in and day out. Everything is not as it's cracked up to be. 

When I look at my life from the outside...it looks pretty cool and comfortable. And I need to do that more. Learn to appreciate it as an outsider. You have to live life each day as if it's the best day on the planet. Marvel in it. Give thanks for it. Sing, dance and LIVE it. For it all can be taken away in a flash and there are several others that perhaps wish they had a piece of it. If you don't like something about your life, you have the power to change it and if you want something bad enough- you can have it. 

One of my co-workers sparked a light in me today and I realized that maybe I don't have all the answers. There's something to be learnt each and every day from everyone you meet. He said to me, if you want something bad enough you need to pray steadfastly and live each day as if your desire has been granted. Live as if you can see, touch and grasp what you want in your hands. Believe that you have gotten or will get your wish. 

Believe in God and it will happen. And for those of you that are thinking you have to be deeply religious to think and live this way...newsflash you don't. Just spiritual. My friend is actually a bit of a rebel and yet he seems to have it together in terms of his deeper goals, commitment to succeed and ultimate happiness. My sister also told me something similar last night and it's because of this I believe miracles can happen and there is much hope in all that we do.

Time for thinking you cannot should cease. All is possible with the power of prayer and faith. Faith can indeed move mountains. I will never forget this poster that my other sibling bought maybe in the 1980s and it still hangs on her old bedroom wall. The mind, words (spoken and unspoken) and thought has infinite power. Never forget it.

May God bless you and may all your dreams come to fruition. ©

Peace.

Breathtaking View

I started a most unorthodox post a few nights ago…but had to retract it because it just wasn’t representative of this blog Moment to Moment. Last week I was griping about a lot of things, which I have since resolved. Sometimes you just have to step back and change your perspective in order to appreciate life for all that it is and that’s just what I did. In my case, it took a trip to the gym to clear my head, toughen up and change my perspective. Cos let’s face it; some things are just out of your control. If we could help it, I’m sure most of us would rather be working from home and would trade in our work suits and overalls in a heartbeat for swimsuits on an exotic island sipping pina coladas and going to the spa. Ahh! If only life was that simple! But seriously, I was talking to a co-worker today and he happened to mention his real passion and all I could hear was the things that were keeping him from living his dream. And without prying, I tried to tell him that he shouldn’t let anything hold him back, but people I suppose need to do things on their own volition and in their own time. I have been taking steps gradually over the past 2 years to start living my passion and it’s happening slowly but steadily. This blog is a growing passion of mine, which is really exciting when I think about it. Thanks to my many international readers I am able to reach a global audience, which means my message is getting out there and that makes me super happy. I take this opportunity to encourage you to leave your comments so I know what you’re thinking. I would love to hear from and learn more about my European and North American neighbours!

photo credit - flickr.com

Life is great folks. A wonderful blessing to behold. The routine may get a bit tiresome at times but when the bigger picture is viewed from a distance…the sight is like the scenery at night from a hilltop…. absolutely breathtaking with all of the individual lights that shine and sparkle for the world to see. You’ve only got one life to live, so live it up the best you can, cos you never know what may come your way. Fill it with the things that matter the most: people you love, pastimes you enjoy and passions that enrich lives and allow your talents to shine through. Do you feel it? It’s coming….....the moment you’ve been waiting for…..........ultimate fulfillment of all your desires…..............your life is now!!!

Hope you’re enjoying your view from whatever corner of the world you’re at or time zone you’re in! ©


Peace.

A Look to the Future



photo credit - ucdavismagazine.ucdavis.edu

Well the holidays are behind us and I am a little sad to take down the Christmas lights, tree and decorations this weekend. Even sadder that my vacation is over and I had to go back out to work today! (Not to mention having to explain to everyone why I came back out to work on a Friday!). Driving home tonight there were little or no lights left, the 6th day of January being officially the last day for lighting up. This dates back to Christian tradition, where it is supposed to be taken down 12 days after Christmas or the day after the Epiphany. Last night I sat outside on the porch and then in front of the Christmas tree for the last time, soaking up the last of the lights and the festive season. I know you’re probably saying what a drama queen… but I just love Christmas! And I’m sad to see it go already…it’s as though it just went by in a rush. Wherever did the time go???!!! I can still remember Christmas Eve as though it was yesterday! But apart from the lights, I will especially miss the music and the food! Yumm….no more fruit cake and ponche de crème! Ahhh. There are still some pastelles in the refrigerator though, which I shall be selfish with and use sparingly. As far as the music goes, now I have to listen to the onslaught of bacchanalia on the airwaves as we approach party central as the momentum of the Carnival season is building and soon to be in full swing. Although I do like some songs, I am not a big fan of Carnival, which is unheard of in these parts with the exception of a few. But what can I say? If you can’t beat them join them right?! Lol. To each his own.

On another note, I look towards this year with a feeling of hope and anticipation. Although I look with favour on the latter part of the year, I can’t wait for each month to unravel…but I resolve to savour each and every moment and make it count. Take it slowly and enjoy to the max! I have many aspirations that I would like to see fulfilled, one of which includes the publication of my first book, which is simply a collection of short articles and the continuation of another book which was put on hold for a number of reasons. With faith and persistence I will…I must reach my goals!

What are your dreams for this year? I hope you are putting the balls into motion, for now is the time to grasp it with both hands and don’t let it slip away, for time waits on no man. You may not get another chance, depending on what your desire is. If it requires planning and thought, you need to set timelines for achievement, so you know exactly where you would like to go and how to get there. Don’t let anyone steal your joy and passion or tell you, you can’t. Forget the haters, pessimists, and naysayers…anything you desire can be yours in time. Believe it, and it will be yours. ©

I will leave you with this quotation from the good book: “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” [Ecclesiastes 9:11].

Peace.

Happy New Year!!!

Wishing everyone a Happy and abundant New Year 2011!! May all your dreams come true this year!!

Goodbye 2010 - The Countdown is on!!

 

photo credit - dinikusuma.com

Well they say all good things must come to an end and it so happens that today is the last day of the year 2010. Wow! Time certainly flies! I remember distinctly just sitting on my front porch last year around this time reflecting on the past year gone by and silently making my New Year’s resolutions for this year. A-m-a-z-I-n-g! Some friends of mine tell me I think too much and I’m too deep for my own good but my mind sometimes works overtime…I was thinking to myself once that right here in this moment is all we have, and it will never come again…. and how quickly it passes…and poof! It’s gone and now the past. Every single moment that we have is seemingly fleeting. If we try to grab on and hold on to a single moment it is self-defeating because the truth is you can’t. The most you can do is try to cherish and fully enjoy it. Last night I was at a Maroon 5 concert and if I look back in my mind’s eye…I was just there standing in the crowd singing along to their songs and thinking wow what a great way to end the year…these guys are super talented musicians in every sense of the word and although my feet hurt and I sorta wanted to get to put it up…I don’t want it to end. And now that moment is gone and I’m sitting here at my computer. I did indeed enjoy it to the max and will do it over again in a nanosecond (but probably with sensible shoes:). It seems like time is just racing faster and faster without us even being aware of it. It’s sort of bitter sweet. On the one hand you sometimes want time to progress so you too can move forward and then there are other times when you want to savour every moment and wish it could last forever. Like if you have a child that you want to grow up and have kids of their own and yet you want to savour the little moments…the developmental stages from first words and steps as a baby to toddler to adolescent, teenager and young adult. Sometimes you can’t have your cake and eat it to. You have to experience and endure it all…it’s all a part of life and learning.

Have you ever thought that something in your past feels like just yesterday and yet it seems like soo much time has passed in reality? Call me nostalgic but time is an enigma that I can’t seem to relinquish. I don’t often sit and reminisce but in the fleeting silent moments I reflect in awe of this magical creation and universe. I guess that’s why I am a writer. I observe the little things that people don’t usually talk or even think about…. if they do it’s in their quietest moments of solitude. This year has been a good year for me though. A lot of milestones and events, I am grateful and happy to have experienced it all. Every year is an opportunity to start anew and try to make it better than the last. Each year is unique and it will bring with it, it’s ups and downs, joys and sadness, disappointments and blessings in disguise if you want to look at it that way. Each unique experience is an opportunity to find a lesson and meaning from which we can grow and transform it into something positive or creative. Life is an adventure and it’s up to you to make it work in your favour. Every moment is to be savoured and enjoyed so that we can pass on our lessons and joy with others. The negative ones are put in our path for a reason and it is up to us to turn inwards and find that reason so that we can move on and make way for the positive ones.

 

The Christmas season is also almost over and we take with us those memories of celebration and reflection. So as I say goodbye to all of my experiences of 2010, I tuck away those memoirs in a very special place in my mind so that I can visit them often and draw from them so as to help me in the future. Time will tell where we would be in another year’s time. Keep on living in confident faith and love and you would be exactly where you need to be at any given moment.

Wishing all a very introspective New Year’s Eve or Ole Year’s as we say in these parts (amidst the celebration) and may God smile on you in 2011 so you may have a blessed and bountiful New Year with the best of health, strength, love and peace with all your nearest and dearest dreams coming true!!! :-) ©

Cheers!



photo credit - sodahead.com



Merry Christmas!!

I did not get a chance to blog yesterday – Christmas Day since my Internet was down but the sentiments remain true and I would like to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas!!! Hope you had a wonderful day! As we celebrate with our family and friends, we give thanks for all our blessings and living to see another Christmas with special people to share it with. May this Christmas bring you all the things you wished for and may you create memories to last not only at this yuletide season but also throughout the New Year 2011 and beyond!

My vacation has officially kicked off and I look forward to blogging even more regularly and sharing with you my thoughts and feelings on issues that present themselves in my consciousness and day-to-day life. I changed the name of my blog and from here on end it is no longer “Reflections” but “Moment to Moment.” I wanted “A little bit of me, a little bit of you” but that was already taken so Moment to Moment it shall be until I think of something that can better encapsulate what it's about. Look out for a year’s end article coming soon as 2010 winds down and we reminisce on the good times and look forward to major breakthroughs, revelations and goals realized. Life is wonderful! …. Can you even wait to find out what is in store for us in 2011?!! Hold onto your seat and enjoy the ride cos it’s only gonna get better. ©

Think it, believe it, live it!!

Peace/