Pride…(In the Name of Love) October 30, 2009

One of the most difficult of words in the English language neither a bombastic word nor a difficult word to spell. In fact it is a word that seems to be the hardest thing to flow out of anyone’s mouth…no matter what the age (from a young rebellious child to a hardened 80 year old man!). It is the word ‘Sorry’. Even Billy Joel seems to agree with that statement through one of his best selling songs.

‘Sorry’…can also be said in many ways, ’soooo soorry’ (sarcastically) to ‘SORRY’ (in anger) to ‘sorry’ (what dear? I can’t quite hear what you said…). A lot of times, the word sorry gets stuck in between the desire to be Right to the fear of being Wrong  and with a twist of deceit of wanting to keep our Pride (and sometimes Face, too). Yes, we ego-centric people living in this modern microwave society are tongue-tied and bashful to say the least, to admit that it was actually ‘my fault’.

What brave souls of the past, I remember watching a golden favorite, “To Kill a Mockingbird” where the main character (an African man) was accused for a crime that he did not commit. I loved his character…so humble, so gentle and without pride (but faced with tons of prejudice)…and you could see that at one point, he even considered taking on the punishment for a crime he did not commit (which made me think that he was willing to say a Silent Sorry for it).

What makes us hold on to our Pride (even when we are wrong and ought to apologize)? I believe it could be a many things from our past and the environment we grew up to the influences we open ourselves to through the years to the all the “standing for our Rights” movement. We all grew up rebelling in a form or other. Turn on the News today and you can see the same things that plagued Bible times…Sin, Lust, Greed, Jealousy, Anger and Pride.

I have through the years, mellowed from a very hot and short tempered man to an almost even tempered and sometimes sliding to the mild tempered side. I could say I have matured, but I like to believe that I have CHOSEN to CHANGE. I saw the pain I personally put my loved ones through the many years and decided that I have to begin to QUIT IT. Yes…time has been the testimony of the changes I have made…I never gave up but most of all, the people who loved me, did NOT Give Up on me! (that was probably my saving Grace).

In the Name of LOVE…the Love I have for my God, the Love I have for my Wife and Family…I made a shift and after many encounters with the dark-side of reality…I finally see the light and I am truly Blessed and Happy about the Journey…in which I am still learning from…each and every day.

Where are you at today? I urge you to Choose Life and take the Stand to walk away from Pride…the beauty of your decision will become a Flower blossoming into your Destiny.

 

A Tribute to Michael Jackson… June 26, 2009

What a shocker of a day…I’ve decided to dedicate this space to MJ…Farah Fawcett…and I’ve just heard Jeff Goldblum (now confirmed a hoax) has passed away as well!

In the entertainment industry…no one has truly come close to the King of Pop Michael. From his early days as a child singing sensation with the Jackson 5…to his debut solo career (that went Off the Wall)…to the  launch to the world with the “Moon Walk” at Motown’s 25th Year Celebration to his all time bestselling album of all time “Thriller”…to his chameleon changing face re-construction (which he denies)…to his court cases…to his almost bankruptcy…to his second or third “HIStoric” comeback …selling 50 Concerts in London!

MJ’s life has created so much buzz and fascination…that we all felt like “we were part of his big circus act” being the spectators looking in to a sad, confused (wacko), eccentric, secluded life of a Mega-Celebrity. But his death will now be the BIGGER buzz…I predict that in days, months, years to come…his death will create such a ripple and renewal of love and adoration to this “elephant-man” (a picture of his emotional state…a simple man behind the mask). He and his franchise will eclipse the likes of great music deads – Jimmy Hendrix, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Freddy Mercury, Michael Hutchence and many more. Perhaps even a bigger story over Princess Di!?

Michael was my Iconic figure before I knew U2. His songs changed my life…I remember we did a dance performed at a 12th PJ Scouts Campfire with the song “The Way You Make Me Feel”…and yes, I was Michael in the Electric Blue Shirt! That song gave me instant fame with the Girl Guides there…I can’t imagine how Michael feels being this HUGE…bigger than life entertainer that made us laugh, cry, dance, sing and young (forever).

There is much we can learn from these sad events…for me there’s 5;

1. Life is short (What are we doing with our seconds, minutes, hours, days?) – Gone Too Soon…
2. Life is a story (What legacy are we leaving behind?) – Thriller, Bad, Dangerous…
3. Life is a gift (What is our “gift” to our family, friends and larger community?) – Heal the World…
4. Life is special (We are given this ONE chance to make a difference…to make a Change!) – Man in the Mirror…
5. Life is now to be Celebrated (We must LIVE today…and do what we have been “destined to do” and it don’t matter if you are Black or White!)
   

They say DEATH is the Final Frontier (how true)…but I add on to say that Life is that Journey to the Final Frontier. Hence it is more important how we choose to LIVE…are we PASSIONATE about something/anything? I suggest that you simply GO for it! Let go of all chains that are tying you down to your Dreams…make it into a Reality!

I have Coached many people to help them Envision their Dreams…and all I can say is, it has been AMAZING!!! Just seeing their lives get empowered as they uncover their Potential…to all they could be…

LIFE is truly worth the Living!

No Time to… June 18, 2009

Do you think we are actually progressing in our modern life here on earth? Well…in my opinion…it’s a mixed yes and no…for me.

We can fly around world in a few days, buy something from e-bay and get that sent to your doorstep in X-press mail, communicate to a person with an sms in a few seconds (that includes twitter/facebook)…but then again we don’t have time to write long “hand-written” letter anymore, we can multi-task eating dinner/talking to our partner/watching t.v/feeding your child and reading a mag all at once!

We are also prone to having short-term relationships, short conversations, short answers to questions, short emails/sms (using acronyms), short memories, short tempers, short patience at the fast food joint, short church services and a whole lot more!

I came across this wonderful email and I laughed my head off…it’s a scenario if sms was available in Moses’ time…then the 10 Commandments would look something like this;

1. no1 b4 me. srsly.

2. dnt wrshp pix/idols

3. no omg’s

4. no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun l8r)

5. pos ok – ur m&d r cool

6. dnt kill ppl

7. :-X only w/ m8

8. dnt steal

9. dnt lie re: bf

10. dnt ogle ur bf’s m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob.

M, pls rite on tabs & giv 2 ppl.

Did you get that? If you didn’t then perhaps you are still a Backward-techy Baby Boomer trying to understand what sms-es are all about. But seriously, apart from the good Christian message about the Laws (above)…we are all kinda stuck doing life in this very individualistic, self-absorbing, no-time-for-anything-more-than-3-minutes-world!

Imagine if God were to treat us like that…and if we wanted to ask him for a Blessing or Prayer request…He would say, “hmmm…why don’t you please take a number and queue up!”

- Selah (Rest)

Just got back from watching the new movie YEAR ONE (Jack Black)…and it was hilarious. Amidst the story and wacky comedy…was a message, “we’ve gotta find our true self in the midst of all the busyness and to make a real difference”.

As I coach people of all ages and nationalities, I begin to realize that under all the make-up and pretense (that we sometimes have to put up to protect who we really are)…there is that fragile, confused, sensitive, plain-old man and woman! Every single one “almost” identical to each other to the point we are all warm-blooded, courteous/kind, with the ability to smile and laugh…and just wanting/needing some direction, attention, love and affection.

My advice to you today…is to STOP…to take time…to make time…and live your time here on earth to the “Best” of your ability…sharing, laughing, adoring, singing, giving, affirming, forgiving, dancing, dreaming, living and loving!

No time??? Think again…please use it wisely, before it runs out.

Explore, Dream, Discover…Today January 28, 2009

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”- Mark Twain

Ever wondered how it would be twenty years from now? Well, twenty years on…will take us to 2029!! How will the world be?…What would you be doing then?…Will we ever see the “Delorian Fly”? (from “Back to the Future”)

Will you be looking back and wondering…hmmm…I wished I did this (and that), I wished I took more risks…If only I made up my mind…What would happen if I had taken the other job or married the other woman?…and the list could go on.

Well it is good to plan and fantasize about the future…and well it is also good to step back and learn from the past (mistakes especially) but the most important key to unlocking your potential and dream is to Live in the NOW! Living in the Present is what you can do, control and bring a positive change for the future…your future!

Someone once said to “live each day as if it were your last”…I believe it was said in the context of living your life with Gusto, Drive, Passion and to the Max. Doing the things that you enjoy (to be at your best), celebrate little successes along the way and looking at life issues with the perspective of “the cup is half full not half empty”. Daily you can also be a blessing to people around you (your children, family, friends), affirming  and encouraging them for what they are doing (and haven’t done) and simply have an attitude to be a “giver rather than a taker”. You can also choose to Smile more, Laugh more and Worry less. ; )

I believe that if we all did the above…the world would definitely be a better place to live in…and come what may, we would have given our all; our mind, our heart and strength…allowing us to live in the peace and with the reassurance that “we have lived”. The choice is yours…how will you live your life?

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow will never come…

all we can do is to make life count and “Live” today!

So this is Christmas… November 27, 2008

Yes…its Christmas again. It is the season I loved most since I was a kid growing up in Malaysia. Why? It is the holiday season…away from school, teachers, homework and just a time to play > play > play! It is a time where I got presents too…and not just because I was good ; )

Well Christmas these days have taken a different feel and meaning for me. It is a time for Family (eating and enjoying quality time together), Giving (especially to the less fortunate) and a time for Deep Reflection.

Yes…Reflection…because in a few days after Christmas would be New Year…which also means, it is another year gone by. I would always think and evaluate many things in this season, in terms of achievement of certain Milestones I set at the start of the year, having a time to ponder over areas in which I would want to make Amends / Change (for the better) and it is always a time for Celebrating Successes!

As a Coach…I would ask my Clients the following questions;

• How has the year been for you?
• How has your health, relationships, work-life balance been?
• Are you happy with your progress towards being the person you want/ought to be?
• Are your dreams getting closer and closer to becoming a reality?
• Are you taking steps forward towards achieving your goals? 
• What are some things you want to Start, Stop and Continue for the New Year?
• Are you willing to acknowledge / affirm someone who has impacted you this year? How?
• and many many more…

Christmas is also the time where I wonder why 2000 years ago…the Creator of the Universe would send His Only Son to earth. And when I reflect on this message of truth…I am struck with awe and wonder of the LOVE that He had and still have for us all. Hence, the true meaning of Christmas eventuates into something more beautiful. It was His example that enthuses (drives) me to Share, Give and Celebrate Life in the most meaningful and impactful way to everyone! What is your driver towards life?

Merry Christmas to you all…I hope this year, the message of Christmas will resonate deeper as you take a step closer to finding your moments of truth behind the reason for the season.

And so…”this IS Christmas”!

The Power of Words August 17, 2007

Its funny but the Bible talks about how God created the Universe by simply “speaking” it to being. Believe it or not…words CAN have the Power to Build and conversely, the Power to Destroy!

I have heard of research showing Plants Flourishing and Growing Bountifully, when “Beautiful Words” are spoken to it on a Regular Basis, and the opposite is true. Not surprisingly, this works for humans too.

Words are so Powerful that it can resonate within us for many years. I for one, can still vividly remember the times when I was made to feel small…by words. Do you recall a time like this, when you were “let down” by harsh words spoken to you?

We ALL need to hear words of encouragement, motivation, joy, peace, comfort, love and other genuine words that lift our soul. And as often as we like to hear (and receive) such words, we must be reminded that it is also our duty to speak (and give) these “words of Life” to others.  

Are you ready to begin speaking powerful words to people around you? If yes, then think of 5 people today and take a moment to ponder what you would say…Just take 1 minute (each person) and begin to speak these Living Words into their hearts and lives…you will be amazed by the Power of Words…the power that will make a difference in their life today.

“Begin each day with a Powerful Thought, End each day with a Poweful Word” – LCM

2 Important Words – “Thank You” June 7, 2007

We live in a world today that is so “me” focused…don’t you think? “What’s in it for me” would be a constant thought in everyone’s mind. Still it is so easy (I must add) to be conscious of self that we forget about others around us, let alone be reminded to appreciate them.

Saying “Thank You” could be the icebreaker, communication bridge, relationship glue and even saving grace to a variety of scenarios. How would you feel if someone came up to you (unexpectedly) and said “Thank You” for what you did or for just being you? Would you feel horrid or simply delighted?

There are many small and simple ways we can think up to brighten people’s day! Saying “Thank You” can occur in different, creative and inexpensive ways too…

• A homemade card, a phone call, an sms or email 
• Baked Cookies with a Thank You note
• Invite someone over for a simple lunch / tea
• Say a good word to their superior…and many more…

Its Fun to be the first to say “Thank You”…and especially to those who are least remembered like the friendly bunch at your local post office, community center, salvation army and volunteers at the school’s children crossing. You have the Power to change someone’s day, by simply embracing the daily usage of “2 Important Words”…

“If the only prayer you say in your life is ‘thank you’, that would suffice” – Meister Eckhart

Love…Love…Love March 1, 2007

LOVE…there’s just so much one can say about this word. Many (probably millions) of stories, poems, plays and songs have been written about it and the expression of it.

However, in the fast-paced modern world in which we live in, Love…can sometimes seem a little distant…a little jaded…a little non-existent. Just flip the channel to the news and we can see so much of the “opposite of Love” all around.

What can we do about it? Is there anything? Can we love when love is not returned? Can we love when our love is taken and trampled upon? Can we love despite our circumstance?  

I believe we all have the Choice and Power…to say YES. If only we can say…”I will be LOVE”…”I choose LOVE”. The world will certainly be a much better place.

“It is when we release Love…that we receive Love…” – Anonymous

 As we begin this journey to love, we will soon understand, appreciate and resemble a LOVE that Gives…like sweet perfume being poured out…A Love without condition, A Love without reservation. A Love that beckons like a force so powerful that it bonds us all in blissful connectivity.

How can we love? I guess we can start by doing simple/small gestures of “love-in-action”. For example, reaching out to hold a hand, speaking kind words of encouragement, smiling to everyone who passes our way, offering our time to help someone we’ve just met, hugging our child or family member for no apparent reason.

Everyday is an opportunity to release our LOVE…around. Go on…try it today!!