In this day and age you would think people are intelligent enough to know NOT to leave their children in a vehicle unattended.  As some of you may know I am Australian and our summers in Queensland can be very hot and humid.

It isn’t unusual to hear about sun safety on the television and radio and in particular not leaving children or pets in vehicles in the heat.  I have never actually seen anyone do this until last week.  I was on a mission to get to our local post office before closing time.  Always a bad idea as there is a lineup of people on the street.  After a good 15 minutes or so I made it to the front, attended to my parcels and headed back to my car.  As I did so I passed a vehicle in the parking lot with all the windows wound up and 2 young children sitting in the back strapped into their car seats.  They were about 3 and 5 I suspect.

I kept going to my car but then thought better of it and doubled back to see if the children were ok and if indeed I could find their parent.  As I approached the car the little boy had beads of sweat forming on his top lip and forehead and I began to panic.  I tried the door which was locked and solicited the help of a passer by.  Between us we convinced the little boy to unlock the door. As he did so and we were attempting to get some air into the car his mother appeared out of nowhere.  Needless to say she was unimpressed with our presence.  I told her how dangerous it was to leave little ones in the car on such a scorching day, she responded by telling me she had just slipped into the post office for a moment.  The same post office I had just spent the last 15 minutes in.

I watched as she spoke to her children in absolute shock, as I went to pull out of the capark she turned to me and said “It really isn’t that hot in there for them you know” – I was dumbfounded – sure it wasn’t, all the windows were wound up, who knows how long they had been in there and it was pushing 40 degrees outside.

Parenting courses – where the hell are they and why aren’t they compulsory?
Mary-Ann Roche

Hi friends! What’s up? I hope you’re having a fantastic life!
I love stories. That’s why I love reading books, watching movies and animated films, and listening to people. Let me share with you an inspirational story. It is the story of a mother fish and baby fish…
Baby Fish:  Mommy, mommy, please help me!
Mother Fish: What is it my baby?
Baby Fish:  I want to have fun today. I want to be happy.
Mother Fish: Ok, my sweetheart, we will have a walk (or is it swim?) together.  We will have a tour of the ocean.
Baby Fish:  Yahoo! Thanks mom! I’m so excited!
Mother Fish: Okay, get your feet (or fins?) ready? Let’s go!
Baby Fish: I’m ready! It’s gonna be a fun day with my mom!

The mother fish and baby fish start their walk (swim)

Mother Fish: Sweetie, do you see that big coral reef? That’s where I met your dad.
Baby Fish: Wow, I guess it’s a love at first sight encounter! hahaha
Mother Fish: Yes, We both were hit by the arrows of cupid.  We fell in love with each other, the first time we met.  I can’t forget our first date. It was romantic.

They reach a very beautiful place in the ocean.  It’s like a paradise. It’s filled with colorful plants with different sizes and shapes. The water is sparkling and clear due to the rays of the sun that permeates the water above.  There are various precious gems and stones and rocks of different sizes as well.  And the most spectacular spot is a gigantic and shining shell with a huge pearl in it.

Baby Fish: Wow! Mommy, what is this place? I’m mesmerized!
Mother Fish: Baby, this is where your dad and I had our first date.  This is the most beautiful place in the ocean.  Our date was the most memorable and special day in my life! He treated me like a queen then! There was a school of fish serving and serenading us! I can’t forget that day!
Baby Fish:  Wow, I wish I were with you then.  hahaha.  Mommy, I’m so tired and thirsty! Please help me. I want to drink.
Mother Fish: My child, I can’t understand what you’re asking me. What do you want again?
Baby Fish: I want to drink Mommy!
Mother Fish: Honey, you don’t need my help for you to drink. We are swimming in the ocean.  Water surrounds us. You just have to open your mouth to receive it.
Baby Fish:  Thanks Mommy!
Mother Fish: Water is overflowing all around. Just open your mouth! You can drink water as much as you want. The amount of water you can drink will depend on how big you will open your mouth.
Baby Fish:  Thanks Mom!

And the mother fish and baby fish continue to enjoy having a walk (swim) together.

It’s sad to know that there are people who are not enjoying great things that life has to offer… there are teenagers who cannot maximize their skills and potentials…  there are adults who are not successful in their chosen career… there are married people who cannot create and maintain healthy relationships that last…  there are students who cannot excel in their studies…  there people who are poor and will remain poor forever…  there are people who always complain about their situation in life…  there are individuals who are and remain losers in life… WHY? Because of one and single reason…  They have a SCARCITY MENTALITY! They think that only few people in this world deserve to be happy and successful.  They believe that there is a scarcity and lack of opportunities in the world.  They feel that the resources of the universe are not sufficient for all the people in the world.  It’s on the first come and first serve basis. There’s nothing left to the last and the least in the world. The fittest, strongest and luckiest survive because they are the first to grab the opportunities, and the first to receive and own the resources.

But, this should not be our mindset!  The scarcity mentality lets us suffer more.  It limits our world. It deprives us of the great things we deserve to receive.  It paralyzes our heart and closes our hands, and so we lose a lot of opportunities!  It’s high time to replace our scarcity mentality with ABUNDANCE MINDSET.  The world is oozing and overflowing with thousands… millions… gazillions… limitless great and fantastic things.  Let’s learn from the story of the mother fish and baby fish.  We are swimming in an ocean of joy, peace, love, abundance, opportunities, prosperity, good health, and amazing things  in life!  We just have to open our mouth.  We just have to open our mind and heart! Be expectant always!  Be ready to receive all things that you want and need! There is no scarcity of resources, but there is a scarcity of readiness to receive them. Open now! Get ready! Behold and see miracles and wonders happening in your life!  The riches of the world are enough, or even more than, what we all can imagine and more than what all the people in the world need.  Abundance surrounds us. The amount of what you will receive will depend on the size you will open your mind and heart. Welcome to the feast! Enjoy the unlimited buffet we can all partake.  Best things, a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put at your lap!

Hi friends! What’s up? I hope that you’re enjoying life and making the most of it. I can’t but share this funny story about my child. When he was still small, he loved to drink milk, He could survive the entire day just by drinking his milk, and he could not last a day without it. One time, he showed me his glass filled with milk to its brim.  He would show me a gesture asking and begging me to give him more milk.  But, though I wanted to him more milk, I couldn’t.  Why?  There’s no more space for more milk. No matter how loud he would cry and no matter how persistent and persuasive he could be, I still could not do anything about it.  There’s no more space for more milk.

This funny story reminds me of one of the laws of the universe. Before I discuss it with you, allow me first to emphasize the word LAW.  Compared with a theory or assumption, a law is 100% true, correct and applicable.  A law is based on natural law which no one can defy.  A law expresses how the universe works and operates. Whether you believe it or not, you can’t do anything about it.  For example, the law of gravity states that whatever goes up must come down.  It happens all the time. No one can stop it from happening. A law is absolute.  Let me share with you another law of the universe which I will focus on in this article.

THE MORE YOU GIVE, THE MORE YOU RECEIVE! Nature hates space.  It fills any vacuum that it sees.  And so, the more space one has, the more things will be poured on him.  Each of us is like a glass.  If we are filled with so much things, there is no more room to receive new and better things.  We need to empty ourselves so that we can receive more.  This explains why giving, sharing and helping are taught, practiced and encouraged in different faiths and various cultures.  It’s a law that everybody understands no matter what language we speak, what culture we live, in what place we dwell and what creed we uphold.  If you want to be loved more, share love with people around you.  If you want to have more money, share your money and gifts with people who are in need.  Give and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over will be put into your lap.  This is how the universe works and operates.

A closed hand can’t and will never receive anything.  It’s only an open hand that can receive.  Open it to reach out to those who are in need, assist those who are hopeless, extend it to those who are down, and share it with those  who lack.  In doing so, you’re opening your life to the boundless, limitless, infinite and overflowing abundance of the universe.  Receive more peace, joy, strength, healing, miracles, prosperity, love and wisdom as you empty your glass. And So, what are you waiting for? GIVE! SHARE! REACH OUT!  Great things are in store for you! Empty your glass now!  THE MORE YOU GIVE, THE MORE YOU RECEIVE!

Hi friends! Let me share funny stories of funny people in our place. Let me share two of the many funny people whose paths I always cross.  Every morning I always meet Mr. X and Mrs. Z.  Sorry for not revealing their true identity.  I don’t want to hurt people’s feelings, and I don’t want them to be put on the spot and be embarrassed.  Before preparing breakfast, I always go to the grocery store to buy stuff I will cook for my family. When I enter the grocery store, I always see the frowning face of Mrs. Z, she would always complain about her life. She endlessly talks about her miseries and problems. His husband left her, and she blamed him for not doing his part to maintain and strengthen their marriage.  She complains about her son and her daughter. Her teenage son got hooked on drugs and became a school drop-out, while her young daughter had to stop schooling due to unwanted pregnancy.  To top it all, she always expresses her dismay towards her boss and officemates in the workplace because they made her workplace second to hell.  Her day won’t be complete if words of negativity would not come out of her mouth.

Let me share with you another funny person I know. I always meet him in the neighborhood. Mr. X always blames other people for the problems he experiences in his life.  He holds accountable the government for his financial crisis due to recession. He condemns the owners of cars for his lung ailment due to smoke belching. He points his finger at the friends of his kids and incriminates media for the misdemeanors of his kids.  He would put the blame on other people for all the bad things happening in his life.

Sad to say, my dear friends, many of us are like Mr. X and Mrs. Z.  We do not want to be held responsible and accountable for all the things that are happening in our lives. We blame others except ourselves.  We are fond of uttering negative words when we rise in the morning until we retire at night.  We are not aware that we are the captain of our ship, the composer of our song, the artist in our stage, the painter of our canvass, the master of our life.  We create our destiny. All the things that are happening in our lives are products of our choices, consequences of our actions, results of what we always think about, manifestations of what we consistently utter and outcome of what we attract.

I will share with you 6 powerful truths that will empower you and change your life!
1.  You are what you repeatedly do.
2.  You attract all the things that are happening in your life.
3.  If you want to change your world, you need to change your world.
4.  The more you think of the things you do not want, the more you attract them.
5.  You have to power to create your own world through your thoughts, words, feelings and actions.
6.  If there is one person to be blamed for all the things happening in your life, it is you!  And, if there’s one person who can fix and improve your life, it is you!

My friends, may this video help you reshape and transform your life!  You’re life is like a clay! You have the power your create and shape it! Use your power to your advantage! May all your dreams come true!

Hi friends! How are you? I hope you’re having a great day. It’s time again for me to share with you some inspirational insights about life.
While I was taking my breakfast and watching TV last week, I stumbled upon a music video of Bee Gees’ Tragedy.  Though the song is sung in a lightly and joyful manner, its lyrics crushed my heart.  It’s about the real impact and effect of tragedy in a person’s life.  Truly, it’s the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone.  The chorus goes this way.

♫ ♪ Tragedy, when the feeling’s gone and you can’t go on,
It’s tragedy. When the morning cries and you don’t know why,
It’s hard to bear. With no one to love you, you’re goin’ nowhere.
Tragedy: When you lose control and you have no soul,
It’s tragedy. When the morning cries and you don’t know why,
It’s hard to bear.
With no one beside you, you’re goin’ nowhere. ♪ ♫

What tragedy have your experienced? It may be a problem in the family, a misfortune, a loss of a loved one, a sickness, a financial crisis, a relationship breakdown, a failure, a calamity, a conflict with someone, or anything that broke your heart and destroyed your life.  Indeed, a tragedy is hard to bear. It entails a lot of strength and courage to bear, face and overcome it. This explains why many people would breakdown, lose hope and give up.  It has both emotional and psychological effects on a person, and eventually pathological effects (like psychosomatic sicknesses). It slowly kills a person. And so many cannot move on and go on with life. It is like a drug that deadens every area/aspect of a person and  kills him slowly, if he does not know how to handle and cope with it.
Here are effective tips how to handle tragedy in life.

Tell others about it. Don’t be embarrassed and shy to share it with your friends and loved ones. Look for people who will listen to you. Telling it to others will lighten your burden and ease your pain. You need to open up and release your bottled emotions and feelings about it. Don’t keep it within yourself, or else you will implode or explode.
Restore your life. Move on. Life should continue and should not stop right where tragedy hit you. Continue doing what you’ve doing. Don’t let it affect your work, career, relationships, health, etc.
Accept it. Don’t deny it.  Learn to accept that you are hurt, offended and affected. Don’t ignore it. It will haunt you. It lengthen the time to undergo the process of overcoming it.  Having the courage and humility to accept it solves 90% of the problem.
Grieve for it. Feel it. Mourn for it. Hate it.  Cry over it. Acknowledge your feelings. Let your feelings flow. The more you let your feelings surface, the better you will feel. Don’t repress your emotions.  Let it flow. Let it go. This stage takes time, but should not take forever.
Exist with it. Accept the truth that tragedy is part and parcel of life. Live with it. Accept the fact that every person in this world faces and will face a tragedy at some point in his life.
Deal with it. Don’t run away from it. Don’t ignore it. Face it.  Look for ways how you can use it to your advantage. Discover lessons you can learn from it.  Take it as an opportunity for growth.
Yearn to be happy.  Look at the positive and brighter side of life.  Life is beautiful! A tragedy is just a dust or speck in the canvass of life.  Recognize and focus on the beauty of life.

And so, next time that Tragedy will hit you, always remember and know what to do with it, T.R.A.G.E.D.Y.  Sing and take it the way Bee Gees sing it.

♫ ♪ Tragedy, when the feeling’s gone and you can’t go on,
It’s tragedy. When the morning cries and you don’t know why,
It’s hard to bear. With no one to love you, you’re goin’ nowhere.
Tragedy: When you lose control and you have no soul,
It’s tragedy. When the morning cries and you don’t know why,
It’s hard to bear.
With no one beside you, you’re goin’ nowhere. ♪ ♫

I wish you all the best in life. Live, Laugh and Love!

Hi friends! How are you? How are you spending your Holy Week? Holy Week is a great time for us to pause from our busy schedule and devote more time to reflect on our own lives, and grow in our faith with God. As we commemorate this season of prayer and contemplation, I am glad to share this heart-warming and motivational video with you. I hope that this will inspire you!

When you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on. – Thomas Jefferson
We must not give up! Every problem has a solution. Even before the foundation of the world, God had already prepared a solution to all your problems. We must not lose hope. We must just face, undergo and overcome all challenges and trials in life. We cannot get rid of problems and difficulties in life. We need to face and surpass them. Every trial is an opportunity to grow, and become better, stronger and mature person.
When you can’t see hope and light in your condition… When you can’t find solution to your problems in life… When you can’t find meaning in your life… Just keep the faith! Just believe that you are loved by Someone greater and bigger that any problem, suffering and difficulty in your life. God will never abandon and ignore you. He will be there to assist and guide you. He will lead you to the right path and show you the way. Don’t give up! Hold on to your faith! You are loved!
Have a blessed and meaningful Holy Week to you all! God bless you!

http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=200024&U=386337&M=14771 I want to share this movie with you. It has touched me and transformed my life. May this film help you in your reflection and prayer this Holy Week. Grab a copy now of its special editions! Share and watch ti with your family and friend.

Tags: faith, god, holy week, hope, hopeless, positive, spirituality

Hi! Have you attended a school reunion? It’s a great time to meet your friends and classmates you’ve never seen for a long time. It’s a time to update one another and share stories as well. I remember one instance while we were enjoying our drinks and cocktails when my classmates and I had a chat and discussion about our own achievements in life. Ryan proudly shared about a flourishing business he has been managing for years. Sally discussed with the group the huge mansion she and her husband constructed in a prime lot. James presented his 8-figure bank savings and the shares of big companies which he bought. Rose told the group that she had just promoted to a highest position in the the company she has been working. When it’s time for me to talk about my achievement, I paused for a moment and excitedly shared mine. After I had shared mine, they stopped for a while and were surprised. I noticed that their eyes got big, and they cleared their throats. I believe that they were humbled, got envied and were happy for me for my greatest achievement. Do you want to know my greatest treasure, investment and achievement? They are my kids. They are my precious gems. They are my life. They are everything to me. I’m so proud of them. They grew up with manners, character and values. Why? Because I was able to teach, mold, form and guide them.
The family is not simply the basic unit in the society. It is the first school, the first church and the first community as well. It is in the family where kids learn about God and life. It is in the family where values are formed. It is at home where character is molded. Parents are the first teachers and preachers. They are the ones who introduce God, spirituality and prayer to the children. Children learn first about life, the world, relationships, values and other things at home. Children learn through imitation. They develop skills and values by following the examples of adults and parents in the family. This is the crucial and important role played by parents in the family. This explains why it’s important to invest in nurturing and forming our kids. It entails a lot of time, efforts, patience, passion and resources. The kind of persons we are right now is reflection of the kind of family we belong to. The family is the foundation of human society, personal development and human growth.
I am proud to say that I was able to guide, grow, nurture, train and teach my kids well. I helped them become good, mature, responsible and disciplined persons. I nourished their hearts with my love, nurtured their souls with my care and developed their character with my values. Friends, I hope that my experience will be of great help to you. If this does not suffice, I am personally recommending this online class/module to develop practical skills in raising happy kids, and become happier yourself. Check out this helpful and great Parenting Class. Develop the essential skills of a parent. Know how to raise kids with values and character. Share your experiences with other parents. Learn from the stories and pieces of advice of other parents. Hey, it’s time to invest in your family! It’s the only family you’ve got!

Tags: care, Children, discipline, family, father, kids, Love, module, mother, online class, parental, Parenting, parenting class, Relationships

Close your eyes for a while. Think of the face of the person who has/had a great impact and influence in you. He may be your 4th grade teacher. She may be your supervisor in the office. He may be your pastor in the Church. He may be your dad. She may be a leader in your organization. That person may be anyone who touched your heart. Now, the same exercise will be done. Close your eyes. At this time, picture in your mind the face of the person who does/did not have any impact and influence in your life….. I will give you one minute…. Are you done? One more minute…… Are you through? 5 more minutes…. I hope that you have thought of that person now. Why did you have difficulty thinking of the person? The answer is simple. The person may not have any impact and significance in your life. The person does not have a special place in your mind, in your heart and in your life. We don’t waste time thinking and remembering people who are not significant. We don’t care about them because they don’t care about us.
Why are some of your experiences and encounters with selected people still fresh in your mind even though they happened long time ago? Because these people are true leaders. They are leaders in their own way and in their own field. Leaders are those who guide, assist, motivate, encourage and inspire you. They lead you to the level or goal where you ought to be. They bring out the best in you. They push you to the limits. They maximize your potentials. They help you reach your goals and fulfill your dreams. However, these tasks and responsibilities cannot be done by a dealer, but can only be handled by a leader. A person should possess and exhibit leadership qualities, and not dealership skills.
Dealership is founded on position, Leadership is founded on influence. Dealership is based on fear, Leadership is based on respect. A Dealer manipulates people, a Leader influences people. A Dealer commands, a Leader serves. A Dealer thinks of what he can get, a Leader thinks of what he can share. A Dealer enforces, a Leader motivates. A Dealer intimidates, a Leader inspires. A Dealer is inconsiderate, a Leader is caring. A Dealer is selfish, a Leader is selfless. A Dealer drains, a Leader nourishes.
Pause and ask yourself these important questions.
To your kids, are you a leader or a dealer?
To your spouse, are you a leader or a dealer?
To your students, are you a leader or a dealer?
To your parents, are you a leader or a dealer?
To your co-workers, are you a leader or a dealer?
To your friends, are you a leader or a dealer?
To your family and relatives, are you a leader or a dealer?
To the people around you, are you a leader or a dealer?
It’s time to evaluate and improve our relational and leadership skills if you want to make a different in the people’s lives. The words LEADER and DEALER don’t simply differ in the arrangement of letters, but also in the order of values.
I’m personally recommending this Motivational, Inspirational, and Self-Improvement Book for you to develop leadership skills and learn how to inspire, motivate and influence people. Invest in your personal development.

Tags: care, company, influence, leader, leadership, Love, personal development, position, relationship, self help, team

Hi friends! How are you? Allow me to share something that happened recently. While I was taking coffee in a cafe, I saw a teenager answering back and cussing his old mom who was reprimanding him. Many people witnessed the incident. Some people walking in the street stopped. They were disturbed and alarmed. I feel that there were people who would like to help and intermediate. It was really a humiliating and embarrassing situation. There were mixed feelings and reactions from people who saw what happened. I only had one feeling then. I pity the child for he does not know how to treat well and respect the person who carried him in her womb for 9 months, took care of him for years and loves him so much. I feel sorry for the old mother for the humiliation, hurting words and disrespectful gesture she received from the person for whom she sacrificed her life, time and resources. This incident made me think of my own mother.
I’m so blessed that I have a mother whose love for me is unfathomable. She has been by my side since I was born. She is ready to lend her listening ears when I have stories and problems to share. She extends her shoulders where I can cry on when I’m down and hurting. She offers her hand when I need assistance and help. Even though I hurt and disappoint her sometimes, she continues to forgive and accept me. Nothing can be compared to the selfless love she has for me. I won’t exchange her for something/someone else. To me she is the greatest mom in the world. At present, I miss her so much. I have my own family now. And we live in a separate house. Though we are far from her, I make it a point to visit her regularly and greet her on special days. She is my exemplar of character, good values, maternal love and good parenting. And so, I am trying to be like her in the way I rear and take care of my kids.
Mothers’ Day is an opportune time for us to give honor to our mothers who play a vital and significant role in our lives. Without them, we would not be here. Without their love and care, we would not become good persons. On this day, we give back to our mothers the love and care they have given us. Let’s make this day a special and memorable one for them. Let them feel that they are loved. No matter happens they will forever be etched in our hearts. Indeed, they are angels in human form! They are heaven-sent!
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Tags: care, child, family, greeting, inspirational, Love, maternal, mother, mothers' day, relationship

Hello! I would like to greet all mothers out there a HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY! This is a special day and a great opportunity for us to express our love and say thank you to our mothers who have been by our side through thick and thin. We thank you in a very special way for the sleepless night you had in taking care of us when were still small, for your patience for all our shortcomings, for understanding our weaknesses, and above all, for your unconditional love for us. This inspirational video is specially dedicated to you!

I believe that words are not sufficient to express how blessed, happy and grateful we are for God’s greatest gifts, our mothers. May these heartwarming messages make you feel that you’re the most special person in our lives for you occupy a very special place in our hearts.

Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.

The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.

The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom.

Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother.

That best academy, a mother’s knee.

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.

God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs… since the payment is pure love.

Nobody knows of the work it makes
To keep the home together.
Nobody knows of the steps it takes,
Nobody knows-but Mother.

There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it.

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.

No gift to your mother can ever equal her gift to you – life

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.

A mother understands what a child does not say.

The mother loves her child most divinely, not when she surrounds him with comfort and anticipates his wants, but when she resolutely holds him to the highest standards and is content with nothing less than his best.

Once again, we say thank you and we love you to all the mothers. Nothing can be compared with the selfless love you have for your children. May you will forever be blessed and be a blessing to your children. HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY! You’re the greatest thing that God created. You’re God’s greatest gift to the humankind!

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http://thegreatestbuy.com.au/tamanu-show-p-606.html

Tags: care, celebration, family, greeting, Love, message, mothers' day, quotes, relaitionship

Hello! How are you? I would like to share with you a very inspiring story of a friend of mine. Last week, I accidentally met a long-lost friend of mine when I went to the grocery store. At first, I did not recognize her. She was the one who called my name and introduced herself. I was surprised by the huge changes in her physical appearance and lifestyle. By the way, two decades ago my friends and I used to joke on her and call her ugly duckling for her appearance and status in life. She belonged to an impoverished family. Her mom was widowed, and so had to support and take care of her 8 children by herself. The death of the father caused financial crisis in the family. They could not take a decent meal a day. And so, my friend and some of her siblings were not given proper nourishment. They were so thin and looked like malnourished people. Her face was covered with pimples, and her skin with boils, scars and rashes. She could not afford to go to dermatologist due to lack of money. She was overage when she graduated in high school because she started schooling late and needed to stop schooling once in a while to assist her mom in taking care of her siblings. When she was a teenager, she was molested and physically abused by her stepfather. She endured this torture for many years because of fear to be separated from her family, and dread of being killed by her stepfather. But, this is not the end of her suffering. She jumped from one relationship to another relationship for her need of security, love and acceptance. These relationships pierced her heart more due to physical, verbal and sexual abuse by men whom she loved and to whom she entrusted herself. The last thing I knew about her was that she got hooked on drugs and alcohol. And after that, I have not heard anymore from her for years.
After almost 20 years, the person she was then is different what she is now. All the suffering and hardships she experienced then did not crush her, but strengthen her. The trials she faced then did not dampen her spirit, but challenge her. The pain she endured then did not discourage her from pursuing her dreams, but fuel her to fight. She did not consider all problems and sorrows as failures and stumbling blocks, but opportunities for her to grow and mature. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: attitude, happiness, hope, recovery, self help, suffering

There are no doubt countless examples the world over of people overcoming adversity. It happens around the globe on a daily basis. I can only talk of one such example close to home for me. For those of you you have read my blog in the past you will know that I have three adult children. My eldest daughter as a little one was always bursting with life, difficult to keep up with, into absolutely everything and more strong willed than anyone could ever imagine.

Needless to say as she grew up she and I experienced many challenges along the way particularly in her teenage years. She suffered a very private and horrendous tragedy whilst growing up that only became known to me in her early twenties. During this time she developed epilepsy which went on to trouble her for the next four years or so. To the point of not being allowed to drive nor able to work, her confidence was at an all time low. Difficult to watch as this beautiful 6 foot attractive blonde bursting with enthusiasm and confidence became withdrawn and angry. Lots of medications, lots of hospitals, lots of seizures until she was fortunate enough to find an amazing Specialist who recommended surgery. No guarantee of a cure of course but what was the alternative?

A difficult decision for her to make and only one that she could. She did and we went through the harrowing time whilst in surgery and for the coming weeks and months that ensued. She is now almost 12 months post surgery and doing very well. No more seizures and medication being reduced monthly. What more could one ask for.

Now she is stepping cautioulsy back into the world and beginning her life all over again. Some could say she has been given a second chance and I believe that to be true, but firstly she had to find the courage and strength to make the decision to have the surgery in the first place.

I would be interested to hear your stories on people overcoming adversity. Please feel free to email me at: maryann@completepersonaldevelopment.com

Mary-Ann Roche

Tags: courage, inner strength, positive thinking, strength

I was in our local bookstore some time ago and picked up a boxed set called “The Law of Attraction – The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham”.  I don’t know if anyone has listened to it but I sat down most excited at my purchase only to find that I couldn’t understand a single word of it really.  So into the cupboard it went with disgust.For some reason I came across it again the other day and thought I would listen to CD1.  Esther and Jerry Hicks introduced themselves and explained a little about themselves and how Esther became a channeler of Abraham and his teachings.  Yes it’s very heavy going to be honest but you have to be open to it I suppose.  Abraham, through Esther, talks about how all things both wanted and unwanted are brought into our lives by the law of attraction.  It’s a bit like that saying “what you focus on grows”.  Most of us, if we don’t have enough money to make ends meet, are very focused on this issue and thus perpetuate it in a way.  Abrahams teaching is that you must have the mindset of just the opposite, that you have everything in abundance.  Not so easy to do when you dont and I suppose not enough money is all consuming.  But I do believe worth trying to change your mindset to test the theory.

I have much more to learn from Esther and Jerry Hicks but have found it’s not something you can rush.  I need to listen then absorb, then try to put into practice before moving on to the contents of the next cd.  When I do you will be the first to hear about it.
Mary-Ann Roche.

Law of Attraction Quote:

My Life Story and the Law of Attraction…

Each and every component that makes up your life experience is drawn to you by the powerful Law of Attraction’s response to the thoughts you think and the story you tell about your life. Your money and financial assets; your body’s state of wellness, clarity, flexibility, size, and shape; your work environment, how you are treated, work satisfaction, and rewards—indeed, the very happiness of your life experience in general—is all happening because of the story that you tell.
Excerpted from Money and the Law of Attraction — 3/31/09

Tags: deliberate intent, Law Of Attraction, personal development, positive thinking

There live a couple who are happily married and blessed with one son. Their son, Robert, has been serving the country as a soldier. Robert has been away from his family for almost 5 years because he was part of the battalion which was sent to fight in the war at Middle East. The couple misses their son so much, that they look forward to his homecoming. They are always excited to receive letters and news about their son.
But, on the fifth year of Robert’s being away from home, they haven’t heard any news and received any letters from him for the past 5 months.  One fine day, a telegram arrives. The envelope says that it’s from Robert. Their eyes get bigger, their hearts beat faster, and they hurriedly open the letter. The letter says:

Dear Mom and Dad,
Hi there! How are you? I miss you so much! I’m sorry for not sending you letters for the past months. I’ve been so busy then. I have a good news for you. Finally, I will be home! Next week, I will be there. I’m so excited to see you two. Mom, please prepare my favorite dish when I get there. Dad, please prepare my car as well. I will drive and go to places. I’m so excited to be home again!
By the way, may I ask a favor from you. May I bring my friend with me when I get there. He does not have a place to stay. He was badly  injured in the war. A grenade exploded near him. And so, he lost his left leg and right arm. He does not anymore sight in his left eye. I pity him because no one will take care of him anymore. And so, I invited him to live in our house. Can we take care of him? Can we welcome him and have him as part of our family? I hope that you will consider and understand this.
Thanks! See you soon! Take care always!

Robert

The couple are so surprised with what they read. They are happy because finally they son will be back. But, at the same time, they are worried because they do not know what decision they will make about the favor Robert is asking from them. After 3 days of brainstorming, discussion and consultation, they finally made a decision. They sent a letter to Robert, and the letter reads:

Robert,
Hello son! We received your letter. We are glad to know that you will be home soon. We have cleaned your room and prepared the car and the house for your arrival. We have informed all your friends and our relatives that you will be back.  All of us are excited to see you.
Robert, with regard to the favor you’ve mentioned in your letter, we’re having second thoughts about it. It’s good to help your friend. In fact, we are really sorry for what happened to him. We pity him. But, we are worried about what our neighbors will say about our family if your friend will be part of the family. The entire neighborhood will always be talking about our family.  They might criticize, judge and belittle us. Our reputation and the good name of our family will be affected. And we can’t take it. We are sorry to say that we can’t accept your friend. There might be other people who might take care of him. We hope that you understand.
Robert, always take care there. See you soon.

Dad and Mom

After sending this letter to Robert, they have not heard anything about Robert. Days have passed… weeks have passed…. months have passed… There are no calls, no letters, no updates about Robert…

One cold night, while they are having their dinner and watching their favorite TV show, a news flash appears at the bottom of the screen. The news says “A young soldier shoots himself…” And so, they get nervous and hastily go to the address indicated in the news. When they get there, their jaws drop, hearts pound and eyes cry. They see their son, whom they love so much, lying on the floor filled with blood, without a left leg, right arm and left eye.

Friends, what kind of love do you have for your loved ones? There are people who love others BECAUSE they are good, talented, rich, lovable, beautiful, healthy, smart and other good reasons why they love them. Their love is based on these conditions that NEED to be present always in other people. Once these conditions disappear, love subsides. This explains why there are broken relationships and marriages. Many people enter into relationships because there are nice things that they see in their beloved. When these nice things start to deteriorate, love begins to break down. This kind of love does not last.
Genuine love should be unconditional. There should be no strings attached when we love others. We should love others IN SPITE OF their flaws, weaknesses and shortcomings. No problems, no challenges, no negative traits, nothing can stop us from loving others. Only UNCONDITIONAL LOVE lasts. It transcends and conquers all. Are you ready to love unconditionally? If yes, go on! If no, don’t enter into a relationship yet.

Hi friends! Let me share this realization I just had last week. I had a dinner in restaurant which is just 2 blocks away from my house. The waiter handed me the menu and I started choosing what I wanted to eat. It took me 30 minutes to choose the food and drinks. After I had ordered, a funny and out-off-this world thought entered my mind and made me stop, think and reflect on it. I realized that I choose almost all the things that  I experience and I have in my life. Everything depends on my decision. I choose what food to eat, the place to visit, the house to live in, the husband to marry, the course to study, the clothes to wear, the TV show to watch, the officemate to hate, the people to love, perfume to wear, the direction to go, the people to be friends with, the boss to follow, and many other things. I get to choose them.

However, there are only a handful things we cannot choose in life, and one of which is our parents. No one in this world chooses his/her parents. Our parents are specially given to us. There should be reasons why you have your mom and you dad as your parents. No matter how unloving and irresponsible they are we cannot replace them. We owe who we are to them. They have sacrificed a lot for us. They love, take care, protect, guide and care for us.
There will come a time that our parents will grow old, weary and helpless. It’s the time for us to give back to them what they have selflessly share with us. We need to love, take care, protect, guide and care for them.  Here are some things we can do for our aged parents as expressions of love and gratitude. Let’s P.A.R.E.N.T. our PARENTS.

Protect them. Guard them from anything that will harm and endanger them. Make it sure that you’re always on guard and vigilant. They are weak and so they are vulnerable to accidents and dangers. You should always be by their side to avoid any untoward incident to happen. Don’t let them be alone.
Affirm them. As they grow old they develop a sense of insecurity and a feeling of worthlessness.  Always say positive things about them. They are very sensitive and they get easily hurt by simple words that we utter.  Let them feel that they are needed, appreciated and loved.
Respect them. As they grow old, they will lose their sensibility. They will act like kids.  We will have difficulty understanding their actuations. Always remember that they are still our parents no matter how irritating they are. They still deserved to be respected.
Encourage them. Tell them not to give up. As they grow old, they acquire sickness, pain and complications in their health. Always help them to be optimistic and see the bright side of life. Motivate them always to continue running their race till the end.
Nurture them. Feed them with love and care. Though their bodies may weaken by time, their spirits may be strengthened by our acts of love and kindness. Let them feel that you love them. Your love will sustain them till the end.
Take care of them. Provide them what they need.  Give them the best that you can give for they have given you the best that they could give. Make it sure that all the things that they need to live and survive are within their reach.

May these simple acts of love and care be our tokens of gratitude to those who once gave up everything and have sacrificed their lives for us to live and survive in this world. May your future children P.A.R.E.N.T. you as well when you turn the last chapters of your life in this world.