Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A Note to Self

Note to self:

On Facebook / Online Activities

Resist posting philosophical quotes, lyrics, lines or blog post on Facebook no matter how meaningful you think it is. Just because you think it’s awesome and insightful doesn’t mean others will too.

Tone done on your usage of Facebook. Stick to keeping in touch with friends, posting / viewing pictures and perhaps sharing one or two lighthearted videos. Facebook is not the place for you to shove your thoughts down other people’s throats.

On friends

Realize that you are lucky enough to have genuine and sincere friends. They may not be many, but that just makes them all the more precious. Treasure them. Make the effort. Stay in touch. Get involved in their lives. LISTEN. SHARE. HELP. LOVE.

When thinking about how no one seems to be reaching out to you, remember that others might be waiting for someone to reach out to them instead. Reach out to them instead of sitting and waiting for something to happen. The old saying is true – to gain a friend, you first have to be a friend.

Respond to people who reach out to you positively. Take it up when new opportunities of friendships arise. Do not burn bridges, but let go of those you feel are not keen. No matter how keen you are, it still takes two to clap, and if the other isn’t responding, you know it’s time to move on. Not every effort of friendship will bear fruit.

On work

Learn to accept that others don’t share the values you have. Everyone has their own mind. You may think it is wrong. You may KNOW it’s wrong, but it is not your job to impose your will, values or morals upon others. However, it is your job to do the best you can do, uphold your integrity at all times and treat others with respect.

Remember to stay humble. Make sure you have a teachable heart. No one is above reproach. Admit your mistakes. Take responsibility. Help others. Focus less on fault finding and blaming, and focus on finding a solution and ways to improve.

On faith

Give thanks every day. Remember the grace of God in your life. He has opened your eyes and ears so that you are able to see the truth. He has blessed you in abundance in your life. He has shown you your great need for forgiveness. And he has taught you the joy of being a recipient of grace through forgiveness.

PRAY. Pray for your faith. Pray for your heart to be changed. Ask for strength to turn away from all your secret sins. Pray that God will manifest himself in your life and in your heart. Pray that in your weakness you will be made strong and that you will pick up your cross and follow Him, forsaking the selfish wants of your heart.

Pray for friends who are weak in faith. Pray for friends that do not have faith. Pray that they will come to know God in their lives. Pray that God will show them the way, guide them and protect them. Pray that their hearts will be open to receiving God’s word.

On life

Keep love as the central theme of your life. Keep people as the central focus of your love. Empathy is the antidote for selfishness. Forgiveness is the antidote for bitterness. Live your life in a loving and compassionate manner towards others.

Constantly check if you exhibit these traits - Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. They are a good measure of the wellness of your heart.

Realize that you have more control than you know, but less than you think - meaning that our actions and decisions play a very big part in steering our lives and keeping it in the right direction. But total control is non-existent. Where we ultimately end up also depends on external factors that go beyond our control. Other people call that destiny or fate. We call it God’s plan for you.

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