Players

Thursday, January 26, 2012

4 Pointer For A 19yr Old Wannabe [Back Then]

Yes, I know it has been awhile but will nevertheless not bore anybody with any details on why I had gone awol in the blogosphere. I might not have left much evidence behind but I was able to peep (and on a few occasions leave some comments) on some of your blogs but for those I never geto to say happy new year to, well here it is: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

And because a new year brings with it great expectations and some of us even go as far as making resolutions and creating visions and philosophies for the new year, this year I decided to do the opposite. To go back in time - not physically but in doing the so called resolution thing.

Sometimes in December I went to visit in my rural home. And while there, I came across some gem. My dad, while getting rid of junk from years gone by, had unearthed an old piece of paper dating back to the year after I had just finished high school. In this paper, I had typed (using a typewriter as it would be years before I actually touched a computer) four slogans that I thought will carry me through college and life. So many years later, holding this yellowish piece of paper than my youngest brother had managed to save from an intended fire, it downed on me that these four slogans are still relevant to my life, in fact even more so today now that life has over the years made me more cynical. And so for my 2012 reflections, I go back in time to when I was 19 years and say that, several jobs, a wife, 2 kids, wider girth, and many a grey hair later, this is what I still want to have in my life:

1. Easy Does It
"Problems or any crisis that needs solutions should be approached with a relaxed mind. Patience is a philosophy of living, to be learnt slowly and absorbed into our hearts and minds. Avoid hurry while sorting out issues as this may only resort to confusion and tension hence making the whole situation worse - easy does it".

2. First Things First
"Many of our confusions and frustrations are due to our failure to deal with tasks and problems in the order of their importance. It does take discipline to put aside the things we would rather do, and attend to those of first importance first. But the rewards are great, we get things done, we enjoy a sense of accomplishment, and we learn to face issues with a real sense of value and purpose".


Image from here

3. Live and Let Live
"This is a reminder that most of us need often. We need to make ourselves realize that we are not equipped to judge or criticize others for what they are or for what they do. Our only concern should be our own conduct, our own improvement, our own lives. Each of us is entitled to his own view of things, but we have no right to inflict it on anyone else. If there are differences of opinion, treat them objectively without offending anyone through criticism.

4.Let Go and Let God:
"Everyday there are decisions to be made adn problems to be solved. When you notice irritations growing into tensions, tensions into near panic, and old fears returning, this is the time to stop short and turn to God. You can do nothing anyway, and you will find that if you supply the willingness he will supply the power".

I don't know who the authors for these were as I was probably typing them from some book but if it happens to be your relative or something, kindly let me know and let's avoid this SOPA/PIPA thing :)

Here's to wishing you all a great 2012 and hope you will continue reading!

15 comments:

  1. I like the last one most. Not always easy to do but works just fine.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I like the last one too. If followed it certainly helps with everything else. I'd like to say I always follow it but that wouldn't be honest.

    I'm glad to see you back. I hope you won't stay away so long next time. Happy New Year to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great pointers! Happy New Year once again

    ReplyDelete
  4. The first one right there is my mantra. Easy does it.

    If may quote myself, 'Relax. Think through it. Sleep on it. Forget it even. The answer will appear like a light bulb in the morning. Or at least in good time'

    As for those who judge others.... '“Everybody is a genius. If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
    ― Albert Einstein

    ReplyDelete
  5. Those four ideals apply to everybody and not you 19 year old wannabe back then :o) Happy New Year Otieno

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy new year to you too! I hope you find them useful!

      Delete
  6. Glad to know these quotes mean something to all of you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Shiko-Msa, I love that Einstein quote, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  8. My favourite is number 3 - all to often we are too quick to judge and assume that given the same circumstances we would have behave differently; it's all to easy to fall into that trap.

    Also glad to see you back and wish you and yours the very best for 2012.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow - Were you really 19? It has taken me all this time to accept each of these truths - and even now I sometimes fall short. Thanks for sharing sir.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Woolie, yes I too was 19 before I grew gray hair!! Yes we all fall short but it is always good to have a reminder!

      Delete
  10. Nice 4 pointers. Since I'm around that stage of life, I'll take these as "advice from a distant relative".

    ReplyDelete