Love

I couldn't find a better definition of love than what was defined by Mother Teresa. If we could practice it even in the smallest proportion, we would definitely move towards a better world.

“These are the few ways we can practice humility:

To speak as little as possible of one's self.

To mind one's own business.

Not to want to manage other people's affairs.

To avoid curiosity.

To accept contradictions and correction cheerfully.

To pass over the mistakes of others.

To accept insults and injuries.

To accept being slighted, forgotten and disliked.

To be kind and gentle even under provocation.

Never to stand on one's dignity.

To choose always the hardest.” 

― Mother Teresa, The Joy in Loving: A Guide to Daily Living

Much Ado about nothing

Today the media is all hue and cry over Malia Obama taking a gap year. I fail to understand what business it is of anyone's what she does. Other than her parents, I am pretty confident no one is going to pay anything towards her gap year or college tuition. So why the hue and cry over her decision.

I must say I have respect for the young girl for making her own choice. I believe the media should be congratulating the President and First Lady for bringing up such a sensible girl who seems to have her head on her shoulders. I admire her parents for letting her make her decisions and for making sure she values her education. I'd say I'm jealous of their parenting success :). Lets become a society that encourages youngsters in their education. Lets celebrate the success of all children and when children of celebrities model good decisions, lets hold them up as role models. Let her enjoy the decision she is making or even let her make her mistakes and learn from it. She's entitled to both.

Regarding her decision to take a gap year - Couldn't we give her credit for making an informed choice. After all she did get accepted into one of the most elite schools in the USA.

Wouldn't you want your self/child to be surrounded by people and comments that get you/them up to their full potential ?

 “Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.”  

– Oprah Winfrey

Can do

One of the most attractive traits in a person is a "can do" attitude. In a lot of conversations that happen today, there is a lot of talk on why something can't be done - too expensive, not enough resources, foolish idea etc. Most people are happy to jump in and tell you why something can't be done.

When you find a person who is willing to explore why something can be done and how, keep them close. These are the people who will help you to aim at the stars and at least land on the treetop. You are still higher than where you were. These gems delve into the whys of what you want to do and help you think things through so your chances of success are high.

When someone asks for help, make sure you explore all the options you have to be able to help them. Offer alternatives or point them to where they could get help if you are not able to help yourself. You will build a circle of respect around you and also be known as a person who looks for options. There will be times when you need to say no to someone asking you for something. Make sure its not a "no" without looking at all aspects. Remember that you would have liked to get options so do unto other as you would like done unto you. The only times to say outright no to is for things that are morally and ethically wrong and against your values.

Nurture your mind with great thoughts,for you will never go any higher than you think

- Benjamin Disraeli