Good lesson in Teamwork from an age-old fable
The Tortoise and The Hare
Once upon a time a tortoise and a hare had an argument about who was faster.
They decided to settle the argument with a race.
They agreed on a route and started off the race.
The hare shot ahead and ran briskly for a some time.
Then seeing that he was far ahead of the tortoise, he tought he would sit under a tree for some time and relax before continuing with the race.
He sat under the tree and soon fell asleep.
The tortoise plodding on overtook him and soon finished the race, emerging as the undisputed champion.
The hare woke up and realized that he had lost the race.
The moral of the story is that slow and steady wins the race.
This is the version of the story that we have all grown up with.
The story continues . . .
The hare was disappointed at losing the race and he did some soul-searching. He realized that he had lost the race only because he had been over confident, careless and lax. If he had not taken things for granted, there is no way the tortoise could have beaten him.
So he challenged the tortoise to another race. The tortoise agreed.
This time, the hare went all out and ran without stopping from start to finish. He won by several miles.
The moral of the story ?
Fast and consistent will always beat the slow and steady.
If you have two people in your organization, one slow, methodical and reliable, and the other fast and still reliable at what he does, the fast and the reliable chap will consistently climb the organizational ladder faster than the slow, methodical chap.
It is good to be slow and steady; but it is better to be fast and reliable.
But the story doesn't end here . . .
to be continued . . .
Monday, November 30, 2009
Somebody loves you . . .
If sometimes you . . .
. . . suddenly . . .
. . . think you are suffocating . . .
. . . feel trapped . . .
. . . or feel depressed . . .
. . . what do you do ?
Do you cry ?
Do you smash everything up like a brat ?
Do you get angry ?
Do you take drugs ?
Please, NO !
Even if you . . .
. . . are sad . . .
. . . and look like shit . . .
. . . feel lousy . . .
. . . if you are scared . . .
. . . or you feel really small . . .
Please do remember . . .
there is always one person there for you
who thinks you are . . .
Wonderful . . .
great . . .
and who loves you.
. . . suddenly . . .
. . . think you are suffocating . . .
. . . feel trapped . . .
. . . or feel depressed . . .
. . . what do you do ?
Do you cry ?
Do you smash everything up like a brat ?
Do you get angry ?
Do you take drugs ?
Please, NO !
Even if you . . .
. . . are sad . . .
. . . and look like shit . . .
. . . feel lousy . . .
. . . if you are scared . . .
. . . or you feel really small . . .
Please do remember . . .
there is always one person there for you
who thinks you are . . .
Wonderful . . .
great . . .
and who loves you.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Recruitment
HOW TO RECRUIT THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB?
Put about 100 bricks in some particular order in a closed room with an open window.
Then send 2 or 3 candidates in the room and close the door.
Leave them alone and come back after 6 hours and then analyze the situation.
If they are counting the bricks.
Put them in the Accounts Department.
If they are recounting them..
Put them in Auditing ..
If they have messed up the whole place with the bricks.
Put them in Engineering.
If they are arranging the bricks in some strange order.
Put them in Planning.
If they are throwing the bricks at each other.
Put them in Operations .
If they are sleeping.
Put them in Security.
If they have broken the bricks into pieces.
Put them in Information Technology.
If they are sitting idle.
Put them in Human Resources.
If they say they have tried different combinations, yet not a brick has been moved. Put them in Sales.
If they have already left for the day.
Put them in Marketing.
If they are staring out of the window.
Put them on Strategic Planning.
And then last but not least.
If they are talking to each other and not a single brick has been moved. Congratulate them and put them In Top Management
Put about 100 bricks in some particular order in a closed room with an open window.
Then send 2 or 3 candidates in the room and close the door.
Leave them alone and come back after 6 hours and then analyze the situation.
If they are counting the bricks.
Put them in the Accounts Department.
If they are recounting them..
Put them in Auditing ..
If they have messed up the whole place with the bricks.
Put them in Engineering.
If they are arranging the bricks in some strange order.
Put them in Planning.
If they are throwing the bricks at each other.
Put them in Operations .
If they are sleeping.
Put them in Security.
If they have broken the bricks into pieces.
Put them in Information Technology.
If they are sitting idle.
Put them in Human Resources.
If they say they have tried different combinations, yet not a brick has been moved. Put them in Sales.
If they have already left for the day.
Put them in Marketing.
If they are staring out of the window.
Put them on Strategic Planning.
And then last but not least.
If they are talking to each other and not a single brick has been moved. Congratulate them and put them In Top Management
Monday, August 31, 2009
Did You Know ...
Did you know that those who appear to be very strong in heart, are real weak and most susceptible?
Did you know that those who spend their time protecting others are the ones that really need someone to protect them?
Did you know that the three most difficult things to say are:
• I love you.
• I’m sorry.
• Help me.
Did you know that those who dress in red are more confident in themselves?
Did you know that those who dress in yellow are those that enjoy their beauty?
Did you know that those who dress in black, are those who want to be unnoticed and need your help and understanding?
Did you know that when you help someone, the help is returned in two folds?
Did you know that it's easier to say what you feel in writing than saying it to someone in the face? But did you know that it has more value when you say it to their face?
Did you know that if you ask for something in faith, your wishes are granted?
Did you know that you can make your dreams come true, like falling in love, becoming rich, staying healthy, if you ask for it by faith, and if you really knew, you'd be surprised by what you could do.
But don't believe everything I tell you, until you try it for yourself, if you know someone that is in need of something that I mentioned, and you know that you can help, you'll see that it will be returned in two-fold.
Did you know that those who spend their time protecting others are the ones that really need someone to protect them?
Did you know that the three most difficult things to say are:
• I love you.
• I’m sorry.
• Help me.
Did you know that those who dress in red are more confident in themselves?
Did you know that those who dress in yellow are those that enjoy their beauty?
Did you know that those who dress in black, are those who want to be unnoticed and need your help and understanding?
Did you know that when you help someone, the help is returned in two folds?
Did you know that it's easier to say what you feel in writing than saying it to someone in the face? But did you know that it has more value when you say it to their face?
Did you know that if you ask for something in faith, your wishes are granted?
Did you know that you can make your dreams come true, like falling in love, becoming rich, staying healthy, if you ask for it by faith, and if you really knew, you'd be surprised by what you could do.
But don't believe everything I tell you, until you try it for yourself, if you know someone that is in need of something that I mentioned, and you know that you can help, you'll see that it will be returned in two-fold.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Paradox
Today we have bigger houses and smaller families;
more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees, but less common sense;
more knowledge, but less judgment.
We have more experts, but more problems;
more medicine, but less wellness.
We spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast,
get to angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired,
read too little, watch TV too often, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too little and lie too often.
We‘ve learned how to make a living, but not a life;
we’ve added years to life, not life to years.
We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers;
wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.
We've been all the way to the moon and back,
but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbour.
We've conquered outer space, but not inner space.
We've split the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less; plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait;
we have higher incomes, but lower morals.
We build more computers to hold more information,
to produce more copies, but have less communication.
We are long on quantity, but short on quality.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion;
tall men and short character; steep profits and shallow relationships.
More leisure and less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition;
two incomes, but more divorce; fancier houses, but broken homes.
That’s why I propose, that as of today,
you do not keep anything for a special occasion,
because every day that you live is a special occasion.
Search for knowledge, read more,
sit on your front porch and admire the view without paying attention to your needs.
Spend more time with your family and friends,
eat your favorite foods, and visit the places you love.
Life is a chain of moment of enjoyment, not only about survival.
Use your crystal goblets. Do not save your best perfume,
and use it every time you feel you want it.
Remove from your vocabulary phrases like “one of these days” and “someday”. Let’s write that letter we thought of writing “one of these days”.
Let’s tell our families and friends how much we love them.
Do not delay anything that adds laughter and joy to your life.
Every day, every hour, and every minute is special.
And you don’t know if it will be your last.
more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees, but less common sense;
more knowledge, but less judgment.
We have more experts, but more problems;
more medicine, but less wellness.
We spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast,
get to angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired,
read too little, watch TV too often, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too little and lie too often.
We‘ve learned how to make a living, but not a life;
we’ve added years to life, not life to years.
We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers;
wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.
We've been all the way to the moon and back,
but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbour.
We've conquered outer space, but not inner space.
We've split the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less; plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait;
we have higher incomes, but lower morals.
We build more computers to hold more information,
to produce more copies, but have less communication.
We are long on quantity, but short on quality.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion;
tall men and short character; steep profits and shallow relationships.
More leisure and less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition;
two incomes, but more divorce; fancier houses, but broken homes.
That’s why I propose, that as of today,
you do not keep anything for a special occasion,
because every day that you live is a special occasion.
Search for knowledge, read more,
sit on your front porch and admire the view without paying attention to your needs.
Spend more time with your family and friends,
eat your favorite foods, and visit the places you love.
Life is a chain of moment of enjoyment, not only about survival.
Use your crystal goblets. Do not save your best perfume,
and use it every time you feel you want it.
Remove from your vocabulary phrases like “one of these days” and “someday”. Let’s write that letter we thought of writing “one of these days”.
Let’s tell our families and friends how much we love them.
Do not delay anything that adds laughter and joy to your life.
Every day, every hour, and every minute is special.
And you don’t know if it will be your last.
I've learned
I've learned ....
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned ....
That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned ....
That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.
I've learned ....
That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned ....
That you should never say "no" to a gift from a child.
I've learned ....
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned ....
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned ....
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned ....
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned ....
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned ....
That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned ....
That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned ....
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned ....
That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned ....
That the God didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?
I've learned ....
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned ....
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned ....
That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned ....
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned ....
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned ....
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned ....
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned ....
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned ....
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned ....
That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.
I've learned ....
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned ....
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
I've learned ....
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned ....
That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.
I've learned ....
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned ....
That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned ....
That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned ....
That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.
I've learned ....
That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned ....
That you should never say "no" to a gift from a child.
I've learned ....
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned ....
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned ....
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned ....
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned ....
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned ....
That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned ....
That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned ....
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned ....
That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned ....
That the God didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?
I've learned ....
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned ....
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned ....
That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned ....
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned ....
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned ....
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned ....
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned ....
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned ....
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned ....
That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.
I've learned ....
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned ....
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
I've learned ....
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned ....
That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.
I've learned ....
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned ....
That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.
Monday, June 22, 2009
My Children
Dear son, dear daughter ...
The day when you will find that I became very old , try to have some patience to me and try to understand me.
If I get dirty by eating …
If I have some difficulty dressing … be patient !
Remember the hours that I spent to learn you any sorts of things when you were small.
If I repeat the same thing dozens of time, does not interrupt me! Listen to me!
When you were small, you kept asking me to read you the same history, evening after evening, until you fall asleep. And I made it !
If I do not wash myself any more so often under the shower, do not reprimand and do not tell me that it is a shame.
Remember how many excuses I had to invent to make you take a bath you were small.
By seeing my ignorance towards the new technologies, do not laugh of me but leave me rather the time to understand.
I taught you so many things indeed to eat well … to dress well … to behave well … how to confront the problems of the life …
If I sometimes miss memory or am not able to follow a conversation, leave me the necessary time to recollect and if I do not reach there, do not become a nervous and arrogant person because the most important for me, … it is to be with you and to be able to speak to you.
If I refuse to eat, do not force myself ! I know very well when I am hungry and when I am not hungry ...
When my poor legs will not allow me any moreto move as before …
Help me in the same way as I held your handsto learn you make your first steps.
And when one day, I shall say to you that I do not want to live any more … that I want to die, do not get angry … because one day, you will also understand !
Try to understand that at certain age, we do not really live any more. We simply survive !
One day, you will understand that in spite of all my errors, I always wanted what was best for you and thatI prepared you the ground for when you’ve grown up.
You do not have to feel sad, unfortunate or incompetentin front of my old age and of my state.You have to stay near me, try to understand what I live, to make your best as I did at your birth.
Help me to walk, help me to end my lifewith love and patience. The only way that I need to thank you for it, it is a smile and a lot of love from you.
I love you … my son, my daughter !
Your Dad, your Mum
The day when you will find that I became very old , try to have some patience to me and try to understand me.
If I get dirty by eating …
If I have some difficulty dressing … be patient !
Remember the hours that I spent to learn you any sorts of things when you were small.
If I repeat the same thing dozens of time, does not interrupt me! Listen to me!
When you were small, you kept asking me to read you the same history, evening after evening, until you fall asleep. And I made it !
If I do not wash myself any more so often under the shower, do not reprimand and do not tell me that it is a shame.
Remember how many excuses I had to invent to make you take a bath you were small.
By seeing my ignorance towards the new technologies, do not laugh of me but leave me rather the time to understand.
I taught you so many things indeed to eat well … to dress well … to behave well … how to confront the problems of the life …
If I sometimes miss memory or am not able to follow a conversation, leave me the necessary time to recollect and if I do not reach there, do not become a nervous and arrogant person because the most important for me, … it is to be with you and to be able to speak to you.
If I refuse to eat, do not force myself ! I know very well when I am hungry and when I am not hungry ...
When my poor legs will not allow me any moreto move as before …
Help me in the same way as I held your handsto learn you make your first steps.
And when one day, I shall say to you that I do not want to live any more … that I want to die, do not get angry … because one day, you will also understand !
Try to understand that at certain age, we do not really live any more. We simply survive !
One day, you will understand that in spite of all my errors, I always wanted what was best for you and thatI prepared you the ground for when you’ve grown up.
You do not have to feel sad, unfortunate or incompetentin front of my old age and of my state.You have to stay near me, try to understand what I live, to make your best as I did at your birth.
Help me to walk, help me to end my lifewith love and patience. The only way that I need to thank you for it, it is a smile and a lot of love from you.
I love you … my son, my daughter !
Your Dad, your Mum
Cup
In ancient Japan, when a new student seeks admission to study at a monastery, he is required to have an audience with the master, a sort of pre-entrance interview if you will.
One day, an intelligent student appeared before the master for such a session.
As they sat together, the young man started to impress the master with his knowledge and accomplishments.
When the master offered tea to him, he continued speaking without acknowledging the master; so absorbed was he in his own cleverness.
All of a sudden, he jumped up, reacting to the hot tea flooding over the tabletop and dripping onto his legs.
“Master!” he shouted. “The cup is overflowing!”
The Master continued pouring the tea, spilling it on to the floor. Then he replied, “So are you. Please come back when you are empty and in need of my teaching.”
Keep your mind humble and open to new ideas.
You’ll learn much more in the process, and continue to develop as a human being.
Think of your brain as the cup in the story.
If you fill it up with your ego, you’ll never get more knowledge in.
One day, an intelligent student appeared before the master for such a session.
As they sat together, the young man started to impress the master with his knowledge and accomplishments.
When the master offered tea to him, he continued speaking without acknowledging the master; so absorbed was he in his own cleverness.
All of a sudden, he jumped up, reacting to the hot tea flooding over the tabletop and dripping onto his legs.
“Master!” he shouted. “The cup is overflowing!”
The Master continued pouring the tea, spilling it on to the floor. Then he replied, “So are you. Please come back when you are empty and in need of my teaching.”
Keep your mind humble and open to new ideas.
You’ll learn much more in the process, and continue to develop as a human being.
Think of your brain as the cup in the story.
If you fill it up with your ego, you’ll never get more knowledge in.
The Bank Account of Life
Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400.
It carries over no balance from day to day.
Every “evening” deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day.
What would you do?
Draw out every cent, of course ! ! ! !
Each of us has such a “bank”. It’s name is TIME.
Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds.
Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose.
It carries over no balance.
It allows no overdraft
Each day it opens a new account for you.
Each night it burns the remains of the day.
If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours
There is no going back. There is no drawing against the “tomorrow.”
You must live in the present on today’s deposits
Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health,happiness, and success!
The clock is running.
Make the most of today
To realize the value of ONE YEAR ….
ask a student who failed a grade
To realize the value of ONE MONTH…..
ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby
To realize the value of ONE WEEK……
ask the editor of a weekly newspaper
To realize the value of ONE HOUR……
ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE…..
ask a person who missed the train.
To realize the value of ONE SECOND….
ask a person who just avoided an accident.
To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND…..
ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.
Treasure every moment that you have!
And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time. And remember that time waits for no one.
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.
That’s why it’s called ….
the Present!!
It carries over no balance from day to day.
Every “evening” deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day.
What would you do?
Draw out every cent, of course ! ! ! !
Each of us has such a “bank”. It’s name is TIME.
Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds.
Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose.
It carries over no balance.
It allows no overdraft
Each day it opens a new account for you.
Each night it burns the remains of the day.
If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours
There is no going back. There is no drawing against the “tomorrow.”
You must live in the present on today’s deposits
Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health,happiness, and success!
The clock is running.
Make the most of today
To realize the value of ONE YEAR ….
ask a student who failed a grade
To realize the value of ONE MONTH…..
ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby
To realize the value of ONE WEEK……
ask the editor of a weekly newspaper
To realize the value of ONE HOUR……
ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE…..
ask a person who missed the train.
To realize the value of ONE SECOND….
ask a person who just avoided an accident.
To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND…..
ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.
Treasure every moment that you have!
And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time. And remember that time waits for no one.
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.
That’s why it’s called ….
the Present!!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
4 Wives
There was a rich merchant who had 4 wives.
4th wive.
He loved the 4th wife the most. He adorned her with rich robes and treated her to delicacies. He took great care of her and gave her nothing but the best.
3rd wive.
He also loved the 3rd wife very much. He's very proud of her and always wanted to show her off to his friends. However, the merchant is always in great fear that she might run away with some other men.
2nd wive.
He too, loved his 2nd wife. She is a very considerate person, always patient and in fact is the merchant's confidante. Whenever the merchant faced some problems, he always turned to his 2nd wife and she would always help him out and tide him through difficult times.
1st wive.
Now, the merchant's 1st wife is a very loyal partner and has made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and business as well as taking care of the household. However, the merchant did not love the first wife and although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.
One day, the merchant fell ill. Before long, he knew that he was going to die soon. He thought of his luxurious life and told himself, "Now I have 4 wives with me. But when I die, I'll be alone. How lonely I'll be!"
Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I loved you most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!" replied the 4th wife and she walked away without another word. The answer cut like a sharp knife right into the merchant's heart.
The sad merchant then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you so much for all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!" replied the 3rd wife. "Life is so good over here! I'm going to remarry when you die!" The merchant's heart sank and turned cold.
He then asked the 2nd wife, "I always turned to you for help and you've always helped me out. Now I need your help again. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave." The answer came like a bolt of thunder and the merchant was devastated.
Then a voice called out : "I'll leave with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go." The merchant looked up and there was his 1st wife. She was so skinny, almost like she suffered from malnutrition. Greatly grieved, the merchant said, "I should have taken much better care of you while I could have !"
Actually we all have 4 wives in our lives,...
The 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it'll leave us when we die.
The 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, they all go to others.
The 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how close they had been there for us when we're alive, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.
The 1st wifein fact something we can't see, our Good Deeds that we do here and the Charity, that is given in the name and for the sake of God alone, are the real wealth/ currency that we save, will go with us & remain useful hereafter. Often neglected in our pursuit of material wealth and sensual pleasure. It is actually the only thing that follows us wherever we go. Perhaps it's a good idea to cultivate and strengthen our soul now by doing good deeds rather than to wait until we're on our death bed to lament.
4th wive.
He loved the 4th wife the most. He adorned her with rich robes and treated her to delicacies. He took great care of her and gave her nothing but the best.
3rd wive.
He also loved the 3rd wife very much. He's very proud of her and always wanted to show her off to his friends. However, the merchant is always in great fear that she might run away with some other men.
2nd wive.
He too, loved his 2nd wife. She is a very considerate person, always patient and in fact is the merchant's confidante. Whenever the merchant faced some problems, he always turned to his 2nd wife and she would always help him out and tide him through difficult times.
1st wive.
Now, the merchant's 1st wife is a very loyal partner and has made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and business as well as taking care of the household. However, the merchant did not love the first wife and although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.
One day, the merchant fell ill. Before long, he knew that he was going to die soon. He thought of his luxurious life and told himself, "Now I have 4 wives with me. But when I die, I'll be alone. How lonely I'll be!"
Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I loved you most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!" replied the 4th wife and she walked away without another word. The answer cut like a sharp knife right into the merchant's heart.
The sad merchant then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you so much for all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!" replied the 3rd wife. "Life is so good over here! I'm going to remarry when you die!" The merchant's heart sank and turned cold.
He then asked the 2nd wife, "I always turned to you for help and you've always helped me out. Now I need your help again. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave." The answer came like a bolt of thunder and the merchant was devastated.
Then a voice called out : "I'll leave with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go." The merchant looked up and there was his 1st wife. She was so skinny, almost like she suffered from malnutrition. Greatly grieved, the merchant said, "I should have taken much better care of you while I could have !"
Actually we all have 4 wives in our lives,...
The 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it'll leave us when we die.
The 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, they all go to others.
The 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how close they had been there for us when we're alive, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.
The 1st wifein fact something we can't see, our Good Deeds that we do here and the Charity, that is given in the name and for the sake of God alone, are the real wealth/ currency that we save, will go with us & remain useful hereafter. Often neglected in our pursuit of material wealth and sensual pleasure. It is actually the only thing that follows us wherever we go. Perhaps it's a good idea to cultivate and strengthen our soul now by doing good deeds rather than to wait until we're on our death bed to lament.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to all moms in the world. Especially to my mom. May you always be blessed by the Almighty.
I got these cards from my children. Thank you. Love all of you so much.
I got these cards from my children. Thank you. Love all of you so much.
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Tuesday, May 5, 2009
A lesson in PERSEVERANCE
Have you ever observed the behaviour of birds in the face of adversity?
For days and days they make their nests, sometimes gathering materials brought from far away.
And when they have completed the nest and are ready to lay eggs, the weather, or the work of humans, or some animal, destroys it, and it falls to the ground, all that they have done with so much effort.
Do they stop ?
Bewildered, and leave the work ?
No way. They start over building the nest again and again
until they have eggs in the nest again.
Sometimes,and very often before the chicks are are hatched, an animal, a child, or a storm destroys the nest once again, but this time with its valuable contents.
It hurts to go back to begin again…
Even so, the birds do not ever stop, they continue to sing and build, and keep singing and building . . .
Do you sometimes get the feeling that your life, your work, your family is not what you had dreamed. Do you sometimes want to say “enough”, the effort is not worthwhile. It is all too much for me!
Are you tired of it all? Do you feel that the daily struggle is a waste of time, your trust has been betrayed, your goals not reached just as you were about to get them?
Life strikes you down sometimes, but do you go on, say a prayer, put your faith in hope, not darkness. Do not worry if you get injured in the battle, that is to be expected. Gather yourself together and rebuild your life, so that it runs well again.
No matter what happens . . . Do not shrink back, but move forward. Life is a constant challenge, but it is worthwhile to mostly accept it. And never stop singing.
For days and days they make their nests, sometimes gathering materials brought from far away.
And when they have completed the nest and are ready to lay eggs, the weather, or the work of humans, or some animal, destroys it, and it falls to the ground, all that they have done with so much effort.
Do they stop ?
Bewildered, and leave the work ?
No way. They start over building the nest again and again
until they have eggs in the nest again.
Sometimes,and very often before the chicks are are hatched, an animal, a child, or a storm destroys the nest once again, but this time with its valuable contents.
It hurts to go back to begin again…
Even so, the birds do not ever stop, they continue to sing and build, and keep singing and building . . .
Do you sometimes get the feeling that your life, your work, your family is not what you had dreamed. Do you sometimes want to say “enough”, the effort is not worthwhile. It is all too much for me!
Are you tired of it all? Do you feel that the daily struggle is a waste of time, your trust has been betrayed, your goals not reached just as you were about to get them?
Life strikes you down sometimes, but do you go on, say a prayer, put your faith in hope, not darkness. Do not worry if you get injured in the battle, that is to be expected. Gather yourself together and rebuild your life, so that it runs well again.
No matter what happens . . . Do not shrink back, but move forward. Life is a constant challenge, but it is worthwhile to mostly accept it. And never stop singing.
Two Men in a Hospital Room
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths, only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
"Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths, only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
"Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
How to Make Life 100%
If
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
is equal to
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
then
Hard Work
H+A+R+D+W+O+R+K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98 %
while
Knowledge
K+N+O+W+L+E+D+G+E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96 %
Love
L+O+V+E
12+15+22+5 = 54 %
Luck
L+U+C+K
12+21+3+11 = 47%
Then what makes 100% ?
Is it Money ?
... NO ! ! !
M+O+N+E+Y
13+15+14+5+25 = 72 %
Or is it Leadership ?
... NO ! ! !
L+E+A+D+E+R+S+H+I+P
12+5+1+4+5+18+19+9+16 = 89 %
Every problem has a solution, only if we perhaps change our attitude. To go to the top, to that 100%, what we really need to go further... a bit more...
ATTITUDE
A+T+T+I+T+U+D+E 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100 %
It is OUR ATTITUDE towards Life and Work that makes OUR Life 100% ! ! !
Change Your Attitude . . .
And You Change Your Life ! ! !
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
is equal to
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
then
Hard Work
H+A+R+D+W+O+R+K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98 %
while
Knowledge
K+N+O+W+L+E+D+G+E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96 %
Love
L+O+V+E
12+15+22+5 = 54 %
Luck
L+U+C+K
12+21+3+11 = 47%
Then what makes 100% ?
Is it Money ?
... NO ! ! !
M+O+N+E+Y
13+15+14+5+25 = 72 %
Or is it Leadership ?
... NO ! ! !
L+E+A+D+E+R+S+H+I+P
12+5+1+4+5+18+19+9+16 = 89 %
Every problem has a solution, only if we perhaps change our attitude. To go to the top, to that 100%, what we really need to go further... a bit more...
ATTITUDE
A+T+T+I+T+U+D+E 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100 %
It is OUR ATTITUDE towards Life and Work that makes OUR Life 100% ! ! !
Change Your Attitude . . .
And You Change Your Life ! ! !
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
I Can Read It ! Can You ?
fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too. Cna yuo raed tihs?
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Male or Female ?
FREEZER BAGS:
They are male, because they hold everything in, but you can see right through them.
PHOTOCOPIERS:
These are female, because once turned off; it takes a while to warm them up again.
They are an effective reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed, but can also wreak havoc if you push the wrong buttons.
TyRES:
Tyres are male, because they go bald easily and are often over inflated
HOT AIR BALLOONS:
Also a male object, because to get them to go anywhere, you have to light a fire under their butt.
SPONGES:
These are female, because they are soft, squeezable and retain water.
WEB PAGES:
Female, because they're constantly being looked at and frequently getting hit on.
TRAINS:
Definitely male, because they always use the same old lines for picking up people.
EGG TIMERS:
Egg timers are female because, over time, all the weight shifts to the bottom.
HAMMERS:
Male, because in the last 5000 years, they've hardly changed at all, and are occasionally handy to have around.
THE REMOTE CONTROL:
Female. Ha! You probably thought it would be male, but consider this: It easily gives a man pleasure, he'd be lost without it, and while he doesn't always know which buttons to push, he just keeps trying
They are male, because they hold everything in, but you can see right through them.
PHOTOCOPIERS:
These are female, because once turned off; it takes a while to warm them up again.
They are an effective reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed, but can also wreak havoc if you push the wrong buttons.
TyRES:
Tyres are male, because they go bald easily and are often over inflated
HOT AIR BALLOONS:
Also a male object, because to get them to go anywhere, you have to light a fire under their butt.
SPONGES:
These are female, because they are soft, squeezable and retain water.
WEB PAGES:
Female, because they're constantly being looked at and frequently getting hit on.
TRAINS:
Definitely male, because they always use the same old lines for picking up people.
EGG TIMERS:
Egg timers are female because, over time, all the weight shifts to the bottom.
HAMMERS:
Male, because in the last 5000 years, they've hardly changed at all, and are occasionally handy to have around.
THE REMOTE CONTROL:
Female. Ha! You probably thought it would be male, but consider this: It easily gives a man pleasure, he'd be lost without it, and while he doesn't always know which buttons to push, he just keeps trying
The Banana Test
There is a very, very tall coconut tree and there are 4 animals, a Lion, a Chimpanzee, a Giraffe and a Squirrel, who pass by. They decide to compete to see who is the fastest to get a banana off the tree.
Who do you guess will win ?
Your answer will reflect your personality.
So think carefully . . . Try and answer within 30 seconds !!!
Got your answer ?
Now scroll down to see the analysis.
If your answer is:
Lion = you're a bit slow on the uptake.
Chimpanzee = you're a moron.
Giraffe = you're a complete idiot.
Squirrel = you're just hopelessly stupid.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A COCONUT TREE DOESN'T HAVE BANANAS.
Obviously you're stressed and overworked. You should take some time off and relax ! Try again next year
Who do you guess will win ?
Your answer will reflect your personality.
So think carefully . . . Try and answer within 30 seconds !!!
Got your answer ?
Now scroll down to see the analysis.
If your answer is:
Lion = you're a bit slow on the uptake.
Chimpanzee = you're a moron.
Giraffe = you're a complete idiot.
Squirrel = you're just hopelessly stupid.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A COCONUT TREE DOESN'T HAVE BANANAS.
Obviously you're stressed and overworked. You should take some time off and relax ! Try again next year
Grand Pa Story + Learning Process
A hat-seller who was passing by a forest decided to take a nap under the trees, and left his basket of hats by his side. A few hours later, he woke up and realized that all his hats were gone.
He looked up and to his surprise, the tree was full of monkeys and they had taken his hats. He sat down and thought of how he could get his hats down.
While thinking he started to scratch his right arm. The next moment, the monkeys were doing the same. Next, he took down his own hat(luckily was not snatched by the monkeys), the monkeys did exactly the same too. An idea then came to him, he took his hat and threw it on the ground and the monkeys did that too. So he finally managed to get all his hats back.
Fifty years later, his grandson also became a hat-seller who have heard this monkey story from his father. One day, just like his grandfather, he passed by the same forest. It was very hot, and he took a nap under a tree and left the hats on the grass.
He woke up and suddenly realized that all his hats were taken by the monkeys on the tree. Then he remembered his grandfather' s story, he scratched his head and the monkeys did likewise. He took down his hat and fanned himself and again the monkeys did the same. Now, very convinced of his grandfather' s method, he threw his hat on the floor but to his surprise, the monkeys still held on to their hats.
Then one monkey climbed down the tree, grabbed the hat on the floor, gave him a slap and said ...... ..... ..
Guess What??
...... ..... .....
...... ......
......
"You think only you have a grandfather ?
He looked up and to his surprise, the tree was full of monkeys and they had taken his hats. He sat down and thought of how he could get his hats down.
While thinking he started to scratch his right arm. The next moment, the monkeys were doing the same. Next, he took down his own hat(luckily was not snatched by the monkeys), the monkeys did exactly the same too. An idea then came to him, he took his hat and threw it on the ground and the monkeys did that too. So he finally managed to get all his hats back.
Fifty years later, his grandson also became a hat-seller who have heard this monkey story from his father. One day, just like his grandfather, he passed by the same forest. It was very hot, and he took a nap under a tree and left the hats on the grass.
He woke up and suddenly realized that all his hats were taken by the monkeys on the tree. Then he remembered his grandfather' s story, he scratched his head and the monkeys did likewise. He took down his hat and fanned himself and again the monkeys did the same. Now, very convinced of his grandfather' s method, he threw his hat on the floor but to his surprise, the monkeys still held on to their hats.
Then one monkey climbed down the tree, grabbed the hat on the floor, gave him a slap and said ...... ..... ..
Guess What??
...... ..... .....
...... ......
......
"You think only you have a grandfather ?
The Living Garden
PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul/spirit
PLANT FIVE ROWS OF SQUASH:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash anger
4. Squash grumbling
5. Squash selfishness
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
1. Let-us be faithful
2. Let-us be kind
3. Let-us be patient
4. Let-us really love one another
NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
1. Turn-up for meetings
2. Turn-up for service
3. Turn-up to help one another
TO COMPLETE THE GARDEN WE MUST HAVE A THYME:
1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends
Water freely with patience and cultivate with love.
There is much fruits in the living garden because we reap what we sow !
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul/spirit
PLANT FIVE ROWS OF SQUASH:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash anger
4. Squash grumbling
5. Squash selfishness
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
1. Let-us be faithful
2. Let-us be kind
3. Let-us be patient
4. Let-us really love one another
NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
1. Turn-up for meetings
2. Turn-up for service
3. Turn-up to help one another
TO COMPLETE THE GARDEN WE MUST HAVE A THYME:
1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends
Water freely with patience and cultivate with love.
There is much fruits in the living garden because we reap what we sow !
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