It's been a while...

Yes... it's been a while since I wrote in this blog. I feel bad about it! The truth is... life gets so hectic at times that I just "leave certain things for tomorrow." It's a good busy though... I love teaching young ladies, I love my work, I love the school where I work, I love my family (my husband, my daughters, my friends)! At times I feel overwhelmed (it is true), and yet, no matter what, I love being BUSY! It makes me feel ALIVE, it gives me purpose. But this blog is very dear to me, and I will make time once in a while - I promise - to express myself here. I hope some people (especially young people) read it some times. I write it for me in many ways, since I have to continue motivating myself to stay strong no matter what, and to continue having faith in others, myself and a power greater than myself. We hear so many bad news out there, that I truly believe we must try our best to find inspiration wherever we go and stay POSITIVE! Also, to keep an open mind.

We must find inspiration in nature, in music, in books, in websites, in movies, in people, etc. We must concentrate in the good of others and the good of every situation. And follow one of the hardest lessons to learn, like Don Miguel Ruiz wrote (in his book "The Four Agreements"): "Don't take things personally..." Don't take anything personally!

"Nothing others do is because of you.  What others say and do is a projection of their own dream.  When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering."

I was telling my students today that we must be careful with our words, thoughts and actions. Careful not to criticize and judge others so easily. We prayed together "Dear Lord: please help us accept others just the way they are, without judgments, without expectations, without criticism. Help us accept others with love, compassion, patience, and understanding, always. Help us realize that we are all interconnected to one another, that everything we think, feel, say and do affects those around us in some way. Help us put loving thoughts in our minds and express our love towards others at all times. Amen."

I told my students the story of the news anchor who was criticized because of her weight. Her name is Jennifer Livingston. She was sent an e-mail saying the following:

“I was surprised to witness that your physical condition hasn’t improved for many years. Surely you don‘t consider yourself a suitable example for this community’s young people, girls in particular. Obesity is one of the worst choices a person can make and one of the most dangerous habits to maintain.”

“I leave you this note hoping that you’ll reconsider your responsibility as a local public personality to present and promote a healthy lifestyle.”

How dare he? What a nasty e-mail! How can he think, he can put himself in her shoes. Luckily hundreds of people lifted her spirits by speaking against bullies who attack others, and by showing great compassion, love and understanding. It's so easy to criticize others, so easy to make fun of others - yet, we must look at the reason why we do so. The reality is that in some ways criticizing others make us feel better about ourselves; because we all have our weaknesses, our imperfections. We are not perfect! We are only human, like they say.

In judging and criticizing others, we feel at times empowered. But this behavior should not be considered acceptable. In the long run we "disempower" ourselves. We are expressing discontentement, low self-esteem and low self-confidence by acting this way. In fact, the more we gossip and criticize others, the more we are showing others that we are somehow "in pain" (dysfunctional). That we are not happy with our lives, or certain situations in our lives. That we are not happy with who we are... Besides, I'm a firm believer in "karma" (what goes around comes around). What you put out there, your actions, your behaviors, your thoughts and your intentions will affect your own life in positive and negative ways. It's always better to put good things "out there."

Concentrate in the GOOD in others, their good qualities, their inner beauty, their accomplishments, their talents. Stop the nastiness, the unkind words, the gossip. Try to make a "Positive Pledge." Check: thepositivepledge.com. The world will be a better place then!