Day by day, the world is aging. And as it goes down this inevitable path, change accompanies it. In every possible way, we are part of that changing process be it for long-term or not. What are we doing to change the world? A lot of us don’t even stop and wonder how our actions cause such changes. But then again, thinking about how our small decisions and choices affect the whole lives of each living and non-living thing on this massive piece of rock floating casually but at the same time so precise with its every movement in the immensity of our universe, isn’t such an easy feat. So in response, I propose to think small and let the effects ripple a hundred fold with everything we do. Just like dropping a piece of rock in the middle of the lake, let each little thing we do resonate not only through space amongst persons but also transcend through time across generations.

Charismatic as it may sound; I think this is how we all should think, to leave a significant legacy that helped make the world a better place.

Alright, I’ll cut the crap. I’m not really that aggressive about changing the world. Let’s be honest, not all of us are that hard-hitting when it comes making a global, let alone nationwide, impact. But somehow it worries me that there are a lot of others like me, or perhaps even worse. I really wouldn’t say I’m the one of the totally worthless type of those ungrateful citizens or one of those totally pathetic and callously passive sloths. Right, I still have some heart and sensitivity in me, and I’m definitely sure, there are others like me. And to those who are at the lower end of the concerned-ness spectrum, I call you to make a stand for yourself, to help change the world.

Fine, perhaps going out to peaceful demonstrations is not our kind of game, yet. So let’s start something small, work our way up to more assertive and compelling acts, and leave our so-called legacy upon this lovely land we tread.

How about starting by being grateful about every little thing that comes our way? I mean, having this kind of positive disposition would tremendously change the way we look at our daily experiences and perhaps that of others. Imagine being thankful to each person that does a good deed to you, and meaning it. I just realized how we sometimes take our mom’s delicious cooking for granted, for instance. How much would it cost us to say thank you for the scrumptious meal? “Thanks mom, the meal was delicious. I really loved the tender meat.” Or whatever it is that made your meal sooo delish! Well if your mom doesn’t cook that well, then at least be thankful for being fed. Just be thankful. ;)

Earlier today, I had a haircut, and you know how hair salons have to shampoo and condition your hair first before actually trimming and styling your hair, right. Sometimes, the one giving you the shampoo and the whole conditioner treatment also throws in a head massage. And you’d want that. It’s relaxing. And it makes you feel good. It put a smile on my face, and I immediately thought of being thankful to the lady giving me the shampoo, conditioning, AND massage. Right after she was done, I instantly put on my best grateful smile and said thank you. “Thank you for the massage, I know others don’t throw in the extra service.” She just smiled, and all went well. After the stylist was through trimming and styling, they’d have to rinse my hair. Oftentimes, that’s all you really get, a simple rinse. But this time, the lady earlier threw in more shampoo, conditioner, and even a few minute head massage. And I thought to myself, for the simple smile and the act of gratitude, I got this.

So I was thinking, what more could I get and do for the world if I magnified that simple gesture?

. . .

Quote of the Day:
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” -- William Arthur Ward

People do change, and as cliche as it sounds, they often change for the better. Or so I think. In the end, it all boils down to how we make use of the newly molded self for something of immense benefit to ourself and the people around us. Time will tell.

Make sense of this.



This shall mark the new beginning of Dick's constant creation.

2006. The year that was. What a year it was. But that was the past, so let’s leave it be and discuss something more current. As the New Year advances, changes tag along with it. As cheesy as it may sound, yes, resolutions are always there as part of our social norms regardless of whether they are kept or not. Well, for my New Year’s Resolution, holding everything else constant, I’ll be holding these new L’s constant for the rest of the year.

Let things be. Things happen, may it be for a reason or not. Although at the back of my head it would always be better if a reason was there to back those events that have happened, are happening, or will happen. Nonetheless, things happen, period. Like a growing plant, its development can’t be ceased unless we uproot it or keep it in the dark or not water it, not take care of it. Things will happen as long as we do our share for its fulfillment. Like the plant, there are always a million factors that will affect its growth like season, amount of sunshine and rain it receives, things that is out of our control. Storms may hit and who knows what it would make of our growing plant. But there are still those things that we could always do to enhance the plant’s growth. Watering it everyday and taking out the weeds and those other gardening stuff that most gardeners and plant growers do. Anyway, my point is that we must let thing be, let things happen while keeping our share of the work that is needed for its development, but not putting efforts in hastening the plant’s development or forcing them to grow more flowers and/or fruits. I’m talking about using those chemicals that speed up its growth but in return harm the environment in the process. This year, I plan to let things happen as they would without any forced intrusions or sly gestures to prompt my desired outcome. This year, I will make use of only natural processes in all my undertaking, without coercion, intimidation, or crude brute force. Things will happen if they will happen and when they will happen. Well, otherwise, they won’t. It’s as simple as that.

Learn. As these things happen (or not) there will always be something that can be gained from them happening (or not). This year, I will take every effort to learn from all events that will occur. Every thing has something to offer, it is just a mater of looking at the right places to find them.

Listen. Aside from learning, it is always wise to listen carefully and fully comprehend everything before every undertaking. And even while in the act of doing the things, it is also wise to take heed of the cautions and signs that are encountered. It is always wise to listen and take note. I guess, it’s a less hostile form of being vigilant; simply being aware and cautious.

Let go. The previous year, I have been so attached to things that I tend to clutter them with me. This year, I will have to let go of things or rather not getting too attached to them so as it would be easy to let them go once it starts to clutter and get messy. Letting go has always been my problem because I always have this sad notion that I won’t be able to find something as good as what I have now. I have been so afraid that I will lose so much in letting things go, leaving them behind, throwing them out. But I guess, it would ease the clutter with less things attached to me (especially material things; these things tend to stack up inside my room). So this year, I will be less attached to them and place them all behind me.

Ceteris Paribus. This phrase is Latin for “all else held constant.” But this year, I will hold these other L’s – Letting things be, Learning, Listening and Letting go – constant throughout the year (I hope). Anyway, I hope that with these new stuffs incorporated in my lifestyle would make my 2007 more exciting. If I find them to my liking then I’d keep them for the next year and the next and the next. Otherwise, I don’t have to worry, I have many more New Years to celebrate and resolve.

End.

It is highly probable that at some point in our lives, we come to a crossroad where make decisions from where our next journey would have to spring from. These are the turning points of our lives that every choice we make is crucial for our future voyage. A single mistake would eventually lead us to dead end, a very wearing thing to happen. We could retrace our steps or just continue on another path and hope that somehow; our destination is just around the corner. Nonetheless, it all starts at that critical moment.

At that moment, it is best to first, stop and congratulate yourself for coming this far. But always remember that this is merely a crossroad, a mere break from the unending walk of life. Never fall for the trap of what I like to call, the “Fool’s Goal.” Discern whether this is what you were aiming for. As far as I’m concerned, this is just a momentary halt, for me to check my progress and determine what move to do next. Then look and listen to everything around you. That is how you can gather information about your current standing. Be sensitive and be observant. That is how we can properly assess our next move. Then go for it. No holding back now. It’s the perfect time to take the plunge.

This part is the most critical part, because this is where you take the risk. The plunge is the gamble, for we never know whether we’d land on our feet or land on our head (Ouch!) but we just do it. It’s the faith that allows us to take it. It is that mindset that keeps us bold in every crossroads we face.

“EVERYTHING GOES RIGHT FOR ME.” That’s what I’d like to think. Nothing can harm me, nothing can hurt me. Every step I take is a step closer to everything I ever dreamed of. Every move I make is a journey towards my goal. True, I may have fallen and stumbled several times but those were all part of the design. It was intended to be there to teach me how to stand and get back on my feet.

I have ceased for a long while now, for I have dreaded this moment where I have to face this conundrum. I have stopped and moved on, stopped and moved on. This time, will be different. There will be no stopping me now. I now believe that no matter what road I choose, I will get there, roadblocks and dead ends included. I may get lost or I may stray but at the end of the day, I will be where I am supposed to be.

That is my resolve.