It's easy to criticize someone but it's harder to criticize ourselves. Do we not see ourselves - our true selves or perhaps we are truly oblivious to who we really are and what we represent.
Before we begin to criticize another individual or pass judgement, we should look closely at ourselves. When we criticise another, often we are really seeing our weaknesses before our eyes. Once looking at ourselves, we should be able to analyse our weaknesses and work on them gradually.
Letting go of expectations is another reason why we shouldn't criticize individuals. We all have expectations about certain individuals, but they are not perfect and neither are we. Throughout our lives, people will disappoint us, but we have to remind ourselves of their good qualities. Leave the expectations to God. "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him" (Psalm 62:5)
Before the need to criticize, ask for guidance.
Wednesday 10 February 2010
Tuesday 2 February 2010
Being Still
Being still means just that.We make the mistake of putting the being still process in a box labelled, when, where and how. Sometimes it's not always convenient to shut ourselves off from the hectic world around us. Taking short or long breaks away from the stressful environment is great if one is able to do that, but short, even the shortest bursts are just as effective. And that's all it can take; 5,10, 15 minutes to recharge lost mental, emotional and spiritual energy to start climbing the mountain again.
The short bursts of stillness, gives us time to focus on what we doing and where we are going; quick interludes, five minute breaks. Almost like mini meditations sessions, where the mind is cleared of everything. It is surprising how these short bursts of being still can actually work wonders on our busy lives.
So really, the phrase "I don't have time to be still" should be eliminated from our vocabulary. One can find time whilst waiting for the bus, whilst waiting in the doctor's waiting room, waiting for food, waiting, waiting, waiting. There is no excuse to being still.
The short bursts of stillness, gives us time to focus on what we doing and where we are going; quick interludes, five minute breaks. Almost like mini meditations sessions, where the mind is cleared of everything. It is surprising how these short bursts of being still can actually work wonders on our busy lives.
So really, the phrase "I don't have time to be still" should be eliminated from our vocabulary. One can find time whilst waiting for the bus, whilst waiting in the doctor's waiting room, waiting for food, waiting, waiting, waiting. There is no excuse to being still.
Thursday 21 January 2010
Thoughts
Thoughts have power. Thoughts are energy. You can make or break your world by your thinking. SUSAN TAYLOR
Monday 11 January 2010
Reading with Toddlers
Never underestimate a toddlers knowledge. They are like sponges continually absorbing everything around them and absorbing information is no exception.
"Read to your toddler" is what Childcare Professional tell us. "Read for at least 15 minutes a day."
I agree with what they say, but I also believe they should be encouraging parents and guardians to read themselves, setting examples to children. Children learn by association, so by seeing parents and guardian read ignites their own desire to follow suit. Naturally, this will create an enjoyable experience and environment for both parents and children.
Make colourful book bags for children and hang on the wall. Contrary to what some may say, you can never have too many books for children. The more variety of books for there are at home, the more stimulating the reading sessions. At fifteen months, my daughter was so engaged in reading and would pick up books more than ten times in the day!
Reading with your toddler, ensures a positive and expressive toddler. However it is important to maintain this activity throughout their young lives, including school. I dread to think how her life would be without a keen interest in books!
"Read to your toddler" is what Childcare Professional tell us. "Read for at least 15 minutes a day."
I agree with what they say, but I also believe they should be encouraging parents and guardians to read themselves, setting examples to children. Children learn by association, so by seeing parents and guardian read ignites their own desire to follow suit. Naturally, this will create an enjoyable experience and environment for both parents and children.
Make colourful book bags for children and hang on the wall. Contrary to what some may say, you can never have too many books for children. The more variety of books for there are at home, the more stimulating the reading sessions. At fifteen months, my daughter was so engaged in reading and would pick up books more than ten times in the day!
Reading with your toddler, ensures a positive and expressive toddler. However it is important to maintain this activity throughout their young lives, including school. I dread to think how her life would be without a keen interest in books!
Tuesday 5 January 2010
Stress-Free Mornings for Parents and Children
The mornings before school can be a real battle. Almost like, some sort of daily mad ritual: "Where's your hat" "Can you put your shoes on please?" "Can you hurry up, please" "Where's your rucksack" And so it goes on.
We often forget that we were once children and now, we have to savour the moments we spend with our little treasures no matter how much they drive us to hysteria! Of course, that is if we let them.
Rushing around in the mornings can increase the emotional wellbeing of any calm-natured individual.. When a child sees its parent beoming highly charged, s/he is more likely to act up and may not be as co-operative as the parent would like.
So, what's the answer?
Allow extra time to compenste for lost items, cereal crunching,toast popping, etc. It sounds so simple, yet it's so surprising just how many people don't practice the art of extra time.
Prepare the night before. School kit, shoes, homework, even parents clothing should be laid out. Ironing too, should also be done the night before or even days before.
By following the two simple steps, stress can be minimized and mornings need not be a battle ground for both parents and children. Therefore no excuse for rushing around in the morning!
We often forget that we were once children and now, we have to savour the moments we spend with our little treasures no matter how much they drive us to hysteria! Of course, that is if we let them.
Rushing around in the mornings can increase the emotional wellbeing of any calm-natured individual.. When a child sees its parent beoming highly charged, s/he is more likely to act up and may not be as co-operative as the parent would like.
So, what's the answer?
Allow extra time to compenste for lost items, cereal crunching,toast popping, etc. It sounds so simple, yet it's so surprising just how many people don't practice the art of extra time.
Prepare the night before. School kit, shoes, homework, even parents clothing should be laid out. Ironing too, should also be done the night before or even days before.
By following the two simple steps, stress can be minimized and mornings need not be a battle ground for both parents and children. Therefore no excuse for rushing around in the morning!
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