A SMALL CATALOGUE OF REFLECTIONS
One of the biggest obstacles we face in life is abandoning our dreams.
Opting for mediocrity is effortless compared to the determination needed to pursue excellence.
Whatever is preventing you from living a more joyful life, it is time to bid it farewell.
Do not allow your past to dictate your future.
Living is not about settling for average or less; it is about maximising the potential of your existence.
Throughout your life, you may have encountered numerous stories that you eventually had to bring to a close. Don't let that put you off from succeeding.
REFLECT, HEAL AND RESET
True happiness can be discovered when you genuinely know and understand yourself.
Sometimes, we limit our happiness by resigning ourselves to the idea that we can not reach higher levels of fulfilment.
We cling to what no longer serves us out of fear that we won't discover something better.
We fool ourselves into believing everything is fine, while inside, we are filled with misery.
If you don't take the necessary steps to break free from the obstacles holding you back from growth, you will have days filled with remorse.
Only by breaking free from the chains that bind you can you truly embrace your authentic self.
Just because things don't go as expected in your life, it doesn't mean it's the end of the chapter.
BETTER DAYS ARE COMING!
Stagnation is the enemy of happiness and personal growth. Without embracing change, you will remain stuck in the same place, unable to reach your full potential.
Avoid spending your time in unproductive situations, as doing so may cause you to miss more promising opportunities.
Specific outcomes are predetermined, and attempting to manipulate nature is futile.
You cannot sway a person who is firmly set in their ways. Genuine love and respect cannot be demanded or manipulated by another person.
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Embrace the richness of life, prioritise your health, and never compromise on your worth.
Every morning when I open my eyes, the first thing I do is set my mind to be thankful for my well-being.
Gratitude is the act of being appreciative and showing kindness in return.
**HEALTH**PEACE OF MIND** FREEDOM OF CHOICE**ROOF OVER MY HEAD** ABLE TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHERS**
During a speech I gave, I challenged the audience to think of one thing in their lives that they were thankful for.
The question appeared to be the most challenging, with no immediate answer springing to mind.
When we take the time to reflect on our inner selves, we discover countless reasons to feel gratitude.
However, if our minds are constantly focused on material possessions, we will never find true contentment.
I am filled with anticipation for the endless possibilities that lie ahead in my future - the new faces I will encounter, the fresh opportunities for collaboration, and the exciting projects waiting to be explored.
Never assume that everyone will stand by you when times get tough; many will abandon you when faced with adversity, leaving you to fend for yourself as if they were never there.
There are those who act tough, but when it comes down to it, they are all show and no substance.
Rest assured, when it concerns my family, my loyalty is unwavering. Regardless of our current relationship status, if anyone dares to bring harm to them, I will not hesitate to eradicate you.
They call me Justice, for I will always be a voice for the voiceless and a defender of the defenseless.
REAL TALK
Why do we measure the success of a relationships/ friendships solely based on the number of years together, rather than the happiness and comfort shared within it?
One guy anonymously said,
'At times, we deceive ourselves into thinking everything was fine when deep down, we were never truly content. We remained in toxic and unhealthy relationships, lacking respect and love, simply because we feared being alone.'
My opinion
Once I discovered my innermost self, I found that I don't have any long-standing close friendships. I'm new to this game and still in the process of observing and learning. However I prefer solitude over drama. I love the idea of closing the door on the past and starting fresh and embrace new beginnings.
I intentionally designed the wheel to not be a flawless circle, as perfection is a concept that does not exist in the natural world but a fabrication created by society.
The inner circle of the diagram illustrates the four facets of our being: emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual states.
The next rim are the wasted years leading up to my self-discovery and personal growth journey in between.
The outer rim of the disc displayed a remarkable transformation spanning five years, a visual testament to the moment I awoke to the truth after living a falsehood.
RED IS FOR STRUGGLING failing to conquer my inner struggles. 😢
YELLOW IS FOR BEING ABLE being resilient in the face of adversity 😆
GREEN IS FOR COPING Impacted yet operational.😔
This exercise is not about bragging about my own life's successes, but rather to show that there is always hope for those who feel hopeless.
Take a moment to unwind and take a look into your past, exploring your true identity and contemplating the person you strive to become.
It's time to stop being hard on ourselves for not knowing better and instead acknowledge that we simply didn't have the necessary resources.
Release yourself from the burden of hate and blame, and instead, direct your attention to the present moment. Take the time to discover your true self without being swayed by the judgments and pressures that you allowed to shape you.
Grant yourself forgiveness for not freeing yourself from the mental prison you have constructed. Liberate your soul and reclaim the divine power bestowed upon you by God.
Always show gratitude to your higher power in every aspect of your life.
The topic of well-being was rarely discussed until the last ten years, when the focus shifted from simply navigating life's challenges to prioritising overall health and happiness.
Our mental, physical, and spiritual health are intertwined with the risks of illness. If we let stress dominate, we increase the likelihood of losing the fight against sickness.
Many people proudly proclaim their carefree attitude, dismissing worry as a sign of weakness. Yet, upon closer examination, they came to realise that their outward happiness may not be as genuine as they make it seem.
I firmly believe that while you can fool others, you can never truly deceive yourself.
Others may view me as a pillar of strength, but what they fail to see is the arduous journey of overcoming obstacles and hardships that has molded me into the resilient individual I am today.
There are moments when I still feel vulnerable, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. However, I have transcended the role of a victim who wallows in self-pity.
Two barriers to experiencing life to the fullest are procrastination and yielding to the influence of others.
It is important for us to determine what holds the most value in our lives: prioritising the approval of others or prioritising our own fulfillment.
Achieving our dreams often requires making sacrifices. It is crucial to block out negativity and forge our own unique path to success.
While it may be difficult to pursue our dreams with responsibilities to others, hope remains a guiding light in our journey towards fulfillment.
As much as it may come across as selfish, this statement truly reflects who I am.
I may come across as a control freak, but I struggle to feel secure when others make decisions because I fear they won't follow through.
Throughout history, there has been a recurring pattern of people discussing what needs to be accomplished, yet often these discussions fail to result in any meaningful action being taken.
I find myself annoyed as they seem to think they hold power, when in reality, all they have is a love hearing their own voice.
I always strive to keep my word and never make promises I can't fulfill. When planning an anything, I make sure to thoroughly research and organize every detail.
That's me...
BALANCED MINDS
While it's harmful to fixate on negative thoughts and emotions, it's crucial to confront them and then let go in order to progress.
Allowing negativity to hold you back prevents you from reaching your full potential and becoming the best version of yourself.
Allowing yourself to be affected by the criticisms and opinions of others is a form of self-imprisonment.
TAKE BACK YOUR POWER TO FREEDOM
Occasionally, dwelling on the past can lead to it haunting your dreams, bringing back all the emotions and sadness you've kept buried, manifesting as a nightmare.
As I opened my eyes, a wave of sadness washed over me. But I knew I had to remind myself that those feelings were from many yesterday's, not today.
I’m sharing this with you not to wallow in self-pity, but to remind you not to allow the shadows of the past to dim the brightness of your present blessings.
Natalie M Bleau
Author
