Make Your Circumstances

Posted on January 21, 2014 by MarleneMB

“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

You have decided to pursue what you know to be your purpose in life, but the path to that purpose isn’t quite clear. You encounter obstacles or you have not come across favorable circumstances that will result in you achieving that purpose, that dream. As George Bernard Shaw stated in the previous quote, make them. Make your circumstances!

This means you have to be courageous and have a strong belief in yourself and your dreams. You must think of the ways you can connect to the people, places and things that will create those favorable circumstances. Ask yourself: 1) What actions do I have to take? 2) With whom do I have meet/talk? 3) Where do I have to go to be in the right place? Notice that “make” is a verb, an action word. Successful people often have to make the circumstances they need to fulfill their dreams. Make your circumstances!

Live a Diamond Life! Live a Life of Purpose!

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Practice Equals Performance

Posted on January 20, 2014 by MarleneMB

Over the Holiday Season, I had the opportunity to assist the Sunday school teacher, Ms. Jeannie, at the church I attend with the children’s rehearsal for the Christmas play. She had me work with the kids that were assigned major roles in the play. I was very impressed by the children’s ability to memorize their lines in such a short timeframe. We practiced off to the side of the stage until they were called onstage to practice there.

It was interesting to see that onstage they became very shy and their voices and delivery were off-key. Ms. Jeannie stopped them in the middle of the first session and told them that what they were doing was not good enough. She proclaimed that how they practice would be the way they would perform the day of the event. She challenged them to give it their all. These words seem to hit the right note with the kids. They improved their performance in speaking their lines and using body language to match their words.

Ms. Jeannie’s proclamation struck a chord in me as well about how we approach some situations in our lives. How many times have we, you and I, simply approached a task half-heartedly when we are practicing them? On the day we have to present before our managers, customers, family, and/or audience, our performance is also half-hearted. We don’t give it our all; thus, we appear to be unprepared. We don’t shine like we ought to shine. Perhaps we may follow the advice of the old poem:

“If a task is once begun,
Never leave it till it’s done.
Be the labor great or small,
Do it well or not at all.” ~ Anonymous

I wasn’t present when the children performed the Christmas play, but I heard that it went well. The children received great accolades from their proud parents and those that attended the event. Ms. Jeannie set a high bar and the children raised theirs to meet it. We can do the same. The next time you approach a task that you really don’t enjoy, either decide not to do it and give it to someone that has the passion for it; or change your view and decide to do the best you can. You never know who might be watching you and will be impressed by your performance. You may shine bright like a Diamond!

Live a Diamond Life! Live a Life of Purpose!

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The Choice is Yours

Posted on January 1, 2014 by MarleneMB

“You make life meaningful by choosing to do meaningful things.” ~ Dana LaMon, J.D.

Welcome to 2014! The New Year is a time when most people make decision about new goals, desires, jobs, relationships, etc. It could also be a time to reflect that life is finite in the physical world. The choices we make determine whether we have a life of purpose, meaning and joy; or whether we see it as worthless and without purpose. Ultimately, the choice is yours or mine in how you or I choose to live our lives.

As you build your list of goals, your vision boards or whatever method(s) you utilize in planning your life’s path, choose the ones that lead you to develop your skills, talents and gifts. It will benefit you and those around you! As the quote implies, choosing to do meaningful things will result in a meaningful life…a life of purpose on purpose!

Live a Diamond Life! Live a Life of Purpose!

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Be Careful What You Wish For – Part 1

Posted on December 28, 2013 by MarleneMB

The snow was swirling around the street as I tugged on the leash to keep Ramadan from pulling. She was a mixed breed that we rescued from the animal shelter. Her black coat was covered with the snow. The temperature was in the low 30s but it felt colder because of the wind. Ramadan seemed happy to be in the snow. I wasn’t. My sister was inside the apartment nice and warm and our mother was at work. It was my turn to walk Ramadan…it was one of the worst snow storm in New York and there I was at 7 p.m. walking this dog that wouldn’t listen to me.

Suddenly, Ramadan gave a hard jerk on the leash and broke free. She saw a stray dog down the block and she ran towards it. I called out: “Ramadan, no. Come back.” I chased after them, but the snow made it difficult for me to keep up with them. They ran around the block and I lost track of them. I got so mad and I shouted: “You stupid dog. I wish a car hits you!” I decided to go back to the apartment and ask my sister to help me find her. My sister got dressed and we went out to find Ramadan. We walked around the block that I last saw her. Off in the distance we saw something moving in the road. As we got closer, I told my sister that it was the dog that Ramadan chased. It was tugging at something lying in the road.

The closer we got, the harder my heart was beating in my chest. I was praying that the thing the other dog was tugging at was not Ramadan. But it was. To my horror, Ramadan was not moving; her body was motionless on the cold street with blood coming from her mouth and the leash still tied around her neck. The other dog was trying valiantly to awaken her. It was too late. It seemed my wish had come true. A car did hit Ramadan. Guilt and sorrow immediately flooded my being as I grab my sister’s hand and started running back to the apartment. I kept repeating: “It is my fault. It is my fault,” as the tears stung my half frozen cheeks.

We rushed into the apartment and I dialed my mother’s work number. When she answered, I blurted out what happened and ask her to forgive me. She calmed me on the phone to the point where I wasn’t gasping for air between my sobs. Once I calmed down, she told me: “You must be careful what you wish for. Wishes are powerful and they do come true.” Whether you are I believe in wishes, I know that night in the late 1970’s taught me to be very mindful of the words I utter out to the Universe, especially when making a wish. Now I channel my words, desires, wishes, etc. into positive visions with positive intentions towards Living a Diamond Life. Somehow this works for me. How about you?

Live a Diamond Life! Live a Life of Purpose!

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Resolve

Posted on October 14, 2013 by MarleneMB

She waved to me across the room as she timidly entered. Her winning smile was in place as she approached me. I called her name excitedly “Phyllis” as we hugged. Phyllis is one of six hundred members of the Toastmasters in Division A, the division I oversee as the Division Governor. Phyllis came to see me at the District 47 leadership meeting in order to give me money to pay for her registration for the upcoming District Fall Conference.

I was so happy to see her because I was impressed at her resolve to ensure that she attends the conference. You see, Phyllis does not drive; neither does she have Internet access at home. Whenever, there is event in the District, Phyllis finds and gives me the money for the event. Then I get online and get her registered. Phyllis determination to attend these events always impresses me.

I think about the people who have easy access to transportation and Internet service, yet make excuses why they cannot attend these events. Phyllis sees beyond her inconvenience and recognizes the value of learning new speaking techniques and leadership skills at these conferences. She is willing to invest in her growth despite her challenges. Phyllis’ steadfastness also reminds me that you get what you put into anything you do or relationship you are a part of. She is an inspiration to me to keep doing my best for every member of Division A.

One of the definitions of resolve is “firm determination to do something.” Phyllis shows that she is determine to succeed in any condition! Thank you Phyllis for teaching me to not let any obstacle keep me from reaching my destination or living my purpose!

Live a Diamond Life! Live a Life of Purpose!

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