GENUINE BEAUTY

Do I love you because you’re beautiful

Or are you beautiful because I love you?

—Oscar Hammerstein





Once, a powerful king agreed to help a small, lost boy find his mother. Since the boy described his mother as the most beautiful woman in the world, the king commanded all the beautiful women in the kingdom to come to the castle.



From across the place they came – women with complexions of porcelain and hair of spun gold, with cheeks the color of apricots and eyes as dark as the raven’s. But none of them was the boy’s mother.



When the last of the women had paraded before them, and the king and the boy had begun to despair, they heard a timid knock on the door. “Come in,” the king said wearily. In shuffled an old washerwoman, her grey hair tied up in a kerchief, her hands rough and red, her dress coarse and patched. “Mother!” the boy cried when he saw her, and he leapt from his chair and raced into the woman’s arms. The king stared in amazement.



Will I be able to see the real beauty in others today?

Those Moments When You Make Mistakes

At times in life, we get carried away so much with a particular situation that we either give up or just make the best out of that situation. I would say, when you believe that God works for your own good in every situation of your life, we tend to do our best and leave the rest to God.

Don’t worry about mistakes too much, because some of the most beautiful things we create in life come from changes we make after failures.

Failure Is The Backdoor To Success

Anyone who is afraid of failure and afraid to face challenges will never taste success, so said our Professor in Marketing. I did laugh it off at that time but got cold feet when it actually happened in my life.

I landed in this small tiny Arab State of Qatar in the Middle East to set up a joint Business venture. The project was to set up a world class Car Rental firm, possibly with an International tie up. Having decided on the project, I earnestly settled myself in getting into the details of registration, premises, stationery, finance, staff etc, etc. With a positive mind, I told myself nothing should stop me now. Having travelled miles away from home, I was more than keen to make this Business Venture a success. The name of the Company was chosen: SPEEDY Car Rental.

We were into Business for about 2 months and the least expected thing happened. Iraq invaded Kuwait. I realized that we were in a tight spot now. Tension ran high in the region. Eventually the war broke out in January 1991, many people fled the country and the region leaving SPEEDY in deep trouble.

As usual, "when things become difficult, and every effort seems to bring disappointment, it can be tempting to lower your expectations or even water down your goals and ambitions." It was no different with me. I thought of running away, hanging up my boots and calling it quits. I remembered the words of Thomas Edison, the famous scientist who said: "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." How I wished it was true in this case too!

I decided to hang in. I kept telling myself, "I am not afraid of challenges and obstacles", after all they are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal! I stayed on through those grilling months of uncertainty and insecurity. Finances ran low, banks were up and above to get their dues. To add to all this, the banks even threatened to take all my vehicles that were hypothecated to them. In all this, I felt I made a wrong decision to move to the Middle East. I was now ready to face FAILURE.

I was living against all hopes. I prayed that the war may end soon. After 2 months it did, but not before I piled up enough debts for me and my Company. Each day I kept believing that something good would happen.

My Persistence and Perseverance paid off: as soon as the war was over, people started flooding back and the car bookings picked up. The company which was started off with 10 cars now grew five times over. It so happened that all who returned back to the country had no cars as they had already sold them off !

Speedy went on adding to its fleet and very soon entered the Top 5 bracket of Car Hire firms, which included the top names like Avis, Budget, Europcar & Hertz. We were invited by HONDA to visit their plant in Japan, which was a clear indication that the company had joined the big league.

Things were not the same and easy for Speedy. We had to work hard and improve on our sales and service. In a short span of 2 years Speedy grew even more. There were newspaper articles both in the local & international media (Gulf times, Khaleej Times, TTG Middle East etc) about the Fastest growing Company in the region.

Success, I believe, comes to the one who dares, even after failure, to think positively and look forward confidently. If I had to give up and do like others did, run from the troubled spot, I wouldn't be writing this article.

After all, it's only the experience that makes a man tough. I have learnt 2 lessons from the above experience and would like to share them with you.

Failure doesn't mean you'll never make it. It means that it will take a little longer.

Failure doesn't mean that God has abandoned you. It means that He has a better plan for you.

The so-called Failure is sometimes good; it provides us with a learning experience.

Everybody Has a Dream

It was way back in the year 1982. I remember as a young marketing person in this Multi national company in Mumbai, I had a very senior colleague named Paul, who taught me not only to handle marketing effectively but also to deal with life cheerfully.

It was one of those hectic days... management meeting, sales calls, planning my travel schedule, booking hotels, arranging appointments and the list was endless. By the end of the day, I was not only exhausted but was getting irritated with myself and everyone around me. It was at this time that Paul invited me to his house for a quiet "chill out".

We made our way to Paul's house, although tired, I was all excited to chat up with Paul and share and learn through his rich experiences in Marketing. As we entered through the main door to his house, Paul started singing that ABBA's all time favorite: I have a dream, a song to sing, to help me thru' in everything... and so on. I was in no mood to listen to his song; I wanted to hear about how he handled tricky sales calls!

As I leaned over Paul's shoulder to tell him just that, I was totally awe stricken at what I saw next. Two young girls, aged between 17 & 20, walked over to Paul and hugged him. They couldn't walk steadily, neither could they talk properly; their faces were full of smiles but they too sang a song: No mummy's kisses only Daddy's smiles, nobody wants us, Daddy hug us tonight.

I was still standing and watching all that was going on, totally lost in the beautiful singing, when Paul tapped me on my shoulder and asked me to sit down. Curious to know, I asked Paul who these girls were. I knew that Paul lived in that house but I had never seen these girls.

Over a much refreshing cup of tea and sandwiches, Paul went on to explain:

"I too have a dream, a dream to make these girls happy. They are my daughters and they were born as "Special children" (mentally challenged). And he further added, "They don't have a Mother. My wife died when they were very young", and that he is both Mother & Father to these beautiful daughters.

I could barely control my emotions and was moved to tears. In the office, no one knew what Paul was going through in his personal life. He never, ever, looked for "special privileges" from his higher ups or any sympathy from his friends and colleagues. In fact, he always helped us at the office and being the Head of the Department, always motivated us to move forward in life.

Paul's life has been an inspiration to me. If a man can smile through these so called troubles in life and yet excel in Corporate world, was there something that was keeping Paul happy and smiling inspite of his hectic schedule?

Probing a little further, I found that every night after the daughters were put to sleep, he would spend "silent time" with God, who not only strengthened him and gave him the courage but also helped him to move forward in life with a smile on his face.

I finished my tea and made my way out, when Paul said to me, "All of us have dreams, and sometimes shattered ones. If you take it to God in prayer, He will make your dreams whole."

How true, I said to myself. I had seen that today!

As he bid me good bye and I turned to walk away from him, I heard in that distant night Paul's voice once again singing that song to his daughters: I have a dream, a song to sing, to help me through in everything...

... and then the daughters singing to Paul: No mummy's kisses only Daddy's smiles, nobody wants us, Daddy can you hug us tonight?

The song faded as my cab moved away into the dark and lonely streets of Mumbai.

Pain Behind that Smile

have you ever wondered.....It’s so very easy to look at people and make quick judgments about them, their present and their past.

You would be amazed at the pain and tears a single smile hides. What a person shows to the world is only one small facet of the iceberg hidden from sight. And more often than not, it’s lined with cracks and scars that go all the way to the foundation of their soul.

Let's Never judge, learn to respect and acknowledge the feelings of another.We would be doing a world of good to the morale of the other person.

EXCELLENCE V/S PERFECTION

In the years gone by, I must admit that I did spend way too much energy and time trying to be perfect. That aiming for perfection left me feeling inadequate and stressed.

Nothing ever goes to waste and in this case too,it has taught me a lesson. When you aim for perfection, you are in probability setting yourself up for failure.

Instead, I would suggest that you chose to aim for EXCELLENCE in whatever you do. Excellence is dynamic and is always changing and evolving. You attain one level of excellence and then strive for the next. Each moment offers new opportunities for choosing excellence.
Instead of working toward perfection and being disappointed,focus on getting as good as you can possibly be in any given field. Shifting away from perfection and toward excellence will give you space and courage to learn and grow, and will make you a happier and lighter person.It has helped me and I hope it will help you too!

God bless+

YOU ARE THE BEST...NO MATTER WHAT OTHERS SAY

Mistakes are part of growing. They are very much a natural part of every worthwhile endeavor.We all make and will make mistakes, but you must have the courage to admit those mistakes you've done and then to follow through and do your best to make the wrong things right.

We will always have people who will suppport us and some others who will criticize or condemn us for our mistakes.If someone refuses to support you as you grow beyond your past mistakes, they are now the one that’s making a mistake.If someone continuously judges you by your past, holds it against you, and refuses to forgive you, you might have to reconstruct your present and future by leaving them behind.

The shortcomings and weaknesses you often see in yourself are only the qualities of your own individuality. There is something unique and special about you. You are different. You may never be as good as someone else, and they may never be as good as you. You are meant to be different. You are here to express who you are and enjoy what you have at this very moment. When you accept this, there is no reason to compare yourself to someone or something you aren’t.


Seriously, you got to spell out when enough is enough! Letting go of negative people doesn’t mean you hate them, on the contrary it simply means you care where you are heading to in your life.

Some people are impossible to please.Throughout your lifetime some people will disrespect you and treat you shabbily for no apparent reason at all. Don’t consume yourself with trying to change them or win their approval. And don’t make any space in your heart to hate them. Simply walk away because it will be a waste of time and any sort of hate and aggravation in your heart for them, will only hurt you.

We Are Not Perfect

If you see around you, the people we encounter seemed to be far from perfect.Nothing seems to be perfect; the world itself is not perfect.But somehow with that imperfection,we’re all here living and making our dreams come true.So what is it that makes us move on and do the things while at the back of our mind we still consider the people and the world imperfect? Why do people still fall in love? Why are we so good inspite of all our shortcomings? Well, the shortcomings and weaknesses are a part of our very being.

When we do those small things with all our flaws in tow, we would be surprised at this but they are precisely the reasons others fall in love with us. Amazing isn't it? Its true though.

You must accept your flaws, your weaknesses,and all the mistakes you do.No point in keeping them hidden away.It will make you a liar in the long run. The best would be to deal with the truth.

We must learn the lessons life teaches us constantly.Just accept the consequences of reality, and move on. The mistakes won’t hurt you. The denial and cover-up will.In fact, people like you when you admit your mistakes and flaws. I have had people tell me I like that person because he was honest in his speech and dealings with me. While the truthful person will always be admired,people who lie about themselves will be shunned. They prosper in the short run but in the long term they are heading for disaster.

Every one of us is full of flaws and when we do our work in all good faith and truthfulness, we turn the world upside down and make a good job out of everything we do.

It's time to make that Change

In the course of our journey called "life" we unknowingly hold on to little, obsessive habits that cause us a great deal of stress and unhappiness. Even when we feel that something is wrong, we fail to seek the changes we need to make and instead cling to what’s not working, simply because it’s what we’re accustomed to.You need to move on.

It’s time to make a change. It’s time to give up the habits that no longer serve your well-being and embrace the positive changes you need to be happy. You cannot grow unless you are willing to change.

Be bold and make that decision to change. God bless you.

Time is Now


So many people say they want a new life, but then they take the new one they get every morning for granted. Don’t do this. Don’t wait until your life is almost over to realize how great it has been. A great life begins right now, when you stop wanting a better one.

Be Patient with Yourself

Whenever you are feeling anxious or impatient about your growth,think of the Chinese bamboo plant.
For the first four years of its life, all you can see is a little tiny shoot growing out of the ground. However, during those first years, an intricate, deep, and wide root structure is developing. Then, in the fifth year, this bamboo plant grows up to 80 feet high.

Even when you can‘t see it, remember you are growing,as long as you keep doing the work you are supposed to do.

Be at peace with yourself and the world around you

Out thoughts,behaviour and the choices we make, shape who we are and what we become. It affects the way we see ourselves and the world around us. In our pilgrimage through life, the journey itself, not just the destination, is of prime importance. It is how we live, how we respond to what life brings us that creates the difference in our spiritual journey.

Just as sediment settles down in a jar of muddied water when left still for a time, so also do we begin to experience the peace,calm and tranquility that comes from periods of silence and stillness.We experience peace with ourselves and the world around us.

Everyone has a dream, no matter who they are. Let's help each other with living our dreams.

Everyone has a dream, no matter who they are. Let's help each other with living our dreams.

Bitterness can be harmful

Bitterness is a habit that can seriously hinder our spiritual journey. When life becomes difficult, when it doesn't seem as if God is providing for our needs, when we're not getting what we want when we want it, we have a decision to make.

We can hold onto our faith and trust that God has an answer in mind, or we can gripe and moan and complain and let our souls become embittered.

Expecting an oasis, but finding a bitter stream? Don't lose sight of the grace of God.Just cling to Him and He will see you through. Instead Commit your way to Him, trust in Him & He will act (Psalm 37:5 - Holy Bible).

God will never Abandon us

{This is a short reflection based on the gospel of Mathew Chp 6:24-34}



We are all simple human beings.It is natural for all of us to worry and be anxious about our future.At the time of Jesus,the apostles also looked at their future and were afraid.Jesus knew their fears and today He also knows our fears and consoles us with words such as these:

Do you think that God will leave you alone-a God who cares for the birds of the sky and the flowers of the field? Will He cease to care for you, who is so precious in His eyes?

Do not worry about being a "success" in my service. I have not called you to a career. I have called you to a way of life-the life of bringing God to the world you face each day.If you do that, I will take even your failures and make them successes.

Don't worry about the future. Stay with me in your every today and let the next tomorrow take care of itself.If today you are with me, I will take care of your future.

Jesus knows that inspite of all His promises and assurances, we will still worry and so He adds this line: Can any of you add a day to your life by worrying about it? (Mt 6:27)

True my dear friends, Jesus wants us to be free, not of concerns but of all worries,in order to serve Him.



Seek the kingdom of God first and all things shall be added unto you.....Mt 6:33.



God bless+

Stay Positive in times of crisis

Just as songs are as happy or sad as the listener, a moment is as happy or sad as the person living it. What you hear, what you see, and what you think depends a great deal on how you feel when you hear, see or experience something. Your truth is in your mind.

As Oscar Wilde once said, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” The key is to remain positive even when times are less than ideal. Look for the silver lining, and walk the line, step by step, until you get your mind out of the gutter. As you gradually begin to feel better and better, the things happening around you will seem better and better as well.

Troubled Times Push You Forward

Times of great difficulty are times of great opportunity. These times may not seem ideal at first, but they usually provide keen insight into ideas of great value. When you are surrounded by problems, you are simultaneously given an opportunity to provide valuable solutions.

When times are good and everything is comfortably in order, it’s easy to become complacent and forget how skillful and resourceful you are capable of being. Troubled times are necessary evils that push you forward, because they eventually end, and the lessons and strengths you gain from them last a lifetime.

Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself.

Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.

FREEING YOURSELF

Sometimes we pay too much of attention into trying to control every tiny aspect of our lives.We must learn to let go, relax and ride the path that life takes us to. Trying something new, taking a chance, but above all, smiling and enjoying the scenery.

Freeing yourself from trying to control the insignificant things lets you experience more of the good things around you. The greatest joys in life are often the unexpected surprises that arrive when you are flexible and open to life’s twists and turns.

Difficuties make you grow stronger

After each difficulty you faced in the past was overcome, you became stronger and more able to meet the ones you face today. Likewise, the difficulties you face today are preparing you for the challenges of tomorrow. As this process of growth takes place remember that there are no mistakes.

The events you bring upon yourself as you journey forward, no matter how unpleasant, are necessary steps in order to learn what you need to know to reach the places you’ve chosen to go.