what does it mean by being someone who is different, a problem solver?
i guess it is really by going the extra mile. in this time and age, there are plenty of people who would easily settle with a compromise or the easier way out. considering the busy schedules that each of us have and how apathetic Singaporeans are getting, it is definitely an easier way out to keep to our own lives, thinking about ourselves - our problems, our dreams and our desires. the focus is very much on ourselves, our personal needs, our way of doing things. it seems then that our dictionary is very much being restricted to me, myself and I (especially big I). it is saddening and upsetting to consider how much people shortchange themselves and others by being self-centred.
many a times, we tend to think of the costs involved and what is in it for us when we say yes to something. it is important to think of the pros and cons but we need to balance with are we being too calculative as well. and even when we say no to someone, how many do actually do help to think of alternative solution to the problem? especially when the problem is yours but you try to evade by just saying no and not offering alternatives that could well help resolve the problem.
something that i have always believed is that in order for things to change, it needs to start from the individual. and each of us have the power to influence change, just like how a candle makes the entire darkness brighter. like what i used to say a lot, the world is so full of people that are negative that one who is positive makes a whole lot of difference. in the same way, amidst the lovelessness, a little love can change an entire culture. by thinking of others a bit more, we can cut back on a whole lot of problems and bring sunshine into the lives of others.
some small habits or actions that we can develop to brighten someone's day...
do you thank the bus driver when you board the bus, especially after waiting for you while you chased after the bus?
do you greet the cleaner who clears your dishes, especially in school compounds?
when you see someone in need and it is not going to take much out of you, will you offer to help?
do you hold the door for someone who is carrying bulky items or even to help?
when encountering problems, do you propose alternatives and make things happen or just wait for things to happen?
are we going to continue to be oblivious to people that are around us or are we going to start acknowledging their presence and give them recognition? a little of love for people that are different from us can go a looooong looooooooooong way for them. and it does something to our hearts - it make us more human. and end of the day, love catalyses changes since the pre-requisite in loving someone is acceptance.
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Numerous scientific studies show that acts of kindness result in significant health benefits, both physical and mental. Here are some key points:
• Helping contributes to the maintenance of good health, and it can diminish the effect of diseases and disorders serious and minor, psychological and physical.
• A rush of euphoria, followed by a longer period of calm, after performing a kind act is often referred to as a "helper's high," involving physical sensations and the release of the body's natural painkillers, the endorphins. This initial rush is then followed by a longer-lasting period of improved emotional well-being.
• Stress-related health problems improve after performing kind acts. Helping reverses feelings of depression, supplies social contact, and decreases feelings of hostility and isolation that can cause stress, overeating, ulcers, etc. A drop in stress may, for some people, decrease the constriction within the lungs that leads to asthma attacks.
• Helping can enhance our feelings of joyfulness, emotional resilience, and vigor, and can reduce the unhealthy sense of isolation.
• A decrease in both the intensity and the awareness of physical pain can occur.
• The incidence of attitudes, such as chronic hostility, that negatively arouse and damage the body is reduced.
• The health benefits and sense of well-being return for hours or even days whenever the helping act is remembered.
• An increased sense of self-worth, greater happiness, and optimism, as well as a decrease in feelings of helplessness and depression, is achieved.
• Once we establish an "affiliative connection" with someone - a relationship of friendship, love, or some sort of positive bonding - we feel emotions that can strengthen the immune system.
• Adopting an altruistic lifestyle is a critical component of mental health.
• The practice of caring for strangers translates to immense immune and healing benefits.
• Regular club attendance, volunteering, entertaining, or faith group attendance is the happiness equivalent of getting a college degree or more than doubling your income.
the power of love and accumulation...
Labels: principles, thoughts
1:15 PM