UNITY IN DIVERSITY

Can we be friends?

People from different walks in life can still live together in harmony.

This the concept of Unity in Diversity!

From Wikipedia:

Unity in diversity is a concept of "unity without uniformity and diversity without fragmentation" that shifts focus from unity based on a mere tolerance of physical, cultural, linguistic, social, religious, political, ideological and/or psychological differences towards a more complex unity based on an understanding that difference enriches human interactions. 

No matter how different we are ~~~ in age, form, language, religion, race, culture, profession, student or no work at all ~~~ we can still find things to talk about, to share, to enhance knowledge with interesting interactions.

Our differences will not be the hindrance especially if we have the same purpose in life like:

~~~ working together for peace and prosperity

~~~ or having the same goal as performance excellence

~~~ or just wanting to share cultures and know more about each other.

In the blogging world, this motto "Unity in Diversity" holds true:

~~~ the young and old minds meet

~~~ the rich and poor has no boundaries

~~~ the happy and the sad exchange experiences through words and photos.

And the sharing just flows and we can find so many topics (many of which never ever even crossed our minds until now) and we realize that knowledge exchange is endless!!!

Busch Gardens
Tampa, Florida

ON LAZINESS AND ILLNESS

Am I just tired?... or Am I lazy?

I asked one of my friends, if the reason he is sleepy is because he is tired... or is it because he is lazy!

It worries me to see him seem so slow ... and so ill-looking.

He answered he is not feeling well... and he eventually said he is also depressed.

We forced him to have a check-up and found out he is really sick and needed an operation!

So the question goes again:

Am I just tired?... or Am I lazy?

And the answer is None of the above!

We have to communicate with the people around us so they will not misinterpret illness and depression with laziness.

If we do not talk, people around us will continue to feel bad about our attitude, thinking you don't want to work when in fact, you are really suffering! You will lose respect in the process.

Why do we deny the presence of illness? 

Is it because we are really afraid to have a real dreaded disease... cancer for example?

True, fear is a natural emotion and reaction.

But, if we resort to denial, all the more the illness will worsen and we might not recover at all!

When we are at this stage, it helps to find someone to talk to.

This helps you gain a better perspective of things around you.

It is difficult to be misunderstood to be lazy, when actually you are sick and depressed!

Call a friend... express your sentiments... for all you know, the folks around you are actually sympathetic and sincerely helpful!!

And, when you are well again, you can gain back your own true self ...  with more vigor and enthusiasm ... and the will to live again with a purpose! 


Busch Gardens
Tampa, Florida  

WHAT SQUIRRELS STAND FOR

What comes to our mind when we see squirrels?

http://www.whats-your-sign.com/animal-symbolism-squirrel.html

When the squirrel comes into our lives it is often a message for us to have more fun, and take life a little less seriously. We can see this in the squirrel's daily antics in our yards and surroundings.

Other animal symbolism of squirrels deal with practicality. As the squirrel is commonly known to hide and save its food and return to it in the winter months - we take this as a sign in our own lives; a sign that it might be time to look into our own provisions. 

It's not commonly known that the squirrel only actually finds 10% of the nuts he hides for safekeeping. This is another message from the squirrel that we can also foolishly over-prepare. Here there is a lesson of balance to be considered.

This symbolically coincides with the old adage "what we sow is what we reap." What may seem like absent-mindedness is actually a strong message to us to be mindful of the metaphorical seeds we plant in our own lives as they we will surely reap the consequences.

The animal symbolism of squirrels addresses our ability to express ourselves in social settings. The squirrel reminds us to communicate effectively with others, and to honor those around us with our presence (rather than dishonor them with inappropriate or rude behavior).

Let us be like SQUIRRELS known for Energy, Play, Prudence, Balance, Socializing, Preparation, Resourcefulness!!!


Busch Gardens
Tampa, Florida

ENVY, JEALOUSY AND SCHADENFREUDE

Envy is one of the most potent cause of unhappiness.

And why not?!?

Instead of focusing on your own self-worth, we focus on what others have which we do not possess!

Isn't that sad?...

And... it is even more depressing when one wants to inflict pain because of envy!

I thought envy was just similar to jealousy but in Wikipedia, I found out that they were distinct to each other. Plus, another word Schadenfreude which also has a related meaning. 
Oops! Don't be impressed. I just also read the word Schadenfreude for the first time!

"Envy" and "jealousy" are often used interchangeably, but in standard usage they stand for two distinctly different emotions. Jealousy is the result or fear of losing someone or something that one is attached to or possesses to another person (the transfer of a lover's affections in the typical form), while envy is the resentment caused by another person having something that one does not have, but desires for oneself. In its simplest form, then, envy involves two people, and jealousy three people, but of course it is possible to be envious of more than one individual at any given time. Envy may involve wanting the beauty, wealth, abilities or socioeconomic status of another individual or group. Jealousy relates to that which I hold dear and wish to conserve; envy to that thing which I desire for myself, or would wish to deny my rival. "Schadenfreude" means taking pleasure in the misfortune of others, and so might be considered an outgrowth of envy in certain situations.

Let us stay away from this deadly sin which harnesses more negative emotions such as anger and resentment!

When a person succeeds or gets more attention, there is a tendency for jealousy among his/her peers. (Nasuya ba sila?)

Instead of making negative comments about the person, why not improve yourself and level up! 

Think about your own good qualities and develop them!! You will realize each of us have our own special talents which may just be undiscovered or just left in hibernation ...

BUT, if the emotion is becoming destructive, ask help (professional help is advised)!!!


Unfortunately, this takes others to recognize it!
DENIAL or NON-REALIZATION is the usual way... so how can we fix this up, if we don't realize we are already feeling this!!!
Mmmmm....

I  SUGGEST:
Look into yourself!

Learn to love yourself (of course, not to the point of narcissism!).
Learn to be satisfied!


Listen to your friends!

And I am sure a real friend could help a lot for you to get in touch with the real meaning of life and contentment!!!

Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida

ON THE LISTENING EAR

All people want is someone to listen.

                                                 ~~~~ Hugh Elliot

Indeed, in this very busy world, we find people are too engrossed with their own lives and have no more time to listen.

So, even if there are so many people around, we may still be lonely.

Sometimes, we find company in the most unusual situation... or with the most unexpected person who give us the listening ear.

Let us start with ourselves.

Why don't we give a listening ear?


Let us give a listening ear ... we may find ourselves less lonely in the process!!!