New Year Resolutions-2013

Hi Friends,

Happy New Year! 2013 here we 

I love writing down New Year Resolutions. Do you want to start 2013 on the right note? If "Yes",  here is a suggestion: write down your New Year Resolutions and set some "Targets/Goals" for yourself to achieve for the year. You are the Captain of "YOUR SHIP". You need to have a "Map" so that you can pilot your ship as you sail along the passage called "Life".

Do not listen to "nay-Sayers". Just because they could not achieve their goals does not mean you can't achieve yours. Prove them wrong. You can achieve your goals if you stay focused and you are disciplined. I have achieved a lot of my goals and I have book in which I have written down the goals so I can keep track of it.

For example, in 2009 I wanted to run the half marathon. It had been 21 years since I ran the 21.5km. Now, I have done 3 x Half Marathons. If you have a problem with achieving your New Year Resolutions than just focus on one or two resolutions. "Success breeds Success". Before you know it you will have achieved more than one goal for 2012. It is good to be goal oriented and if you have the right attitude and you are disciplined, you will achieve your goals.

Your resolutions have to be specific and also have a deadline by which you hope to achieve it. It does not have to be specific to 2013. You can have a 5 Year Plan that starts from 2013.

Here are some suggestions:

1) Weight Management -Lose 5 kg by March  2013. Remember you need to expand more that you consume to reduce weight. It helps if you exercise regularly.

2) Save and Invest- Save S$10,000 by cutting off unnecessary expenses and invest the money in high dividend paying stocks. Do your research before you invest.

3)Long Term Retirement Plan- e.g. Retire by 2015 with enough money in the bank. Retirement Fund. Set a target that will enable you to retire comfortably e.g. if want S$5,000 a month lifestyle and you expect to live for another 30 years then you need to save about S$1.8 million when you retire. Please add inflation rate to this amount in order ensure your spending power is maintained to achieve the lifestyle you desire.

4) Health Management- Exercise regularly- at least 3x a week.Run the Marathon (42 KM) by 2013.

5) Be a Better Person- Kind, Loving, Caring, Understanding, Manage your Anger, be a better father/husband/wife/son/daughter/ teacher/student /boss/employee/etc. Be kind and compassionate to others especially to the less fortunate. There is no need to be rude to anyone as you would want others to be rude to you.

6) Do more Charity Work. Help World Vision (http://www.worldvision.org.sg/st_sponsorchild.php ) or Habitat for Humanity (http://www.habitat.org/asiapacific/)

7) Reduce/STOP Drinking and Smoking- to improve health.and save money

8) Eat Healthy Food and Cook at Home more often. Eat to Live, NOT Live to Eat!

9) Be a Happy Person and Smile and Laugh more often even when things are not going the way you want them to- this will reduces stress and improves your health.

10) Start a business. This is an option if you are not happy with your work. But you must have game plan....I mean Business Plan to ensure you are on the right track.

11) Save the Environment by being less wasteful. Each one of us has to do our part.

12) Be Positive- You have a better chance of achieving what you want if you are positive. Remember- "a negative person is the most handicapped person in the world" because they don't have faith in themselves and hence they will not be able look at the right solutions and options. They will most likely give up.

How to make sure you succeed with your "New Resolution Goals"?

1) Write your New Year Resolutions down. You will remember better. Have notebook so that you can compare your resolutions from year to the next. Some resolutions are "work-in-progress".

2) Paste it in places you will see regularly. Keep a copy in your wallet.

3) Look at everyday before you go to bed. At least for 7 days continuously. Constantly review it on a monthly basis to monitor you progress.

4) Tell your friends some of things you would like to share and get them to help you reach your goals.

5) Stay focused on your goals and you will achieve it. Stay focused, be disciplined and have the right attitude. If you really want it, you will get it.

Remember - Thoughts leads to Feeling leads to Actions leads to Results.You need to take Massive Action by which I mean a paradigm shift in your thinking and "JUST DO IT!" as NIKE tag line states.

Stay positive and stay focused! Good Luck! 

Cheers,

Mark Fernandez

The Beautiful Life!

Stay away from Anger.

It hurts only You and nobody else.

If you are right, then there is no need to get angry,

and if you are wrong then you don't have any right to get angry.

Patience with family is love,

Patience with others is respect,

Patience with self is confidence and

Patience with GOD is faith.

Never think hard about the past, it brings tears.

Don't think more about the future, it brings fear.

Live this moment with a Smile, it brings cheer.

Every test in our life makes us bitter or better,

every problem comes to make us or break us,

The choice is ours whether we become victims or victorious. 

Search for a beautiful heart not a beautiful face.

Beautiful things are not always good, but good things are always beautiful.

Do you know why God created gaps between fingers?

So that someone who is special to you comes

and fills those gaps by holding your hand forever.

Never forget this advice!

Happiness keeps You Sweet, Trials keep You Strong,  

Success keeps You Glowing, 

and But Only God keeps You Going! 

Love All, Serve All!

Cheers,

Mark

Buy The Music! Do not Steal!

Dear Friends,

I got this from Facebook where someone posted it. I share the same sentiments. People are willing to pay $5 for a cup of coffee but the same time they are not willing to pay $1 for a song that will make them happy or smile. I would pay $5 to buy the music because Music makes me happy and lifts my mood. 

Please do not steal just buy the music. Just imagine if you were an up and coming Artists or Author, you put a album out or a book out and people just decide that they would rather download it for free from the illegal website. Will you be OK with it? Instead of making money as a Musician or Author, you may have to find a day job. So think before you decide to "borrow" or 'steal".

Love All, Serve All!

Cheers,

Mark

Success Breeds Success

This is a story that promotes the motto of this blog...Help yourself to become successful and help others achieve the same or better success in their lives. You will benefit from the good karma.

Simple but Extremely True……………………..

There was a farmer who grew superior quality, award-winning corn in his farm. Each year, he entered his corn in the state fair where it won honors and prizes

One year a reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew his corn. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his corn seed with his neighbors

The reporter asked, "How can you afford to share your best corn seed with your neighbors when they are entering corn in the competition with yours each year?"

The farmer replied, "Didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen grains from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior, sub-standard and poor quality corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I have to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors to grow good corn too"

The farmer gave a superb insight into the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbors' corn also improves. More so in other dimensions and areas of life!

If you choose to be in harmony, help neighbors; colleagues be at peace. If you choose to live well, help others live well too. The value of a life is measured by the lives it touches...

Success does not happen in isolation; but by a participatory and collective process that comes with sharing good practices, ideas; knowledge with family, friends, team members and neighbors

"Love All, Serve All".

Have a Great Day!

Cheers,

Mark

Men's Rules vs Women's Rules

Time for a Commercial Break! Time to Laugh!

A schoolmate sent this. Funny!

"At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down  

 Finally, the guys' side of the story. ( I must admit, it's pretty good.)

We always hear 'the rules' From the female side ...Now here are the rules from the male side.  

These are our rules!
Please note.. these are all numbered '1 ' 
ON PURPOSE!

1.   Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down.
You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports: It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1... Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.
Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the  other one 

1. You can either ask us to do something Or tell us how you want it done.  Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials..

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched..
We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say 'nothing,' We will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine...Really.

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball or motor sports

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this.

Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;
But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

Pass this to as many men as you can - to give them a laugh.

Pass this to as many women as you can -  to give them a bigger laugh"

Have a Great Day!

LIFE AFTER 60

"Life after 60 is in your hands

An interesting article from The Hindu forwarded to me by a friend. Life can begin at 60, it is all in your hands! Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, after 60 years of age, owing to the diminishing importance given to them and their opinions. But, it need not be so, if only we understand the basic principles of life and follow them scrupulously. Here are ten mantras to age gracefully and make life after retirement pleasant.

1. Never say I am aged' :

There are three ages, chronological, biological, and psychological. The first is calculated based on our date of birth; the second is determined by the health conditions; the third is how old we feel we are. While we don't have control over the first, we can take care of our health with good diet, exercise and a cheerful attitude. A positive attitude and optimistic thinking can reverse the third age.

2. Health is wealth:

If you really love your kith and kin, taking care of your health should be your priority. Thus, you will not be a burden to them. Have an annual health check-up and take the prescribed medicines regularly. Do take health insurance coverage.

3. Money is important:

Money is essential for meeting the basic necessitiesof life, keeping good health and earning family respect and security. Don't spend beyond your means even for your children. You have lived for them all through and it is time you enjoyed a harmonious life with your spouse. If your children are grateful and they take care of you, you are blessed. But, never take it for granted.

4. Relaxation and recreation:

The most relaxing and recreating forces are a healthy religious attitude, good sleep, music and laughter. Have faith in God, learn to sleep well, love good music and see the funny side of life.

5. Time is precious:

It is almost like holding a horses' reins. When they are in your hands, you can control them. Imagine that everyday you are born again. Yesterday is a cancelled cheque. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is ready cash - use it profitably. Live this moment; live it fully, now, in the present time.

6. Change is the only permanent thing: We should accept change - it is inevitable. The only way to make sense out of change is to join in the dance. Change has brought about many pleasant things. We should be happy that our children are blessed.

7. Enlightened selfishness:

All of us are basically selfish. Whatever we do, we expect something in return. We should definitely be grateful to those who stood by us. But, our focus should be on the internal satisfaction and the happiness we derive by doing good for others, without expecting anything inreturn. Perform a random act of kindness daily.

8. Forget and forgive:

Don't be bothered too much about others' mistakes. We are not spiritual enough to show our other cheek when we are slapped in one. But for the sake of our own health and happiness, let us forgive and forget them. Otherwise, we will be only increasing our blood pressure.

9. Everything has a purpose:

Take life as it comes. Accept yourself as you are and also accept others for what they are. Everybody is unique and is right in his own way.

10. Overcome the fear of death:

We all know that one day we have to leave this world. Still we are afraid of death. We think that our spouse and children will be unable to withstand our loss. But the truth is no one is going to die for you; they may be depressed for some time. Time heals everything and they will go on."

Viewpoint expressed in "The Hindu."

Have People Lost Their Soul?

Have People Lost Their Soul? People seem to be so caught up with chasing money, sex, power and status that they fail to stop and take a stock of their life, their actions and what they are becoming or have become. Are we all on a treadmill just running with no end goal or objective in mind like living a meaningful life, becoming better people, helping others like the graduates with no job or the family with no food to eat.

We have become so caught with fast paced life we stop thinking about doing good deeds. Instead, many have become downright  selfish. Just look at the greedy bankers around the world who do not invest their own money but earn millions of dollar salary but keep losing their clients money.

- I can't have a Old Folks Home in my neighborhood. It will affect their property price.
- more drivers a beating red-lights. Killing a pedestrian or another driver is OK because they are rushing for their appointment.
- They will drive like a F1 driver....."it is OK if more cyclists and getting killed. What is another life?"
- people burning US$ 100,000 Birkin Bag in the name of art....money that could be given to charity. One Francesca Eastwood did just that.
-children will do anything for a iPhone or Xbox like demanding it from their parents or working part-time or even stealing and cheating others. Respect for Parents and Teachers is out of the window. Showing empathy for others.....they probably do not know what the word means.
-People traveling in the buses and MRT trains plugged to their iPhones and iPads not bothering if an elderly person or a pregnant women need a seat. It happened today when I was in the bus. Talking to your friends and appreciating things around you is not as important as playing games or updating trash on Facebook.
- Saying "thank-you" ...."what is that phrase all about? No, one taught me to say Thank You!"
-Real Friends are hard to come by. During our parents era, our parents can depend on their friends to come to their aid for any emergencies or assistance. Now, you can count yourself lucky if you have friends who will come to your house once a year or call you regularly. It is a two way street but most people are busy chasing money, lifestyle and work.
- A poor student was personally attacked on Facebook for expressing her views on how under-privileged  children like her may not be able to afford to live on University campus. She also said her grades were not good enough to give tuition and she needed to spend time on her studies. She was called "Stupid"  by some of her friends.
- Why can't drivers give way to to cyclists so that the cyclist can go back home safely to their family just like the drivers.Why can't cyclists in groups maintain road discipline...as in ride on the side instead of 4 or 5 cyclists occupying the whole of a single lane road in Kranji? The car drivers are put at risk when over-taking...again both parties must be considerate. Cyclists are sometimes at fault.

How sad! Have People Lost Their Soul? Why are people acting selfishly? Please look at yourself and change if you fall into one these groups or all. We all have faults and we must have the "testicular fortitude" (pardon the French and in plain English it means have "Balls to reflect and change") and willpower  to change for the better before we criticize others....this writer included.We cannot go on like this. The world will not be pleasant place to live in if everyone only thinks about themselves. Think of others and help others if you can. If you have lost your soul find it!

Love All, Serve All.

Cheers,
Mark.

"Oppa...Gangnam Style"

Dear Friends,

By now you would have heard of the YouTube hit "Oppa...Gangnam Style". If you have not where have you been? I first heard it on the radio and the phrase was catchy but I did not know what it meant. Then a friend told me what it was, a video hit from South Korea. The singer who write, produced and starred in the YouTube video is an unlikely, nerdy and paunchy singer. The music video has a very catchy tune, interesting dance choreography and it was funny.

It was only when I read the Sunday Times on 2nd September (page 36), that I realized that it was also a song that was making a socio-political statement. Please read the article for the detail.  Gangnam is a district in Seoul where the rich and famous live. It represents a lifestyle that most people who are materialistic would want to have. But it also creates a distaste for for people who dislike such a lifestyle. "Gangnam Style means pretentious display of wealth" (Sunday Life). Gangnam also symbolises success. Gangnam represents an interesting perspective between success and materialism. How do you choose between the two? I would like to share my views about the subject.

Well, my take on this has always been to live within your means. Don't be jealous of others or chase after material things. You can be successful and be grounded by doing what you do well and living within your means. If you earn $5,000 a month salary make sure you live a $4,000 lifestyle and save and invest the $1,000. If earn $1,000 than live a $900 lifestyle and save $100. If your salary is $10,000 a month and you live a $15,000 lifestyle than you are in trouble. You will have a deficit of $5,000. How are you going to pay that off? Think carefully. Do you want to enjoy your life with little worry or are you going enjoy the extra $5,000 then worry for the next month on how you are going to pay it off? Do you want that additional stress or do want to enjoy life and get what you want by planning for it? If you save $1,000 a month you will have $12,000 at the end of the year and you can have a nice holiday or buy something for $5,000 and save the rest and at the end of next year you will have $19,000. In 10 years you will have $70,000 in the bank if you only took $5,000 from the $12,000 you save. If you had invested in a dividend paying stock, your capital may increase to even higher amounts if you have chosen the right amount. It si OK to aspire for expensive things but it should not be an overwhelming  priority that neglect your values and people who love and care about you.

I recently walked into one of my favorite brands called E.Z. (for short). I saw a polo shirt that cost more that $1,000. While I love the brand and the cutting is really nice and the material really soft, I told myself I could buy 20-30 such Polo-Shirts under lesser known name for the next 5 years. I would invest in a jeans from E.Z. when it is on SALE but never at full price. Shirts and T-Shirts can be of a lesser known brand. I don't need to show others that I my worth by wearing expensive brands from top to toe. All us have a choice. From the money you save you could allocate some money for Charity on a monthly basis.

Stay grounded no matter how rich and famous you become. Appreciate and treasure people-family and friends. You can always earn money but it is difficult to repair damaged relationships. Don't chase material things. It will come to you when you do things right and you do the right things.

Now here is the link to the YouTube hit "Oppa...Gangnam Style"- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0

Enjoy!

Cheers,
Mark

Discover the 90/10 Principle by Stephen Covey-Part 2-Applying It

Hi Friends,

Since I last published the "Discover the 90/10 Principle by Stephen Covey" blog post, I have been trying to practice what I preach and follow what Stephen Covey advised. I must say that it feels really good and I feel a lot calmer and happier.

Why? Because I have forced myself to react calmly to situations. Though I am still impatient and still get angry, it happens less often and my relationship with people has really improved. For example, I do not honk at drivers who cut into my way when I drive. I just give way to them even though I have the right of way. My blood pressure remains normal and I do not get frustrated. When I get into an argument, I try to understand the other person and if it makes the person feel good by venting their anger ,so be it. I remain calm and cool.

As the principle states, you can't control how others react but you can control how you respond to a situation.

I urge, you to pass this principle by Stephen Covey to your friends and family members. I am certain you will see a positive change. If you have not read the principle - Discover the 90/10 Principle by Stephen Covey, see my previous blog entry.

In addition, I have also embarked on YOGA & MEDITATION. If you want to know more about Yoga & Sports please read my other blog http://www.exercise2energize.blogspot.sg/. The application of above principle and Yoga has definitely helped me and I am sure it will help you feel better and stronger mentally, physically and emotionally.

Have a Great Day!

Cheers,
Mark

Discover the 90/10 Principle by Stephen Covey

For your reading pleasure to lead a better life. 


A friend sent this to me and I thought that I should post this on my blog. If there is one thing that this blog can help, it would be this principle. We can literally change our life for the better by applying this principle to our lives from this moment on.....
Discover the 90/10 Principle

by: Stephen Covey

"It will change your life (at least the way you react to situations).

What is this principle? 10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us.

We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic.

We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%. How? …By your reaction. You cannot control a red light. but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.

Let's use an example.
You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just happened. What happens next will be determined by how you react.

You curse.
You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus.

Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit.

After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home.

When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter. Why? …. Because of how you reacted in the morning.

Why did you have a bad day?

A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?

The answer is "D".
You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day.

Here is what could have and should have happened. 

Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "Its ok honey, you just need to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.

Notice the difference? Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different.

Why? 

Because of how you REACTED. You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.

Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle. If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you!

React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off) Do you curse? Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try and bump them? WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive?

Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it. You are told you lost your job.

Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job.

The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take outpour frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on.

Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger. Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse. Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it. The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.

The result? 

Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache. We all must understand and apply the 90/10 principle.

It CAN change your life!!!" 

"The Green Thing"

This story below is so true. We have created the mess that the world is suffering from. From Industrialization to Modernization to Globalization, we are responsible for the Environmental problems. Some may say it is a necessary evil but we can help reduce the problems by being a little self-aware of how we use and abuse our resources example- use of water, air-conditioner, driving the car to the mall instead of taking public transport, leaving electric appliances on when they can be switched off and the list goes on. 


Here is a heartwarming story to enlighten the case about global warming. And, yes....don't make old people mad.

"In the line at the supermarket, the young cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment.

The old woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day."

The young cashier responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment."

He was right - our generation didn't have the green thing in its day.

Back then, we returned milk bottles, soft drink bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled. But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.

We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks. But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby's nappies because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 240 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that old lady is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day.

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen almost the size of the wall.

In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We either used a push mower that ran on human power, or we use manual sickle.

We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then.

We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled fountain pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn't have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the tram or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their mothers into a 24-hour taxi service.

We had one power point in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances.

And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then?

Please forward this on to another selfish old person who needs a lesson in conservation from a smart-ass young person.

Remember: Don't make old people mad.

When we get mad we use logic!"

Give me a sense of humor. Lord, Give me the grace to see a joke, to get some humor out of life, and pass it on to other folks."

Everyday Heroes!

Dear Friends,

It is always nice to know when somebody puts their money where their mouth is. Talk is cheap. And there are people who do charitable deeds for fame or to promote their business. I especially like Celebrities like David Beckham, Tiger Woods, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga (Born this way Foundation), Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Will Smith, who gave to charity because they became famous as a result of the man or woman in the street or students watching their shows in the theaters, watching their concert or soccer game or buying their jerseys, etc. They need to give back to society because with them who will watch their show or buy their products.

"Everyday Heroes" throws up group of ordinary individuals who make a difference to lives of others right here in Singapore. They share what they have and that is important. They may not have millions of dollars. But they have a million dollar heart. Watch the show "Everyday Heroes" which premiers 17th May2012 (Thursday) at 9pm. You will realize that people with simple backgrounds can make a difference.

May the show move more individuals come forward to serve society and make this world a better place! Do your part to help those in need of help! Be inspired by these heroic individuals.

Love All, Serve All.

Best Regards,

Mark

Stop Complaining How Bad Your Life is!

Hi Friends,

If you are one of those who like to keeps complaining how difficult life is and how life is unfair, I hope this story about the 25 year old Italian Footballer will make you cry and stop you feeling sorry for yourself. You should count yourself lucky to even be able to complain ( read my blog entry prior to this entry "You are Blessed").

Stop Complaining!

I watched the news about this incident last weekend and this story appeared in New Paper today (16/4/2012) Piermario Morosini was gifted footballer who died of heart attack while playing football (Soccer for Americans) on 14/4/2012, last Saturday in the 2nd Division Italian League for Livorno (On loan from Udinese a Division 1 club) against Pescara, It was only after the incident that the real story of Morosisni tragic family background came to light.

-orphaned at 17 years of age.
-gifted player who represented his country at every level from under 17 to 21.
-but his senior career did not take off.
-had a handicapped brother and sister
-shortly after his father died his brother committed suicide leaving only his sister.
- according to people who knew him he was a gentle soul with a sad face according to his coach.

Despite all this he persevered to become a good footballer so that his parents will be proud of him. Though his soccer career was going nowhere he kept trying until the heart attack robbed him of his dream. But I respect him for trying. I watched the news where he tried to get up at least two times before his collapsed the third time and had to be brought to hospital where he died.

I respect him for trying so hard despite carrying the burden of his family's tragedy. I wished he had received more help. Well, now with his death, his club Udinese has promised to take care of his handicapped sister.

So, stop complaining. Take Charge of your life. Do something with the life you have. And remember to help others. You could make a difference to someone else's life and you will be blessed.

The World Needs More Loving and Kind People!

http://helpyourselfnhelpothers.blogspot.com/2010/11/world-needs-more-loving-and-kind-people.html

God Bless Piermario Morosini!

Take Care! Love All Serve All.

Regards,
Mark

You are Blessed!

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, 

you are more blessed than the million people who will not 

survive the week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, 

the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or 

the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million 

people around the world.

 If you attend a church /temple/mosque meeting without 

fear of harassment, arrest, or torture of death, you are 

more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, 

a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than

75% of this world.

  

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change 

in a dish some place, you are among the top 8% 

of the world's wealthy.

If your parents are still married and alive, you are very rare, 

even in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are 

truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority of us can, 

but most do not.

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over 

two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all.

When you compare our day to day problems with 

bigger problems around the world our troubles may 

not seem so large.

We are all truly blessed!

Give me a sense of humor. Lord, Give me the grace to see a joke, to get some humor out of life, and pass it on to other folks.

Plant your garden 2012

I received this via email from my Uncle. I found it interesting so I thought I should share this with you all. For those who feel stressed, angry or frustrated. Practice the following and you may feel calm, happier and at peace with yourself and others around you. Try It!

Plant your garden 2012 

"life is too short for drama, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly"

How To Plant Your Garden
First, you Come to the garden alone,
while the dew is still on the roses.

FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING ,

PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS :
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:

1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE: 

1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another

NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS: 

1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another

TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME: 

1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends

WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW. NOT BAD, HUH?!

Give me a sense of humor. Lord, Give me the grace to see a joke, to get some humor out of life, and pass it on to other folks.

Spare the Rod and Spoil Child!

I am sure by now you may have heard of the Father who responded to his daughter's Facebook rant with his YouTube video which he then planned to post on his daughter's Facebook site. For those who have not seen it, here is the http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl1ujzRidmU.  The father had a case and the daughter seemed to be a spoil brat. So sad. This is how children treat their parents - their personal teller-machine/Bank and then abuse them when parents are old and have no use to the children.


Parents are put in a difficult position. They try to be good parents by being friends with their children but that is where things go wrong. Children do not know what friendship means at that tender age. They also don't know about the sacrifices parents make so that their children can have a good life. Why? Because in most cases children get everything they want on silver platter without knowing why they are getting it. Parents need to explain to children. And sometimes parents need to teach their children good values such as gratitude and respect, love and compassion, patience and tolerance and so on. This has to be an on going process not a one time lecture as children easily forget what they learnt.


Parents are to be blamed for children's bad behavior to a great extent. Just last week a friend's son got bullied by a girl in the school bus. The girl then went and lied to the mum that the boy who was bullied was the one who bullied her instead. The mother instead of investigating, went and scolded the boy and his friends. The school has since taken action and the girl had been reprimanded for lying and made to change school bus. The girl's mother should be blamed for the girl's deplorable behavior because the mother did not question her daughter and just believed her.


You cannot bring up a child like a friend until you have taught them what is right and wrong and provided you have given a solid foundation. If you are their friend they have an option to listen or not to listen to your lessons or lectures. You have be the  "Authoritarian" figure (but not a "Tiger Mother") and only then will they listen. In my humble opinion, in most cases, the parents and child can be friends when he or she is about 18 years or older. That is when they know what is really right and wrong. Until then the parents will have play their role as parents and and disciplinarians and children should be taught to respect them, their teachers, grandparents, friends, elders, etc. They have to be taught the ways of the world- to show empathy and sympathy towards others, etc. 


One of the best books to teach children this lesson is "To Kill a Mocking Bird". It taught me the life long lesson "putting myself in the other person's shoes so that I can see from their perspective".


Modern Parenting is not easy. You probably need to go and sit for a degree on "Parentology"even before you can deal with some of the kids today. Nonetheless, Parents have to play an active role in their children's growth.  In fact, children of stay@home mum's are better brought up than other children whose parents both work and children are left at home to be taken care of by the "Helpers". While it is difficult these days for mothers to stay at home, both parents must be there for the children in times of their need. You may need to plan your time between family, work and social needs.


God Bless!


Regards,
Mark

ALL is WELL!

Hi Friends,

I was having a conversation with a good friend last week. She is a stay at home mother with three young boys and her husband is the sole breadwinner. She wants to contribute to the family income but is torn in ten different directions. She reads this blog but she told me my blog may not be able to assist. Well, I managed to explain to her what she needs to do to get control of her life by removing the clutter from her head and this will enable her to enjoy her life.

I started this blog to help myself to remind myself of what I need to do and help others by putting my thoughts, experiences, information I know and heard from others who are experts. I am not claiming to be an expert but there are ways we all can find solutions if we look in the right places or ask someone for help. Just don't give up until you find a solution.

I dedicate this blog entry to my friend who feels overwhelmed by things in her life.

How to get Control of Your Life?

1.Plan and Get Organized. List down the things you need to do- daily, week, monthly basis. You may have things to do that are once a week e.g. going to the Supermarket and you may have things to do on a daily basis e.g. sending children to school.

2. Prioritize the activities. From the most important to the least important.  In order to see which activities are more important and which activities are not so important. Rate them on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being least important and 10 being most important. Estimate the time required to complete the task.

3. Next go about completing your task. You may need to fine-tune the way you get things done to save time. Ask yourself - "Is there a better way of doing thing?"

4. Once you have created a routine, you will know how much free time you have in your hands for things like freelance work, exercise or have coffee with friends, go to a spa, etc.

5. Learn to Laugh. When you learn to laugh you will be more relaxed and you will have fun and you will have better clarity of thought.This will help you get better control of your life. Watch the Hindi Movie -"Three Idiots" which one of the most profound movies with a lot of lessons to teach us. It is from this movie the title of this blog "All is Well" came from.

Things to do to help you be more PRODUCTIVE.

1. Sleep early and get up earlier. It is my opinion that you are most productive early in the morning when you have a good night's rest. Also, if you wake up at 5 am you have 17 hours (based on 6 to 7 hours of good quality sleep) to complete your task versus if you wake up at 7am when by the time you complete your days activities you are tired. When you get up early you can have quiet time as well as time to plan your day without disturbances.

2. Exercise2Energize. If you exercise you will be energized you will get things done quickly and you will also be able to think clearly. You can read more information about exercising on my other blog : http://exercise2energize.blogspot.com/ . The one good thing my my friend has going is that she likes to run and she has completed two Marathons (42km each).

3. Talk to others who have similar background such as having to juggle family and work. There  many who have achieved more with same pressures or more in life.There are single mothers and fathers who have bigger challenges in life and yet they have come out on top.We should count our blessings and take each day as it comes.

4. Find a job that gives you flexibility to work from home. That takes away the stress of worrying about how to manage your time. Sometimes we are most productive in short burst of time and when we are really focused. e.g. freelance writer, freelance advertising sales, multi-level marketing (careful which organization you choose).

Best of Luck. Relax, Enjoy Life's Gifts, Watch a Funny Movie, Meet a Friend for Coffee, Take up a new Sport/Hobby, write a Book, take a holiday to reflect, etc. If you do feel stressed talk to someone like your friend or family, go for run to clear your mind, call a hotline for help, etc. ALL is WELL!

Cheers,
Mark
p.s. if you have any other suggestions you know please send it in. Thanks.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Dear Friends,

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Wishing You and Your Family

A Blessed New Year

Filled with Good Health, Love, Peace,

Happiness, Abundance, Prosperity & Good Fortune.

Cheers,

Mark

New Year Resolutions -2012!

Hi Friends,

Happy New Year! I hope you had a great New Year Count Down Celebrations. 

By now you know that I love writing down New Year Resolutions. Do you want to start 2012 on the right note? If "Yes",  here is a suggestion: write down your New Year Resolutions and set some "Targets/Goals" for yourself to achieve for the year. You are the Captain of "YOUR SHIP". You need to have a "Map" so that you can pilot your ship as you sail along the passage called "Life".

Do not listen to "nay-Sayers". Just because they could not achieve their goals does not mean you can't achieve yours. Prove them wrong. You can achieve your goals if you stay focused and you are disciplined. I have achieved a lot of my goals and I have book in which I have written down the goals so I can keep track of it.

For example, at the start of 2010, I weighed 79kg. Now, I weigh 75kg. That was the weight I was targeting for 2010. If you have a problem with achieving your New Year Resolutions than just focus on one or two resolutions. "Success breeds Success". Before you know it you will have achieved more than one goal for 2012. It is good to be goal oriented and if you have the right attitude and you are disciplined, you will achieve your goals.

Your resolutions have to be specific and also have a deadline by which you hope to achieve it. It does not have to be specific to 2012. You can have a 5 Year Plan that starts from 2012.

Here are some suggestions:

1) Weight Management -Lose 5 kg by end of 2012 and reach my ideal weight of 72 KG.

2) Save and Invest- Save S$10,000 by cutting off unnecessary expenses and invest the money in high dividend paying stocks. Do your research before you invest.

3)Long Term Retirement Plan- e.g. Retire by 2015 with enough money in the bank. Retirement Fund- S$5 million Dollars or S$10million or more. Set a target that will enable you to retire comfortably.

4) Health Management- Exercise regularly- at least 3x a week.Run the Marathon (42KM) by 2013.

5) Be a Better Person- Kind, Loving, Caring, Understanding, Manage your Anger, be a better father/husband/wife/son/daughter/ teacher/student /boss/employee/etc.

6) Do more Charity Work. Help World Vision (http://www.worldvision.org.sg/st_sponsorchild.php ) or Habitat for Humanity (http://www.habitat.org/asiapacific/)

7) Reduce/STOP Drinking and Smoking- to improve health.and save money

8) Eat Healthy Food and Cook at Home more often. Eat to Live NOT Live to Eat!

9) Be a Happy Person and Smile and Laugh more often even when things are not going the way you want them to- this will reduces stress and improves your health

How to make sure you succeed with your "New Resolution Goals"?

1) Write your New Year Resolutions down. You will remember better. Have notebook so that you can compare your resolutions from year to the next. Some resolutions are "work-in-progress".

2) Paste it in places you will see regularly. Keep a copy in your wallet.

3) Look at everyday before you go to bed. At least for 7 days continuously.Constantly review it on a monthly basis to monitor you progress.

4) Tell your friends (some of things you would like to share and get them to help you reach your goals).

5) Stay focused on your goals and you will achieve it.Stay focused, be disciplined and have the right attitude. If you really want it, you will get it.

Remember - Thoughts leads to Feeling leads to Actions leads to Results.You need to take Massive Action by which I mean a paradigm shift in your thinking and "JUST DO IT!" as NIKE tag line states.

Stay positive and stay focused! Good Luck! Don't Worry Be Happy!

God Bless! Remember to SMILE and LAUGH!

Cheers,

Mark Fernandez