The elephant in the room

I am so happy that this topic came up as I find religion a very difficult issue to discuss. Religion is without a doubt one of the most sensitive and controversial topics to talk to people about. I come from a very religious background and it is in our belief system to talk about religion openly but I have come across many people who get very offended by the topic of religion because if it is not their way it’s the highway.

                                    http://www.toonpool.com/collection?page=gallery&cid=115

Let’s face it, religion has become the number one reason for most of the world’s problems today and it is so important for us humans to openly discuss it without people getting offended or having a huge argument over it. I am a Jehovah’s Witness (not practicing) and in my religion it is natural for us to preach Gods name and for us to have free and open discussions about religion, not just our religion but all types of religions. I think that in any kind of religion or culture it all comes down to a mutual understanding and respect of one another for everyone to get along. I have two Muslim friends who are very dedicated to their religion and we always have open conversations about our beliefs and values and we have the most amazing friendship because of a common respect for one another.  I, personally, find it fascinating to learn about different religions and see how they come about to believe what they do for certain reasons. I just think that if we can all overcome this fear and ignorance of different religions the world would really become a better place. 

                         http://shimshonit.wordpress.com/2011/06/23/english-rant-19-respect/

Pearls of Wisdom (try a cliché)

I have been very lucky enough to have the most amazing grandmother. Her advice and guidance is what has gotten me to where I am today. If there is something that I need to know, advice or just plain telling me like it is, I can always turn to my gran.

I have always thought that the older people get the more stories they tell about how when they were my age they did this and they did that, and I want to cringe every time because it is boring and I have no time to listen. But the older I get, the more those stories make sense and almost every story old people tell, there is some moral to the story or some good advice. What people at our age don’t realise is that older people, like my gran, have been through life and they know what they are talking about. They have been through their ups and downs and most probably have learnt from it and have some good knowledge on how to handle the situation or how to deal with it.

             http://www.colourbox.com/image/laurence-mouton-altopress-maxppp-grandmother-and-             granddaughter-embracing-eyes-closed-image-1510268

I have so much respect for the older generation because what we face today, they have all already faced. Maybe not exactly the same as times have changed, but most things have stayed the same – morals, values and beliefs.

My sister said something to me the other day, which is so true. She said that grey hair isn’t a sign of aging and people who are getting older(Like my dad- he would kill me right now) should not try to hide it because grey hair symbolises that persons experiences and journey through life ,old age is a natural process so just let it be.

I know my gran does not even know how to switch on a computer and there is no way she even knows about blogging, but I would like to just thank her for giving me the best advice ,wisdom and knowledge I have ever received, without her I would not be the person I am today.

Every day is a good day

Do you sometimes feel like me where every day seems to be the same? The same routine, the same people, the same television programmes and so on ? Sometimes it can be draining, boring and sad. I often say to myself what is the point? Then I look at everything around me and I am loved, I have a roof over my head and I am just thankful that I am alive surrounded by the beauty of this wonderful world we live in.

Life is beautiful. Yes, we may face the same things everyday but if you think about it every day we meet new people, we may meet someone special that we could spend the rest of our lives together, someone may tell a joke that can make us smile, we can get a good mark for an assignment and so on. We must all be so grateful that we were put on this earth for a purpose, whatever your purpose may be.

http://www.google.co.za/imgres?hl=en&biw=1619&bih=741&tbm=isch&tbnid=d-ZZvuWLb-ylPM:&imgrefurl=http://tobinelliott.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/life-is-beautiful/&docid=IHKw1WvK41

Every morning when you wake up, just remind yourself how lucky you are to be here, think of all the things that you are blessed with and remind yourself that you are important, the most important person in your life and only you can create your own happiness, no one else.

Every day is a good day so go and make it good.

                        http://indulgy.com/post/PA3exJ0VE1/not-every-day-is-a-good-day

Feelings follow behaviour

If you are like me, you don’t think before you act or say something. You say something and then after you say it, you regret it or feel bad. Well, people like us need to start learning from this. We could really hurt people, which I have, or offend them and seriously do harm. I think it is in our nature to do this. I also know that people have said some things directed at me and I have been deeply hurt, then they come say sorry, but why did they say it in the first place?

 

We need to think about the consequences it causes afterwards and how we hurt people. THINK BEFORE YOU ACT! From now on I am going try make a conscience effort to do this and I think that people who are guilty of this also need to try.

             http://www.encognitive.com/files/images/Think%20before%20you%20act.preview.jpg

 

Our greatest strengths are our greatest weaknesses

This statement couldn’t be truer. When we think that we have something to offer the world, sometimes it can fail us. For example, I am a very emotional person who has a lot of passion for people and animals and I always try putting other people ahead of myself. I always try my hardest to do the right thing and I always try give of myself in every way. However, sometimes when we give too much we expect something in return and that does not always happen, which leads to disappointment and we often get hurt by that.

                                    http://trenttribe.xanga.com/736964329/giving-and-receiving/

When it comes to me, this is what happens. I always expect expect expect. I have had to try many different approaches to try not lead myself to disappointment. I am not a religious person but the bible says ‘it is better in giving than there is in receiving’ which is so true and I try live by that statement every day of my life. When we as humans (the more fortunate ones) have everything, a roof over our head, water, food, loving parents and money to get us through everyday battles, why should we want anything more? There are people out there who have nothing and wouldn’t it be wonderful to give to them, even if it a loaf of bread or volunteering at an animal shelter, where all these poor animals want is love.

Sometimes we need to take a step back and look at what we have and be grateful for it. If we give something don’t always expect something in return. It will make us happier people and those in need even happier.