Prayer for Kindness

Because I feel that the world needs a little more kindness, here's a prayer for kindness inspired by the leaflet "Simple Prayers for Busy People."

Prayer for Kindness

Sweet Jesus, You are so kind. I want to

be like You. Allow me to be a conveyor

of Your kindness today.

I pray for kind thoughts -- 

thoughts that will always think good

of others, thoughts that will give them

the benefit of the doubt, thoughts of 

compassion and respect.

I pray for kind words -- words

of encouragement, words spoken in

graciousness. May kindness be the rule

every time I give instructions to others,

especially those under me.

I pray for kind actions -- actions

that add value to others, actions that

make others feel special,

May I seize every opportunity to be

kind today. Amen.

How to De-Stress After the Holidays

How fast time flies! It has been more than two weeks since the new year started. By now, a lot of people may have been slowly adjusting to regular routine after the holidays. Perhaps some have also found time to relax and de-stress. Hopefully, you are one of them.

However, if you still find yourself stressed out, this post may be of some help. The first thing you need to do is to find time to stop and meditate. If you have the time, sit still for 20 minutes. If not, sit still for an hour! Yes, that might sound ironic, but it's true. The more you find yourself too busy, the more you will need to slow down. 

According to webmd.com, stress is a normal part of life. It can have positive effects like keeping us alert to avoid danger. However, stress can have negative effects too, esp. if you can't find time to relax or de-stress in between challenging situations. (For more info, read "The Effects of Stress on Your Body") So learn to stop, sit still every once in a while, and relax.

Then pray. Don't just find time, make time to pray. The prayer I'm sharing here is inspired by the leaflet "Simple Prayers for Busy People." 

You can, of course, come up with your own prayers too. Praying from the heart helps a lot. I know 'coz it works for me. 

A New Beginning ... Hello 2014!

Happy New Year! I shared above photo on my Facebook wall yesterday. It's now today and yes, it is the beginning of a 365-page journey. Deep inside, I know it's a great reminder that we have a hand in shaping our future somehow. I do look forward to the New Year every single time as for me, it's a chance for a new beginning. I may not have a New Year's resolution like in the past, but I do believe in setting goals and objectives. I consider them as a map in the path that I wish to take. If you haven't a plan, I suggest you start working on one right now. It may not mean that you'll get to accomplish all of them, but at least you'll have a checklist to see what else you want to do in your life. 

Life is short. I certainly don't want to waste my time on earth and do as much as I can while I still can. Well, it's time to say good-bye to 2013! Hello 2014!