April 19, 2011

Each to his/her own Destiny (reposting a blog by Paulo Coelho)

Reading this got me thinking of my present situation. I have made mistakes and have been reprimanded heavily for them that somehow, it made me lose part of my self esteem. I lost the passion in the things I do. I watch the people around me thinking, "Why can't I be like them? How come they get to talk to her? What have I done so wrong that the people I ask help from won't even give me a glance?" All these are running through my head and the days went on that I felt so low, so insignificant, so inferior.

The people dear to me, my family, closest friends and colleagues, have noticed the change that happened to me. They all said the same thing: "You're not smiling anymore." And I realized that it's true. I barely smile when people talk to me. My laughter is just a small echo. I move like the time of the day will just pass me by. I wasn't always like this before. And I see the connection now that I have made myself feel so inferior with things that I can't control.

I admit I am not happy in my work. I always give a 100% in every company that I join but lately, I haven't been feeling so good about myself. I'm trying to find my track again, my drive to be the marketing person that I know.

My mother has always told me that we work to live, not live to work. Our lives are but moments of everyday that needs to be cherished because you wouldn't know if you will still have your tomorrow. I have to believe in myself again, that I am destined to be successful. I need to keep on remembering the following mantras:

1. Let go, let be, let God.
2. In 5 years time, will this all matter?
3. I am a happy, passionate and dedicated marketer.
4. Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you.
5. Don't sweat the small stuff.

Each person has his/her own destiny. The only challenge now is myself.

1 Minute Reading by Paulo Coelho)

A Samurai who was known for his nobility and honesty, went to visit a Zen monk to ask advice.

– Why do I feel so inferior? – he asked, as soon as the monk finished his prayers. – I have faced death many times, have defended those who are weak, Nevertheless, upon seeing you meditating, I felt that my life had absolutely no importance whatsoever.

– Wait. Once I have attended to all those who come to see me today, I shall answer you.

The samurai spent the whole day sitting in the temple gardens, watching the people go in and out in search of advice. He saw how the monk received them all with the same patience and the same illuminated smile on his face.

At nightfall, when everyone had gone, he demanded:
– Now can you teach me?


The master invited him in and lead him to his room. The full moon shone in the sky, and the atmosphere was one of profound tranquility.
– Do you see the moon, how beautiful it is? It will cross the entire firmament, and tomorrow the sun will shine once again.
“But sunlight is much brighter, and can show the details of the landscape around us: trees, mountains, clouds.
“I have contemplated the two for years, and have never heard the moon say: why do I not shine like the sun? Is it because I am inferior?


– Of course not – answered the samurai. – The moon and the sun are different things, each has its own beauty. You cannot compare the two.

– So you know the answer. We are two different people, each fighting in his own way for that which he believes, and making it possible to make the world a better place; the rest are mere appearances.

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