How to choose a path for success

As I exited the bank the other day, some tourists pulled up beside me and asked for directions to a grocery story. I gave them clear directions using words like ‘left’ and ‘right’ which I was positive if followed correctly would take them to their intended destination.

Life, however does not work this way. I recently read a book entitled ‘More than a Dream’ – Prescriptions for Success.’ It was a feel good, simple book with lots of anecdotes and inspiring quotations…so I read it...now what?  Well apply these prescriptions to your life and you will be successful of course….I am not convinced.

We all define success in different ways and success means different things at different stages in our lives. For some of us success is synonymous with having strong familial relationships, for others it means reaching some pinnacle in your career and yet for others it might mean taking that first step when you were told by doctors that you would never walk again.

There are no clear prescriptions for our lives. There are no directions to show us how to get to that place we want to be, how to reach that goal we want to reach. There are of course many books, videos, inspirational speakers who can give advice about how to proceed but for each of us the road to success will be different.

I think that makes life interesting. Don’t you? Today take that first step towards success (you know within you what it is)…left, right, up, down…you choose.

Staying Positive when Dealing with the Unexpected!

Hi everyone

I would like to apologise for the extended period without a post. I was on vacation with limited access to email. On top of that I got stuck in a neighbouring island for a couple of days due to the passage of Hurricane Irene.

Vacations are a wonderful way to regroup and refocus. They don’t have to be expensive either! Earlier this year, I had a staycation (stay at home vacation) and it was fabulous. You should try it!

Vacations like everything in life do not always go smoothly and how we deal with a situation when it doesn’t go as planned says a lot about us. For example, lost luggage, hurricanes, and missed flights – how do we deal with it all?

I have learnt and I am still learning that when things don’t go my way – my best response is to take a couple of deep breaths, stay calm and positive and try to figure out the best way forward. Keep in mind that a negative attitude, disruptive behaviour or abusive language is seldom an ideal or productive response.

So yesterday after being stuck for three days (with some good times and bad ones) our 9-seater plane took off in the middle of the rain, thunder and lightning. In addition to a good pilot,  it took a positive attitude, some deep breaths, a quick prayer and plenty of nervous laughter and thankfully we made it safely back to Anguilla.

I love vacations but it is really good to be home.

Balance or Rebalance

A walk on the beach

I am from a beautiful Caribbean island called Anguilla. I am blessed to have 33 beautiful beaches a few minutes away from my doorstep. I love to take walks on the beach or simply sit on the sand and watch the sea.  It relaxes and balances me. I can meditate, I can pray, I can write.

I have another friend who sings to relax. Fortunately she has a beautiful voice. Unfortunately, I do not.

With all the turmoil in the world, or even in your little portion of the world, it is important to have that safe place – that activity, that thing you do which helps you to relax and to unwind.

Even while we strive for success, we have to always remember to enjoy the little and big joys life has to offer.  Reaching some defined pinnacle in your career and owning material items is important for many of us but always be wary of the cost financially, emotionally, spiritually. Those who are most happy lead balanced lives.

I am going to take my walk on the beach today. What are you going to do?