eHomemakers Malaysia

We do not eliminate the problems and obstacles in our life just by thinking. However, everything begins in our mind; how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we see life. As is our mind, so is our vision of the world. One of the first steps required is to have an open mind. What prevents us from having an open mind? Fear and bad experiences of the past and with people who do not allow us to be free. As we open our minds and put aside our fears, we begin to explore new horizons, directions and insights. Everything in life requires experimentation: nothing ventured, nothing gained. When we know there is going to be new development, we need three things, insight, courage, determination. How does a person get insight? When we go deeply into something. Courage comes from how deeply we understand our aim. For example: to stop smoking or go on a diet. It takes courage to do these things. When someone sees that something is important, he will initiate changes. Courage brin...

Some experts have suggested that when we are calm and relaxed we should choose to perform familiar tasks. It may be rowing a boat, scrubbing the floor, digging in the garden, driving, swimming and dancing. But it must have this one attribute – the occupation must not be distasteful to us. Experience a quiet, positive emotion. When a negative emotion strikes, we can concentrate on the positive emotion. By neutralising out mind, we can avoid the risk of suppressing our anger which might work against us in undercurrents of anxiety and resentment. Negative feelings come to all of us from time to time. They not only darken our day, but also make us unattractive to our fellow beings causing us to perform badly, sometimes with serious consequences. Ill-timed flare-ups, whatever may be the provocation, can spoil important human relationships and often ruin important dealings When we fill ourselves with positive emotions like enthusiasm, courage and confidence, they will help us to sol...

Each person who enters our life has a unique lesson to teach us. It is only through these lessons that we learn about life, people and our relationship with God. When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always what they seem. Look beyond the mask people wear if you want to know what is in their hearts. First of all, one should remove one’s own mask and reveal the self. When someone steals from you it teaches you that nothing is forever. Always appreciate what you have. You never know when you might lose it! Never take your friends or family for granted, because to-day we have them and there is guarantee for tomorrow. If someone inflicts injury upon you, it is an indication that human beings can also be cruel. Therefore, look after yourself and most importantly, don’t hurt that person yourself. And again, when someone mocks you, do not judge them. Instead, have good wishes and pure feelings for them in your heart. Understand the personality trait...

Tolerance is required while interacting with people. Tolerance is an active response to a situation, not a reaction. This power enables one to give the other person what he or she is looking for. When tolerating others, it helps to remind ourselves that we are simply watching a huge drama. Just think that the greatest production in movie history is going on, and nothing in the script can affect or influence us. In fact, our role is a vital one. Not only do we have to tolerate and transform our own reactions, but also that of the others. Give blessings in the face of insult, acceptance in the face of rejection and love in the face of hate. The result is that people will stop affecting us, and seek advice from us. We will appreciate people more. Tolerance is not passiveness. With tolerance comes a solution that does not hurt anyone. Extracted from 'Self Empowerment' by Bridget Menezes (Malaysian author)

Tolerance, based on goodwill, understanding and adjustment to a difficult situation can succeed where all other methods have failed. Intolerance comes from hurt ego, unfulfilled selfish motives or narrow-mindedness. Tolerance easily comes when a person realises that is a multi-racial and multi-cultural universe, we have to exist like flowers of different hues and designs. Can anyone calculate or imagine how many families lost their peace and harmony and how many civilisations were ruined because of intolerance? If only this virtue, called tolerance, had been sustained, all or many other virtues would have survived. For, when tolerance is lost, man loses his patience, self-control and spirit of non-violence. Tolerance is an inner power. It is the power to control the self, to keep at bay at the negative forces of hatred and anger. If a person or a nation has tolerance, it is powerful because it is the weak who are afraid or who cannot adjust to others or who cannot see ...