Father's Day Special: Leading The Way

How do you define a Father? What can you say about your Father? How did your Father raise you? These are some of the questions that we can find answers to on how we truly know our Father as we celebrate and honor their most special day of remembering.

In our lives, our Father plays a significant role in molding us to become better people. Since childhood, when we've developed our awareness about life, he would have guided us with principles through stories that we tend to laugh at but still struggle to understand the story's lesson. We shared smiles and laughter that made us feel good.

A Father would always find means to support the 'needs' of their children and protect their security and sense of comfort; the reason why we feel confident in his presence. Even 'wants' are granted to make us happy and enjoy our childhood.

Fatherhood is the most challenging job of all. It would take a lot of perseverance and patience to give it all to the family he loves. He is the provider, defender, and protector, sometimes making all your wishes come true.

What I could remember from my Father are the valuable lessons about life. To give service to other people in need without expecting something in return. Life is indeed about service to others after finding our purpose. We find out where we are good at and then make the best things possible. 

Reverence is also one of the teachings that make an impact and are very significant in living a just life. Honor and recognizing the elderly and people in authority bring fulfillment through the wisdom they can share and the virtues we can emulate. We can't stand alone, and we need people to guide us toward our path. We need teachers, mentors, and leaders to motivate and push us to do well and achieve our targets.

I have learned the importance of having the 'fighting spirit' or the so-called willpower to get things done and achieve almost everything I desire. When life seems complicated, it takes a lot of courage and determination to rise up and face the unknown; of what lies ahead. It is fitting that there are times we are so obsessed with the future that we tend to forget how to live in the present moment. Hence we missed a lot of good things along the way. I have learned to live in the moment of 'now' instead of 'soon,' which may or may not happen. Just hold on to the mind. The 'goal' and invisible forces would take you there at the right time. The power of  'now' is significant to me, and I do not regret every single moment of the happy event that happens in my life.

It is a great responsibility for a father to look after the family's welfare. I am grateful that the sense of responsibility is strong despite unfortunate circumstances. He is there to advise and support whatever problems need a solution.

Today, we honor our Father for who we are and what we are now because of him. The wisdom gained will guide us to become the best we can be and live a life on our own when the time is up to say, 'I have guided you, and now is the time that you lead your way.'

© 2013 Del Cusay

Oprah's Lifeclass: Changing Your Outlook

Oprah, and one of the most charismatic American Spiritual leaders, Joel Osteen, discussed the power of "I Am" or the positive self-talk we do, which could lead to success or failure. Words that we utter verbally or just thought to give power to who we become and significantly impact how we live in the future. 

How often do we tend to focus on the flaws or imperfections in our lives? How does it affect the perception of ourselves and how people around us would feel the vibrations we are sending out to them? These limiting and destructive thoughts can be blocked by changing our outlook on who we are and how we can attain the life we deserve.

Here are some of the questions I've answered about the topic.

1. At this very moment, how would you finish the following sentence? I am_______.

At this moment, 'I am courageous and have the will to do things as planned. 'I am happy and contented about the things happening in my life, and I have to strive harder for more positive and meaningful things to come. 'I am grateful for the blessings that have come and look forward to more prosperity and abundance. I am strong and will continue to persevere through life challenges to become a better person. 

2. Whatever follows 'I am' will come looking for you. What has been following you for years? How does this make you look at your 'I am' statement differently?

In a universal law of attraction, I always believe that 'thoughts eventually become a reality if we focus on the words I am telling myself. I don't chase success. Instead, I do my best in a particular task, and success follows. For instance, I tell myself, 'I am' courageous and determined for my goal, then positive forces act upon my uttered words, turning them into a reality. Thoughts are living energies and vibrations that attract success and fulfillment if accompanied by willpower. 

3. What are you putting out to the world? What 5 'I ams' do you say on most days?

Not all days are good. However, I have the power to change that kind of feeling by diverting my attention to more purposeful ways. Things can be achieved faster if I exert my total capacity and not minding negativity. If I put much effort, there's substantial energy I've released, and it will have a positive effect in return. 

On most days, I often tell myself that 'I am' blessed. 'I am' strong. 'I am' courageous. 'I am' joyful, and 'I am' becoming better.

4. Are you going through a difficult time when you think things are happening to you? What if you start to realize that things are happening to you. How does that change your perspective?

Sometimes, not-so-favorable circumstances happen, like dealing with difficult people, but it is not a reason to give up because they will soon become out of your way. Just pay attention to a specific goal, and good things will come. Having faith and belief in self more than anybody would put seeds of negativity into what can be accomplished. 

5. What if you took it further and recognized that you could handle the challenges? How does that make you feel?

 Life throws many challenges, some of which can be handled well. It would take courage and endurance to beat the odds. Working on challenges and conquering them is very rewarding. Getting more confident and assertive in taking life's battles, fighting, and not surrendering. 

6. How do you define success?

I define success as the 'achievement of a particular goal,' whether short or long-term. Success is not the end target, and stopping from there is. When I feel successful in a particular goal, it adds to my self-worth, and its cumulative effect gives me a sense of fulfillment.

7. What 'I am' statement are you integrating into your life?

'I am' grateful for the gift of life and the strength to serve and improve myself.


© 2013 Del Cusay

Mother's Day Special: A Celebration of Love

Mother's Day has been celebrated worldwide to honor and recognize all the mothers' love, care, and sacrifices. This is a special day to give thanks to the woman who devoted her time from birth and even until adult life. Through the years, the presence of Mothers is always felt in our being, wherever we are and whatever we do.

Mother's Day celebration is unique to every individual and family worldwide. For some people, it is a chance to treat their mother to something special, give a gift, or offer a flower or dinner together. To others, the celebration would mean spending their most precious time despite being busy at work or with the family on their own.

Celebrating 'Mother's Day is also unique to some cultures globally. In the Philippines, people honor their Mother as the"Light of the Household." A Mother gives us the guiding light in our lives, especially when we are young and incapable of standing independently. Whenever we've committed something wrong, our Mother would discipline us through words that can imprint on our hearts. She gives us the answer to get enlightened if we ask a question. Mothers simply want the best for their kids and want them to grow up disciplined and responsible.

In India, where I reside, I have observed that they honor their Mother as God and would give their respect. I have known someone who shared her stories about how she is raising her kids and how much she loves them. She left her job and became a full-time Mom, and she finds glory in watching her kids grow up. She has witnessed how the kids grow up daily; for her, that's the greatest gift she can give them. I salute her for being such a loving and caring Mother since not all could have the power to achieve what she has been doing.

We have our own experiences of how we were raised by our Mothers. Being the youngest of six siblings, I have learned to become intense and persistent in life, no matter how challenging the circumstances are. When you are down, you must stand up and start again; never give up. These are some of the wise messages I learned from my Mother.

Somehow, the saying "Mother knows best" is correct. They know what is good for us. They know our ups and downs and always support and guide us.

Motherhood is the most challenging profession. It may not be learned in any academic institution, but being a Mother is an instinctive intelligence at work. It's a lifetime commitment; no expiry date but just forever.

When we are in trouble or deepest despair, our Mother can become a source of inspiration. Perhaps, the most muscular woman who believes in us and pushes us to our limits. If we feel weak, she thinks we can do it. If we succeed, she's there to celebrate with us. In our society, people look up to some woman or a Mother figure who has made a significant contribution. They may be simple in appearance, yet they have shown courage and perseverance to become a leader and create a remarkable legacy for society or the world.

In celebration of 'Mother's Day,' I've written about "The Blessed Teresa of Kolkata: Her Life and Mission.". This is my tribute to one of the world's most excellent mothers who ever lived. Like all Mothers, they can make an impact in the society that they live in. One of the most fulfilling commitments is contributing to the community and inspiring people to achieve something worthwhile, just like Mother Teresa's.

Our Mothers are one of the sources of our strength. We have to honor them and let them feel unique and loved. Our existence is one the most beautiful gift ever, and we shouldn't forget to give back and fulfill our responsibility of being a good son and daughter to her and our world.


© 2013 Del Cusay