Oprah's Lifeclass Lesson 25 : "You've Always Had the Power"

I am grateful to have watched Oprah's Lifeclass (Season 1) through a webcast. I have learned some life lessons from the show on every topic she discussed in every session. Below are some of the questions that I have pondered on the Lifeclass by Oprah.

1. You have the power—and the responsibility—to make your life better. How will you own that power?

I believe that I possess some powers that are inherent or acquired and I use that power to be in control of my life because I believe that I am responsible for shaping my life and who I will become in the future. I must be able to preserve this power and continue to hone it and use it wisely for my own benefit.

2. Who would you be, and what would you do, if you had no fearful beliefs?

I would have become a great speaker or writer should I have gained enough confidence and had no fears and doubts.

3. Look at your life: This is a portrait of your beliefs. What is beautiful about it? What's troubling? What will you change—because you can?

What's beautiful about my life is the presence and the support of my family and friends. They are always supportive of my dreams and goals and they serve as my inspiration to move forward despite adversities that come my way. What's troubling me is my fear and doubt of my capabilities and the use of my power. Sometimes I feel that I am not enough, not capable, and incompetent. Since I believe that I can do something if I trust myself, then I have to move out of my comfort zone and start to renew my life so I will be able to achieve my dreams and attain success in life.

4. How do you define "success"? What has truly made you happy in the past? Are you pursuing your version of success, or someone else's? Can you choose yours?

Success is the attainment of my goal or dream may it be simple or ambitious. My previous accomplishments have made me truly happy both in my personal life and career. I follow my own version of success and at the same time, I also follow another success coach because I can learn a lot from their wise ideas and they are more accomplished people. I can choose to go with my own definition of success and also with my success coach life lessons.

5. Describe your highest hopes. Now ask, "What would be better"? Keep asking this until you can't imagine anything better. That's your new dream.

My highest hopes are to become somebody who is respected and expert in my field of expertise and to become a better person who has achieved and proven something.

6. How are you going to sustain your hope and faith when times get tough? Do you have a plan in place for nurturing yourself in the moments your faith wavers?

When times get tough I have to remain strong and believe in myself. I should never give up but instead, I have to rise up from where I have fallen. I must be able to move on since life is indeed a cycle, there are moments in life that I feel down and sometimes I feel good. Life is good so I have to live my greatest life.

7. Do you still define success according to how much stuff you have, or how admired you are? Notice that this is the ego's definition. Gently put it aside, and notice what your spirit defines success.

Success is not only defined or measured by material possessions but by the quality of life that you're living at the present. I have to ask myself, am I the same person now as compared to 3 years ago or even 3 months ago? have I gained valuable virtues and values and learned from my lifes' lesson? Am I truly a renewed person? or am I living my greatest life? Then, if the answer is yes, I could say that I am a successful person.

8. What's one step you can take toward your vision of a fully realized life? Is there one small thing that’s part of your ideal future that you can take today?

To be able to achieve my highest ideals and aspirations, I have to renew my life in all aspects and hold on to virtues and values as they are an integral part of my success. I think one of the factors of future success is to benevolent and that is the virtue that I would like to practice today. I have learned that sharing is a good thing to do and it will bring back something good to me in any way in the future. I may never know what the future shall bring, but I can predict on it as to what I do in the present.

9. What's the most important thing you've learned over these 25 lessons?

I have learned that life is truly worth living and fighting for. Life may be full of adversities, but I should not take it as a hindrance but I should take it as a challenge to fight for. Life is good and I must never give up hence, to do my very best. I am blessed in life and I must be a blessing to others also.

I am looking forward to the 2nd season, early next year for another knowledgeable and inspiring life lesson. The lessons that I have learned are valuable for the formation of my values and for creating the kind of life that I deserve. Every day is a journey and I must live on the present, learn from the past and prepare for my future.


© 2011 Del Cusay

Group or Team Power : How it can change the world...

"Group Power is essential for success and we should not underestimate what it can do hence, it can make or break something. We have to be responsible by using this power carefully and for good intentions only"




In my previous posts, I have discussed about different sources of power and given examples of some prominent people who possess such powers and how they use it to make social impact and global influence. However, I have not included one source of power that is very important nowadays--the group or team Power.

I will cite an example on how we use group power and its effect to mankind and the world. This is very timely since I am referring to the global environmental campaign of the "New7Wonders of Nature" which is the organization founded by Bernard Weber of Switzerland. The global campaign started on 2007 after the declaration of the "New7Wonders of The World" on 7-7-7 or July 7, 2007. After 4 years, another campaign on the title of "New7Wonders of Nature" has been participated by people worldwide and on 11-11-11 or November 11, 2011 - the 7 provisional list was named by the organization's founder himself.

I was able to watch the video of the announcement he made and I am glad that Puerto Princesa Underground River made it to the list. Although it is provisional and unofficial, still it has a good chance of making it to the official list of the "New7Wonders of Nature".

THE CAMPAIGNS' GLOBAL IMPACT

The campaign started from a simple goal of a man named Bernard Weber of Switzerland. He aims to create a global memory by garnering participation of people worldwide. He founded the organization in 2001 which is based on the same principle with the "Seven ancient wonders of the world". That list of seven wonders was attributed to Philon of ancient Greece.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PHILON OF GREECE AND WEBER OF SWITZERLAND

I have asked this question to myself if what is the difference between the two great man and I have come up with the realization that Philon's, "Seven Wonders of Ancient World" was chosen and declared only by himself since he was powerful during his time. Weber, founded the "New7Wonders of the World & Nature" was chosen and participated by people globally. Thinking of what is the difference comes with the "Group Power" as the answer.

GROUP POWER LEADS TO SUCCESS

If we try to analyze, the campaign will not become successful only for the reason that Weber is powerful. Certainly, he has got some sources of his power like, power of education and expertise, being expert in the field of film making. He has the power of position being the founder of the said organization. He has power of Social intelligence through his ability to attract millions of followers in his campaign. He has Physical Power as he shows energetic personality.

He also got international fame and recognition through the Power of Media by using the Power of Nature and the Group power through the active participation of his supporters and followers. He almost got every sources of power and the good thing is that he use it wisely for a good cause.

WHAT THE PHILIPPINES HAS TO OFFER

Philippines is a bio-diverse archipelago of 7,107 islands and over a thousand of these islands can be found in Palawan. Dubbed as "The Last Frontier" - it is one of the largest island province in the country and one of the cleanest and safest place in the archipelago.

Once again we have proven that we have something to share to the rest of the world. Through unity, we have made it to put the Puerto Princesa Underground River in the global map to be one of the best ecological tourist destination in the world.

THE PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER

It is reputed as the longest navigable subterranean river in the world which approximately is 8 kilometers long--is a magnificent ecological spot with diverse ecosystem. Now that it is on its way to the official declaration as "New7Wonders of Nature", it is expected to boost the tourism industry of the country considering the flocks of tourist who will visit the place. As of 2009, it was reported already by the local government of Puerto Princesa City that the tourism increased by 50 percent--an evidence that the "New7Wonders of Nature" campaign is an effective means of boosting tourism industry.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN

Now that the Puerto Princesa Underground River is gaining global recognition and fame, there are some things that should be taken into consideration--the effect of environmental progress.

Development of the the city of Puerto Princesa is ongoing since many tourists arrived in the city recently. I have watched a documentary film about Puerto Princesa City Mayor, Edward Hagedorn who invested for the building of infrastructure projects that are of truly world-class in preparation for the big blessing which is the coming of tourist from other parts of the world.

We just hope that the place will not be fully commercialized just like other tourist destination in the country where they sacrificed the environment for the massive income. Along with progress comes possible environmental issues that may arise such as the waste management, cutting of trees, pollution, etc.

Palawan is truly a paradise and deserves to preserve its beauty and charm so the next generation will be able to love and appreciate it. It is not only for the Filipinos but also for the people of the world. We can not control development but we can do our share by protecting it and criticizing the environmental neglect and abuse.

Group Power is essential for success and we should not underestimate what it can do hence, it can make or break something. We have to be responsible by using this power carefully and for good intentions only. I always believe in the saying, "In unity there is strength" and that is applicable to the present-day scenario, that to be on the top, we need people to support us with our ideals and aspirations, people who will push us to our limits and people to will help us to raise the bar to become what we are meant to be.



© 2012 Del Cusay

The Power of Nature

"We can make a difference by simple gestures of concern for nature and supporting various environmental causes. Our nature is a great source of power, so we have to care for it and what it has to offer. It is also for the benefit of the future generation to experience the beauty of our nature and its wonders."


Nature has caused a lot of damage and destruction in various ways. These include natural or man-made calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, droughts, landslides, etc. This causes severe damage that we are not in control of; the so-called "force majeure" literally means "greater force, " an unforeseen event beyond human control. Sometimes these destructive forces of nature damage properties and cause people to lose valuable possessions and even loved ones.

Every year, many countries suffer from different natural calamities and worst catastrophes that affect the lives of millions of people. Here in the Philippines, we are known to be one of the world's most calamity-prone countries, which is true. Filipinos have been the victim of these greater forces of nature, and the situation worsens yearly.

THE ISSUE OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Recently, scientists have made an in-depth study of global warming in relation to climate change. The analysis is critical so we will know the extent of damage to earth mankind has caused. A great debate is going on regarding this topic as it draws massive global environmental concerns, especially the environmentalist.

ENVIRONMENTAL NEGLECT

We have an outstanding obligation to our environment. We all can preserve and protect our nature, and most people have done their part and will continue to do so as part of their environmental contribution and legacy. 

However, some people have been careless and greedy and have the power to destroy nature. Some people simply underestimate nature's ability to gain financial control. Illegal logging and mining are destructive environmental activities still being practiced today. If only they knew of such activities' adverse effects, they might have saved many lives.

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN

A visionary man named Bernard Weber started an organization that aims to promote environmental preservation and protection. He is the founder and President of the "New7Wonders of Nature". The objective of the said organization is to identify and promote natural wonders that stand out and could be world-class tourist destinations. The founder wants us to realize nature's importance and appreciate its wonders and beauty.

The power of Social Media has been utilized for this global campaign to choose the next 7 wonders of nature among hundreds of participant countries who joined. People can participate in this campaign by voting online through the organization's website.  You will have to choose the top 7 natural wonders of choice to be able to vote and will receive a confirmation email to let you know that your vote has been counted.

THE PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER

Luckily, through people's support, our underground river has been chosen and included in the top 28 finalists and the top 10. The big announcement of the "New7Wonders" will be on 11th November 2011 or 11-11-11. I am fortunate to have been part of this campaign by online voting and encouraging others to do the same to show their support. Indeed, it was an overwhelming response from them, and they have shown active participation by sharing the information with their friends.

I have ordered a personalized certificate from the "New7Wonders" website, which shows my top choice, the Puerto Princesa Underground River. This serves as my remembrance for joining this global environmental awareness, protection, and tourism campaign. This is a historical event, and I am grateful to have participated in and supported this campaign.

I am hopeful that our candidate will be on the official list of the "New7Wonders of Nature" and that we will continue to have environmental awareness in protecting and preserving the wonders of nature. 

We can make a difference through simple gestures of concern for nature and supporting various environmental causes. Our nature is an excellent power source, so we must care for it and what it offers. It is also for the benefit of the future generation to experience the beauty of nature and its wonders.

© 2011 Del Cusay