A Better Life Begins With Me
71A better life begins with me. I can choose to live my life in the same way that I always have. I can also choose to live in a better way by changing the way I think. The choice is mine to make.
I lived under a small, tiny shell. And so I thought this shell was what the whole world was all about. Then one day, someone came along and lifted away my shell and I was amazed by what I saw.
You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
The world is so much more than I could have ever imagined. There are people out here who freely share their time and knowledge. There are also people out here whose lives do not solely revolve around money. And there are even people out here who bother to give of themselves and lift others up. It's a really big world out here. And I am glad to be a part of it.
I now choose to share my knowledge and time with others who, in turn, share their knowledge with me. I choose to value my loved ones and friends much more than money and possessions. I find that I can still be happy even when I don't have much money. I want this world to be a better one and so I choose to help others.
A better life begins for me when I begin to think differently. I stop telling myself that I have no other choice. I see the good side of people and situations. And when I encounter failure, I recognize it as the teacher that will teach me to succeed. When I have learnt enough, I will succeed.
To lead a better life, I continually seek out newer and better ways of thinking. I am prepared to move away from a comfortable perspective and reposition myself to see things from a better point of view.
In order to recieve new things, I must first free my hands by letting go of the old things. If I want something better for myself, then I should do something about it and not just think about it. And when I have taken these first two steps, a better life begins for me.
My life is an ongoing process where I can choose to progress or regress, bloom or shrivel, swim against the tide or drift away with it. However I choose to live my life determines what I will become. I don't want to think negatively because I don't want to be a victim of choice.
Courage and Commitment
Living a better life requires the courage and commitment to stay on track and not to give up when the going gets tough. A giving spirit does not seek reward for acts of kindness. A benevolent person is one who is grateful for the opportunity to love another. Give what you can give, and love as much as you can love. Everything else comes naturally after you have begun to give and love.
Give whatever that is within your capability to help the poor and the helpless. To ease the suffering of others is the highest act of kindness.
Give the benefit of the doubt as often as you can. When the truth cannot be known, our lives are enriched when we choose to think well of others.
Give what you can of yourself to help another. Choose to create and foster friendships that shall bring you the joy that money cannot buy.
Forgive those that have wronged you. Unforgiveness and grudges are the shackles that prevent us from moving forward and growing.
Love as much as you can. Love is an investemnt that yeilds much interest. It grows and grows without limit.
Pay It Forward - The Movie
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - The Hollies
- Pay It Forward Movement
This is a movement that began with one young boy's idea on how we could all make a better world for ourselves. This philosophy is so simple and effective that it has become a revolutionary movement that has taken the world by storm. Fantastic site!!! - Positive Attitude Quotes
This is an excellent place to find a good collection of quotes on positive thinking from a variety of authors and sources. There are also many articles on related topics and links out to other relevant sites. All in all, a fantastic one-stop website. - The Power of Positive Thinking
A good website that focuses on the power of positive thinking. This site not only discusses the philosophy of positive thinking but also emphasizes practical steps and training. Many links to other sites on positivity can also be found here.
Please share your thoughts
Do you agree that a better life begins within you?
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Comments
Do we have to worry about whether it is a positive or negative thought? When I look at the kids, they have no notion that their thoughts are positive or negative. Yet they live so positively every day. How is this possible.
It isn't possible to be purely subjective. The very fact that I can hold an opinion is evidence of bias. Therefore I try my best not to label the quality of processes that occur beyond my own boundaries.
I think that thoughts are as positive or negative as we percieve them to be. It all depends on which perspective we choose to view things from.
"Choice" is a powerful tool that is often relegated to subconscious automatons and the tendency to bias perception defines us. Indeed, labels need not be imposed beyond our own borders.
I am both intrigued and inspired to chance upon an article of this nature. May you do well in future persuits, my friend.
Awesome dude! Yeah, we outta straighten up the way we think. Karma comes from inside our thoughts.
Greetings right back at you Terenceyap!
Not only have you described my exact feelings for success, but you have given a wonderful definition of how each individual can make a difference in their own life, and in the life of others. Your Hub has touched my soul....like sweet medicine this morning. Continued positive motion on the path forward will always lead somewhere wonderful. Yes, somewhere wonderful, forging the way for others to follow. Thank you Terence.
Hi Terence,
Yes, a better life does begin with us and about having the right perspective as well. Thank you for your beautiful words of wisdom. I enjoyed reading your thoughts about life. :)
--Michelle
Wordpulse:
I confer with you. Thank you for your kind wishes, my friend.
Heavy Metal:
Yes, Karma is very much at play here.
ITD:
Thank you for your kind comment. I am but a student of life with much to learn from others such as yourself.
Ripplemaker:
The wisdom that you speak of had been taught to me by others much wiser than myself. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, m'lady.
Terrence,
Thank you for another beautiful hub. May I ask who shared with you "the wisdom" that was taught to you by others much wiser than yourself?
I think you, too, are now sharing this wisdom with others -- often far, far away -- who have not had the opportunity of learning what you know.
Again, my friend, thank you for your beautiful thoughts.
Rose,
My sincere apologies for getting back to you so late. The "others" that I mentioned in my blog are members of my family and friends whom I also regard as family. Yes, the blessings that I have so abundantly recieved must be shared.
You are most welcome, my friend.
Hi Terence, this is a fantastic hub to lift one's self confidence. Thank you :D
Thank you Quensday. I appreciate you taking the time to read this article.
Thought implies perspective; and perspective, limitation. Therefore all thoughts are limited.
There is only so much thinking can teach us. The universe is becoming conscious of itself through each one of us, through each one of our unique perspectives.
Dear Hill Country,
My personal perception is limited. This is why it is so important for me to interact with others. When others share their points of view with me, my perception can then be broadened.
The concept of a collective awareness is a profound one. It infers that we are all parts that make up a whole. It's a beautiful concept. And it would be wonderful if more people chose to believe it. Thank you for your contribution, my friend.
I enjoyed reading your thoughs, and understand about allowing ourselves to change our perspectives as we evolve. I am not the same person, I was 20 years ago, so much has changed, even my concept of God.
It's good to see writings like yours in hubpages. :)
Dear VioletSun,
Thank you for giving of yourself by sharing your thoughts. So much has changed for me, too. I am a very grateful person for having been given a second chance in life.
I am so blessed to be able to share a part of myself here on hubpages.
Terence, I absolutely love your life perspective and attitude! Now I understand why I get such good and gentle loving vibes from you.
It's a pleasure to know you.
Dear Shirley,
The pleasure is all mine, m'lady. And once again, a very happy birthday to you.
*smiles*
I couldn't agree more! I think the main reasons we are here, are to learn from, and help one another. That also seems to be the sprirt of hubpages, which is why I love it, here.
Your openness to what life has to offer and your taking responsibility for the choices you make are inspiring and precious lessons for us, your readers.
Dear RMR,
I agree with you too; life is truly an education and an opportunity to help others. And it is so precious to be able to live in mutual respect, harmony and peace with each other.
May the spirit of hubpages continue to soar to new heights, my friend.
Dear BernieQuimpo,
Thank for your kind words. I, too, draw inspiration from your articles, m'lady.
Very well said Terence. I like the way you write and it invites me to ask questions of you as if we are friends. Those personal ones like, when did you turn your life around, what age were you, what is/was your profession. In the journey that is life by what you have done in your own, gives me encouragement to do the same with mine. I am on a spiritual journey myself and find it a struggle. You made it sound effortless. Giving up and giving over is so difficult for me. I felt inspired by you. Thanks and heartness.
Dear Jewels,
We have always been friends.
My awakening began in 1986, at the age of 26, when I first learnt to meditate. It wasn't a spontaneous change and, I was a singer\musician back then. It was a modest starting point.
My transformation was a slow and arduous one. Little by little, day by day, I began on a journey of change that still continues to this very day. God isn't done with me yet. *smiles*
Giving up and giving over were impossible for me when my choice of vantage point, from which my point of view was dependant, remained unchanged.
I was only able to begin to be a diiferent person when I "moved" my vantage point to a "higher ground" that allowed me a broader perspective of things.
May you be all that you desire to be and may your journey be a blessed one, my friend.
The transpersonal standpoint. I seem to have a stubborness that prevents my stability here! I will tune into you often. (We are the same age as it happens). My teacher came in 2000, I seem to fight him too! You have a calmness that is easily felt. Friend.
I have been really fortunate to come arcross this article. The comments are also great. This is the best thing I've read in a long time, buddy. Keep up the good work!!!
Dear Jewels,
I overcame my stubborn nature only when I began to detach myself from the image I saw of myself: my ego. Like being lifted upwards from the tree that I was lving in, the forest (that my tree was in) became visible and I no longer looked at that tree or myself in the same way ever again.
I began to see myself as only a small part of a greater whole. I began to realise that there was a reality much larger and real than what I had assumed it to be.
Search inside yourself, my friend. Re-examine all the reasons that have caused you to think in the way that you do. This was my first step in detaching myself from my ego.
"The choice is mine to make" great words. Ever so true. Everyday I wake up happy to be alive. Everyday I choose what I will do. Not everyday am I constructive, some days I am just buys but don't achieve anything. However I choose. I am responsible.
Your fan.
Mon.
Dear Monitor,
Thank you for sharing a part of yourself. Yes, there are some days when no progress seems to be made. But it's the sum of our days that make the difference.
They say that laughter and happiness are the best medicines in life. It seems to me that you have chosen well, my friend.
Thank you Terence, your hub and lovely discussion here really make a difference :)
Dear Misha,
It is I who should be thanking you, my friend. Your articles on defensive driving are very educational and well written. I shall look forward to reading more of your articles in future.
Dera Reynard,
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and also for your kind words of encouragement, my friend.
this is such a motivating piece. thank you for sharing. i am once again reminded of the beauty of life seen from the eyes of love. Godbless:)
Hi Dayzeebee,
It's good to hear from you again, my friend. *smiles*
Yes, the perspective from where we choose to view everything from does make a real difference. This life is a good and meaningful one. God bless you, too. :)
Fantastic Hub1 Very inspirational and helpful
Hi Veronica,
Thank you for taking the time to read this hub and leaving a comment, my friend.
*smiles*
Wow! Very nice, always enjoy your hubs.
Hi Jerilee,
Thank you so much for your kind comment, my friend. I also enjoy ready your hubs too.
*smiles*
Very inspirational hub.
Thank you for a very thought provoking hub. I have for as long as I remember believed that we have choices. Life is made up of making choices, but my feeling is that is too simplistic. Two people given the same set of choices to chose from may come to a different decision, both believing that they have made the correct choice. So are our choice selection governed by external conditions?.
Hi SweetiePie,
Thanks for the encouragement, my friend. I enjoyed your hub entitled "How To Style Long Hair Into Waves, Curls, or Braids" and voted a few days ago. Sadly, I chose your last option, LOL!
Enjoyed your personal video and hope to see more from you.
*smiles*
Hi Agvulpes,
I believe that our choices are influenced, rather than governed by external conditions. But as you have pointed out, the process of making a choice is far from simple and would greatly depend on the values and objectives of those whom are to choose.
Thank you for your comment, my friend.
*smiles*
An excellent hub and very thought provoking. We all need to assess who we are, and accept that responsibility. That we are also responsible for the effect on others in the changes that we make. Therefore we should try and make our changes for the betterment of those around us.
Thanks for the insight.
What is amazing - out of 19 voted at this time all 19 voted for the first option. I guess it does say something about the quality of the community over here :)
Thank you Terence for another enlightening hub! If only we could all use ourselves as the starting point to make things better, the ideal world should be just around the corner! Pay it forward will always be one among my favourite movies.
Hi Rodney,
You have an admirable viewpoint of life, my friend. Thank you for sharing your comment.
*smiles*
Hi Misha,
Yes, it is amazing how the results of the poll have turned out, my friend. 19 out of 19 unanimously in favour of the 1st option does say a lot about the quality of our community here.
*smiles*
Hi Shalini,
Yes; if we all were to use ourselves as a starting point, the result would be phenomenal.
*smiles*
I agree when we change the way we see things differently then the things we see changes differently
Hi Countrywomen,
Thank you for your endorsement, my friend.
*smiles*
What a wonderful hub Terenceyap07! It is so inspiring, thank you so much!
Hi Milla,
Thank you for your words of encouragement, my friend. May all of us have better lives filled with much love, happiness and contentment.
*smiles*
thanks for these tips. very interesting food for thought. but what if people wanna take advantage and make a fool of us?
We need to realize that the fear of being made a fool of stems from our past experiences. Back then, we feared people who would take advantage of us.
But now, later on in our lives we realize that all of us are of one and the same family. All of us are brothers. Please think about what I have said, my friend.
*smiles*
wtf! dont be a loser. wake up. people only love you when your useful. wake up!
Hi Freddy,
Thank you for your advice and concern, my friend.
There is always something to be gained from loss; for gain and loss are but 2 sides of the same coin.
Always be well, my friend.
*smiles*
Hi Terrence:I've just created a new blog, can i have your comments?http://hubpages.com/hub/Are-you-sick-and-tired-of-
Hi Fang,
I'll pop by your blog as soon as I can. Welcome aboard Hubpages.
*smiles*
great hub...thanx for your views...they are amazing...you have the real meaning off life...and its really appriciate that you love to share it...thanx for sharing it..well i have recenly updated some video and photo in my hub...have a look i am sure you will like it..
http://hubpages.com/hub/Worlds-most-costliest-phon
thanx
is it really possible to change a lifetime of habits? what if if can't change? what then? is there any hope for the damned? can fate be changed?
So let's say I totally change the way I think, this is gonna make everyone treat me diffrent in the end? That simple?
BritneyDavidson,
Thank you for your kind words. I have followed your link and am amazed by those bejeweled handphones. Thanks, my friend.
*smiles*
flayed & betrayed,
We define the "possibles" & "impossibles" in our lives.
In my limited experience of life, I have accomplished "impossible" tasks by simply not knowing that those tasks were "impossible" to begin with.
However, I never attempted tasks that I believed were impossible to accomplish.
*smiles*
curious,
Why don't you give it a try, my friend?
*smiles*
Wonderful post! This reminds me very much of something Stephen Covey (Author of the "7 habits" books) would say.
Great advice.
Thank you, Jessica.
*smiles*
hcshi says:
18 months ago
Very inspiring! Thank you.