The festive season
AS a clear indicator that life in some form, goes on, 2017 is imminent. For some, a New Year pending presents the challenge, do we intend to make some changes in our lives? Some folk are content with their situation, having achieved their goals, and are now considering how to build on achievements. Others question what the future holds for them as opportunities seem to be difficult to find.
A book which considers life, love and happiness has been written by Alexander Loyd. “Beyond Willpower” provides a principle to achieve success in these elements in life, even when one is experiencing stressful situations. Science has shown that stress is the primary source of virtually any problem – physical, spiritual, emotional and even circumstantial. By harnessing love’s power and learning to live in the present moment, you can define your life goals and live mindfully in a state of peace.
“The Greats of Leadership” from author Jocelyn Davis brings us the classic wisdom for modern managers. And we can read this with the view of managing our own lives. The thinking and reasoning of key thinkers in history are considered: Plato, Pericles, Shakespeare, Machiavelli, Churchill, Carl Jung, Peter Drucker and even Jane Austen. One commentator notes that “it is rare to see a book that meshes the deeply profound and personal wisdom of the great writers and philosophers with practical tools that anyone can apply tangibly tomorrow”.
In “The 5 Love Languages” written by Gary Chapman we read on the secret to love that lasts. Between busy schedules and long days, expressing love can fall by the wayside. We forget to compliment, and to linger in the connection between those close to us. The book is about saying “I love you” and the reality of both saying and hearing it. Read about the words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, spending quality time and physical touch. Be inspired by real-life stories and encouraged by this book’s common-sense approach.
Gordon Livingstone has written “Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart” and in this we can begin to appreciate the characteristics that help us gain satisfaction through life. Livingstone writes having served as a doctor in Vietnam and as a parent in later life. He was twice bereaved – in one 13-month period he lost one son to suicide and another to leukaemia. He collects in his book a number of bedrock truths – we are what we do, and any relationship is under the control of the person who cares the least. Only bad things happen quickly. Forgiveness is a form of letting go.
“Tuesdays With Morrie” is a wonderful example of how interaction between older and younger people can be a blessing for both. Mitch Albom writes, “The last class of my old professor’s life took place once a week in his house, by a window in the study where he could watch a small hibiscus plant shed its pink leaves. The class met on Tuesdays. It began with breakfast. The subject was the Meaning of Life. It was taught from experience.” It is a valuable message on the real benefits to people as they interact – those involved can gain in their personal understating
Between busy schedules and long days, expressing love can fall by the wayside. We forget to compliment, and to linger in the connection between those close to us...