It’s that time of the week again, folks! The past couple of months have been kind of crazy, so it’s been tough to post at least two blogs a week. I’ll get there – thank you for stopping by regardless!
Today’s food for thought comes from The Congo:
” The art of negotiating is acquired from childhood.”
This one really tugged at my brain when I came across it. The first thing that jumped out at me is how the most important habits are established in the earliest stages. Not just in life but in every endeavor we take on, whether it’s in learning how to play the piano, become a basketball player or be a dancer. Of course I’m going to apply this to writing! While some good things are learned along the way, in the beginning of a writing journey, it’s important to have your mind made up. For example, I made a plan to post at least twice a week when I first started blogging, and I’m learning how to manage my time and use organization tools to achieve this (when I’m not being pulled in 10 other directions, of course!). But the one thing I definitely had in the beginning was the mind set to do it no matter what. That stubbornness was developed early in my writing journey; to keep writing no matter what. Even when I’m not blogging, I’m doing some type of writing activity because of other projects I’m working on.
This may not have much to do with the art of negotiating, but that was what I took from today’s quote. Being able to make things happen is not something that’s learned overnight. It develops over the years until you’ve become a master at it.
What’s you’re interpretation of this quote? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Is your power turned on? Source: Frederic Bisson, Flickr
Today’s food for thought comes from another African proverb:
“He who is destined for power does not have to fight for it”
This simple saying speaks volumes. I hope it speaks something to you and your life as you read this post. Life can definitely serve some curve balls; and for some, it just started out on a bad foot. But it doesn’t have to continue that way. This saying reminds me of the story of King David. Before he was crowned King of Israel, he knew he would hold the title, but circumstances at the time were the complete opposite. King Saul, his predecessor was in complete denial about losing his position and gave David hell about succeeding him. It got to the point where David had to seek refuge in the fields and hide for a while because Saul was after his life. It was one incident after another – enough to discourage anyone from pursuing what was theirs. But David never relented. In fact, he didn’t really make a big fuss about it because he knew the position was his, so there was no reason to put up a fight with Saul for it. When the time came, he was appointed to his new office and was able to claim his title as king.
Simple, but not so simple.
Build your strength. Don’t waste time trying to prove yourself to everyone. Source: Greg Westfall, Flickr
A certain fixation of the heart and mindset has to be in place in order to have this type of approach to adversary. I personally feel we are all destined for power, but life, family history and other circumstances have clouded that vision and realization. There are certain things in my life that I’m looking forward to. They’re not happening at the moment, but I know for a fact that they will. Why? Because I have to ability to see it that way because I’ve ingrained it in my mind. Of course, reaching this point didn’t happen overnight, and there’s still work to be done in building up my mind and faith. Every little positive thought and prayer makes a difference. For instance, I decided a few months ago to use my writing as a platform of expression and excellent income. It’s going to get to the point where I will watch the income roll in without lifting a finger at times. Am I there at the moment? Nope, but I know that my business will get to that point. I have a plan. I have a strategy and I have the will power to push because I know what I want. But at the same time I don’t go around throwing it in people’s faces to prove a point. I just know it will happen and I will be in a place of comfort and establishment.
And what exactly is power? Let’s visit that for a second because power tends to be associated with the wrong concepts like position and being able to control people. I’m not talking in that perspective at all. I’m talking about real power.
Power is stillness. Power is that quiet strength one has to control themselves, not others. Because of that type of control, they have a positive influence on others and are able to make serious moves. If one can inspire others in a positive way, I consider that power. Not because of the effect they have on people, but because of the quality they carry within themselves.
I’m going to end this with another quote in conjunction to today’s food for thought. Are you in a rut or at an all-time low? Is your business not where you want it to be? Read this quote, say it to yourself, then take a step further and look into the mirror and say it out loud to yourself:
“At any given moment, you have the power to say, ‘this is not how my story will end’ “.
This is more like a quote of the day. I came across this wonderful quote while surfing around freelancer websites on tumblr (maybe I’ll open an account with them after fussing about social media this week :)). Think about it, writing really is hard work. Coming up with ideas, making sure they’re expressed strongly enough for the audience to grasp it….it can be draining if we don’t balance ourselves! But at the same time that’s the beauty of it, to be able to dig in and put something together for someone to appreciate. Then there’s the drafting, rejections and search for inspiration. But its challenges like these that makes writing more fulfilling and helps one to grow.
Hey everyone. Sorry I’ve been slow this week, but I’ve been adjusting to my new position along with some other writing projects that I plan on sharing with you very soon! In the meantime, here’s today’s Food for Thought:
“If you fear something, you give it power over you.”
I’ve talked about fear recently and shared my thoughts with you all on that and how it can be handled. So while today’s “proverb” is pretty straight-forward, I’m still very interested in reading your thoughts about it.
What do you fear? Is it something you want to overcome? What fears have you overcome in the past?
As always, thanks for stopping by. Your comments are appreciated! 🙂
I’ve always frowned on weak leadership. Whether it’s political, religious or in the work place. I think to myself “what’s the deal”? Nonetheless, I always go back to myself and wonder what I would do to better a situation if I was in that leader’s position. I can’t just go around pointing fingers all the time.
With that being said, I would like to share today’s food for thought…a Ugandan proverb:
The chief kills the life of the village, not the trader.
What are your thoughts on this proverb? How would you apply it to your everyday happenings in life?
Okay, here’s another North African proverb; what do you think it means and how does it apply to everyday life?
“Who is brave enough to tell the lion that his breath smells?”
I think this can be applied as a writer. We often come face to face (or laptop to laptop) with confrontation that may involve disagreements or vastly different opinions on a subject we’re passionate about. In any case, the writer shouldn’t feel inferior when expressing their perspective.
In my quest to learn, grow and appeal, I decided to start a weekly post to open up more dialogue among you lovely New3Creation readers. New comers are also welcomed to participate!
For now, I plan on posting a quote and ask for your thoughts, experiences or just plain disgust with the quote.
Today I’m starting out with an old North African proverb:
“A tyrant is only a slave turned inside out”.
I would love to know your thoughts on this! Send a comment! 🙂
