Reflection
Aug 27th, 2008 by Ollie Lind
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As we all plunge through our busy lives it seems there is never enough time to do everything we want to. Those of us who live in an advanced country have a seemingly endless choice of activities. But what about those whose sole aim is to find enough to eat, or somewhere to lay their body down to rest? Those with no education and no likelihood of ever gaining one and so having a change to make something of their lives.
It seems we are so intent on our pursuit of material things and so engrossed on our personal struggle to be happy there is no time for what I consider to be one of the most important actions a person can undertake to improve the quality of life. That action is reflection.
We should look at what we have and be grateful. That doesn’t mean be satisfied and not want to strive for better. It means having an appreciation for what we currently have in our lives. It means taking the time to see the beauty all around us. Really appreciate the friends we all seem to take for granted. Take the time to look around and let others know you love and appreciate them.
I am a strong believer in the cumulative effect of putting positives out into the environment. I have devoted my life to sharing what I have learnt and discovered. I am humbled when people thank me for making a difference in their lives. The other day someone asked me why I spend so much time on other people. (Much of what I do, teaching, coaching, affirming, I do pro bono.)
I must confess I hadn’t really thought about it, other than to recognise I decided a long time ago that if I was ever going to do anything, it may as well be for others. Like you, I’ve had my traumas, my tragedies and dark times, but, I know that if I can make things better for someone else, I feel better.
I feel better about myself as a person and, if I keep on as I am I believe, on my deathbed, I won’t say the two saddest words in the world, “IF ONLY.” I won’t sing the Peggy Lee song about life, “Is that all there is?”
I’m sorry if this sounds a little maudlin, but I’m in that kind of mood. I love helping people with their careers and their lives and couldn’t imagine doing anything else, except maybe writing fiction successfully. I confess, that’s my other passion.
Oh, I have another web site ollielind.com I share my poetry on that. I am compiling an e-book of poems called “Reflections on Life.” Hopefully it will be ready for release before the end of the year. It’ll probably only cost a few dollars and will contain reflections on all manner of subjects. For example, a number of years ago I was reflecting on the troubles in Ireland and wrote a poem called “Will it ever end?” The first time I read it in public was at a poets meeting. I had never read it aloud and, I must confess, I was in tears when I finished. (It was either extremely bad, or I struck a chord deep inside.)
If you want another look at aspects of life, have a look.
Live well,
Ollie Lind