Do you have a good company

Today I traveled by road from Riyadh (Capital city of Saudi Arabia) to Khobar (400 kms to the east). I was alone! I'm used to have the same trip once every a while to bring my wife and family to visit my wife's family. When my wife and family accompany me the trip is short and sweet. Today, I felt the road is endless! Although I was listening to audio books all the way but nothing is comparable to enjoy chatting with my wife. Likewise, life is a journey for which we need a good company. Make sure you do have a good company in life. Surround yourself with good people who share you interest and passion and support you without even asking their support. With a good company, the life journey becomes easy and enjoyable. The opposite is quite true! When you find yourself surround by the wrong folks, you will feel the impact. They won't be pleased to become better and brighter etc. They will want you to follow them in the wrong doing and rotten behavior. Elevate yourself! and be the master of your choices! Choose the right company for whatever journey you embark! Wish you happy and joyful journey

Get out there ...

Yes ... keep on moving and get out there to meet people and network. To build and maintain a quality network we need to meet many people in hope to find one person who deserves to be a friend. I liked the advice of the president of Vancouver board of Trade "you need to kiss many frogs to find a prince" ... today, I attended a breakfast function arranged by the local chapter of PMI (Project Management Institute) at Riyadh. Frankly, I was so tired and I was hesitant to leave my cozy bed but I made it to the event! By the end of the function I was grateful to myself for the cooperation to leave its comfort zone and let me come to the seminar. I had the pleasure of meeting a number of people with whom I felt some chemistry and desire to meet again! Like the river, its water remains fresh and clean as it runs! Let's keep on moving! Let's be more contributing to better ourselves and our communities. Each one of us has something good to share it with others. Let's grow by learning and sharing!

Parenting! Is it truly difficult

Today I was listening to a specialized person who was talking about how hard and difficult it is to communicate with children. I swam with my thoughts to ponder over this statement! Is it really difficult to raise a child! Is it really hard to communicate with children in an effective and productive way. What do you think? Personally, I would say yes and no ... depends on our attitudes as parents. I won't try to offer an analysis or a diagnosis whatsoever. I am just a parent who has been experiencing this role for almost 20 years. I know myself when I do well and when I mess up with my children. I believe I am responsible for the success or failure of communicating with children. Let's face it! many of us still have the mindset that since I am the parent then I have the right to yell and to give orders and the child has to obey! So, communication is unilateral! or you may say there is no communication! There is tyranny and oppression (this might be a harsh word but maybe descriptive to many life situations) ... As parents, we need a dose of humility to enable us pace the child and communicate openly. Once the child holds any degree of fear, he won't open up to communicate. What is the difference between our children and any other person we communicate with. Don't you agree with me that our children deserve of us the same respect we exchange with others. A simple lesson I learned that we cannot force our children to communicate with us. however, if they like us and trust us they'll be more desiring to communicate with us. We need to deal with them as if we are dealing with a friend we love and respect. You will be amazed of what will happen then. Don't fake it. Be genuine. And when you mess up (yelling or commanding) ... stop the wrong-doing, and offer apology, in hope to reinstate the affinity and trust for communication to flow. Then you will realize how easy and enjoying parenting become. We struggle we we try to control by iron fist ... when act like a tyrant! and we all do from time to time even I! So, let;s humble ourselves! Lets act like coaches rather than police person, let's be loving and lovable, let's enjoy parenting! It's us who make parenting difficult because of our ignorance, because of our stubbornness, because of our stress that we don't handle properly and then our children take the heat of it! What do you think?

Toastmasters! It's great!

The other day I received a phone call from a friend ... frankly I didn't remember him well. At any rate, he asked me "I heard you're a member of Toastmasters Club" I said yes although I have been inactive for the past couple of months. He asked me "what do you think ... is good for someone to improve his presentation skill" I said to him Toastmasters movement is great. It will enhance your communication and leadership skills. Certainly, your presentation and public speaking skills will improve. You will feel more capable and your self-confidence will rise. Give it a shot! Check the website of Toastmasters International (i.e. www.toastmasters.org) to locate the nearest club to you. Call that club and tell them you're new and interested to visit their club to get to know more about toastmasters. and just go! You will be amazed of what you will witness. If your first visit was not impressive, it's okay. This is what happened to me the first time I attend a toastmaster meeting! I didn't like it! later I realized what I was missing! If you're a committed person and want to develop yourself, join a toastmasters club! It's a friendly venue to grow and practice your communication and leadership skills.

Time out

Sometimes I feel the need to take time out! to cave in! to think and ponder over my relations! to take a step backward to look at myself from a remote position ... to re-evaluate what I do so to gain some thrust for a forward step. This does not mean to isolate myself from everyone. Talking to people and friends I have not seen for a long time is refreshing and rejuvenating! Do you have a close friend that you truly trust to openly discuss your feeling and thoughts while in a state of withdrawal. I find it essential! Otherwise, one might be swamped by negative thoughts that are backward and won't help to feel better. Our soul needs us to nurture it. We might busy ourselves in every day activities to the extent that we forget what's really important in our life. Later we regret the loss and damage! We need to slow down and take life less seriously! Too much work, too much ambition, might burn you out! Let's all remember life isn't about work only. Let's do the right things and be grateful to Allah for the good he bestowed upon us. And if inflected with pain or hardship, let's remind ourselves that this is a test. So, steadfast and be rest-assured it will go away. Our life is reflection of our thoughts. Let's feed our minds with good positive thoughts.

A Good Friend

Last night I met an old friend of mine who just returned to the country. We had a nice conversation. To have a useful dialogue that is mind-teasing and beneficial, I asked my friend to tell me about the recent book he enjoyed reading. With a smile on his face, he started talking about a novel titled "Sophie's world" then he told me about a story he wrote himself, and so on. Although he is an engineer by profession, he has passion in Arabic literature. I truly enjoyed what he shared with me. More importantly, he excited me to engaged in reading more Arabic literature. I asked him to be my Arabic mentor! With a grin he accepted the role. The same night he sent me both the novel and the story of his. Last night I learned the important lesson to surround yourself with talented and educated friends. Good friends are the beauty of life. We tend to learn and be effected by them. So, check who you befriend? The question that may arise 'how would you define a good friend.' what do you think?

Your Own Health

I told you about my breakfast with my friend yesterday. One of the things he alerted me about was to check on my sugar level. Maybe he noted my unusual irritability! Today, I checked it to find it abnormal! Today, I realized my health is at risk. I simply need to take good care of myself; my diet and my exercise. I need to eat a bit lesser and exercise a bit more every day. I need to practice more control over my temper. I need to turn to my creator in supplication and repentance to shower me with His Mercy. Many of us keep on going in this life running and running without taking a rest for the soul and body to reconcile. We may pay attention to many facets of our life but not to our own self. Sometimes we may care for the car we drive or the cloth we put on more than our caring for our own well-being ... physically, mentally, and spiritually. All the three are important as they are inter-related and complementing each other. Indeed, we need to take life a bit less serious, to pause to relax and reflect, to be gentle to oneself, to connect with our Lord for His support and Guidance. Let's take good care of the most important person in our live; oneself! When you're healthy in all aspects of your life, you will be more contributing and useful to others around you.

Feel well, Behave well

Being a parent for almost 20 years, one of the lessons I learned is that when a child feels well he or she will behave well. Simple! In another way, children behave a in an obnoxious way sometimes as a result of being not feeling well. Thus, when confronting a situation where one of my children ill-behave, I always start by asking the ill-behaving child "what's up? what happened that makes you feel angry? Do you want to talk about it?" Once the child starts venting the vibes, he becomes relaxed and more welcoming and receptive for suggestions. Apparently, this same argument holds true for us, adults as well. You and I will behave well when we feel well and vice verse. Today, I went with a friend out for breakfast. I didn't like the service at the restaurant. I complained! My friend laughed at me as he was saying "I know the real reason! you don't feel well! You are missing your wife!" Frankly, yes! I dearly miss my wife that makes me easily agitated. Indeed, our feeling stems from our thoughts and affects our behaviour. Therefore, we can change how we feel by changing how we think. Our thoughts are our choices! Yes, we can choose our responses! A big mistake that one falls in when blaming others for the way he or she feels. Therefore, we need to take control of ourselves by adopting positive thoughts that make us feel well. Our emotional state will shape how we respond to circumstances. Thus, relax and stay cool! Think positively and reflect about what happens to you in a productive way that enables you to feel good about yourself and others. Life will be better than ever and nothing will make you feel miserable because you're in control! I know this may not sound easy. However, we need it to live life fully and enjoyably.

Study Success

A friend of mine had thankfully shared with me his eLibrary on iPod. Yesterday, I started to listen to a book titled "Toyota Way" ... about the success of Toyota. I have been listening to the book over an over! Studying success is enlightening and time-shortening. My brother-in-law is an amazing person with tremendous successes and what really makes him special is that he always shares his thoughts and experiences with me and others. When I conduct a training workshop I believe that every participant has experiences and success stories to share. By encouraging people to share, the learning environment becomes vibrant and the energy level become heightened. So ... Learn, Share, and Grow!

Keep on Going

Life has faces. what do I mean? I mean simply one's life does not stay on one state. One day you may feel good about yourself and everything around you, filled with energy. Another day, maybe not! you feel down, grumpy, and bored. Keep on going! Energizing oneself is your own responsibility and each one of us has certain things in life that energize his batteries. Sometimes, we surrender to the inner state of ours not trying to make a change expecting the change to come from outside! Do it yourself! Do simple things like going outside for a walk or phone a friend to invite him for a cup of coffee or pray to God. Writing is an excellent means to vent out and relax in addition to share your thoughts that might energize others. Keep on going! Do anything that will make you a better person even a bit! Just remember to keep on going and do good stuff to yourself! take good care of yourself!

Drive Safely

Tonight, I was heading to visit my parents' house around 9:07 pm right after observing ishaa prayer. In my way, I witnessed before my eyes a horrible car accident. A reckless driver who was speeding made a dangerous manoeuvring that caused him to lose control over his car and hit another car right on the side. The hit car was thrown to the other side of the road, and the hitting car capsized and shattered in pieces with huge dusts covered the place! I was so close that I feared to be hit as well but Allah has saved me. The scene was terrifying! I was shocked and thus decided to stop for a moment; first to thank Allah for not being hit, secondly to call the police to send immediate help. Definitely, injuries had happened! I felt the need to cry! to collect my thoughts! to breathe! Indeed, driving a car is a serious business! Think while driving! Take it easy! If you're in hurry, slow down to get there on time! Drive defensively and safely. I beg of Almighty Allah to safeguard us all.

Energy Flows where attention goes

Focus is a key to success. That is true! An essential prerequisite would simply be to have a clear aim; to know exactly what you want and where are you heading; where you want to be a year from now, 5 years from now, 10 years from now, and more importantly where do you want to be after this life! Three days ago when I wrote my first post at that very night I decided to stop searching for a job to embark on doing my own business. I love training, teaching, coaching, helping people to better their thinking and choices in life. Once my son Anas said it simply to me ... daddy you should do what you love! Indeed, he is right! I feel truly energized and enthusiastic to pursue this choice! Surprisingly, this I started 3 days ago working on this path, many things have happened. I contacted several training providers around the globe and many responded favorable. Today, my brother-in-law has greatly helped me to open up the Sudanese market by introducing me to a couple of people who where so welcoming to cooperate with me. I guess this response was largely influenced by their trust in the recommendation made by my brother-in-law. On another dimension, I contacted a friend of mine to propose to him the possibility to team up in this training efforts. He has an excellent business set up at Jeddah. His opened up the door to discuss it in more details. Things are progressing well, Alhamdullelah. I first thank Allah then I am thankful to everyone who shared with me an opinion or a lead to enable me see the way and make better decision. The saying "Energy Flows where attention goes" holds true; I feel it! Let's be clear with oneself what is that exactly you want to do in this life, then make a list of all the action that may help you, then ACT NOW! Allah will facilitate your affairs and support you in ways beyond your imagination. Have faith in Allah's Support! He will respond!

Family Life is Great

My wife and children have just boarded the plane flying to Beirut then Amman for vacation. Frankly, I felt as if my heart is leaving my chest! I am already missing my wife, and everyone. When you're accutomed to a happy family life, playing with Omar (almost two years now), walking with Anas back to home from the Masjid, chatting with Nada and Hiba despite the heat of the dialogue, you will really understand what I am missing. Someone said to me "Good for you" so you may enjoy some solitude again! Spend more time with Friends, etc. I don't know! Maybe I am not that kind of person! I am very much family-orientated, loving my wife so dearly, and enjoy my stay at home. At any rate, although our bodies will be away form each other, our souls and hearts are united. My hope is that they will be safe and will have good time together. I beg of Allah Almighty to be with them. If you have a family of your own, be grateful and take good care of them!

Why not?

I have been searching for a job for a while. There are jobs and I am receiving job offers but none is meeting my minimum expectations. Some of my friends and family members blame me for not accepting any of these offer. Today, a relative of mine said to me that the problem hinges on me that I aim high! I thanked him for his comment, shook hands and left. I pondered over the comment a bit! I wondered is bad to aim high! Why not? we need to have faith in oneself that we deserve better and we can contribute more to make this earth a better place for generations to come. Yes, I am different that many people around me in various ways. But I do believe that this is the normal status because God has created us with enormous capacities to innovate and create. Yes, few days ago I was presented with an offer from a prestigious university at Riyadh to join than in the capacity of an Executive Director for Community Outreach and Programs at its Continuing Education Center. I did not hesitate to turn down the offer! The offer simply didn't reflect appreciation to what I can truly bring to the table! It was not a winning relationship and I seek winning deal! I am a business-minded person. Last night, a friend of mine invited me to accompany him to a weeding party. In our way back home, we engaged in a discussion about going out there to do business but not as an employee! as an entrepreneur. Why not? I can do it! Nothing to fear! I realized that this is the way ahead! I have all I need to succeed in a training business. Why not? By the time we part ways, I had the determination to pursue my dream to run my own show downing what I love! Why not? a simple question that enable us to explore new venues, to check on our fears, to free ourselves form limitation we've placed ourselves. It's a simple question we knew well when we were children but we forgot it later! When you face a situation where you find yourself tied up, ask yourself 'why not?', whenever you catch yourself saying "I can't", challenge yourself by asking "why not?" ... This question paves your way to innovation and greatness! embrace it and live by! Wish you success! It's yours