"Enjoy your Life"

Today, I went out to print out my training kit on "Negotiation Skills" and arrange for participants' handouts for my coming training experience on Saturday August 7th. While waiting, I notices a book on a shelve. I grabbed it and started reading it. I found it so exciting from the first few lines. I kept reading in it till my printing job was finished. I asked of my friend to permit me to take the book to read it and return it. He nodded his head in agreement. The book title is "Enjoy Your Life" by the wonderful scholar; Dr. Mohammed Al-Arifi. The book is the compilation of his 20 years life experience. Therefore, it is a book to read!

New Learning Experience - Office Management Training

Today I completed a 2-day training program at the National Guard Health Affairs of King Abdulaziz Medical City at Riyadh, SA. The subject was "office management and secretarial skills." I spent ample to prepare for this training program. The session went so well (Alhamdullah) ... the participants were so energetic and hungry for learning that truly made the experience special and meaningful. 20 administrative professionals from various department from King Abdulaziz Medical City attended this program. Interestingly, all of the attendees were ladies. I was impressed with the quality of thinking and active participation of them. Indeed, they were a distinctive learning group!

I passed the CPLP credential Exam

With all praise due to Almighty Allah. I passed the CPLP Credential Exam (i.e. Certified Professional in Learning and Performance) that is offered by ASTD (i.e. American Society of Training and Development). What is really interesting is the learning I benefited by while preparing for the exam. I read the 10 volumes of the ASTD Learning System in preparation for the exam. This learning process was enlightening and informative to me. I have submitted the work product for final evaluation. I look forward to receiving the final decision of ASTD on my case.

CPLP Exam

Do you know what CPLP stand for? It is new to me as well. It stands for "Certified Professional in Learning and Performance" which is a designation issued by ASTD i.e. the American Soceity of Training and Developlement. I have been studying for the CPLP credential exam for two months. Tomorrow i.e. Tuesday May 25, 2010 I will have my exam! Wish me success :)

Asserssor Training

Last week, I participated in a specialized training about the Assessor Model of the Eropean Foundation of Quality Management. The training was offered by the King Abdulaziz Quality Award committe to a group of candidates to become assessors. The experience has given me a new exposure to a subject that is so useful and exciting. In the process, I met a group of professionals from various disciplines who truly contributed to the learning process. It is important to be exposed to new areas and keep on learning and stretching out one's capabilities. Anyhow, I waiting for the final decision of the committe whether they will choose me to become one of the assessors or not.

Seasons of Life

For the past couple of weeks I have been suffering pain with my teeth. I visited the dentist 4 or 5 times and each time I get enough pain for days ahead. This is how week we are! A tooth may make our life painful n tasteless! I could not eat well for a number of days. By Allah, we need to humble ourselves for our creator to look after us and ease our life. Without his Mercy, one's life may become truly miserable. Today, I was talking to a friend of mine in Canada. We were close to each other during my living at Surrey. He sounded unhappy and saddened. Actually, he was so inflicted by hardship to the extent he is desiring not live anymore! While hearing to him I remembered the verse where Allah tells us that he created us in hardship! So, this is life! It somewhat resembles the four seasons! It does not stay at one face! It keeps changing. Thus we need to accustom ourselves to this simple fact. We need to bear its bad weather to enjoy its good weather. and it is okay to feel down! We all do! just take life lightly and less seriously and let's all remember whenever we confront a turmoil that it will pass and won't stay for ever. Let's train ourselves to see the good in every situation! Let's read and interpret life events in ways that make us feel good and live well. Wish you success and happiness. Be well :)

Opportunity in every difficulty!

The other day I was driving my car at Khobar heading to my training workshop. At one of the traffic lights I read on a huge signboard the following statement

"An Optimist sees an opportunity in every difficulty, a pessimist sees a difficulty in every opportunity"

Indeed, it is us who give meaning to what we experience. How we feel, how we think, determine how we behave. To better ourselves and live life fully, we need to focus inwardly to ensure that we have the right set of thoughts and beliefs that enable us feel better and work better. The decision is ours.

Tidy! Good Job!

Today, early morning i wanted to go for a walk in the neighbourhood. My eyes were struck by an astonishing scene ... a high-ranked officer in his official suit driving a Mercedes Benz open the window of his car to simple throw an empty pack of cigarette. I stopped and without hesitation my facial expression along with my two hands extended in front of me signaled to the driver my astonishment and disagreement of what he did. What really shocked me the most maybe because y to I did not expect it that the high-ranked officer stopped his car and decided to reverse to the point where he threw the empty pack then he got off his car to pick it up from the street then he approached me to shake hands and thanked me in a gentle and respecting tone. I felt speechless for second then I exchanged with him my deep appreciation of his act.

I learned many things out of this encounter. First, I learned that each one of us can make a difference by doing what he is supposed to do. I would've walked and ignored the scene. But out of my sense of responsibility I decided to act now! Results are not to us! We need to take it personally ... this is a title of a nice book authored by the founder of Body Shop.

Secondly, I learned that people are good! They want to do good! They may forget but will be happy to be reminded to do the right thing. This may not be the case every time we try to change things around us. But certainly it is worth trying provided we do it in a good way; in a way that enable positive response. I got a feeling that this incidence may leave a permanent trace inside this person to become an advocate for the good. Anyhow, we need to take it personally and engage in good act to command good in a nice and wise fashion. Good change will come!

Although I may not meet this high-ranked officer again, but I feel so good about him and from the bottom of my heart I thank him for his positive and gentle act.