The 5 W’s of Life

X Y and Z have always got their share of glory or infamy depending on how much you liked algebra and geometry but it is the alphabet W is that we focus on today. To begin with W has a rather awkward pronunciation but more importantly all progress is largely dependent on the answers to the 5W’s supported of course by the equally oddly pronounced H. Today we reflect on the critical role of the 5 W’s in shaping our life, our attitude and our successes.

Who am I! Your individuality is what makes you unique. Even identical twins would stand out from each other because of the differences that mark each one out. By being aware of our individual uniqueness, one can focus on strengthening ones attitude, skills, behavior and talents to contribute the world around us. Of course our uniqueness would also invite criticism, questioning, curiosity, suggestions and admiration from others who cannot possibly comprehend our individuality. Do not let that disturb you but do pay heed to it for there could be a lot of learning that emanates from such feedback. Most importantly be proud of who you are; faults, limitations, weakness notwithstanding.

What lies ahead? If the future was predictable life would be terribly boring. The wonder of waking up each day lies in the abundant mysteries that each day will unravel. There would be surprises, there would be shocks, there would be laughter, there would be tears. We value each emotion because we are blessed with the gift of experiencing these varied emotions. When we dare to explore, experiment, engage differently we are setting ourselves up for surprises and opportunities that never existed before in our limited vision. There is risk but there is larger glory beyond our comfort zone.

When life is a challenge what do I do? Each one of us has his/ her own personal challenge to cope with daily. The scope and gravity of the challenge would vary but we cannot side step these challenges. At times we get overwhelmed, other times we feel weighed down, may a time we are frustrated and almost often we get irritated and annoyed when having to deal with niggles and issues that never seem to end. Most times we have to deal only with irritants but it is the big challenges like coping with life threatening illness, being suddenly handled a pink slip, coping with a way ward offspring, getting into a financial mess bordering on bankruptcy etc. that test our character, our will, our capacity to cope and our resolve to overcome. Self belief is critical but calm rational thinking is essential too. Seeking help would not be demeaning neither would taking tough decisions be embarrassing. What is essential is not to give up, give in or surrender but to take the tough road to redemption with firm resolve.

Where the choices are equally alluring how do I decide? Every moment of your life you are making choices. Even as you read this you have the choice to continue reading or do something that you believe is more beneficial, worthwhile or important. Your choice must be based on what you think is most relevant at that point of time. It could be based on facts, it could be based on urgency, it could be based on intuition but what is important is that whatever your choice and the outcome, you must have no regrets.

Why do I feel apprehensive about the future? Frankly there is nothing that you can do about the future except to anticipate and prepare to face it. Even then, the future always surprises with its unexpected bounties and occasionally jolts us with unexpected shocks. If one were to dispassionately assess the happenings in one’s life, for the overwhelming majority the future that overcame us had largely always aided and abetted our growth, prosperity and happiness. It is true that we would all have experienced unexpected sorrow, failure and disappointment along the way but they would be far, few and in-between. A better way to tackle the future would be to try to create it; trust your instincts, take chances, work hard, follow your dreams and you will find you have arrived at your destination.

Try these:

1. If you came in the possession of Alladin’s Lamp and were granted 3 boons, what three boons would you ask for yourself?
2. If you were select an animal that best represents you what would be the endearing qualities that the animal has that resembles those that you possess?
3. Can you recollect 3 crazy things that you did in your life? Did you regret doing it? What learning did you get from those experiences?

This post is courtesy www.actspot.com

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