BY: SIMONE JENNIFER SMITH
What up Toronto!
Staying positive in the current climate is difficult. What is going on in Toronto, I believe has everyone on edge. There is a lot on the internet that is making us anxious as well, and I believe that hopelessness is at a high in this city. Well, I understand this and innerstand that it is important to step up and provide hope for my community. Is it a challenge? Absolutely! People either think it is a bunch of fluffy shit, or they are so wrapped up in their issues, that they can’t think any other way.
This article is for anyone who is open to thinking another way; it is for the person who just wants things to change, and they are unsure of how to do so. I will tell you this first; it starts in the mind. You have to come to terms with the idea that the current situation you are in is your doing. Okay, in your defense, there are many things that were out of your control: you can’ pick your parents when you were younger, you couldn’t pick your living conditions, and finally you are not aware of your psychology, yet!
Let’s change that as of today; I am going to present some principles from a book that I have started to read. I truly believe that this is a book worth picking up, but it is not for everyone. This book is called “The Art of Winning,” by Matshona Dhliwayo. The author beautifully writes rules in which to live by so that you will always feel like a winner. One thing I want for people around me to do is to WIN! I will make this a two-part series, but I will advise people to find this book online. It is an easy read, and it will provide insight needed to make your life better. Let’s begin……
RULE 2
“Meet challenges. Embrace opportunities. Fight for your dreams. Realize your potential.”
Challenges are scary, but they are such great opportunities. If the opportunity will allow you to move forward in your life, do it with no fear. You are greater than you have been told, and you are greater then what you believe.
RULE 3
“If they throw sticks at you, build a house. If they throw stones at you, build a mansion. If they throw bricks at you, build a palace.”
Oh, the hater’s and non-believers; they are truly my favorite. They must become yours as well. Nothing in life is greater than proving someone wrong about you; nothing in life is greater than proving yourself wrong. We don’t realize that at times, we are our own worst enemies. Continue to build and use your enemies as the mortar.
RULE 7
“The ceiling is not a good limit; it prevents you from reaching the sky. The sky is not a favorable limit; it hinders you from reaching the stars. The stars are not an acceptable limit; they impede you from reaching the edge of the universe.
Know the limitations of your mind, and then exceed them. Know the limitations of your heart, and then surpass them. Know the limitations of your soul, and then transcend them.”
The problem with many of us is that we have set limits on ourselves that are so low, that we keep hitting them. You have to aim higher; push your mental limits. Know that you are worth more than you think. It is all about getting past our worst enemy; ourselves.
Rule 8
“When friends tell you to quit, disregard them. When enemies tell you to quit, ignore them. When critics tell you to quit, pay no attention to them. When fans tell you to quit, pay no heed to them. When inner voices tell you to quit, dispose of them. When outer voices tell you to quit, dispense with them.”
I want to end with this because I want you to really understand that no one is going to understand your path like you do. You have to LIVE YOUR DREAM! Forget everyone else.
Implement these into your thoughts this week and watch the magic begin to happen.
