|
Friday, April 28, 2006
The Paradoxical Commandments
By Orman O. Manansala
My Two-Centavo Worth
DURING these trying times, we need to take a step backward and view things in a different perspective. Maybe, just maybe, we need to stop all the arguments and petty debates that have been raging on for months. Maybe, just maybe, we need peaceful solutions for all our personal, political, economic and environmental concerns. Read on.
1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway. One of the most difficult things to do is, loving your enemies. I was raised in a family where my father, who was a good provider, was never confrontational -- he believed that things would always work out on the negotiating table. My mom, on the other hand, was the disciplinarian. She taught us to aim for excellence and be tough along the way. So I grew up becoming a negotiator with an attitude. Along the way, people hurt us. Sometimes the hurting is so bad but the only thing you can do is, imagine what your hands can do to other people's necks. But time heals all wounds. But then again, there's always God's justice to take care of things. Continue loving.
2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway. I've always been guided by the principle that for as long that you are fair, keep doing what you're doing especially if you're doing right. You can never please everyone -- and never ever aim to do so or you'll end up miserable. Stick to your guns and surround yourself with people who can work well with you. This way, you spread positive energy and the world continues revolving.
3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. Success begets not only respect but also envy. They say that Filipinos are known for their crab mentality. I say it is innate in man regardless of race. If you're not well grounded, you'll end up gnashing your teeth for every success your friends achieve. Learn to be happy with your limitations. Remember that with the right attitude, your limitations can be turned around. Aim for excellence. Be proactive. Set realistic goals and work hard.
4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Whatever good you do never expect anything in return. The good you do today may not mean much to people but then again that's your business. Continue to make a difference and be your own hero.
5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. Filipinos are never known for being frank. Honest, probably yes. We'd rather stay quiet than hurt other people's feelings. That's why when we are confronted by people who are brutally frank, we cringe and stay away from them. But bare in mind that the truth may hurt but it will set you free. What matters most is the message. Deliver it well.
6. The biggest men with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men with the smallest minds. Think big anyway. Funny when your plane gets shot down by a slingshot. It's even funnier when your ideas that have proven its worth are relegated to the dust bin in lieu of what some people consider as nouveau art, which is a mockery in itself. Don't get confused when things like this happen. Stand tall and proud. You never compete with other people's ideas. You aim to better yourself. Think big. Think forward.
7. People favor underdogs, but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway. Learn to be able to spot the next big thing among people. Sometimes they come unexpectedly. Provide them the break. Train them. Mentor them. The ugly duckling might just become a lovely swan.
8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. Never say never ever again. Take a break, yes, but never quit building dreams and seeing them being realized. Set your sight to the future. Be guided by what is right and wrong. Build a strong foundation for peace, unity and justice. Infect others with your ideas. Strengthen your network of peace builders.
9. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway. Altruism is tough enough. It is even tougher when your help is unappreciated. Extend your support anyway. Mean well. Do well. Give until it hurts and you will earn points in heaven.
10. Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway. The good die young, they say. Do good anyway. God has given you your capabilities for a reason. Use it to give the world your best. Don't be affected by small talk. Remember, small talk comes from small minds. Give everything your best shot. There should be no room for second best. You may fall along the way but stand up, take a deep breath and move on. Give the world the best you have to offer.
For Bisaya stories from General Santos.Click here. (This section is updated every Monday)
(April 24, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
