I was brought to tears watching this video. This man is an inspiration to me. I hope I can follow his footsteps. You are a true hero Mr.Hoyt. I salute you

read their inspiring story at http://teamhoyt.com

I am taking on a new habit.

Each morning, after my mind is awake, while my eyes are still closed, I bring to mind things that I am thankful for.

One by one, item by item, I recall them in my mind and I whisper words of thanksgiving for each and every one of them.

It amazes me that I have soooooooo many things to be thankful for…

I find it to be a wonderful way to start the day. Now, I begin each day knowing that I am blessed and it really helps to prepare me face whatever comes my way that day.

It’s a nice habit to have and I intend in keeping it. It works wonderfully for me.

Care to try?

If you ever felt guilty saying it to your kids… don’t.

I know many books on parenting suggest that parents should never say that to their kids. Rather parents  should negotiate or discuss things with their children. You should ask your children to think, choose and decide. According to those books, this approach will help your children to become more responsible and independent.

Maybe so. But I often find myself arguing with JackJack, my seven-year old, instead of reasoning with him. I wonder if you have the same experience too.

My Jackjack has only one criteria: as long as it’s not dangerous according to him, he will do it.

Often times, I just want to say to him: You do it because I said so; but I felt a bit guilty because I feel like I am being an authoritarian father. Uugh.. I definitely don’t want to be one.

Well, that burden was lifted when I read a book by John Rosemond, a psychologist, who wrote that it is perfectly okay and sometimes even necessary to say Because I said so to your children.

You have to be able to recognize what’s going on when your child ask you why. If it is a genuine request for information, then you can explain your reasons to them. However, if it’s a power contest, then you should be firm and tell them: Because I said so…

What do you think?

A conversation between me and my son

Me: Don’t you know you are my favorite son?

JackJack: I am not your son.

Me: Whaddaya mean you’re not my son?

JackJack: Because mommy was the one who gave birth to me. Not you!

My wife shared a story that made me think of love. Unconditional love to be exact.

I have often wondered about it. Does unconditional love exist? I mean can we find it in this world?

My wife thinks only God can love unconditionally. When it comes to us, human beings, forget it. We are selfish creatures. It’s in our genes. We can’t help it.  Many of our selfless acts are not really selfless at all, because those acts make us feel good.

On the conceptual level, I hope and believe unconditional love does exist. On the practical level, I am not so sure.

Example: Would you be willing to welcome back a partner who cheats on you by having an extramarital affair? Would you be willing to welcome your partner back if you knew your partner wanted to get back with you because your partner had just been dumped by the affair partner?

Tricky questions aren’t they?

I’ve just finished reading Richard Dawson’s book “The God Delusion”.

It’s a very interesting and enlightening book. He is definitely an intelligent and articulate writer. I also like his style and humor. All in all I really enjoyed his book.

I was intrigued to read his book, because a friend told me that this is a “dangerous” book for people who believe in religion. I am a person who is never afraid to hear the other side of the story or views that contradicts my own views.

These are my impressions from reading the book:

• Richard Dawson is a devout atheist
• He detest religions because in his opionions religions cause more harm than good
• He believes religious people are at best deluded if not downright stupid

After I finished reading the book, something I heard a long time ago came to mind:

After I finished reading the book, something I heard a long time ago came to mind:

“Someone with an experience is never at the mercy of someone with an argument”

I didn’t remember who said it and I was lazy to google it, but I think that person got it right.

I wonder if Richard Dawson had seen with his own eyes a demon-possessed man? Or a Barong dance in Bali where the dancers stabbed their bodies repeatedly with daggers yet somehow the daggers fail to even make a scratch on their skins?

What do you think?

“Without a purpose, life is motion without meaning.”
~Rick Warren

I am trying to put in practice a simple trick I’ve learned from an internet millionaire yesterday.

He shared a story on how he always gave himself praise and recognition whenever he took an action — no matter how trivial — which brought him closer to his goal.

For example, when he had to stayed up late to work on his project, he would give himself recognition. He would tell himself: Good job man! Many people who dream of being rich would whine and complain that they had to stay up late. But you are different. You did it! You are willing to pay the price. You are the man!

He said this simple habit has given him the foundation he needed to change his life from a homeless to an internet millionaire. And he’s only 29.

I like simple but effective ideas, so I am gonna try it. It’ll be fun to see where this simple idea can take me