"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength." -- Charles Spurgeon
Indeed, too much worrying and not enough strategic planning can deplete our minds of the strengths we possess.
Set a goal and some implementating strategies.
Worry can spur us into action, though.
As Larry McMurtry so aptly wrote, "Optimism is a form of courage."
Optimism is the best philosophy in contending with adversity.
But too much worrying isn't the best answer to action and reaction.
Overcoming adversity involves faith, courage and an optimistic game plan.
So keep the faith. Pray. Stay focused. Be courageous. Make plans and implement them.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Don't worry, be happy
I'm an avid worrier.
When things don't go according to original plans, I fret.
I have a tinge of paranoia ingrained in my cranial attic.
But I've been blessed recently.
My prayers of contrition and seeking help on earth for my worries have been answered.
Last week a homeless man who I befriended once and let sleep on my couch one night returned to rent an apartment.
His grandfather passed last Christmas and his mother received a very healthful settlement.
Instead of giving him money, she told him she would pay for a year's rent.
So because of my benevolence he's returning the favor and will be paying $3,950 in pre-paid rent, plus pro-rated August rent, $15 application fee and $200 security deposit. That's $4,269 in one day.
Not bad for a rookie manager.
Maybe I'll be remembered for the sloppy manager who still manages to rent out apartments.
My gentle and agape spirit shines forth again.
This is definitely reciprocal altruism in action and reaction.
Bless the Lord and praise God for bestowing this very opportunistic venture on my door step.
When things don't go according to original plans, I fret.
I have a tinge of paranoia ingrained in my cranial attic.
But I've been blessed recently.
My prayers of contrition and seeking help on earth for my worries have been answered.
Last week a homeless man who I befriended once and let sleep on my couch one night returned to rent an apartment.
His grandfather passed last Christmas and his mother received a very healthful settlement.
Instead of giving him money, she told him she would pay for a year's rent.
So because of my benevolence he's returning the favor and will be paying $3,950 in pre-paid rent, plus pro-rated August rent, $15 application fee and $200 security deposit. That's $4,269 in one day.
Not bad for a rookie manager.
Maybe I'll be remembered for the sloppy manager who still manages to rent out apartments.
My gentle and agape spirit shines forth again.
This is definitely reciprocal altruism in action and reaction.
Bless the Lord and praise God for bestowing this very opportunistic venture on my door step.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Coping
A squib in the newspaper caught my eye and my heart.
Marrie Harris, a New York City ad executive, said she didn't have any cash when a homeless man asked for some, so she let out-of-work real-estate man Jay Valentine use her American Express platinum card instead, adding that he returned it after buying deodarant, body wash, cigarettes and water for $25.
To trust a homeless man with an American Express card is overwhelming.
But what's most significant is that the homeless man only spent $25.
Yes, he bought a pack of cigarettes, but still he didn't overindulge.
Just helping out in a pecuniary way can bolster one's low self-esteem.
In other glad moment which turned out to be sad, one of our tenants helped me Sunday and spent eight hours getting our apartments market ready.
I paid him more than we originally bargained for but he was steadfast and dutiful.
Alas, he went to court yesterday and the judge sent him to jail because he said he hadn't been doing his community service.
According to his wife he did the community service but there was a communication miscue.
All we can do is help and hope for the best.
Marrie Harris, a New York City ad executive, said she didn't have any cash when a homeless man asked for some, so she let out-of-work real-estate man Jay Valentine use her American Express platinum card instead, adding that he returned it after buying deodarant, body wash, cigarettes and water for $25.
To trust a homeless man with an American Express card is overwhelming.
But what's most significant is that the homeless man only spent $25.
Yes, he bought a pack of cigarettes, but still he didn't overindulge.
Just helping out in a pecuniary way can bolster one's low self-esteem.
In other glad moment which turned out to be sad, one of our tenants helped me Sunday and spent eight hours getting our apartments market ready.
I paid him more than we originally bargained for but he was steadfast and dutiful.
Alas, he went to court yesterday and the judge sent him to jail because he said he hadn't been doing his community service.
According to his wife he did the community service but there was a communication miscue.
All we can do is help and hope for the best.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Take a chance
"Some men see things as they are and say why? But I dream things that never were and say why not?"
Robert Kennedy borrowed that one from some other great thinker.
That scenario applies to me and Henry Ho.
Henry inquisitively approached me one morning after we had slept on the Ole Main lawn, and said, "I'd like to do something but I just don't know what to do."
I really didn't have an extravagant game plan to impart to him, nor did I foresee the future.
But a spark of hope came through when Henry took me and Bob Wright out to breakfast at The Rolling Pin.
Not only did that meal fill me up physically but it eventually filled me up spiritually.
"One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." -- Proverbs 11:23-24.
Indeed I gave freely when I was prospering and helping others cope with life.
But eventually poverty intervened.
Then a generous man aided me in my transformation from tent dwelling to an apartment manager's position.
So I'm refreshed thanks to the kindness of a Christian.
Robert Kennedy borrowed that one from some other great thinker.
That scenario applies to me and Henry Ho.
Henry inquisitively approached me one morning after we had slept on the Ole Main lawn, and said, "I'd like to do something but I just don't know what to do."
I really didn't have an extravagant game plan to impart to him, nor did I foresee the future.
But a spark of hope came through when Henry took me and Bob Wright out to breakfast at The Rolling Pin.
Not only did that meal fill me up physically but it eventually filled me up spiritually.
"One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." -- Proverbs 11:23-24.
Indeed I gave freely when I was prospering and helping others cope with life.
But eventually poverty intervened.
Then a generous man aided me in my transformation from tent dwelling to an apartment manager's position.
So I'm refreshed thanks to the kindness of a Christian.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)