"Haz bien y no mires a quien"

From a very young age I was reminded to "Haz bien y no mires a quien" which translated would be "Do good and do not look at who". At a very early stage I was concerned. Every time I was told this phrase it was make me feel anxious. I would ask myself "How?" and just think about it. How could I do not it if I could not look at who I was going to do it?

Well that is our rigid children thinking. As time passed by I become more fascinating with this saying. I recall having the opportunity to do good deeds from a young age. To this date there are many occasions that bring a smile and even a tear to think about it. Many opportunities that I cherish and will keep private.

During my first job I remember attending to a patient. She was coming in for a test. Unfortunately this person did not have money to pay her copayment. So I broke the rules, I paid her copayment. Months passed by and one day I saw the lady working at the hospital. One day she approached me and just said "Thank you; thank you for the generosity. You paid for me when I couldn't. I was very scared that day. I had just came to this country recently and did not know what to do when my doctor referred me to an exam suspecting a malignancy. Thank you. I will never forget what you did."

It does not matter what the size of your deed. It does not matter who knows about it. What matters is, a good deed has been done. So go on, don't turn your head. Pay it forward. I'm sure it will mean more to another person.

Opportunities

Never say never... Isn't that a reasonable statement? Well....

Opportunities come when you least expect. Life is full of doors which at times open unexpectedly.

An unexpected door opens. What would you do? What do you do? Is it the right time? Is this real? Those are just a handful of questions which rush through like waves crashing against the shores. Waves which can lead to joyful moments, to peaceful moments; hence, flowering our brain with sparkling and brighting motivation. Nonetheless, these can incur fear, insecurity, and fallible ideation. 

So how do you define a good opportunity? What can tell me it is the right time and the right opportunity? There are omnifarious explanations and/or ways to make a reasonable processing. Though, I can only see one. So how do you define it? Do you know the answer? I sure can answer my personal case; moreover, make an attempt to explain your unique experience and situation. This last attempt, to explain and/or understand your distinctive event can be a laborious and intense development of eminent failure. Yes, eminent failure may sound abrupt but mostly warrantied because who am I to answer that question for you?

Whatever you do, surround yourself with individuals that can nourish you. Selective people that can empower, listen, and above all support you. No matter what the decision of peculiar event may be, ultimately it is your decision and only you can be at peace with yourself.

"It is what it is"

"It is what it is"; a simple but yet profound phrase. On Tuesday April 30, 2013 we paid tribute to a great man, a gentle giant that was part of many people's life. Our beloved Kevin L. Gregory is now in paradise.

Many words come to my mind when I think of Kevin. I had the honor of working with him a little over five years. During our time together I got to see a special human being which cared deeply for people. Kevin was a role model and mentor who always had a funny way of looking at things.

Through difficult moments and good days he would always see the situation at hand as an opportunity to be challenged, as an opportunity to bring a new outcome. Kevin was a family man and a great cook.

Kevin I say to you now (as you would always tell me) enjoy "another day in paradise" and look over all those you touch to carry your memory and respects in our hearts for years to come.

Kevin L. Gregory

1951-2013

Decisions

Decisions can be compared with puzzles. They have various parts which at times may be uncertain to understand and analyze. Pieces are all over the place. There are moments where particular pieces may not be noticed immediately; moreover, they are intricate and unique in their shape, size, and other anatomical characteristics. Some pieces are just beneath the surface. While others require an integrative order to be part of the puzzle.

We, humans, at times see decisions right in front of our eyes. Some decisions may not be in accordance with popular standards and social adherence. It is your decision and only you can make it. At the end of the day you must render your defense to your conscious. 

Yes, at times the decisions we make are painful. But think of it this way; how much painful is it to make this decision at the present time; instead of, letting it free and resulting in uncontrollable pain which unleashes likes a hose without proper cap?

Friendship

Here is where we all differ. A friendship is a relationship; one that ties two individuals in a journey of life. So far that statement is agreeable by everyone. Now, what entails a friendship? A multitude of aspects entail a friendship; however, once I was told  three characteristics which we all can relate to.

First, a friendship requires acceptance. Though, many characteristics can be associated with friendships; acceptance holds an important place. Look at this way, when you met one of your friend there were a set of traits, actions, behaviors, values, and other infinite aspects which led to the beginning of a friendship.  As the friendship grew there are aspects which may differ. These aspects are simple enough and can come go. We have gotten to a point of not seeingeye to eye at every moment of life, at every society's turn. Well it then we use our acceptance. Just because we have different views on a situation does  not mean the end of our friendship; instead, it is the opportunity of learning from each other.

Second, a friendship contains respect. We may differ on certain aspects which at times can lead to discussions but then again we have to maintain mutual respect. It takes more than discussion, respect entails a level of confidence and trust for one another. Yes, friends have differences; indeed, differences is what make us unique. Differences make a friendship which stands through adversity. A true friendship holds more than a smile. A true friendship can lead its members to growth.

Third, a friendship is developed on and by honesty.

Sunday Night

Attitude, a small word of only two unique letters and four vowels. Who would believe such as an eight character word could have the effect of a rushing wave, the power of an earthquake, and the intensity of a tornado.

"It is not what you say, but how you say it." I am sure we all have heard this one more than a few times. There is a plethora of reasons to indicate we make it what it is.

Tonight, on this fall Sunday evening what can be best? Yes, I know what is coming next. I know what will begin in a few hours. A dreadful friend who visits every week. The friend many of us come to dislike..... Monday.

How come?... Is it that time already?... Well yes... Though, lets pause for a second.... In a couple of hours a new day will begin, completely full of opportunities and chances. A new work week will start and I am in control. Yes, I am in control.... Selfish?... Overconfident?... Narcissistic?.... Hum .... No, not at all.

Enthusiastic, joyful, and alive .... Those are the characteristics for a  new beginning. A new day brings a new beginning.

Friends

Who are friends? What are friends? Do I have friends? I am pretty sure every single human being ask these questions through the course of lifetime. These seem to be simple questions; however, the answers are anything but simple. Friends are individuals just like to you and me. What makes them a friend is the aspect which is different for everyone. There are those friends who shine in your life and make the day a better day to be alive. There are friends who can be the supporting stone in moments of needs. There are friends who can be the best to enjoy a moment. 

But there are those friends who are discovered along the way. There are friends who can be counted with one hand. These are the friends which on the least expected day will shine and not only for themselves but to make you shine. Friends like those are not easy to find. Exceptional friends come into our lives one at a time. We do not chose them. We cannot make them the real friend until the moment is right. This is the kind of friend who will be afraid of telling you the truth; nonetheless, will tell you the truth. The truth that can be painful (at times) and seemed intolerable.

Now the question lay on what makes a friendship? That is the topic for the next post.

For all you who have a friend (it just takes one) take a moment and express your appreciation. There is nothing better to make a person's day than to acknowledge  their presence. Be grateful and consider yourself appreciated and loved because somewhere someone is thinking about you.