First Time

It was my first time in Pathways. I had no idea what are we going to do there. I sat beside an unknown fellow to my right and a newly found friend to my left. We three sat on the back but the view was amazing. You can see the man speaking clearly and lines of the song on the screen. By the way, Pathways is a seminar about making choices. For the mean time, that is how I think of it. From the title “Pathways”, you choose the path you are about to tackle. A choice that only you can choose where you want to go, where you want to be.

When the program started, a well-known man to many, came up the stage, grabbed the mic, and gave a little background about Pathways. If I am not mistaken, it started 3yrs ago, The founder was the first speaker, Bob.  Don’t know his last name.(Quijano?)

When he started, he grabbed my attention quickly. Not because he is not a good speaker(he said) and that he is handsome(he said) but because of his aura. He knows how to get the attention of the people. I too not know the reason. A jolly, unexpected man. Didn’t expect that on his young age like that, he is the founder of Pathways.  When his introduction ended, he starts to talk about our misunderstandings about God. A harsh judge, a distant father, and a spoiling one. Each topic is well said and I’ve learned a lot on them. I made some realization on how I view God. After the heart-pounding, faith-uplifting speech. People around were energized. We all learned so well on his experiences and from his own heart. I am sure of that.

The next thing we did was we must go to our respective groups and share what blessings we received. My group was all boys. All were different from each other. Perspectives, life, accomplishments, almost all. The sharing was great! All were willing and gave insights of their lives. Of course, me too.

When the group collapsed, It was— what you think? Of course! Eating time! We went out and had a litlle chat. After the snack we went separate ways but soon we shall meet again! Can’t wait for that…

Principle 27: Focus

Focus. We usually don’t have this. We occasionally forget what we must do and do what is not needed. We must always keep in track so that we can finish tasks faster and have ample time for the others. Do what you do in the inner child, reward yourself after every task so that you could be on focus and satisfy your inner child so it won’t be a burden urging you to do what might be a block to what your tasks are. Also asks yourself if you could have done better, if you could of finished some things faster so that next time it will come to you’re mind you could do better things or finish faster than the previous.

Principle 26: Acknowledgement

On certain things, whether studies, work, etc we acknowledge what we did wrong. But why won’t we acknowledge our accomplishments instead of the failures? Yes, we must improve on our shortcomings but why not use our accomplishments to improve more? Think that if I can do these things so can that. In that way, we think positively and it will be easier for us. Celebrate success so that we will get the feeling of being successful and hunger for it more. See yourself as a winner. For looking in that view makes you one.

Principle 25: Influences

Have you notice the change of your attitude when you go to another environment? Suddenly your nice to others while in the previous your not? It’s because the atmosphere in the place affects you in and out. You are who your friends are. That’s true. When you have new friends, sooner or later, you will act like them, you will accumulate their characteristic. We all have good and bad friends. We can’t deny that. Sometimes, we just don’t know it. It depends to us who we want to become. Is it to like our good friends? Or the bad ones?

Principle 24: GO the Extra Mile..

All of us want first class treatment in everything. We love the never-tiring service, the 24hrs vigilance, and many more. They satisfy our needs immediately. They never let us down (most of the time). They are committed to exceed expectations; to serve from time to time. A wonderful practice we could imitate to serve others as well. So what do we get from going to extra mile? Nothing tangible. But we do get the respect and the trust that we will do anything they want us to do. Sometimes though, they will reward us of the wonderful deed. But we must not expect it all the time. Just make it a hobby and soon sometime maybe, you’ll be acknowledge of what you’ve done or what you’re doing.

Principle 22: NEVER GIVE UP…

Every time we are in a tight situation, we give up. This is the fault of many of us. We intend to quit not knowing what we can do. We are intimidated that we will fail in the end. That it’s just a waste of time that it’s just not worth it. But in my opinion, it’s worth it all! When we overcome a certain problem, it eases our frustrations. We feel freed from something heavy. Don’t you love that feeling?

Look at the possibilities that you will succeed if you don’t give up: If you don’t give up, you will have 100% chance that you will succeed. If you give up, 0% you will succeed. Easy as that. I know trials will come along the way, but by not giving up, its will ease the burden you will carry along the way.

Principle 5: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF..

I’ve always believe in myself. Even though I am just a happy-go-lucky guy before. I think these are my advantages. My fighting spirit and charisma. A never say die, never say never. Even though sometimes I doubt myself, I’ll pursue what is need to done. I just think of my dreams and what I can achieve if I have a positive mindset. Even though you won’t get any money for how you think, I think you can gather a lot of friends just on how you think.

Many people doubt themselves because of what is happening to them. Sometimes they even blame God. Blaming won’t help you. Neither doubting. In times of frustrations, you can only rely on yourself. Not on others. They can give you advices but its up to you on what to choose. Think also of the possibilities why this is happening.

On another topic, have you watch playoffs 2007? Did you see the Davis (get it?) beat the GOLIATH? It was marked “the greatest upset in NBA history”. The Golden State Warriors stunned the Dallas Mavericks and the whole world after they have beaten the Mavs 4-2. What’s they’re motto? “WE BELIEVE” they have confidence on their team and that’s what pulled them through.

Principle 31: Change

Change would lead you to your dreams. Do you agree? I hope so. This is more like going out of you comfort zone. If your habits are not working, if you always have problems, then its time for a change. A change that might be turn around of your whole life. A change that will lead you to success!

Change those things that does not help you. If you suddenly notice people avoiding you, If you see nothing is improving, If you see yourself a loser, then YOU MUST say to yourself, its time.

In order to change, figure out what needs to be change, then think of ways those will develop into more of a help. Then make that a habit everyday. Like saying hi to your friends when you see them, helping someone and so on. You will notice that suddenly it will become a habit for you to help. That would be a big change in your attitude and life. People then will be closer to you and will adore you. You can even draw people that will help you or even give you tips on how to achieve your dreams.

It’s up to you if you want to change. The only one that can change you is yourself. No one can.

Principle 30: Face what is not working

Sometime in your life, you’re going to face what isn’t working. Habits, work, family, income, etc. You’ll have to reorganize and arrange them through small tasks to be finished chronologically. It’s going to be easier that way. Take time to finish one by one. Taking action is key to finishing those tasks. Last but not the least, Don’t deny what isn’t working. If you keep on denying those, you won’t finish anything. Many more problems will rise if you won’t face them. Soon, it’s going to be miserable for you. Don’t wait for that time to come. Have enough time to finish them so you won’t be stressed out or cram.

Principle 29: Forgiveness

Like my previous blog, this has something to do with unfinished business. But the difference is this one tackles more on emotions, relationships and other hardships we left in the passed but never had the chance or doesn’t want to fix it.

Forgiveness. Its hard to say and hard to do. It hurts us when we remember the past. But we can’t move on if we don’t forgive. Its part of it. Time to time we’re going to remember it if we won’t forgive. So the best thing before moving on is to forgive.

If God can forgive, so can we.