Are You The Master Of Your Destiny?

How strong are you?

I'm not asking if you can carry 150 lbs. of weight. What I'm
after is your strength of character. How resilient are you to
hang on to your dreams amidst the raging forces of discouragement
and criticisms?

There are far too many individuals who never get to experience
the joy of attaining their desires because other people's
influence has significantly (and sometimes negatively) affected
their crucial decisions.

Are there instances in your life when other people said that
you should not continue your plans because they're never gonna
work? What did you do? Did you continue your endeavors or did
you just follow their command?

If you always adhere to other's beliefs and opinions even though
they are contrary to yours, you're just torturing yourself. It's
like you don't have a mind of your own. You're like a shadow
following the moves of someone else.

You may listen to other people's advices, but never let them
control you. If their advices would contribute to your
success and well being, then by all means follow them. But
if they would hinder you and stray you away from what you
really want in life, then you've got to make a stand and
pursue your heart's aspirations.

Sure there would be criticisms. But if you always avoid
them, then you will never be truly happy.

As one famous person said, "There is a sure way to avoid
criticisms, be nothing and do nothing. This remedy never
fails." True enough.

Take my case.

When I was in first year college, my dad wanted me to shift
my course to Physical Therapy because it was in demand in the
United States at that time. But I wanted to continue my
studies in Accountancy. I remained firm with my decision
and after some negotiations they finally gave in.

Then there's my love life. Chinese tradition states that
Chinese people marry their own kind. (No offense) But I fell
madly in love with this Filipino girl. Despite all the
criticisms, discouragement, and harsh words (pardon me), I
defended my love for her. Right now we're going strong and
my relatives have respected my decision.

You see, if I have given up easily in any of the two scenarios,
I would've deprived myself of joy and contentment in my life.

Sometimes other people's words would cut like a knife. But
never be disheartened. Listen to the voice inside of you.
We will never be able to satisfy everybody because each of
us is unique. We have our own distinct traits and values.
Respect for each other's opinions should be upheld.

With that said, I would like to leave this final message that
sums it all up. Follow your heart and happiness will follow.

Michael Lee is the author of "How To Be A Red Hot Persuasion Wizard," an ebook designed to fully improve your relationships, multiply your profits, win negotiations, and help you attain all the desired freedom and power you could ever dream of. Go to http://www.20daypersuasion.com now and grab a sample chapter.

---

The Beauty of Life

"An unexamined life is not worth living."-- SocratesI have just... Read More

Following Through

Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 24,... Read More

Create Your Own Self Esteem - Part 2

The good part of this story is that there is... Read More

More Than I Can Bare

One of my long time best friends called me the... Read More

Universal Thought System Language Keywords

Before we are able to use the Universal Thought System... Read More

Flight Delay

Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 6,... Read More

Go Between

Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 16,... Read More

Breaking Bonds

I am just out of high school, and I have... Read More

Character is Whats Left When You Leave

1 Samuel 16:7"...The Lord does not look at the things... Read More

Two Drops Of Water

Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 17,... Read More

Giving Life Meaning

Have you thought about what you want people to say... Read More

Anam Chara - Wishing Versus Wanting

There is an old saying, which warns, "be careful for... Read More

Five Reasons To Journal

Keeping a journal during the coaching process is one of... Read More

A Dream is Just a Dream ... Or is It?

Some people dismiss dreams as nonsense, thought patterns running amuck... Read More

Eight Choices You Can Make Today that Will Change Your Life Forever

The direction of our lives is determined by the choices... Read More

Why You Are Special and Why Does It Matter

Why 'you are special'?Why and how does it matter?Things you... Read More

Energy Work Basics Part 3: The Power of High Intention

At SPIRIT Connections, we believe that the most powerful tool... Read More

Opening the Heart and Exploring Beneath the Surface

Exploring beneath the surface of a reoccurring relationship issue can... Read More

Whats Simple?

If you walk up to a stranger in the grocery... Read More

Inspiration From Other People - Is It Worth Listening To A Film Star?

Yesterday, I listened to an interview with Michael York, the... Read More

Let Change Be Your Friend, Mentor, and Inspiration

People have a tendency of anticipating pending change on the... Read More

It Wont Happen Again

Have you or do you know someone who has been... Read More

Beauty, Gratitude, and the Open Heart

"?beauty on your earth is a shadow of the beauty... Read More

Long Odds

Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 31,... Read More

The Bouncer (Turning Defeat into Victory)

I'm a pretty competitive guy, though I try to keep... Read More

On Sunsets and Telecom

Another perfect sunset seen from Redondo Beach, California. Since arriving... Read More

Comfort and Achievement

I'll share with you one of my deepest insights about... Read More

The Minds Fancy Dress Party -Or- A Brainstorming Session

In Berlin a restaurant opens for anorexics and in Buffalo... Read More

How to Put the Sizzle Back in Your Relationship with These Seven Goal Setting Tools

Goal Setting and Relationships?That is not as weird as it... Read More

Who is My Mother?

Text: Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3: 31-35, Luke 8:19Mother's Day has... Read More

Living on Purpose: One Rock at a Time

I just got back from Colorado where I spent a... Read More

7 Perks to Living a Life on Purpose

1. We all have a purpose in this life time.The... Read More

What Does it Take to Make Life Better?

What does it take for you to pay attention?You've probably... Read More