When you have time to breathe, you have time to care.
I have made many mistakes in my life and career—a lot of them. Yet, these mistakes have made me into who I am today.
It pains me to know I have created pain in another on the path of getting exactly where I am today, but I am hoping that pain built them to be exactly who they are all supposed to be.
I guess — this is one of the many circles of life.
I sat down to write the above some weeks ago but abandoned it. Maybe it was late at night, or the thought was fleeting and off-topic as to why I was on the Internet. I am not sure. But today, I found the draft, read the words, and the feelings flooded back.
When you have time to breathe, you have time to care.
I talk about this (my experiences) a lot, not because I want to relive it; I hope, maybe, just maybe, my story will help others — But living your life in survival mode is a scary place to be. Not at the time, but afterward. Coming out of it, and then reflecting, you feel sorry for your old self. Someone you wish you could have taken care of and provided for. You feel some blame. Unjustified, of course, but felt.
I pray that I never judge people the way I know people have judged me. I hope to see the thread of similarity between myself and everyone I meet.
I believe that people can’t help who they are. Whether they are trying their hardest or not, they have a reason. Life doesn’t deal us similar cards, and it usually doesn’t give us an explanation for a chain of events. We are just expected to have faith, hope, and perseverance.
Have you read Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill? It was written in 1938 but didn’t get published until 2011 due to the book's controversial nature: it is an interview between Napoleon Hill and the Devil, where Hill forces the Devil to reveal his methods for manipulating people into failure. Hill explores the psychological barriers that prevent individuals from achieving personal success and happiness in this metaphoric conversation. Here are some of the key teachings and principles from “Outwitting the Devil”:
The Power of Independent Thought: Hill emphasizes the importance of thinking for oneself rather than blindly following others’ beliefs or societal norms. Independent thought is a crucial defense against manipulation and a key to personal freedom and success.
The Dangers of Drifting: The Devil claims to control people by encouraging them to drift through life without purpose or direction. Hill teaches that having clear goals, a strong purpose, and a definite plan is essential to resist drifting and achieve success.
The Role of Fear: Fear is described as a tool the Devil uses to control people and keep them from reaching their potential. Hill identifies several basic fears, such as the fear of poverty, criticism, ill health, and death, and teaches that overcoming these fears is critical to outwitting the Devil and living a fulfilled life.
The Importance of Faith and Positive Attitude: Hill contrasts fear with faith and highlights the importance of maintaining a positive mental attitude. Faith in oneself and one’s purpose is presented as a powerful force that can drive success and overcome the negative influences of fear.
Self-Discipline: Hill discusses the importance of self-discipline in controlling one’s thoughts and actions. By mastering self-discipline, individuals can direct their efforts toward their goals and resist the temptations that lead to failure.
Learning from Adversity: The Devil suggests that adversity and failure are tools that can lead to success if individuals learn from their experiences. Hill teaches that every failure carries the seed of an equivalent advantage and that resilience is a key to personal growth.
The Power of a Mastermind: Echoing one of his principles from “Think and Grow Rich,” Hill reiterates the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive network of individuals who share similar goals and ideals. This Mastermind group can provide encouragement, advice, and a collective energy propelling individuals to succeed. (I am still looking for mine, if you are interested.)
Through this dialogue with the Devil, Hill encourages one to examine their own lives, identify the forces that hold them back, and take deliberate action to achieve their full potential.
I am in love with old books. I love how, as time passes, they become more relevant and needed.
What is your favorite book, and why?
With love, Jo.