Ability Forum

[srividyaa]

Hai Friends,
Let this be a topic  where stories of differently abled persons who have crossed their disabilities to lead a normal life be posted- exclusively Indian stories.
-----------------

Chitradurga: She does her alma mater proud :

It is indeed a proud moment for any college whose student achieves distinction in the examinations, but for the staff members and the administration of Bapuji Education Society, the feeling is more than being merely proud.

For the very reason that a first year D. Ed. (Diploma in Education) student N. Lakshmidevi, despite her disability, has secured 72 per cent result in the recently held examination. Born without both arms, 17-year-old Lakshmidevi does not treat her disability as a curse, instead she has accepted it as a challenge. Hailing from a tiny village Chikkajogihalli of Kudligi taluk in Bellary district, she has taken admission here for D. Ed course.

Having no arms, Lakshmi has developed skills of using her legs virtually like her hands.

It is astonishing to see Ms. Lakshmi using her fingers of her legs for writing, applying a bindi or even combing hair.

“Although God has not given me arms, he has given the same power in my legs so that I can do normal work,” she said. Coming from a poor family, Lakshmi’s father is a worker in a private agency at Kudligi. She has four siblings. Her mother stays with her but her hostel mates also extend their help to her in daily activities.

“Ever since my childhood, I never felt that I am born limbless nor my parents made me feel that I am a burden on them.

In fact, my family loves me very much,” she said. Dreaming to become a teacher, Ms. Lakshmi said she applied in several places for the D.Ed course after securing distinction in her SSLC.

However the Bapuji Education Society admitted her in the college.

Lecturers help :
Explaining about her preparation, she said that her lecturers helped her immensely. “After the classes, they spared extra time with me to resolve my doubts”, she said.

During her examination, she sat on the ground to write her exams.

Gopal Reddy, a mathematics lecture of the college, said that Ms. Lakshmi was a hard-working and determined student, and showed ample interest in studying.

“She is brilliant at academics and extremely curious to learn,” he said.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/09/stories/2008030953820400.htm

-------------------

Thanks and Regards
Srividyaa

Hai Friends,
Let this be a topic  where stories of differently abled persons who have crossed their disabilities to lead a normal life be posted- exclusively Indian stories.
-----------------

Chitradurga: She does her alma mater proud :

It is indeed a proud moment for any college whose student achieves distinction in the examinations, but for the staff members and the administration of Bapuji Education Society, the feeling is more than being merely proud.

For the very reason that a first year D. Ed. (Diploma in Education) student N. Lakshmidevi, despite her disability, has secured 72 per cent result in the recently held examination. Born without both arms, 17-year-old Lakshmidevi does not treat her disability as a curse, instead she has accepted it as a challenge. Hailing from a tiny village Chikkajogihalli of Kudligi taluk in Bellary district, she has taken admission here for D. Ed course.

Having no arms, Lakshmi has developed skills of using her legs virtually like her hands.

It is astonishing to see Ms. Lakshmi using her fingers of her legs for writing, applying a bindi or even combing hair.

“Although God has not given me arms, he has given the same power in my legs so that I can do normal work,” she said. Coming from a poor family, Lakshmi’s father is a worker in a private agency at Kudligi. She has four siblings. Her mother stays with her but her hostel mates also extend their help to her in daily activities.

“Ever since my childhood, I never felt that I am born limbless nor my parents made me feel that I am a burden on them.

In fact, my family loves me very much,” she said. Dreaming to become a teacher, Ms. Lakshmi said she applied in several places for the D.Ed course after securing distinction in her SSLC.

However the Bapuji Education Society admitted her in the college.

Lecturers help :
Explaining about her preparation, she said that her lecturers helped her immensely. “After the classes, they spared extra time with me to resolve my doubts”, she said.

During her examination, she sat on the ground to write her exams.

Gopal Reddy, a mathematics lecture of the college, said that Ms. Lakshmi was a hard-working and determined student, and showed ample interest in studying.

“She is brilliant at academics and extremely curious to learn,” he said.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/09/stories/2008030953820400.htm

-------------------

Thanks and Regards
Srividyaa

[Adverts]

[srividyaa]

The reason for not posting this under the topic "Great men Achieved inspite of Disability" is,  these are not about any Great people who have established themselves, but are on the path of achieving something great

The reason for not posting this under the topic "Great men Achieved inspite of Disability" is,  these are not about any Great people who have established themselves, but are on the path of achieving something great

[Kr_iyer]

Hi Sreevidhya,

That is a good idea I will contribute

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Hi Sreevidhya,

That is a good idea I will contribute

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

[srividyaa]

Sujata Burla's life was shattered when on a pilgrimage to Shirdi, she met with a serious accident in the year 2001.

She survived but life dealt a cruel blow when the doctors and physiotherapists treating her told her she could not walk for the rest of her life. The accident had turned her into a paraplegic. It meant Sujata was immobile below the shoulders at the early age 21

.
Before the accident, Sujata had many friends but they all ran away after the accident. They were all false friends who only used to go where there would be money, success and happiness. She felt alone and depressed.


In another tragedy, her father expired in March 2004. Not one to be easily cowed down by her circumstances, she wanted to be independent financially, physically and mentally.


She soon realized that she needed to be financially independent first . She started working with her sister, who is a fashion designer, and then started a textile workshop on her own but the workers took advantage of her physical disability and she lost money.


Sujata realized that if at all she had to succeed in life she would have to do something for which she did not have to depend on anybody


Then she hit upon the idea of working in the stock market. She learnt typing and working on a computer and laptop. She spent another year learning the nitty gritty of stock market operations .
Now she trades like a pro and earns anywhere between Rs 200,000 and Rs 250,000 every month


Financial independence is what she strove for and that is exactly what she has got through sheer determination and discipline.


This shows that human will power and determination has no limit the only thing required is passion, persistence and hard work.

Sujata Burla's life was shattered when on a pilgrimage to Shirdi, she met with a serious accident in the year 2001.

She survived but life dealt a cruel blow when the doctors and physiotherapists treating her told her she could not walk for the rest of her life. The accident had turned her into a paraplegic. It meant Sujata was immobile below the shoulders at the early age 21

.
Before the accident, Sujata had many friends but they all ran away after the accident. They were all false friends who only used to go where there would be money, success and happiness. She felt alone and depressed.


In another tragedy, her father expired in March 2004. Not one to be easily cowed down by her circumstances, she wanted to be independent financially, physically and mentally.


She soon realized that she needed to be financially independent first . She started working with her sister, who is a fashion designer, and then started a textile workshop on her own but the workers took advantage of her physical disability and she lost money.


Sujata realized that if at all she had to succeed in life she would have to do something for which she did not have to depend on anybody


Then she hit upon the idea of working in the stock market. She learnt typing and working on a computer and laptop. She spent another year learning the nitty gritty of stock market operations .
Now she trades like a pro and earns anywhere between Rs 200,000 and Rs 250,000 every month


Financial independence is what she strove for and that is exactly what she has got through sheer determination and discipline.


This shows that human will power and determination has no limit the only thing required is passion, persistence and hard work.

[srividyaa]

BANGALORE:

]“Close your eyes to see my world” was the punch line of a campaign to combat blindness sometime ago, but history is full of examples of people who have opened their inner eyes to see the world.

Summaiya Khan, a student tenth standard at St. Michael’s English School here, is one such person who did not depend on her physical eyes to reach her goal. Neither did she let her own pain stop her from trying to help children of her age to hit the right track in life.

Summaiya is the only contestant in the senior grade who qualified for the South Asian round of the international school project competition to be held in Bangalore this month.

The project she chose was “The child rights protection of street children”. For the competition, she had to write a dissertation on the theme “Right to protection.”

“I have enjoyed almost all the privileges and independence which a child deserves. When I sit back and think of those children who are being deprived of all these, I feel very low and my inner instincts provoke me to stand up and help them in some way or the other. I have received education in a residential school run by nuns, where many orphans were also there. As a child, I had a dream to have such an institution where even I could help,” she told The Hindu.

She remembers a particular street child by name Ajith who had dropped out of school for fear of being battered by the teacher. She wondered how many children might have lost the opportunity to go to school because of the attitude of elders.

She said that if her effort helped in bringing children back to school, she would feel like having reached the final of the world competition that will be held in London.

Her mother Nikhath Khan said that Summaiya had travelled all around Bangalore and nearby places to collect data for her dissertation.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/06/stories/2008110653400400.htm

----------
Regards
srividyaa

BANGALORE:

]“Close your eyes to see my world” was the punch line of a campaign to combat blindness sometime ago, but history is full of examples of people who have opened their inner eyes to see the world.

Summaiya Khan, a student tenth standard at St. Michael’s English School here, is one such person who did not depend on her physical eyes to reach her goal. Neither did she let her own pain stop her from trying to help children of her age to hit the right track in life.

Summaiya is the only contestant in the senior grade who qualified for the South Asian round of the international school project competition to be held in Bangalore this month.

The project she chose was “The child rights protection of street children”. For the competition, she had to write a dissertation on the theme “Right to protection.”

“I have enjoyed almost all the privileges and independence which a child deserves. When I sit back and think of those children who are being deprived of all these, I feel very low and my inner instincts provoke me to stand up and help them in some way or the other. I have received education in a residential school run by nuns, where many orphans were also there. As a child, I had a dream to have such an institution where even I could help,” she told The Hindu.

She remembers a particular street child by name Ajith who had dropped out of school for fear of being battered by the teacher. She wondered how many children might have lost the opportunity to go to school because of the attitude of elders.

She said that if her effort helped in bringing children back to school, she would feel like having reached the final of the world competition that will be held in London.

Her mother Nikhath Khan said that Summaiya had travelled all around Bangalore and nearby places to collect data for her dissertation.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/06/stories/2008110653400400.htm

----------
Regards
srividyaa

[Unnimaxx]

Have you ever experienced a moment in your life when you just ran out of words and you go... s i l e n t ??         
                   

Let me assist you in recalling...  
       
.... the moment when you left your home for the first time and you look back at your parents who are worried that their son/daughter are  leaving them yet happy that their child took the first step towards independence.       

..... the moment when the girl/boy you like most.. smiled back at you!You don't say anything.. you just smile back..  
  
..... the moment when you get better marks than you expected... those"numb" moments of ecstasy n surprise "is that true?"...  

..... the moment when you are parting with your old friend(s) and the train has just started... and you are standing on the door of the wagon.. waving "bye-bye" with your heart beating fast...  

the moment after the HR manager has just called  you and told you,"You are through! Congrats!"  

..... the moment when you sit alone in your room after having told everyone that you cleared that exam you prepared for 6 months!!  

You can go on remembering your "special" moments!  

I had always wondered why I never said anything to myself at those moments.. as if it was "understood"... happiness, joy, pain.. all feelings just flowed ceaselessly in the 'years' that passed in those flash moments!

They say.. the best way to communicate is through  "silence".

Love. Joy. Grief. Surprise. Anger. Hope. Expectations. Support.  Non-cooperation...  

Can you imagine the importance of a silent moment in a song??

When Bryan Adams stops for a while along with music, before he goes  on in his husky voice...    ..... Please forgive me. I can't stop loving you!

Ever had those moments when you thought you were tired enough that  you reach for your bed after dinner.. but find  yourself wide awake  looking at the roof of your room silently...  

But you sure are 'thinking'... those moments of self-talk are the most important in our lives. Those moments when we listen to our own hearts! Those promises... those decisions... those are the moments when we make our destinies!  

Next time you go silent... listen carefully to what  your heart is saying.. listen to its joy...listen to its pain.. listen to its  fears.. listen to its desires..      and Be in touch with your true self...

Have you ever experienced a moment in your life when you just ran out of words and you go... s i l e n t ??         
                   

Let me assist you in recalling...  
       
.... the moment when you left your home for the first time and you look back at your parents who are worried that their son/daughter are  leaving them yet happy that their child took the first step towards independence.       

..... the moment when the girl/boy you like most.. smiled back at you!You don't say anything.. you just smile back..  
  
..... the moment when you get better marks than you expected... those"numb" moments of ecstasy n surprise "is that true?"...  

..... the moment when you are parting with your old friend(s) and the train has just started... and you are standing on the door of the wagon.. waving "bye-bye" with your heart beating fast...  

the moment after the HR manager has just called  you and told you,"You are through! Congrats!"  

..... the moment when you sit alone in your room after having told everyone that you cleared that exam you prepared for 6 months!!  

You can go on remembering your "special" moments!  

I had always wondered why I never said anything to myself at those moments.. as if it was "understood"... happiness, joy, pain.. all feelings just flowed ceaselessly in the 'years' that passed in those flash moments!

They say.. the best way to communicate is through  "silence".

Love. Joy. Grief. Surprise. Anger. Hope. Expectations. Support.  Non-cooperation...  

Can you imagine the importance of a silent moment in a song??

When Bryan Adams stops for a while along with music, before he goes  on in his husky voice...    ..... Please forgive me. I can't stop loving you!

Ever had those moments when you thought you were tired enough that  you reach for your bed after dinner.. but find  yourself wide awake  looking at the roof of your room silently...  

But you sure are 'thinking'... those moments of self-talk are the most important in our lives. Those moments when we listen to our own hearts! Those promises... those decisions... those are the moments when we make our destinies!  

Next time you go silent... listen carefully to what  your heart is saying.. listen to its joy...listen to its pain.. listen to its  fears.. listen to its desires..      and Be in touch with your true self...

[srividyaa]

Bangalore:
Articulate speech coupled with a pinch of philosophy and unending optimism defines Mohammed Wasim, a visually challenged English tutor, at the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. Born with his vision intact, Mr. Wasim developed microphthalmos, a hereditary eye disease, that eventually led to his being visually impaired at the age of seven.

Refusing to give up on life, he completed his basic education from Shree Ramana Maharishi Academy for the Blind and the pre-university course from the Government PU College.

He overcame several obstacles to eventually obtain a BA degree, with specialisation in journalism, English literature and political science from Surana College, Bangalore.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Wasim said: “I joined the trust as a student and now I serve as a teacher, reaching out to the disabled and economically backward. The trust has gifted me with the ability to ‘read’ without eyes. I can use numerous computer applications, email and surf the Internet for information using screen readers. Software, such as ABBYY, JAWS and the more recent DAISY have added light to my life. I have also been able to read and enjoy popular books such as Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. The mobility training that I have undergone helps me live independently, even commute by the city bus service.”

Mr. Wasim is an expert at chess and has won several national-level competitions. He plays the veena and the tabla and has performed in many concerts in the U.S.

He has participated in Republic Day parades at the Manekshaw Parade Ground. He coaches students in English grammar, communication, voice and accent skills.

G. Chetan Krishna, former classmate, who works with Mr. Wasim, said: “Never underestimate the capabilities of the disabled. Wasim is an example for the potential present within each one of us. The determination and optimism that he possesses are the fuel that will drive away stereotypes and prejudices, which still haunt our society.”

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/13/stories/2008111358940200.htm

-------

Regards
Srividyaa

Bangalore:
Articulate speech coupled with a pinch of philosophy and unending optimism defines Mohammed Wasim, a visually challenged English tutor, at the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. Born with his vision intact, Mr. Wasim developed microphthalmos, a hereditary eye disease, that eventually led to his being visually impaired at the age of seven.

Refusing to give up on life, he completed his basic education from Shree Ramana Maharishi Academy for the Blind and the pre-university course from the Government PU College.

He overcame several obstacles to eventually obtain a BA degree, with specialisation in journalism, English literature and political science from Surana College, Bangalore.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Wasim said: “I joined the trust as a student and now I serve as a teacher, reaching out to the disabled and economically backward. The trust has gifted me with the ability to ‘read’ without eyes. I can use numerous computer applications, email and surf the Internet for information using screen readers. Software, such as ABBYY, JAWS and the more recent DAISY have added light to my life. I have also been able to read and enjoy popular books such as Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. The mobility training that I have undergone helps me live independently, even commute by the city bus service.”

Mr. Wasim is an expert at chess and has won several national-level competitions. He plays the veena and the tabla and has performed in many concerts in the U.S.

He has participated in Republic Day parades at the Manekshaw Parade Ground. He coaches students in English grammar, communication, voice and accent skills.

G. Chetan Krishna, former classmate, who works with Mr. Wasim, said: “Never underestimate the capabilities of the disabled. Wasim is an example for the potential present within each one of us. The determination and optimism that he possesses are the fuel that will drive away stereotypes and prejudices, which still haunt our society.”

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/13/stories/2008111358940200.htm

-------

Regards
Srividyaa

[Kr_iyer]

A Different Kind of Athlete
  
We found out that Jenny was hearing impaired, when she was four and a half years old. Several surgeries and speech classes later, when she was seven, we found out that Jenny had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

She could not put pressure on the heels of her feet, so she walked on tiptoe, and when the pain became unbearable, I carried her. Jenny was fortunate, though, because she did not suffer the deformities, often associated with JRV.

All through grade school, and on into high school, Jenny suffered, yet never complained. She took her medicine, and I would often wrap her feet in steaming towels, and hold her until the pain eased. But, as soon as she could withstand the pain, Jenny, immediately, carried on, as though she were pain free.

She wore a smile on her face, a song on her lips, and a love and acceptance of others, that was, simply, amazing. I don't remember her ever voicing self-pity. She ran, when she could run. She played when she could play, and she danced when she could dance. And, when she could do none of these things, she took her medicine, and she waited until she could.

Jenny, a beautiful blonde, with warm brown eyes, was never a cheerleader. She never competed in a sport. She could not even take part in a Gym Class, though she took the same health class four years in a row, just so she could pass with a substitute credit each year. She joined the band. She won a place in the Governor's School for the Arts; yet, no one in the Charleston, South Carolina School System knew what to do with Jenny. The perimeters were, simply, not in place to deal with a student, who was both active and handicapped.

Jenny continued to have one surgery after another on her ears, all through school. Her hearing improved to 60%, and she taught herself to read lips. She carried a pillow to school, all through high school, and once, when she suddenly experienced crippling pain, her friends scooped her up, and carried her from class to class.

She was totally mainstreamed, popular, and funny, attending every football game, cheering the team on, carrying her pillow everywhere she went, so that she could cushion the pain, when she sat down. Then came her senior year. She would be considered for scholarships; however school activities, especially sports, could often mean the difference between receiving an award or losing out.

So Jenny came to a decision; and in her quirky, unorthodox manner, she began to bombard the high school football coach. She begged. She pleaded. She promised. She got her best friend to sign up with her. Finally the coach gave in, with the admonition, "If you miss ONE game, you're out!" So, Jenny became Manager of the Garrett High School Football Team.

She carried big buckets of water to her teammates. She bandaged knees and ankles before every game. She massaged necks and backs. She gave pep talks. She was continually at their beck and call, and it turned out to be one of the best years for Garrett High School Football Team, in its twenty-five year history. Often Jenny could be seen carrying a bucket of water in each hand, nearly dragging them, along with her pillow tucked under her arm.

When asked why he thought that the team was winning all their games, even in the face of injury, one linebacker explained, in his soft, Charleston drawl, "Well, when you've been knocked down, and you can't seem to move, you look up and see Jenny Lewis, limping across the field, dragging her buckets and carrying her pillow. It makes anything the rest of us may suffer seem pretty insignificant."

At the Senior Awards ceremony, Jenny received a number of scholarships to College of Charleston. Her favorite scholarship, however, was a small one from the Charleston Women's Club. The President of the Women's Club listed Jenny's accomplishments, starting with her grades, and ending with an excited, "...and the first girl to letter in football, in Garrett High School history!!"

A Different Kind of Athlete
  
We found out that Jenny was hearing impaired, when she was four and a half years old. Several surgeries and speech classes later, when she was seven, we found out that Jenny had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

She could not put pressure on the heels of her feet, so she walked on tiptoe, and when the pain became unbearable, I carried her. Jenny was fortunate, though, because she did not suffer the deformities, often associated with JRV.

All through grade school, and on into high school, Jenny suffered, yet never complained. She took her medicine, and I would often wrap her feet in steaming towels, and hold her until the pain eased. But, as soon as she could withstand the pain, Jenny, immediately, carried on, as though she were pain free.

She wore a smile on her face, a song on her lips, and a love and acceptance of others, that was, simply, amazing. I don't remember her ever voicing self-pity. She ran, when she could run. She played when she could play, and she danced when she could dance. And, when she could do none of these things, she took her medicine, and she waited until she could.

Jenny, a beautiful blonde, with warm brown eyes, was never a cheerleader. She never competed in a sport. She could not even take part in a Gym Class, though she took the same health class four years in a row, just so she could pass with a substitute credit each year. She joined the band. She won a place in the Governor's School for the Arts; yet, no one in the Charleston, South Carolina School System knew what to do with Jenny. The perimeters were, simply, not in place to deal with a student, who was both active and handicapped.

Jenny continued to have one surgery after another on her ears, all through school. Her hearing improved to 60%, and she taught herself to read lips. She carried a pillow to school, all through high school, and once, when she suddenly experienced crippling pain, her friends scooped her up, and carried her from class to class.

She was totally mainstreamed, popular, and funny, attending every football game, cheering the team on, carrying her pillow everywhere she went, so that she could cushion the pain, when she sat down. Then came her senior year. She would be considered for scholarships; however school activities, especially sports, could often mean the difference between receiving an award or losing out.

So Jenny came to a decision; and in her quirky, unorthodox manner, she began to bombard the high school football coach. She begged. She pleaded. She promised. She got her best friend to sign up with her. Finally the coach gave in, with the admonition, "If you miss ONE game, you're out!" So, Jenny became Manager of the Garrett High School Football Team.

She carried big buckets of water to her teammates. She bandaged knees and ankles before every game. She massaged necks and backs. She gave pep talks. She was continually at their beck and call, and it turned out to be one of the best years for Garrett High School Football Team, in its twenty-five year history. Often Jenny could be seen carrying a bucket of water in each hand, nearly dragging them, along with her pillow tucked under her arm.

When asked why he thought that the team was winning all their games, even in the face of injury, one linebacker explained, in his soft, Charleston drawl, "Well, when you've been knocked down, and you can't seem to move, you look up and see Jenny Lewis, limping across the field, dragging her buckets and carrying her pillow. It makes anything the rest of us may suffer seem pretty insignificant."

At the Senior Awards ceremony, Jenny received a number of scholarships to College of Charleston. Her favorite scholarship, however, was a small one from the Charleston Women's Club. The President of the Women's Club listed Jenny's accomplishments, starting with her grades, and ending with an excited, "...and the first girl to letter in football, in Garrett High School history!!"

[Unnimaxx]

The man who wants a garden fair,
Or small or very big,
With flowers growing here and there,
Must bend his back and dig.


The things are mighty few on earth
That wishes can attain.
Whate'er we want of any worth
We've got to work to gain.


It matters not what goal you seek
Its secret here reposes:
You've got to dig from week to week
To get Results or Roses.

The man who wants a garden fair,
Or small or very big,
With flowers growing here and there,
Must bend his back and dig.


The things are mighty few on earth
That wishes can attain.
Whate'er we want of any worth
We've got to work to gain.


It matters not what goal you seek
Its secret here reposes:
You've got to dig from week to week
To get Results or Roses.

[Kr_iyer]

Balance
  by: Brian Cavanaugh, T.O.R., The Sower's Seeds

Once the great Anthony of the Desert was relaxing with his disciples outside his hut when a hunter came by. The hunter was surprised to see Anthony relaxing, and rebuffed him for taking it easy. It was not his idea of what a holy monk should be doing.

Anthony replied, "Bend your bow and shoot an arrow." And the hunter did so. "Bend it again and shoot another arrow," said Anthony. The hunter did so, again and again.

The hunter finally said, "Abba Anthony, if I keep my bow always stretched, it will break."

So it is with the monk," replid Anthony. "if we push ourselves beyond measure, we will break. It is right from time to time to relax our efforts."

Balance
  by: Brian Cavanaugh, T.O.R., The Sower's Seeds

Once the great Anthony of the Desert was relaxing with his disciples outside his hut when a hunter came by. The hunter was surprised to see Anthony relaxing, and rebuffed him for taking it easy. It was not his idea of what a holy monk should be doing.

Anthony replied, "Bend your bow and shoot an arrow." And the hunter did so. "Bend it again and shoot another arrow," said Anthony. The hunter did so, again and again.

The hunter finally said, "Abba Anthony, if I keep my bow always stretched, it will break."

So it is with the monk," replid Anthony. "if we push ourselves beyond measure, we will break. It is right from time to time to relax our efforts."

[Unnimaxx]

A small story for a big change!!!


Professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all to see & asked the students
“How much do you think this glass weighs?"

'50gms!’..... '100gms!' .....'125gms'  ...the students answered.     
                 

"I really don't know unless I weigh it," said the professor,
"but, my question is:

What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes?"

'Nothing' …..the students said.

'Ok what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?' the professor asked.

'Your arm would begin to ache' said one of the student

"You're right, now what would happen if I held it for a day?"

"Your arm could go numb; you might have severe muscle stress &
paralysis & have to go to hospital for sure!"

….. ventured another student & all the students laughed

"Very good.

But during all this, did the weight of the glass change?" Asked the
professor.

'No'…. Was the answer.

"Then what caused the arm ache & the muscle stress?"

The students were puzzled.

"What should I do now to come out of pain?" asked professor again.

"Put the glass down!" said one of the students

"Exactly!" said the professor.

Life's problems are something like this.

Hold it for a few minutes in your head & they seem OK.

Think of them for a long time & they begin to ache.

Hold it even longer & they begin to paralyze you. You will not be able to do anything.

It's important to think of the challenges or problems in your life, But EVEN MORE IMPORTANT is to 'PUT THEM DOWN' at the end of every day before you go to sleep...

That way, you are not stressed, you wake up every day fresh &strong & can handle any issue, any challenge that comes your way!

A small story for a big change!!!


Professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all to see & asked the students
“How much do you think this glass weighs?"

'50gms!’..... '100gms!' .....'125gms'  ...the students answered.     
                 

"I really don't know unless I weigh it," said the professor,
"but, my question is:

What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes?"

'Nothing' …..the students said.

'Ok what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?' the professor asked.

'Your arm would begin to ache' said one of the student

"You're right, now what would happen if I held it for a day?"

"Your arm could go numb; you might have severe muscle stress &
paralysis & have to go to hospital for sure!"

….. ventured another student & all the students laughed

"Very good.

But during all this, did the weight of the glass change?" Asked the
professor.

'No'…. Was the answer.

"Then what caused the arm ache & the muscle stress?"

The students were puzzled.

"What should I do now to come out of pain?" asked professor again.

"Put the glass down!" said one of the students

"Exactly!" said the professor.

Life's problems are something like this.

Hold it for a few minutes in your head & they seem OK.

Think of them for a long time & they begin to ache.

Hold it even longer & they begin to paralyze you. You will not be able to do anything.

It's important to think of the challenges or problems in your life, But EVEN MORE IMPORTANT is to 'PUT THEM DOWN' at the end of every day before you go to sleep...

That way, you are not stressed, you wake up every day fresh &strong & can handle any issue, any challenge that comes your way!

[Unnimaxx]

Dont Cry Daddy
~~~~~~~~~~~




She was only a child and was filled with forlorn

Her Mother had left, a new chapter is born

Watching her Pa being both Mother and Dad

He done all he could although he still looked so sad!




Scared of his hurting she suffered alone

She crept up the staircase to be on her own

Hands both together in prayer she did weep

Then drifted away into a wonderful sleep!



In dreams she is rocked like a ship on mild sea

All of her worries now letting her be

Away from all harm where no one could go

Gently and calmly she rocks to and thro!




Something stirs in her to open her eyes

Now she awakens in arms which are wide

A beautiful vision of a lady in white

Rocking her gently and whispering Sleep tight!




She drifts back to sleep and then wakens again

Refreshed and so happy no knowledge of pain

She goes down the stairs as light as a kite

Then whispers "Daddy don't cry, it will soon be alright!"

Dont Cry Daddy
~~~~~~~~~~~




She was only a child and was filled with forlorn

Her Mother had left, a new chapter is born

Watching her Pa being both Mother and Dad

He done all he could although he still looked so sad!




Scared of his hurting she suffered alone

She crept up the staircase to be on her own

Hands both together in prayer she did weep

Then drifted away into a wonderful sleep!



In dreams she is rocked like a ship on mild sea

All of her worries now letting her be

Away from all harm where no one could go

Gently and calmly she rocks to and thro!




Something stirs in her to open her eyes

Now she awakens in arms which are wide

A beautiful vision of a lady in white

Rocking her gently and whispering Sleep tight!




She drifts back to sleep and then wakens again

Refreshed and so happy no knowledge of pain

She goes down the stairs as light as a kite

Then whispers "Daddy don't cry, it will soon be alright!"

[Unnimaxx]

Love and Time...     
     

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived:
Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love.
One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so
all constructed boats and left. Except for Love.

Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment.

When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.

Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said,
"Richness, can you take me with you?"
Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."

Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. "Vanity, please help me!"
"I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.

Sadness was close by so Love asked, "Sadness, let me go with you.""Oh . . . Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"

Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her.


Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I will take you." It was an
elder. So blessed and overjoyed, Love even forgot to ask the elder
where they were going. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went
her own way. Realizing how much was owed the elder,

Love asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who Helped me?"
"It was Time," Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help    me?"
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love
is.........................."

Love and Time...     
     

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived:
Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love.
One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so
all constructed boats and left. Except for Love.

Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment.

When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.

Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said,
"Richness, can you take me with you?"
Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."

Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. "Vanity, please help me!"
"I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.

Sadness was close by so Love asked, "Sadness, let me go with you.""Oh . . . Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"

Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her.


Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I will take you." It was an
elder. So blessed and overjoyed, Love even forgot to ask the elder
where they were going. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went
her own way. Realizing how much was owed the elder,

Love asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who Helped me?"
"It was Time," Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help    me?"
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love
is.........................."

[Unnimaxx]

Sorrow
Sorrow needs to be lived through and gotten rid of. It should not be suppressed

Doubt and Trust
The possibility of doubting shows you the strength of your trust. When you do not have a chance to doubt, then how do you know how deep is your trust? You do not know.

Head, Heart and Hands
Head empty, heart full, hands busy---very necessary, very necessary.

Wishes
This is such a sweet knowledge, it spreads such sweet fragrance around. It's like having a wish tree. You wish something and it manifests. All wishes are fulfilled. But you just can't start plucking it before it even grows. A sprout has come and you already want to take off all the leaves from there.

Getting Stuck
Do not get stuck up in any attractions around, and do not get stuck up in any aversions around. Then you cannot come to me, you cannot hear me, you cannot be with me at all.

Sorrow
Sorrow needs to be lived through and gotten rid of. It should not be suppressed

Doubt and Trust
The possibility of doubting shows you the strength of your trust. When you do not have a chance to doubt, then how do you know how deep is your trust? You do not know.

Head, Heart and Hands
Head empty, heart full, hands busy---very necessary, very necessary.

Wishes
This is such a sweet knowledge, it spreads such sweet fragrance around. It's like having a wish tree. You wish something and it manifests. All wishes are fulfilled. But you just can't start plucking it before it even grows. A sprout has come and you already want to take off all the leaves from there.

Getting Stuck
Do not get stuck up in any attractions around, and do not get stuck up in any aversions around. Then you cannot come to me, you cannot hear me, you cannot be with me at all.

[Kr_iyer]

Take a Stand
  by: Denis Waitley, Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work

Jackie Robinson made history when he became the first black baseball player to break into the major leagues by joining the Brooklyn Dodgers. Branch Rickey, owner of the Dodgers at that time, told Robinson, "It'll be tough. You're going to take abuse you never dreamed of. But if you're willing to try, I'll back you all the way."

And Rickey was right. Jackie was abused verbally (not to mention physically by runners coming into second base). Racial slurs from the crowd and members of his own team, as well as from opponents, were standard fare.

One day, Robinson was having it particularly tough. He had booted two ground balls, and the boos were cascading over the diamond. In full view of thousands of spectators, Pee Wee Reese, the team captain and Dodger shortstop, walked over and put his arm around Jackie right in the middle of the game.

"That may have saved my career," Robinson reflected later. "Pee Wee made me feel that I Belonged."

Be sure that the employees on your team feel that they belong.

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Take a Stand
  by: Denis Waitley, Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work

Jackie Robinson made history when he became the first black baseball player to break into the major leagues by joining the Brooklyn Dodgers. Branch Rickey, owner of the Dodgers at that time, told Robinson, "It'll be tough. You're going to take abuse you never dreamed of. But if you're willing to try, I'll back you all the way."

And Rickey was right. Jackie was abused verbally (not to mention physically by runners coming into second base). Racial slurs from the crowd and members of his own team, as well as from opponents, were standard fare.

One day, Robinson was having it particularly tough. He had booted two ground balls, and the boos were cascading over the diamond. In full view of thousands of spectators, Pee Wee Reese, the team captain and Dodger shortstop, walked over and put his arm around Jackie right in the middle of the game.

"That may have saved my career," Robinson reflected later. "Pee Wee made me feel that I Belonged."

Be sure that the employees on your team feel that they belong.

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE