Understanding destiny: Makers but not masters
Destiny is often a generic term used to refer to factors beyond our control, especially when such factors shape or determine the outcomes in our [...]
Overcoming distractions by aligning with our spiritual essence
Overcoming distractions by aligning with our spiritual essence Life is inevitably characterized by distractions. The very word "distraction" implies that there is a purpose from [...]
Understanding ourselves: The utility of categorization the necessity of self-observation
Understanding ourselves: The utility of categorization the necessity of self-observation We all occasionally act in ways that surprise us, either positively or negatively. At times, [...]
Planning: how to be firm yet flexible
Planning: how to be firm yet flexible Whenever we make plans, it’s essential to approach them in a balanced way. Plans can be compared to [...]
Why aligning aspiration with determination is vital
We all have various aspirations, and we often try to increase our determination to pursue our aspirations. However, when our aspiration is misguided, determination alone [...]
Our inner war against temptation is far bigger than we think
Whenever we strive for self-improvement, particularly in resisting self-sabotaging indulgences, we may perceive this battle as a personal affair with minimal consequences. This mindset can [...]
When living in the present is taken to an extreme
Let the present moment be the focus of our attention, not the substance of our aspiration Distraction often pulls us away from the present moment, [...]
Two things that we should never underestimate
Never underestimate two things: God's power to make things better and our power to make things worse. During our life, we may sometimes find ourselves [...]
Four ways to make the New Year’s positivity LAST
Wish you a very happy New Year! Normally, at such times, we make resolutions, and that’s very important. At the same time, today, I’d like [...]
How to ensure that the right answer has the right effect
How to ensure that the right answer has the right effect Just because we know the right answers doesn't mean we know the right time [...]
How to help others use their freedom wisely
How to help others use their freedom wisely When we guide someone, such as a trainee or a child, it's essential to respect their need [...]
By stating that everyone has problems are we conveying empathy or apathy?
By stating that everyone has problems are we conveying empathy or apathy? Everyone has problems. This statement can be an expression of empathy, but it [...]
How not to deal with a person whom we consider a necessary evil
How not to deal with a person whom we consider a necessary evil Calling someone we dislike but need a "necessary evil" is often an [...]
Whether a message is short is not as important as whether it is sufficient
The length of a talk is not as crucial as its completeness. A short talk can be insufficient, a long talk can be sufficient, and [...]
A Christmas Reflection: The Many Faces of a Religious Celebration
1. Individual Perspective I have witnessed the celebration of Christmas in multiple settings—at my convent school, during my speaking tours in North America's Bible Belt, [...]
How to avoid becoming discouraged due to our mistakes?
Just because we have slipped and fallen doesn’t mean we have to keep slipping and keep falling. And it certainly doesn’t mean that we have [...]
Why we devalue our life and how we can stop doing so
Why we devalue our life and how we can stop doing so The value of our life is determined not by how much the world [...]
How to use the mind’s weapons against the mind
How to use the mind's weapons against the mind Deal with the mind using the same three weapons that it uses to deal with us: [...]
The pains of life don’t sentence us to a life of pain
The pains of life don't sentence us to a life of pain The pain of life may be unavoidable, but the life of pain is [...]
How to be a leader even if we don’t have any position
How to be a leader even if we don’t have any position The essence of leadership lies not in how much value people give to [...]
The balance of predictability and unpredictability that makes relationships fulfilling
The balance of predictability and unpredictability that makes relationships fulfilling Healthy relationships strike a balance between predictability and unpredictability. When we are in a long-term [...]