Daily inspirations

In my seminars, I ask participants, “How many among you are stressed?” Hands will shoot up faster than a rocket, and nervous laughs will ensue all over the ballroom.

Times are really stressful these days. I know I need inspiration to help me make it through each day. How about you? 

Today, I will do something for the first and the last time: I will feature some of the inspirational quotes, stories and humor that have been well-received by people who have subscribed to my daily Inspired messages.

Regular readers of this column know that I plug my public seminars, and this has brought many participants from all over the country to the said functions. And when I started plugging my daily inspirational text subscriptions (with the help of ZED’s TV plugs), I was amazed to see the same warm reception of the public - subscriptions shot up!

So here are samples of messages you can receive when you subscribe to the service:

You cannot make the poor man rich by making the rich man poor. (Lincoln) Some people are blessed with the ability to create wealth. There is no need to envy them. Know what your talents are. Your talents are God-given. Your skills are what you acquire for yourself. But in everything, build up character so your success is secured. Money is always the acid test for character.

It is fantasy to believe that we’re living in a morally neutral environment. We face offers and choices daily that either add value to our lives or set us up for future defeat.

“0% Financing! For those who are struggling to make ends meet.”

“The titles of the movies you select will not be listed on your bill.”

“Girls Gone Wild!”

Offers so enticing but disaster lurking behind.

Choose your choices correctly.

The Ilocana (my wife) and I had a clean bill of health after our executive checkup. It was our 30^th wedding anniversary treat. As I walked out the lobby, I realized that keeping myself healthy is the best favor I can do for my family. Every person I know who has undergone a health scare says the same thing: “I should have started exercising years ago.” Shouldn’t exercise be part of every person’s life goal then?

Allan and Barbara Pease say, “Under pressure, men drink alcohol and invade other countries; women eat chocolate and go shopping.” Women criticize men; men criticize women. But this should not be. God created men and women equally, but He created them differently. Celebrate the differences. Lead them according to their design. Attend seminars on gender differences, and learn to lead better.

Ask the right questions. Asking “Who caused this to happen?” and asking “How did I get myself into this situation?” are two different things. One fixes the blame, the other one fixes the problem. Some people are experts in blame-storming, and this is why they never recover. Others learn from mistakes, and this is why they succeed. The question you ask determines the outcome for your life.

My apologies usually come from my propensity to react in the moment without taking the time to control my temper and contemplate the proper response to the situation. I also tend to make jokes in an effort to appear funny, but in the process unwittingly offend someone and make myself appear insensitive to others. Take the time to think. And respond instead; do not react.

Used-textbooks-for-sale notes were posted on the college notice board at the beginning of the semester. One read: “Introduction to Psychology, 300 Pesos, never used.” The card was signed, “Must Sell.”

The next day, a note was added: “Good price. Are you sure it’s never been used?” Signed, “Prospective Buyer.”

Written below was, “Positive!” Signed, “Professor Who Graded His Exam.”

Are yours used?

If you found these helpful or able to give you some much-needed inspiration today, then send “Inspire” to 288 for Smart or Sun subscribers and 2889 for Globe to receive your daily regular dose of inspirational quotes and thoughts. This investment will cost you only Php2.50 per day. 

“Today’s column is actually a plug?” some wag would probably say. You bet it is. And if you know a good thing and don’t tell others about it, you’re actually doing others a disservice. Wouldn’t you think so?

This is why today... I’m just telling.

(Send “Inspire” to 288 for Smart or Sun subscribers and 2889 for Globe to receive your daily inspirational quotes and thoughts from Francis. Visit facebook.com/franciskong 2 for more details.)