Managing Challenges

challenges can be challenging. it's all very well to say that they are exciting and help one grow and learn and all of that, but the bottom line is that they are challenging. they make sure that you're stretched - emotionally and physically. they can make you feel enormous waves of self pity. sometimes, they can also make you abusive. and in all likelihood, challenges can make you feel like a fuel tank that's running on 'empty'.

the trick i think, more than managing the challenge, is managing your expectations of how you manage the challenge. there will be times when you won't be perfect. or within the multitude of tasks you're juggling, one or two will not be perfectly done. that's the time to sit down and tell yourself "it's ok. i tried. and this is the best that's possible now."

and the beauty of it is, that when you're through, there comes an overwhelming sense of exhilaration and peace, along with the knowledge that you can actually take on the world! ok that's stretching it, but you'll know that you can certainly take on a lot! the next time a challenge comes knocking at your door, you'll be saying "come on! show me what you've got. cos i know i've got what it takes to take you on!"

Reflections: the power of one

as i looked around the room, here is what i saw:

an old couple. they started with coffee and as the evening wore on, progressed to wine. sitting side by side, talking infrequently, yet saying so much to each other. an occasional touch, the knowing smiles, the comfort of being with each other. love.
san and i.

a mother and her daughter. tired after a long day of sightseeing. laughing and talking. ordering sandwiches and milkshakes. bonding.
tia and i. ray and i.

two friends. getting high on champagne. talking about their loves, their lives. what they had lost and what they had found. time stood still for them. happiness.
m and i. s and i. d and i.

a young man. alone. with beer. peace.
i.

are we all simply reflections of each other?
are our lives intertwined in a way that is inexplicable?
is the universe really one?