Heal a strained relationship and not only do you lose an enemy, you also gain, a friend. Turn a weakness into strength, and not only are you no longer held back by the weakness, you are pushed forward by the strength.

Don't seek to merely get rid of the negative things in your life. Instead, transform their energy into something of real positive value.

-- Ralph Marston

The Equation

Positive thing     = 1 blessing

Negative thing    = Challenge/Contest+Opportunity

                        = 2 Positive things
                        = 2 blessings    

                        = Double reward

Strained relationship                   = Enemy
Healed Strained relationship        = (-)Enemy
                                                = 2 Friends

The weaknesses, liabilities, nuisances and troubles are no cause for despair. They are assets, conveniences, joys and riches waiting to be manifested through your efforts.

Jane’s Mother Addiction

Uncle Lim moved in to the house next door and life has never been the same again for Jane and her family.  He is so friendly that he became a very welcomed neighbour in her home.  In the beginning he would only drop in during the weekends, then whenever there were holidays.  Soon, he will drop in whenever Jane’s mother invited him over.  Jane’s mother had become addicted to a game that Uncle Lim had introduced to the family; that is mahjong.

Do you know what it is like to have a mother who is addicted to this game?  Four players are required and that means that the house was boisterous with children, other mothers from the neighbourhood bring along whenever a game is on.  If the children are loud, wait till you hear the clatter of the mahjong tablets being pushed around the gaming table.

Can you imagine what it was like for Jane, a young schoolgirl, when she was trying to complete her homework or concentrate on her study?  Things became worst when her mother started her superstitious habits and rules.  She cannot ask her mother for money, especially for books (Shu), when she was gambling.  She has to help around with the household chores, as her mother cannot leave the mahjong table when she is winning.  She could not even hug her mother like she used to, as it is a taboo to be tapped on a gambler’s shoulder!!

Jane did not do very well in school and she grew up thanking her mother for it.  Do you see it this way too? 

Peter’s Hardship

From as young as Peter could remember, his parents were always arguing with each other.  He could still recall the time his mother left their home after a very heated argument with his father.  It was a very stressful time for the family, especially for his father, when rumours started going around in the neighbourhood that his mother has left to live with her lover.  A few months later, his mother returned home as his father has fallen ill.  His drinking and smoking habits has taken a toll of his health and he died at a tender age of 36.  Peter had to quit school and learn to fend for himself, as his father had not made any financial plan for their future.  

Peter is thankful for the hardship his parents have put him through.  Do you see it this way too?   

A Chinese saying:

"When someone shares with you something of value and you derive benefit from it, you have the obligation to share it with others".
 

Nancy Poh Shares
greenbeings@mail2malaysia.com