WHERE GOD IS

One day a stranger came to a village and said to the Rabbi, "I've searched all over for God and I cannot find Him anywhere."

The Rabbi said to the stranger. "Since God is here, you've come to the right place." He was offered board and lodgings with an old widow, and for payment the stranger chopped wood for her fire, and helped other villagers in need. Each day the stranger would seek out the Rabbi and ask, "Is God here, and will I see Him today?" And each time the Rabbi would reply, "God is here, and you've come to the right place". 

One day, after walking back from the next village the Rabbi was disturbed from his rest by the sound of voices. Looking up he saw the stranger talking to a man, dusty from many days of travel. As the Rabbi listened he heard the travel-dusty man say to the stranger, "Please help me, I'm looking for God, and I cannot find Him anywhere." The Rabbi smiled and his kindly eyes filled with tears as he heard the stranger reply, "You have come to the right place because God is here. Stay with us and you will find Him." 

For me the moral of that little story is, we don't need to look for God because He is here in our friends and in all the deeds we do. When a person smiles, He is there. He may be in the stranger who helps you or in the pretty flower that pushes up through the frozen ground in Spring. 

When I was returning from the funeral of my Grand Father, I'd passed my local shopping centre and felt bewildered. The March sun was shining, the spring flowers were blooming, people were walking around, smiling and talking. At first I'd felt hurt, like no one cared that my world had ended. But then I remembered how much I loved the sunshine and how happy I would have been on any other sunny day--and somehow it made me smile. God was there in those shoppers, and it was His way of reminding me He was there; the sun was still there, and one day I'd be able to enjoy life again. We need never look for Him, He's with us every moment of every day, it's only up to us to recognise Him.

THE TROUBLE TREE

The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. 

As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss. Afterward he walked me to the car. 

We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier. "Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing for sure, troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again. Funny thing is," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there ain't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."

HARE AND TORTOISE

This is an age old fable of the tortoise and hare race. Everyone knows who won the race or do you? Well, recently I heard a new version of this story with a new twist. Read this inspirational teamwork story with lessons in teamwork from an age old fable.
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1. Once upon a time a tortoise and a hare had an argument about who was faster. They decided to settle the argument with a race. The tortoise and hare both agreed on a route and started off the race. The hare shot ahead and ran briskly for some time. Then seeing that he was far ahead of the tortoise, he thought he'd sit under a tree for some time and relax before continuing the race. He sat under the tree and soon fell asleep. The tortoise plodding on overtook him and soon finished the race, emerging as the undisputed champ. The hare woke up and realised that he'd lost the race. The moral of the story is that slow and steady wins the race. This is the version of the story that we've all grown up with.
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2. But then recently, someone told me a more interesting version of this tortoise and hare story. It continues. The hare was disappointed at losing the race and he did some soul-searching. He realised that he'd lost the race only because he had been overconfident, careless and lax. If he had not taken things for granted, there's no way the tortoise could have beaten him. So he challenged the tortoise to another race. The tortoise agreed. This time, the hare went all out and ran without stopping from start to finish. He won by several miles. The moral of the story? Fast and consistent will always beat the slow and steady. If you have two people in your organisation, one slow, methodical and reliable, and the other fast and still reliable at what he does, the fast and reliable chap will consistently climb the organisational ladder faster than the slow, methodical chap. It's good to be slow and steady; but it's better to be fast and reliable.
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 3. But the story doesn't end here. The tortoise did some thinking this time, and realised that there's no way he can beat the hare in a race the way it was currently formatted. He thought for a while, and then challenged the hare to another race, but on a slightly different route. The hare agreed. The tortoise and hare started off. In keeping with his self-made commitment to be consistently fast, the hare took off and ran at top speed until he came to a broad river. The finishing line was a couple of kilometres on the other side of the river. The hare sat there wondering what to do. In the meantime the tortoise trundled along, got into the river, swam to the opposite bank, continued walking and finished the race. The moral of the story? First identify your core competency and then change the playing field to suit your core competency. In an organisation, if you are a good speaker, make sure you create opportunities to give presentations that enable the senior management to notice you. If your strength is analysis, make sure you do some sort of research, make a report and send it upstairs. Working to your strengths will not only get you noticed, but will also create opportunities for growth and advancement. The story still hasn't ended.
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4. The tortoise and hare, by this time, had become pretty good friends and they did some thinking together. Both realised that the last race could have been run much better. So the tortoise and hare decided to do the last race again, but to run as a team this time. They started off, and this time the hare carried the tortoise till the riverbank. There, the tortoise took over and swam across with the hare on his back. On the opposite bank, the hare again carried the tortoise and they reached the finishing line together. Both the tortoise and hare felt a greater sense of satisfaction than they'd felt earlier. The moral of the story? It's good to be individually brilliant and to have strong core competencies; but unless you're able to work in a team and harness each other's core competencies, you'll always perform below par because there will always be situations at which you'll do poorly and someone else does well. Teamwork is mainly about situational leadership, letting the person with the relevant core competency for a situation take leadership.

All you want to know about PAN

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is one of the most important documents in the country today. It is an identification number which the Income Tax Department gives to all taxpayers. You need to quote the PAN for all financial transactions like opening a bank account, buying a property of a car, buying or selling shares or mutual funds, applying for a visa/passport, making payment of income tax or filing your tax return, applying for a bank loan, etc. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to PAN:

1. What is PAN?

Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a ten-digit alphanumeric number, issued in the form of a laminated card, by the Income Tax Department. A typical PAN is AABPS1205E.

 2. Why is it necessary to have PAN?

a) It is mandatory to quote PAN on return of income, all correspondence with any income tax authority. From January 1, 2005, it has been made mandatory to quote PAN on challans for any payments due to Income Tax Department. b) It is also compulsory to quote PAN in all documents pertaining to financial transactions notified from time-to-time by the Central Board of Direct Taxes. Some such transactions are sale and purchase of immovable property or motor vehicle or payments in cash, of amounts exceeding Rs 25,000 to hotels and restaurants or in connection with travel to any foreign country. c) It is also mandatory to mention PAN for obtaining a telephone or cellular telephone connection. Likewise, PAN has to be mentioned for making a time deposit exceeding Rs 50,000 with a Bank or Post Office or depositing cash of Rs 50,000 or more in a Bank. d) It has also been made mandatory from march 2, 2007 to quote the PAN for mutual fund investments worth over Rs 50,000.

3. How does Income Tax Department ensure that PAN is quoted on transactions mentioned above?

It is statutory responsibility of a person receiving document relating to economic or financial transactions notified by the CBDT to ensure that PAN has been duly quoted in the document.

4. Is it compulsory to quote PAN on return of income?

Yes, it is compulsory to quote PAN on return of income.

5. How will these authorities verify PAN?

A facility for verifying PAN is available on the website of the Income Tax department.

 6. Who must have a PAN?

a) All existing assesses or taxpayers or persons who are required to furnish a return of income, even on behalf of others, must obtain PAN. b) Any person, who intends to enter into financial transaction where quoting PAN is mandatory, must also obtain PAN. c) The Assessing Officer may allot PAN to any person either on his own or on a specific request from such person.

7. Can a person obtain or use more than one PAN?

Obtaining or possessing more than one PAN is against the law.

8. Where to apply for PAN? How to get a new PAN card?

In order to improve PAN related services, the Income Tax department has authorized UTI Investor Services Ltd (UTIISL) to set up and manage IT PAN service centres in all cities or towns where there is an Income Tax office and National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) to dispense PAN services from TIN (tax information network) facilitation centres. For the convenience of PAN applicants in big cities, UTIISL has set up more than one IT PAN service centre and likewise there are more than one TIN facilitation centre.

9. How to apply for a PAN? Can an application for PAN be made on plain paper?

PAN application should be made only on Form 49A. A PAN application (Form 49A) can be downloaded from the website of Income Tax department or UTIISL or NSDL ( www.incometaxindia .gov.in,www. utiisl.co. in or tin.nsdl.com) or printed by local printers or photocopied (on A4 size 70 GSM paper) or obtained from any other source. The form is also available at IT PAN Service centres and TIN Facilitation centres.

10. Can an application for PAN be made in Form 49A obtained from anywhere?

Yes, PAN application may be made on Form 49A obtained from any source other than IT PAN Service Centres or TIN Facilitation Centres. For instance, a PAN application may be made on form downloaded from the website of Income Tax department or UTIISL or NSDL; or on form printed by local printers or a photocopy of downloaded or printed form.

11. Can an application for PAN be made through Internet?

Yes, application for fresh allotment of PAN can be made through Internet. Further, requests for changes or correction in PAN data or request for new PAN card (for an existing PAN) may also be made through Internet. For more details visit ( www.tin-nsdl. com)

12. How do I get a PAN allotted quickly (Tatkal)?

If an application for allotment of PAN is submitted through Internet and payment made through a 'nominated' credit card, the PAN is allotted on priority and communicated through email.

13. How to find an IT PAN service centre or TIN facilitation centre?

Location of IT PAN Service Centres or TIN Facilitation Centres in any city may be obtained from local Income Tax Office or any office of UTI/UTIISL or NSDL in that city or from websites of the Income Tax department ( www.incometaxindia .gov.in or UTIISL(www.utiisl. co.in) or NSDL ( http://tin.nsdl. com )

14. What services are provided by these IT PAN service centres or TIN facilitation centres?

IT PAN service centres or TIN facilitation centres will supply PAN application forms (Form 49A) and forms for 'Request for new PAN card or/and changes in PAN data,' assist the applicant in filling up the form, collect filled form and issue acknowledgement slip. After obtaining PAN from the Income Tax department, UTIISL or NSDL as the case may be, will print the PAN card and deliver it to the applicant.

15. What if I submit incomplete Form 49A?

IT PAN service centres or TIN facilitation centres shall not receive any incomplete and deficient PAN application. However, these centres will assist applicants to correctly fill up form 49A or 'Request for new PAN card or/and changes in PAN data,' as the case may be.

16. What documents and information have to be submitted along with the application for Form 49A?

a) Individual applicants will have to affix one recent, colour photograph (Stamp Size: 3.5 cms x 2.5 cms) on Form 49A; b) Any one document listed in Rule 114 must be supplied as proof of 'Identity' and 'Address'; and Designation and code of the concerned Assessing Officer of Income Tax department will have to be mentioned in Form 49A.

17. Which documents will serve as proof of 'Identity' in case of Individual applicants, including minors and HUF applicants?

a) Copy of school leaving certificate or matriculation certificate or degree of a recognized educational institution or depository account or credit card or bank account or water bill or ration card or property tax assessment order or passport or voter identity card or driving license or certificate of identity signed by a MP or an MLA or a Municipal Councilor or a Gazetted Officer; b) In case the PAN applicant is a minor, any of above documents of any of the parents or guardian of such minor shall serve as proof of Identity; c) In case PAN application is made on behalf of a HUF, any of above documents in respect of Karta of the HUF will serve as proof of Identity.

18. What is proof of 'Address' for Individual applicants, including minors and HUF applicants?

Copy of electricity bill or telephone bill or depository account or credit card or bank account or ration card or employer certificate or passport or voter identity card or property tax assessment order or driving license or rent receipt or certificate of address signed by a MP/ MLA/Municipal Councilor / a Gazetted Officer; In case the PAN applicant is a minor, any of above documents of any of the parents or guardian of such minor shall serve as proof of Address; In case PAN application is made on behalf of a HUF, any of above documents in respect of Karta of the HUF will serve as proof of Address.

19. What documents will serve as proof of Identity and Address for other applicants?

Copy of Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Companies or Copy of Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Firms or Copy of Partnership Deed or Copy of Trust deed or Copy of Certificate of Registration Number issued by Charity Commissioner or Copy of Agreement or Copy of Certificate of Registration Number issued by Charity Commissioner or Registrar of Co-operative Society or any other Competent Authority or any other document originating from any Central or State Government Department establishing Identity and Address of such person.

20. How to find 'Assessing Officer code'?

Assessing Officer code may be obtained from Income Tax Office where you submit your return of income. Applicants who have never filed return of income may find out Assessing Officer code with the help of IT PAN Service Centre or TIN Facilitation Centre or jurisdictional Income Tax Office.

21. Is a photograph compulsory for making an application for PAN?

A photograph is compulsory only in case of 'Individual' applicants.

22. What is the procedure for applicants who cannot sign?

In such cases, Left Hand Thumb impression of the applicant should be affixed on Form 49A or 'Request For New PAN Card Or/ And Changes In PAN Data' at the place meant for signatures and got attested by a Magistrate or a Notary Public or a Gazetted Officer, under official seal and stamp.

23. Is father's name compulsory for female (including married/divorced/ widow) applicants?

Only father's name is required to be filled in the PAN application (Form 49A). Female applicants, irrespective of marital status, should write only father's name in the PAN application

24. Is it compulsory to mention telephone numbers on Form 49A?

Telephone number is not compulsory, but if provided it may help in faster communication.

25. Who can apply on behalf of non-resident, minor, lunatic, idiot, and court of wards?

Section 160 of IT Act, 1961 provides that a non-resident, a minor, lunatic, idiot, and court of wards and such other persons may be represented through a Representative Assessee. In such cases, application for PAN will be made by the Representative Assessee.

26. I had applied to the department but I do not know my PAN?

Please contact the Aaykar Sampark Kendra (ASK) at 0124-2438000 (or 95124-2438000 from NCR) or visit the www.incometaxindia . gov.in and go to 'know your PAN'.

27. Are there any charges to be paid at IT PAN Service Centres or TIN Facilitation Centres?

UTIISL and NSDL have been authorized to collect Rs.60 + Service Tax as applicable, per PAN application and this includes cost of a tamper proof PAN card. This amount will have to be paid in cash at IT PAN Service Centre or the TIN Facilitation Centre.

28. Do you need to apply for a PAN when you move or transfer from one city to another?

Permanent Account Number, as the name suggests, is a permanent number and does not change during lifetime of PAN holder. Changing the address or city, though, may change the Assessing Officer. Such changes must, therefore, be intimated to nearest IT PAN service centre or TIN facilitation centre for required correction in PAN databases of the Income Tax department. These requests will have to be made in a form for 'Request for new PAN card or/ and changes in PAN data.

29. I had applied to UTITSL/ NSDL a month ago but I have not received my PAN card and I have to file my return of income?

Please contact the concern officials through visiting the site www.incometaxindia. gov.in or send an email to pan@incometaxindia. gov.in .

30. Will the existing PAN cards issued by the Department remain valid?

All PAN allotted and PAN card issued by the Department will remain valid. All persons who have been allotted a PAN need not apply again.

31. Income Tax Department has issued me a PAN card; can I obtain a new tamper proof PAN card?

For obtaining the tamper proof PAN card an application will have to be made in the form for 'Request for new PAN card or/ and changes in PAN data' to IT PAN service centre or TIN facilitation centre, in which existing PAN will have to be indicated and old PAN card surrendered. The payment of Rs.60 + Service Tax as applicable, will also have to be made.

32. I had applied for PAN and received PAN number but have not received the PAN Card?

Apply in the form for 'Request for new PAN card or/ and changes in PAN data' at any IT PAN service centre or TIN facilitation centre quoting the PAN allotted to you.

33. How will the new PAN card be delivered to me?

The UTIISL or NSDL, as the case may be, will ensure delivery of new PAN card at the address indicated by you in the PAN application form or form for 'Request for new PAN card or/ and changes in PAN data.'

34. I want to pay taxes today but I do not have a PAN?

It takes about 15 days to get a new PAN allotted. However, PAN can be obtained in around 5 days if application is made through Internet and processing fee paid through credit card. It is advisable to initiate action for obtaining PAN will in time.

Helpful Tips on Eye Care

With so many of us spending lots of time in front of the computer every day it comes to no surprise that research is showing a rise in visual problems. What can one do? First, it's important to find out how you can protect your eyes through eye health exams and by making a few minor changes in your computer viewing habits. 

Here are some helpful Eye Care Tips: 

Positioning is everything 

Correct positioning of your computer, keyboard and typing copy is essential. Your screen should be positioned about an arm's length from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. Consider foot and wrist rests for added comfort. 

Lighting can make all the difference 

Room lighting should be diffuse, not direct, to reduce glare and reflections from your screen. Look into an internal or external glare screen and be sure to set your colour, contrast and brightness levels to suit you. 

A little extra help for your glasses 

Anti-reflective coatings on the lenses of your glasses can be applied by your optometrist to reduce discomfort and to ease reduced vision from bright and/or flickering light sources such as VDTs and fluorescent lights. And don't forget, your doctor of optometry can talk to you about eyeglasses designed specifically for people who use computers a lot. 

Take time out, our 20-20-20 rule 

Step I :- After every 20 minutes of looking into the computer screen, turn your head and try to look at any object placed at least 20 feet away. This changes the focal length of your eyes, a must-do for the tired eyes. 

Step II :- Try and blink your eyes for 20 times in succession, to moisten them. 

Step III :- Time permitting of course, one should walk 20 paces after every 20 minutes of sitting in one particular posture. Helps blood circulation for the entire body. 

It's all in the blinking 

Did you know that on average we blink 12 times per minute? But wait, did you know that when we're on the computer we only blink 5 times per minute? That can add up to dry eyes. Relieve the discomfort by using artificial tear drops or gels and remember to blink! 

Palming 

Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. While palming, you can either rest your elbows on your desk or keep away from the desk and cup your eyes. Both ways are fine. 

Splash water on your face 

During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed. 

Use tea bags 

Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness. 

Eat healthy 

Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.

Little Dog

Long ago in a small, far away village, there was place known as the House of 1000 Mirrors. A small, happy little dog learned of this place and decided to visit. When he arrived, he bounced happily up the stairs to the doorway of the house. He looked through the doorway with his ears lifted high and his tail wagging as fast as it could. To his great surprise, he found himself staring at 1000 other happy little dogs with their tails wagging just as fast as his. He smiled a great smile, and was answered with 1000 great smiles just as warm and friendly. As he left the House, he thought to himself, "This is a wonderful place. I will come back and visit it often."

In this same village, another little dog, who was not quite as happy as the first one, decided to visit the house. He slowly climbed the stairs and hung his head low as he looked into the door. When he saw the 1000 unfriendly looking dogs staring back at him, he growled at them and was horrified to see 1000 little dogs growling back at him. As he left, he thought to himself, "That is a horrible place, and I will never go back there again."

All the faces in the world are mirrors. What kind of reflections do you see in the faces of the people you meet?

Everything happens for good

There was once a King who had a wise advisor. The advisor followed the King everywhere, and his favorite advice was, "Everything happens for the good". One day the King went hunting and had a little accident. He shot an arrow at his own foot and was injured. He asked the advisor what he thought about the accident, to which the advisor replied, "Everything happens for the good". This time the King was really upset and ordered for his advisor to be put in prison. The King asked his advisor, "Now, what do you think?" The advisor again replied, "Everything happens for the good". So the advisor remained in prison.

The King later went on a hunting trip, this time without the advisor. The King was then captured by some cannibals. He was taken to the cannibals' camp where he was to be the evening meal for the cannibals. Before putting him into the cooking pot he was thoroughly inspected. The cannibals saw the wound on the King's foot and decided to throw him back into the jungle. According to the cannibals' tradition, they would not eat anything that was imperfect. As a result the King was spared. The King suddenly realized what his advisor said was true. The advisor also escaped death because had he not been in prison, he would have followed the King on the hunting trip, and would have ended up in the cooking pot.

Success Principles 
It is true that everything in life happens for a purpose, and always for our own good. If you think about it, all our past experiences actually happened to bring us to where we are today, and it is always for the good. All the past experiences makes us a better person. So, whatever challenges that we may face today, consider it happening to bring us to the next level.

A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

The first day, the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry the wound is still there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one."

If You Are Not Ready, Don't Start

There are times when we feel we should take action, but feel stuck or unsure. Action does assist with moving forward, but the first question to ask is "Am I ready?". We might be willing and able, but if we are not ready we will have a false start. We will sabotage ourselves. Being ready is about commitment.

Being ready is also a mindset. At times we have to be pretty fed up before we are really ready to make a change. A friend recently quit her job after months of being miserable. She was willing and able, but for some reason she could not let go of what she called "the job from hell." The last straw for her was being demoted and having her salary cut. This action by the company moved her to being ready. As humans we can put up with a whole lot. We tolerate and tolerate until finally we are pushed to the point of being ready. 

It does seem pretty common that becoming ready often happens after we are totally fed up. There is a way to become ready without being pushed over the edge. One question I like to ask myself is "What is the worst thing that can happen?". Once I have the answer, the next question is "And can I live with that?". If the answer is yes, then chances are you are ready to make your move. If you are still not sure - begin seeking other options. Keep working on those two questions until you come up with a solution that you can live with. 

Being ready is a state of mind. You have to be ready right down to the fibers of your bones or it won't work. When you are ready, your commitment level will be 100%. If you are not ready, your commitment level will be much less, and whatever actions you take will not be sufficient to create what you want. 

Give yourself a break. If you are not ready, don't beat yourself up over it. Take a few steps back and ask yourself, "What am I ready to do?". Taking small steps can often help us get up the courage to take the big leap. There are times when any action is better than none at all. Start from where you are and keep focused and moving forward. Getting ready is a process; so don't rush it. There are occasions when it takes time to work up to the point where you can take the leap.

4 Steps to Set Your Mind for Success

By Beth Tabak

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." Marianne Williamson

How long have you waited to be happy at work, to write a book, or bring home the income you deserve? Are you your own best support system or biggest diversion? Consider the cheetah which has no problem using its gift of speed. The bald eagle easily leverages its keen eye sight and ability to soar. Dolphins joyfully exert their playfulness. Imagine what is possible for humans with our unique gift of the mind if we focus on what serves us versus what holds us back. Discover four steps to set your mind for success.

1- Know what is limiting you~ Let's investigate a mystery. What beliefs are at your core? Pay attention for one week to the self-limiting beliefs that show up. As a detective, be consciously aware. Keep a journal handy for notes.

Beliefs can show up as a label you place upon yourself attached to an assumption such as Parent- there is only so much I can do or Owner- I can't count on anyone but myself. They can reveal themselves in negative statements such as "I can't be…", "I can't do…", "I'm not good enough"," I'm not smart enough," "I never complete anything," etc. Beliefs may be uncovered in an assumption such as "there's not enough time", "that's too hard", or "he'll say 'no' ". Write down the beliefs you notice that restrain you from what you want.

2- Get to the source of the diversion~ A good detective digs deeper. Whose voice is attached to the belief? How did this belief become attached to your life? Is it legitimate? Is it serving you? Or limiting you? Jot your notes. I have to warn you. We hesitate to go within because we subconsciously know what may be lurking at the source. Fear! Write down any fears you discover that are holding you back.

3- Rewrite your limiting beliefs and fears with an unlimited confident statement~ Turn "I can't" into "I am", "that's too hard" into "I know I can do this part", "I don't have enough time" into "I know what's important and I do that first", and "Parent- there's only so much I can do" to "Parent- the world is my resource. I can do what I put my mind to." Reread your new attitude daily. Picture it as true. Feel it as real until it becomes part of who you are.

4- Stand strong and respond~ Do not slack when it comes to eliminating self-limiting beliefs! When they show up, mount up. When you hear "you will never be…" respond with "says who? I determine my value." When you think "you are going to make a fool of yourself" respond by saying "I will love myself for having the guts to try." And when you believe there is no time left for your dreams, drop what is not as important and stand up for who you are.

Are you willing to do what it takes to set your mind for success with unstoppable determination? Will you do the detective work to gain access to your unlimited capabilities? What I want for you is to break out of the bounds of limits and become your own best Success Coach… Starting Now!

Copyright 2005 © Beth A. Tabak, All rights reserved.

Abraham Lincoln Didn't Quit

Probably the greatest example of persistence is Abraham Lincoln. If you want to learn about some­body who didn't quit, look no further. Born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown. He could have quit many times — but he didn't and because he didn't quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the history of our country. Lincoln was a champion and he never gave up.

Here is a sketch of Lincoln's road to the White House:

1816: His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.

1818: His mother died.

1831: Failed in business.

1832: Ran for state legislature — lost.

1832: Also lost his job — wanted to go to law school but couldn't get in.

1833: Borrowed some money from a friend to be­gin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.

1834: Ran for state legislature again — won.

1835: Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken.

1836: Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.

1838: Sought to become speaker of the state legis­lature — defeated.

1840: Sought to become elector — defeated.

1843: Ran for Congress — lost.

1846: Ran for Congress again — this time he won -went to Washington and did a good job.

1848: Ran for re-election to Congress — lost.

1849: Sought the job of land officer in his home state — rejected.

1854: Ran for Senate of the United States — lost.

1856: Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party's national convention - got less than 100 votes.

1858: Ran for U.S. Senate again - again he lost.

1860: Elected president of the United States.

Pastor ' s Business Card

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door. When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis 3:10." Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked."

Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones? They still are!

THE SPECIAL YOU

Recently I came across a beautiful story, which really shook my heart and this story is the one and only product, which made me to write about how I feel my profession. I wish to dedicate this story to Mr. Prince Annadurai (my beloved lecturer) who introduced me to the world of seach……… To cut short about Mr. Prince Annadurai and my relationship, I was doing my PG research at that time and he gave me such a difficult task to find out what I need for my research. I cursed him a lot at that time stating that he was wasting me time. But now, I am realizing and enjoying the pressure given by him at that time. One best part is that my research paper was published in the Journal “Patients are people” immediately after 6 months (eventhou I feel some of my recommendations are funny). That's where I started identifying my potential to write. I wish to proudly publicize that, I feel I am on my path of becoming an expert in networking due to his initial guidance and support. This story is very close to his mentoring. Hope you will enjoy…….

THE SPECIAL YOU:

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.

It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a
separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.

On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much," were most of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter.
The exercise had accomplished its purpose.

The students were happy with themselves and one another.

That group of students moved on. Several years later, one of the
students was killed in Vietnam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student.

She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.

The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin.

The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her.

"Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded: "yes."

Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."


After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a
luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to
speak with his teacher.

"We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times.

The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.
"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it."

All of Mark's former class mates started to gather around.

Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list It's in the top drawer of my desk at home."

Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album."
"I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary."

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out
her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry
this with me at all times,” Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she
continued: "I think we all saved our lists."

That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again. The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.

Remember, you reap what you sow, what you put into the lives of others comes back into your own.

MAY YOUR DAY BE AS SPECIAL AS YOU ARE.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PLANT

An emperor in the Far East was growing old and knew it was time to choose his successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or his children, he decided something different. He called young people in the kingdom together one day. He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next emperor. I have decided to choose one of you."

The kids were shocked! But the emperor continued. "I am going to give each one of you a seed today. One very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it and come back here after one year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next emperor!"

One boy named Ling was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the story. She helped him get a pot and planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.

Ling kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks went by. Still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants but Ling didn't have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by, still nothing in Ling's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed.

Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Ling didn't say anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But honest about what happened, Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace. When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other youths. They were beautiful in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kinds laughed at him. A few felt sorry for him and just said, "Hey nice try."

When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to hide in the back. "What great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the emperor. "Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor!" All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was terrified. "The emperor knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!"

When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. "My name is Ling," he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, "Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!" Ling couldn't believe it. Ling couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor? Then the emperor said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds, which would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!"

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap victory.
If you plant consideration, you will reap harmony.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
If you plant openness, you will reap intimacy.
If you plant patience, you will reap improvements.
If you plant faith, you will reap miracles.
But
If you plant dishonesty, you will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, you will reap loneliness.
If you plant pride, you will reap destruction.
If you plant envy, you will reap trouble.
If you plant laziness, you will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, you will reap isolation.
If you plant greed, you will reap loss.
If you plant gossip, you will reap enemies.
If you plant worries, you will reap wrinkles.
If you plant sin, you will reap guilt.

So be careful what you plant now, It will determine what you will reap tomorrow, The seeds you now scatter, Will make life worse or better, your life or the ones who will come after. Yes, someday, you will enjoy the fruits, or you will pay for the choices you plant today.

Gentleman and the Boatman

One day, a very scholarly English gentleman, while travelling in India, decided to go across big river, so he asked one of the village people who owned a small boat, if he would take him, to this request the boatman agreed.

As they started, the sun became obscured by dark clouds, and as the river was large, the gentleman realised that the crossing would take some time. So he started a conversation with the boatman.

"Did you know that the sun is approximately 93,000,000miles away, and yet it has provided heat and light, throughout the universe since time immemorial, baring that, if it was to shift, even a fraction of an inch out of its orbit, there would be total devastation? "

The boatman replied; "My dear sir, I am just a simple man who has had no education, there is no way I could know such information"

"Then" said the gentleman "You are 25% fool".

Some time passed, and as they were coming to the ½ way mark, the thunder began to rumble. "Did you know notice the lightening, just before the rumbling sound". The gentleman asked. He continued. "Do you know how that phenomenon occurs"

"No sir" replied the boatman.

"Its occurrence is due to the expansion of rapidly heated air," the gentleman exclaimed, " You are 50% fool.

About ¾ of the way the weather completely changed. It became dark and started to rain heavily and started filling up the little boat with water clearly making it difficult for the boatman. But the foolish gentleman insisted in questioning.

"Do you know how we get rain", "No sir," was the reply."

" The sun evaporates water from the sea, this gets stored in the clouds which then travel by be wind power, then when they become full, it lets all the water go, over the land. That's how we get rain."

"You are 75% fool." Said the gentleman, now feeling very smug.

The gentleman was suddenly interrupted from his basqueing by a loud cry from the boatman, "Oh no! I have lost my oar and now the water is about capsize the boat, we have no alternative but to swim the remainder of the way, luckily for us it is not very far."

"But I can't swim," cried the gentleman now seeing his own imminent death.

"Then my dear sir, you are 100% fool" said the boatman.

Gandhism way of saying Welcome to Weekend

I think this as the best way to say welcome to the weekend as per Gandhian preaching. What do you think guys?................

NUDIST COLONY: GO SLOW -- WATCH FOR CHICKS

Farmer John lived on a quiet rural highway. But, as time went by, the traffic built up at an alarming rate.

The traffic was so heavy and so fast that his chickens were being run over at a rate of three to six a day.

So one day Farmer John called the sheriff's office and said, "You've got to do something about all of these people driving so fast and killing all of my chickens."

"What do you want me to do?" asked the sheriff.

"I don't care," said Farmer John. "Just do something about these crazy drivers!"

So the next day, the county workers erected a sign that said

SLOW: SCHOOL CROSSING.

Three days later Farmer John called the sheriff and said, "You've got to do something about these drivers. The 'school crossing' sign seems to make them go even faster."

So, again, the sheriff sent out the county workers and they put up a new sign:

SLOW: CHILDREN AT PLAY.

But that sped the drivers up even more!

So Farmer John kept calling, and the sheriff kept changing the signs.

Finally, Farmer John said to the sheriff, "Your signs are doing no good. Can I put up my own sign?"

The sheriff was ready to let Farmer John do just about anything if it would get him to stop calling every day. He said, "Sure thing, put up whatever you want."

And after that, the sheriff got no more calls from Farmer John.

Three weeks later, the sheriff's curiosity got the best him and he decided to give Farmer John a call. "How's the problem with those drivers? Did you put up your sign?"

"Oh, I sure did. And not one chicken has been killed since then. I've got to go. I'm very busy." He hung up the phone.

The sheriff was really curious now and he thought to himself "I'd better go out there and take a look at that sign... It might be something that WE could use to slow down drivers..."

So the sheriff drove out to Farmer John's house, and his jaw nearly hit the floor at what he saw. There, painted neatly on a sheet of plywood was Farmer John's sign:

NUDIST COLONY: GO SLOW -- WATCH FOR CHICKS

FAITH

An Argument that is so wonderfully answered....that is truly "Genius". Read On:-

An atheist professor of philosophy speaks to his class on the problem science has with God, The Almighty. He asks one of his new students to stand and....

Professor: So you believe in God?
Student: Absolutely, sir.

Professor: Is God good?
Student: Sure.

Professor: Is God all-powerful?
Student: Yes.

Professor: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn't. How is this God good then? Hmm?
(Student is silent.)

Professor: You can't answer, can you? Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?
Student: Yes.

Professor: Is Satan good?
Student: No.

Professor: Where does Satan come from?
Student: From...God...

Professor: That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student: Yes.

Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything. Correct?
Student: Yes.

Professor: So who created evil?
(Student does not answer.)

Professor: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don't they?
Student: Yes, sir.

Professor: So, who created them?
(Student has no answer.)

Professor: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son...Have you ever seen God?
Student: No, sir.

Professor: Tell us if you have ever heard your God?
Student: No, sir.

Professor: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelled your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter?
Student: No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.

Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?
Student: Yes.

Professor: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student: Nothing. I only have my faith.

Professor: Yes. Faith. And that is the problem science has.
Student: Professor, is there such a thing as heat?

Professor: Yes.
Student: And is there such a thing as cold?

Professor: Yes.
Student: No sir. There isn't.
(The lecture theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events.)

Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.(There is pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre.)

Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Professor: Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness?
Student: You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light.... But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?

Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man?
Student: Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.

Professor: Flawed? Can you explain how?
Student: Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey? Professor: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.

Student: Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?(The Professor shakes his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument is going.)

Student: Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?
(The class is in uproar.)

Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor's brain?
(The class breaks out into laughter.)

Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain, felt it, touched or smelled it...No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?
(The room is silent. The professor stares at the student, his face unfathomable.)

Professor: I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son.
Student: That is it, sir.. The link between man & god is FAITH. That is all that keeps things moving & alive.
......................................................That young man was ALBERT EINSTEIN.......

Secret to Success

A young man asked Socrates the Secret to Success.

Socrates told the young man to meet him near the river next morning. They met. Socrates asked the young man to walk with him towards the river. When the water got up to their neck Socrates took the man by surprise and ducked him into ater. The boy struggled to get out but Socrates was strong & kept him there untill the man started turning blue.

Socrates pulled his head out of water & the first thing the man did was to take adeep breath of air. Socrates asked "What did you want the most when you were there". The man replied "A I R". Socrates said "That is the secret to Success.

When you want Success as badly as you wanted the air you will get it. There is no other secret." Just as a small fire cannot give much heat a weak desire cannot produce results.

TWO FRIENDS

Two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face.

The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE". They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath.

The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE". The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone,why?"

The other friend replied "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

SCAR

Their once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.... Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all, he told his father about It and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. 

 The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound will be still there." 

Moral: A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

The Thief's Mother

Once their lived a boy called Ramu. One day he stole a book from one of his classmates. Instead of punishing him his mother well appreciated him. She said, “That was so clever my boy”. As he grew older and older Ramu came to be known as the village thief.

One day the police caught him and he was ordered to be hanged. The day of his execution arrived, and his mother was beating her hands in her chest and was crying. Ramu saw his mother crying in the crowd. He pleaded to the securities to allow him to speak his last words to his mother in her ear. Then his mother showed his ear to Ramu so that he can speak. Ramu then bit his mother’s ear.

Many of the people came and pushed him back and asked him if she was his mother or not. Then he replied, “ that lady is my mother, because of her I am going to be hanged now. When I was small I did mischief, without punishing me she encouraged me to do it again and again. I was an unnatural child and so my mother”.

MORAL: Spare the rod and spoil the child.

Hospital Window

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.His bed was next to the room's only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by.Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Epilogue:

• There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
• Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
• If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.

HELLO

Hello Readers,

I consider myself as a conscientious social worker. I am proud to say that I have fulfilled and found fulfillment in my various roles as a responsible social worker that has achieved what has been set out to be achieved. My work history bears testimony to my achievements.

To me, my career in Social Work has been just brought to flame and made red-hot. It still requires some more work to forge this hot iron into a hammer that shall in future nail down many social, economical human-related and functional problems in the developing countries and under developed countries. I am sure that this blog will empower me to do so.

With love and regards,

Sherine