Time for Your "Mind Gym" - How Do You Use Your Shell?

No, I am not basing the above question on the mere assumption that you have a shell to start with. You do have a shell you often hide in on your own, retreat to in tough times, or coil up in and prepare to reboot your system.

It is that private space that you seek; the personal bubble you protect. It is transparent to the ordinary eye, but becomes quite obvious with excessive use.

Your shell can be as hard and impermeable as that of a turtle. When threatened, the turtle totally withdraws inside. It is a natural defense mechanism to be safe rendering it, indeed, much protected.

You can create your shell in your mind's eye and become more aware of it. Observe the patterns... When do you go in there most?

Do you notice that you're in "hiding" most of the time? ALERT!! No movement; no progress. No progress; no life fulfillment.

Do you notice retreating occasionally to take a break? GOOD!! That's normal. Careful the kind of thoughts you bring inside that shell with the rest of you though. Consider it solitude time in there (& that is quite different from hosting your worst demons every time). In there, you have no other company, so be a good one.

And "the reason why some people enjoy spending some time alone is because they're never really lonely. They have their own most interesting company". ~3Ds

After that time-out, you'll go: "Phew, inspiring talk... Can we meet more often? I love you" :)

Your Personal Coach

    Dania

Are You Often Criticized?

If you’re often criticized, then that’s good. It means you’re moving, you’re actually doing something, & you’re surrounded by people. Well perhaps not the most encouraging people, but criticism gives you information (about you, or about them).

How do you receive that criticism? Do you get infuriated? Hurt? Or perhaps bitter? Lash out in defense? Or do you really listen before responding & assess if there is any kernel of truth to what’s been said?

You would be really lucky if you were criticized by well-meaning others. This is more like feedback that helps you grow. Even if criticism came with malicious intent, it can point to areas you need to work on, so never discount what’s been said. You’ll hear a lot of truths that describe you from both friend & foe.

Now, what if you were often criticized by someone just for the sake of it? This is when it tells more about them. Some people are programmed to think in terms of “contrast”. They can’t help but jump to consider the alternative that’s not working. Others, feel so “low” deep inside that, to them, the only way to feel “high” (better) is to bring others down. Just accept this truth: it’s more about them & draw your boundaries.

All are conveying something to you, so listen with your heart. And remember: “The brighter your light, the more you’ll attract both moths & butterflies. You’d put the moths in captivity if you focus on the butterflies’ activity”.

Wouldn’t you rather hear more words of acknowledgement instead? Let’s face it! Most people are stingy on “praise”; abundant in criticism…

Let’s start a new wave. Praise more often. Make others feel good & see how good YOU, in turn, will feel… Notice the good & highlight it. Wouldn’t you rather be a butterfly….?

I’m starting a “butterfly effect” now…. YOU ROCK!….

Did you hear that? All hail J

Your Personal Coach

     Dania 

The Working Mothers' Syndrome

Is it the first time you hear about the "working mothers' syndrome"? It's probably new to many. I'll explain about it below and give you some answers to frequently asked questions. The “Working Mothers’ Syndrome” is the frustration and its consequences experienced by working mothers who have to joggle between the multiple demands dictated by being a mother and having a career. It results in many negative physical and mental signs that exert their toll on the mothers’ daily functioning. Parenting is already a 24 hours job, so adding to it an external job with more working hours surely adds more stressors to handle. Being a parent and having a career at the same time results in conflicting demands that most parents (both fathers and mothers) have to accommodate for. Since ancient times, society handed down the parenting responsibility mainly to mothers; hence, those mothers who have a career usually carry a heavier load in making all ends meet. The working mothers’ syndrome afflicts mainly high achieving, driven, and ambitious women who want to perfect it all. These women multi-task well; and assume a conscientious responsibility in both roles (at home and on the job). This, however, does not come without a price. Their bodies, eventually, yell to take a break from all the commotion by giving them various signals to slow down.

How does the “Working Mothers’ Syndrome” manifest itself?

Usually it is detected by signs of chronic fatigue (adrenal fatigue) especially if the mother has to work long working hours on the job. She wakes up too tired to go to work and is drained already when she comes back home to continue running errands for the house and the kids. If the kids are very young, her duties are physically more taxing; and this makes the fatigue more pronounced sometimes resulting in burn-out. With excessive and continuous stress, her immunity is diminished and this renders her more susceptible to diseases. Sugar cravings to boost up her energy levels are very common; and depressive mood swings attack often. This is all topped up with overwhelming “guilt” feeling on having to miss out responding, in time, to the conflicting demands necessitated by each role. Stress levels keep rising and her coping mechanism to accommodate to the demands of both the job and the house dwindle with time. This puts the working mother at a high risk of serious chronic diseases (e.g. cholesterol problems, diabetes, heart conditions, etc….).

Does the “Working Mothers’ Syndrome” differ in the Arab culture from that of the Western societies?

The “Working Mothers’ Syndrome” is quite prevalent around the world, as the division of gender roles has existed globally for a long time. The man is expected to be the “bread earner” and the woman is expected to attend to the family’s other needs mainly as a “caretaker”. Such expectations have put women under pressure if they aspired to deviate from the norm of being only a caretaker in the house. To pursue a career that either adds to the family income, or to merely enhance her self-worth, the working mother faces a big challenge in proving she can accommodate to all. The division of gender roles is more defined in the Arab culture, at a time when many women are picking up on the trend of establishing themselves outside the family context in line with Western societies. With fewer Arab men being open to assume household responsibilities to help – unlike the Western societies - Arab career seeking mothers are challenged even more to balance their lives with the added career role.

How can the working mother control the stressful effects on her personally?

A working mother needs to be clear that she wears several hats a day to suit the multiple roles she is involved in (a mother, a career woman, a wife, a daughter, a sister, etc...). The “super mom” notion is a heavy burden, as it is never too easy to balance it all – let alone perfect all roles. If she belonged to the “sandwiched generation” (i.e. being torn in responsibilities around aging parents and growing kids), having a career to top it up is even more taxing. She needs to be realistic that she cannot satisfy all ends impeccably. She already does too much. A working mother needs to intermittently recharge her batteries and de-stress by engaging in self-enhancing activities. This is the only way to remain sane, as giving, and productive. With no strength to hold it all, how else can she keep things together?

How can the working mother protect her children from the negative effects of the Syndrome?

As I mentioned, a working mother is already stressed out from handling too much. Many times that boiling stress spills over in dealing with the kids especially upon returning home from the job to carry on with her motherly duties. Having not seen their mom most of the day, the kids (especially at a younger age) become so clingy and demanding. They become like a shadow following their mom around the house. The mother is advised to create some space - before meeting her kids – to engage in some deep breathing exercise and shift her focus from “job mode” to that of the “house mode”. By giving her kids quality time, the working mother, by far, can make up for her absence compared to a stay-home mom who is just physically around. She needs to gently communicate with her kids her multiple responsibilities and her time availability specifically for them. She, also, needs to constantly remind herself that: “now I will be working on my long-term investment project (i.e. my kids). Before I know it, my kids will be on their own. Let me enjoy them as much as I can now.” A little positive self-talk can change her attitude and arm her a great deal against mounting frustration. And it’s true, at one point, the house will be empty and she has to deal with another challenge: the “empty nest syndrome” (i.e. kids growing up and leaving the house).

What are the effects on the partner?

A working mother would be really lucky if she had a supportive husband who understands how nourishing it is for his wife to have additional value outside the family context. In this case, the mother is better fulfilled; and this has positive effects on the dynamics between all family members (including her partner). When the mother is having an external job to boost the family income, not all husbands release their wives from all the household duties. The latter remain an obligation she carries on her shoulders; and this when the syndrome intensifies affecting everybody around the house. She would probably need to recruit any other family support to help her cope better. If she was working just to enhance her self-satisfaction (not for the added income) and her husband is not supportive and she feels burned out, she may need to re-assess the nature of her current job and whether she can find less taxing external duties. Whining about her inability to make all ends meet pushes the husband to suggest her quitting the job (especially if she did not need its income). The decision to work or not is, indeed, a tough one when family responsibilities are overwhelming. In both cases, there are costs entailed. Having the added career is physically taxing; not having one, is psychologically costly. It’s about setting priorities – at each stage in one’s life. Opting to balance to the best she can puts the working mother forever on the seesaw to meet her partner’s needs together with all her other duties.

Are there any more recommendations to handle the negative effects?

Most working women are, in fact, more productive than stay home moms. They become skilled at managing their time better. The negative effects, actually, kick in when the mother drifts endlessly in attending to others’ needs without stopping to “refuel”. She is to schedule short fun activities on her own every so often. By involving their husbands more with the kids, a working mother would surely allow herself some time to catch her breath. If that is not possible, she needs to delegate some of her duties to other family members. A “reality check” is much needed continuously whenever a working mother finds her tolerance levels peeking. Let her ask herself these questions:

-          Do I really need that external job? (Is it a priority?)

-          Am I better off shifting to a part-time job? (What are the opportunities out there?)

-          What can I do to make my life easier?

-          Who can support me? And who can I delegate some of my duties to?

-          How can I re-charge my batteries and attend to my bodily needs?

-          How can I give my kids quality time instead of just being there?

Remember working mothers out there: Parenting is one of those most difficult jobs on earth. A job, you can never easily quit. Your kids, however, will grow up and help you with time. They will be proud to have had a mother who had a career while attending to their needs. Perfection is unattainable. Just opt at balancing to the best you can without forgetting your own physical needs.

Are You Getting Prepared?

If you’re reading this, then congratulations! You’re still living  but how are you doing that? Is this is the optimal life you dream of living? Or could you make your life better still? How would you like your next life phase to be like? What would you like to see changed?

I ask a lot of questions, I know, but it is exactly these kinds of questions that help you be a better version of yourself. There’s a difference between being a spectator to your life & actually participating in it fully; and to maximize on life’s experience, one needs to learn from the past, live the present moments, & plan for a better future.

Yes, the ability to plan is a gift we possess within our biological make-up. Getting prepared to achieve our desired goals is integral to succeeding in any endeavor. It would take a long time to reach any destination without a “road map” – that is if you arrive there at all….

So, back to those questions I, usually, ask. Why don’t you take some time to answer the following? After all, it’s your “Mind Gym” time & you need to exercise your mental muscles:

1. What’s – at least – one thing you would like to change in your life? Prioritize…
2. What are the reasons for this change (how will your life be different)? List these down…
3. What do you “need” to make it happen? Get these prepared….
4. What are the baby steps needed to actually make it happen? Plan these in order…
5. Who do you need to support you reach your goal? Arrange to connect with these people…
6. When can you start? Schedule the time to take action on these steps…
7. How can you make sure you commit to making the change? (Tip: read the reasons you listed daily)

Once you answer these questions, your brain already took the bait, Ha Ha!!…. 

You are NOW prepared!! Call it the new “Life Math”…

Road is clear, wear that special mental set, & Blast Off!!

VabooooooM!! 

Your Personal Coach

 Dania

How Are You Feeling?

How are you feeling today? Compare it to yesterday. Better still, compare it to an hour earlier, 2 hours, 3 hours earlier…. Let’s be honest: did you notice how much your feelings generally change? And they sometimes oscillate like a roller coaster…. & then it’s like: “Oh, boy, what a ride!” J

Are you fully aware of your feelings? They are so part of daily living that, sometimes, you don’t give them your full attention. Still, they do affect your reactions to your surrounding circumstances & to people around you. Feelings speak; yell, sometimes…. And “of all existing languages, that which speaks your emotions is most profound…”.

Allow me to remind you of this: one key to your own psychological health is to notice your feelings (especially the more negative ones), label what you’re experiencing, and properly deal with your emotions. This is the exact process used in any area of self-development.

Not noticing your feelings can get you confused; denying your feelings can lead to implosion; suppressing them may lead to ultimate explosion; shoving them under the carpet only makes them creep from way under disguised differently into harmful ways over and over again.

So what are you to do when you notice & identify those negative feelings? Stay with them for just a little while, understand why they emerged, & then change them. And the latter is simple. It’s all about how you interpret what happens to you. Think hard: what could be a more positive evaluation of the situation?

Voila…. Feeling better?? It’s all self-service….  Really…. J Let’s remain sane. Deal?

Your Personal Coach

          Dania

Do You Have A Problem?

So I finally launched my Newsletter, Horrraaaah!!  Only those who subscribe to my website would receive a weekly “Mental Shampoo” to inspire them to reflect on pragmatic life matters. I wanted to call it ‘Mental Shampoo’, but many of my friends preferred the ‘Mind Gym” title better. I thought I might as well include these short insights on my Blog. In my extremely busy schedule these days, I find it hard to squeeze the time to write lengthy articles, but that “author” in me is still so much alive. Here it goes…. the first in the series posted on my blog for documentation purposes   

Do you have a problem? Most of us, unfortunately, do. I haven’t met anyone, yet, who is trouble-free. We’re all struggling with different challenges that vary, also, in magnitude. It’s like part of living life!!

Do you find yourself ruminating over a specific problem? Well, perhaps you do. And perhaps your head got dizzy, already, from going round & round in that vicious circle going nowhere. All you can think of is: “It’s not fair!”, “I can’t tolerate this!”, “this can’t be true”, and the list goes on….

Why don’t you consider this: “The problem isn’t really the problem. The problem is in not considering SOLUTIONS to the problem.”

You can only regain a sense of control once you know & do believe you can do something about your problems. And there’s always something you can do, don’t you now? Let’s switch from a “problem-focused” mode to the more empowering “solution-focused” mode?

And it’s simple: Choose to change the situation, & if you cannot do that, choose to change the way you react about it!!

Come’on…. Let’s get started, uh- huh?!

Believing in your brilliance always,

Your Personal Coach

       Dania

Dania Dbaibo Darwish (Triple Ds) in ACTION. All about what I do...

In my spare time, I created this short video (pictures, clips, & stuff like that) to explain what I do. Dania Dbaibo Darwish ROCKS to the sound of QUEEN :) 

Getting Ready For A job Interview

Getting ready for a job interview can be one of those anxiety provoking situations that we are prone to face at any point in our professional lives. Whether newly graduating, or shifting to a new job, you could make use of some tips to get a favorable impression when you’re at it. You’ll find, below, few requirements that serve every stage of the process.

Allow me to start by posing a simple question: What do you think the first thing the interviewer sees? No, not your face. No, not your attire. They see your CV (i.e. Curriculum Vitae). It’s the first thing that gets their attention. Even if you had little experience, your CV tells a lot about you. Do some good researches on CV design, writing, format, etc… before you complete your own. It can evolve to give a very good impression about your creativity, organization, your social make up and interests. Do include the latter because these enhance your image and potentials. You might need to tailor your CV for the specific job you’re applying for to include more, or less depending on the job requirements.

So you got your CV all ready, sent it, and it was impressive enough to get you that preliminary interview. How do you further prepare?

Home preparations: It may be necessary to revise any pertinent material relevant to the position you’re applying for. Prepare a file of more copies of your CV, application, portfolio, references, and other documents you may need to take a long with you. Learn about the target organization (i.e. their strategy and vision). As you get to know the organization you’re applying for, prepare some smart questions about it and rehearse the answers for common questions about you. Get clear about the location of the interview and how long it would take you to arrive there. Finally, prepare your attire for the interview a day before and get a good night sleep. As prepare, visualize the best scenario of the interview when you’ll be sitting there with confidence replying to all the questions posed in the most composed way. Anxiety is provoked, usually, by imagining the worst case scenario.

On interview premises: In order to arrive there in a good energized state, it helps if you sing an upbeat promising song along your way.  Arrive 10 minutes early and take some time to freshen up (e.g. check yourself in the mirror). It is important to start giving a good impression by greeting the staff when you arrive (they too will be studying your moves). If you’re not sure about the pronunciation of your interviewer’s name, double check it with the secretary. Put your phone on silent. As you wait for your turn, avoid listening to your Ipod, playing mobile games, or talking on the phone. Observe, instead, what’s going on around you. You may have more material to talk about during the interview. Visualize, again, you’re being your best during the interview and how relaxed you will be while speaking.

The first encounter with your interviewer: so you go inside the office and naturally it’s time to greet. Maintain good eye contact as you offer a firm handshake topped with a smile. In a forceful high energy voice, introduce yourself and address your interviewer by their name preceded by their proper title (i.e. Mr., Dr., Ms., ….). Careful in calling a Ms. Mrs..

The interview process: As you sit down getting even readier for the process, scan the office around you. You need to identify something you like about it (to compliment); and other cues that point to common grounds you might have with your interviewer. These can be addressed as you effectively communicate to reflect what a great addition you could be for the position you’re applying for. Don’t hesitate to clarify any question you did not understand; and offer examples of your skills when you’re replying to questions while relating your answers to the organization. Check the review of guidelines for “Effective Communication: Guidelines and Tips” here. These focus in details on several essentials; mainly:

-         -  Proper use of your voice and body language to convey confidence and a relaxed attitude.

-        -   Establish rapport by matching your interviewer’s voice, body language, and words used. This is when you’d want to use the commonalities you found between both of you to get them to like you better.

-          - Maintain eye contact as you speak. It serves establishing a connection and reflects confidence. Don’t let your eyes wander everywhere, stare at your shoes, or get fixated on a wall frame.

-          - Be a good listener during the interview to properly answer their questions (never interrupt them speaking).

-          - Empathize with your interviewer in wanting the best fit to the position; hence, you can offer being a good fit.

-          - Address your interviewer frequently by name (and title). This will seem like flattery to them.

-          - Ask good questions to get them to talk about what they need (this will help you sell yourself better).

-         -  Use positive words to convey any idea you’re addressing.

     Wrapping up the interview: Ask if there is anything you can still do to facilitate their decision. Seal the deal by making sure you understand the next step in the hiring process (i.e. when and from who to expect an answer).

     

     Some additional “Do”s: Make sure you had a shower and brushed your teeth for the interview. Go alone to the interview (i.e. no friend or parent). Sit still in your seat (no fidgeting or slouching). Be honest; be yourself. Treat the interview seriously and have a positive attitude. Implicitly convey you’re determined to get the job. Show what you can do to the company and not vice versa. Stay relaxed and hide any frustration you may have because of the process. Finally, be friendly. You’d want to give the impression that you’re a pleasant person to work with.

      Some “Don’t”s: Don’t chew gum, or smell of smoke. Don’t wear strong cologne either. Don’t make excuses for earlier life or professional choices you made. Act responsible. Don’t criticize previous employer/professors. Don’t treat the interviewer casually as a friend (and this does not conflict with being friendly). Don’t give the impression that you’re only interested in the company’s geographic location. Don’t inquire about the salary or benefits until it’s brought up by interviewer. Don’t try to overly impress (talk about your achievements in context and match these to what they’re looking for). Don’t act desperate for employment (or ready to take anything for that matter). Finally, don’t offer negative information about yourself by bringing up personal, health, or family issues (these are for your doctor, therapist, or life coach).

   

      Post interview action steps: Take notes of critical details you need to remember. Re-evaluate your performance when you’re done. This was yet another experience to learn from in order to improve. Evaluate your interviewer and the organization. Were you treated with respect? If not, you can always file a complaint to a director. Write a thank you note/email (within 24h) re-iterating your interest in the position. Follow up with a phone call or email if you have been waiting too long for a reply.

       Lastly, unless you’re fired up with enthusiasm to give a good professional impression, you won’t be hired with enthusiasm for the profession. Go ROCK’em!!!

All the best…..

YOU Will Never Leave YOU… Better Indulge In Self-Love

It was Valentine’s Day just last week and the idea of “love” was all over the place. You can hear the silent expecting voices of “show me you love me” by those in a relationship; and the drumming justifications of those independent hearts declaring how better-off “freedom” is compared to being entrapped with another. The latter complain deep within in their forlorn state; and truly wish they would live, or re-live only the positive mesmerizing version of the ideal love state. And if those had their hearts recently broken and had these sent out to “repair”, then perhaps to cover up their pain, they reflect cynicism of the excessive “love” display others are presumably fooling themselves with.

The smoking hot topic of the day orchestrated the euphoria of those enjoying their found passion and the lament of those who “fell out of love”. Now seriously, do we need just one day to make sparks fly, express, show, prove, and celebrate that most amazing emotion??? Would one day suffice to indulge in all that? Why limit our options? Many miss the point that love is an ongoing process of actions – not just feelings. It’s always there and we don’t need a reminder if we’re truly experiencing it, right? I’m sure you share my stance if you’re like many who are against commercializing occasions to boost up sales in the widespread slowing down economy. This brings me to yet another long forgotten notion: Self-love. Why haven’t anyone thought of a day to celebrate that more important conception? Hmmmm…. Perhaps because affirming self-love requires many other acts besides buying a commodity to prove it. So, what does it take to indulge in “self-love”?

In a nutshell, loving yourself means taking good care of yourself and getting to know yourself deeper (with all its strengths and weaknesses). Focus on how much you’re achieving and acknowledge yourself for the effort you’re taking to improve your life. Refrain from self-criticism and substitute that with forgiving yourself for past misdemeanors. Your life is a continuing learning journey. The older you get, the more you thrive in “higher education”. Make the time to relax, to have fun, and to pamper yourself on every occasion. Nurture your dreams and grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. Equip yourself with positive affirmations, build your own confidence, trust yourself, and be truthful and kind to yourself. Be attentive to your body’s needs. It’s the only place you stay in as long as you live.

“Why is it important to do all these things for yourself?” you may wonder. If you don’t love yourself, others will notice it. How, then, do you expect to be loved if YOU yourself are not in love with YOU. You’re the only person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with – and that’s for sure. Just like falling in love with another entails caring, respecting, trusting, intimately knowing, being gentle with that other; you first need to do that with our own self. It’s the most enriching love of all, I assure you. And only when you’re capable of doing that, would you be doing justice for those you’d want to love back. Imagine someone being totally frustrated while interacting with others. How would the “give and take” be like? Get the picture?....

If you’re already in a relationship, and you’re engulfed in the overflowing love circle, then that’s wonderful. Enjoy it as much as you can. Beware, though, about not getting overly enmeshed with your partner at the expense of losing your true self. Protect and preserve your uniqueness, identity, and feelings. This is what’s meant by remaining in love with YOU at the same time. It means love them back while setting the boundaries if ever they walk all over you. You do not play victim of love, nor a martyr for your partner. If your heart is currently vacant, then one of your primary needs remains unfulfilled. There is a romantic void that you’ll have to accept while focusing on others who still love you (and there are many of those if you really think about it). The time will come when your heart will beat hard again at the sight of that special someone, but until then, you have plenty more time and energy to focus on “better self-love”. Only then, will you be able to attract more love to your life. With or without a partner, therefore, take frequent dates with yourself. Fill up your tank with self-love to better be able to resume your life journey ahead.

I am not encouraging you to be totally selfish, nor to become a narcissist. These two are completely different notions that exclude entirely attending to others’ emotions or needs. Loving your self prepares you to be with others and to give wholeheartedly to those you love. In this context, I hear many people complaining recurrently of boredom when they’re all alone. This is but an alarming signal of deficits in self-love. If you are bored in your own company, then that means you’re boring with whoever you’ll be with. Perhaps you’re not focusing enough on your inner beauties and instead are spending your “alone” time complaining and criticizing your deficits. This needs to change fast. And perhaps you’re relying too heavily on others to validate your self-worth while you yourself never acknowledge it.

 Are you the type who walks around with a sign around their neck that says: “Love me”???  Hold it right there! Look in the mirror while you’re at it! Stick that sign on the mirror where it belongs and read it daily. The only person who can love you truly for all your strengths and faults is YOU. No one else will do a better job than YOU. Let’s be real. When all others are prone to leave you at any point in your life, you will remain there right beside you and as long as you live…..

                                         

Reflections of 2012 – Lessons Learned

I’m not claiming to be another Einstein, Oscar Wilde, or Zig Ziglar yet, but I am leading my own crusade in understanding life and human nature. My learning journey is that of continuous discoveries through observations and reflections.  I learn a lot through my own experiences, through observations around me, and from inspirational quotes of successful people.  Yes, I’m a big fan of powerful statements that say a lot with only few words. Over the past few years, I started coming up with my own.  What you will read next is a collection of my random thoughts (more like my own formulated quotes).  Most are made short to fit twitter’s 140 characters confinement. Some others are longer, so I’d throw them out there on facebook as a status. Oh, and I designed many into pictures to share on my facebook page (Coaching Your 3Ps; see example up there). When I compile those of 2012 into one post now, I realize they make a good collection. Read on and please let me know which you like most…

-      "I have clients not patients. I have an office not a clinic. I describe, I do not label. I'm a counselor not a therapist." ~ 3Ds a positive psychologist irritated by the use of negative language

-      “When I think of how much I still need to learn, to still do, and to look forward to, I could almost hyperventilate!” ~ 3Ds

-      “Of all shadows, that which hovers over your whole being is the scariest. Surf ahead…” ~ 3Ds

-      “The best love you'll ever find is that which propels you into becoming a better version of your true self....” ~ 3Ds

-      “There is always confusion before clarity just as there is darkness before dawn” ~ 3Ds

-      “Of all the lies I hear, I find those reflecting one’s life being trouble-free as most appealing” ~ 3Ds

-      “When happiness seems to have gone on a long vacation, just remember, it always returns.... many times, fully charged.” ~3Ds

-      “What’s the point in calling “principles” “principles” if they’re OFTEN bended, then mended, or amended?” ~ 3Ds

-      “Perhaps one of life’s dictums is “Not having it all”… Most certainly its parallel is “Enjoy what you have before you lose it all”…~ 3Ds

-      “Ever wonder why good news are frequently off-set by bad news shortly after? Think again… it could simply be working the other way round…” ~ 3Ds

-      “Don't you wish more people would shift from a culture of "stealing your time" to "valuing your time"? The imbalance is getting really irritating.. :(“ ~ 3Ds

-      “Tolerance becomes easy once all the nuisances are considered just background noise…” ~ 3Ds

-      “Isn’t it ironical how so many people waste their time gossiping about others’ problems instead of investing their time to solve their own?” ~ 3Ds

-      “There's a fine line between self-confidence and conceit just like that existing between modesty and self-deprecation” ~ 3Ds

-      “To those who complain physical exercise is torture: Compare it with being forced to exercise your patience? Piece of cake, ha?” ~ 3Ds

-      “In the circle of life, it is always the strong helping the weak; the wise tolerating the immature; the healthy aiding the sick; the educated putting up with the ignorant; but what’s with  the insecure casting stones on those who rise above…?” ~3Ds

-      “Nothing beats distress like having a clear concrete plan for solutions. Now whether you carry it out or not is a different story.” ~ 3DS

-         Being “courageous” is daring to go for it despite your little chances.

Being a “fool” is daring to go for it despite having no chances at all.

Being a “courageous fool” is doing things left and right without even considering your chances; and arguing that the statistics course you took back at the university is worthless…. ~ Meta-logic 101

-      "When you find out the true face behind the mask some people wear, just remain silent. Why feed malicious intent when you can use your energy to accept human imperfections?" ~ 3Ds

-      “Progress is: Cognition followed by Ignition. When you know what you need to do, MOVE!...” ~ 3Ds

-      “Unless you realize you’re part of the problem, you won’t be part of the solution. Some people stick to playing victim far too long”. ~ 3Ds

-      "We never lose the ability to love. We may just lose the ability to love the SAME person." ~3Ds

-      “It's not the words...; not the act..; not what happened ... that matter .... It's what it all means ...” ~ 3Ds

-      “Sometimes you wish there's this someone thinking of you somehow and in some way close to your secretly obsessive thoughts about that someone.” ~ 3Ds

-      “Laughter is most appreciated after pain. There's healing power even in a sense of false gain. “ ~3Ds

-      “You know you have an issue in work-life balance if you have a passion for excellence” ~ 3Ds

-      "عواصف العواطف.... حلو التعبير... مش دايما حلوة التجربة"  ~ 3Ds

And here are some funny or sarcastic ones:

-      “The only thing I’ll allow to bring me down is the elevator.” ~ 3Ds

-      When I said “The only thing I’ll allow to bring me down is the elevator”,  some people started appearing as elevators in disguise … ~ 3Ds

-      “That awkward feeling, when you realize it'll take much less than a decade, when you'll be called: Half a century old....” ~3Ds

-       “That terrifying moment when you dig for energy in your well of “I’m alright” pretense only to find it completely depleted ....” ~ 3Ds

-       “If dealing with stress, stressors, and stressed out people actually burned calories, I would have been a supermodel by now” ~ 3Ds

-       "That awesome moment when you finish all your “to do list” and are seduced to just sit there… Well, I rarely, if ever, have it…. and I’m not complaining here…." ~ 3Ds

-      “A perfectionist is someone who never makes the same mistake twice. Just as many times as necessary to be sure it was in fact a mistake…. “ ~3Ds

-      “That straight eye contact moment, when it lasts 10 seconds or longer ... reflecting either fatal attraction or ....contemplative murder!” ~3Ds

Lastly, “One of my wishes for the New Year is to see more professionals ACTING professionally…..” Perhaps reflecting on one’s own performance remains a habit un-adopted by many. No wonder why many so called professionals remain operating at mediocre levels and never progress…. And that is why I make the time to continuously assess and reflect. To me, life encompasses 3Ps: “Personal & Professional Progress”….

See you in 2013 J