Times Of Swaziland: CHANGE FRIENDS IF…

CHANGE FRIENDS IF…
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Editor on 19/06/2023 14:15:00


Sir,
It is imperative that you realise that no matter what advice you receive, you
always have a choice.  You do not just have to follow it.  Think it through
carefully, weigh it and realise that whatever decision you take, it has been
reached through one of your choices. When life is going great for certain of us,
we tend to forget those who assisted us in the past.  Is money more important
than returning a favour?  Money is not everything. You may end up with the money
but end up miserable because you may have eliminated someone who has always been
there for you, who has walked with you through the bad, the ugly and the good.
Advise
When others advise you that they should be paying you for something, it is
important to inform them of just how much certain people have contributed to the
person you have become.
Realise that often the advice extended to you would solve the problems of the
very person giving it, but may not fulfil all your requirements and thus the
reason I say you should ponder on same in depth.  Whatever decision you take,
ensure that there are no ulterior motives in that decision. Your intent should
be pure; it should be for your good and the good of all concerned. 
Maliciousness will always return pain and discomfort whereas goodness will bring
you peace of mind.
Consciousness
Tap into your inner consciousness for therein lies all the answers you need.  At
times there are ‘truths’ that come to the fore, deal with them because you
have to make amends in certain areas of your behaviour and past habits.  You
will know exactly what has to be done, denial is not going to make you progress.
 You have to embrace those aspects that need changing; learn what has to be
learnt for unless you do that, the same situation will keep on popping up in
your life. Change your circle of friends if you have to, for often it is not
that we have changed, but that we now look at things differently.  Even keeping
away for some time and spending quiet time will help you as you think about
whatever it is that is holding you back. Remember it is okay to find time to
think without distractions and noise.  In life, there are no one size fits all
solutions.  Many will give advice on situations they, have never encountered and
they, therefore, cannot fathom the degree of the turmoil one may be going
through.  It is only when they find themselves in that situation that they fully
comprehend what one was encountering. Choose carefully whom you choose to
confide in; after all you do not want your sensitive matters being the subject
of discussion elsewhere. If someone repeats something someone else has told
them, realise that your story too will be repeated.  Do not accept advice or
assistance that comes with conditions. Bear in mind that when we are in
unsettling situations, following through conditions will drain even more one who
is already drained. The solutions are always within you, for everything you need
for this journey in this lifetime is already within you.  Stop undermining your
own potential to resolve your hurdles.  You are more talented than you ever
imagined.
Antonio