Who are the Smart People?

Hi Everyone,

I found this amazing quote posted on LinkedIn by John Fechter and thought I would share it with you all. A truly inspiring and thought-provoking read 🙂

“How to identify smart people:

They ask you questions.

When you answer, they ask you more.

When you start using big words, they ask for clarification.

When they can’t understand anything you’re saying, they ask for you to explain it to them as if they were a five-year-old.

When you say something intriguing, they write it down in their notebook or phone.

These people are not naturally more intelligent. They’re better learners which makes them more intelligent.

Why do they learn better? They’re genuinely curious and ask questions from a humble standpoint. I’ve met highly successful people who’ve said, “explain it to me as if I were a five-year-old.”

This simple phrase has changed my life when it comes to learning.

It comes back to the famous Chinese proverb: “He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.”

As soon as you stop asking questions, you stop learning.

As soon as you stop writing down ideas, you forget them.

The hardest part of becoming intelligent is not bullshitting yourself about what you know; it’s being humble enough to ask questions. If you can do this, then people will see you as intelligent, too.”

-John Fechter

 

Serenity

My mind was racing. Heart pounding so hard that it muted all the other sounds and even my thoughts. I had always dreamt of this day and imagined how it could go. I had seen this scene on so many shows and movies and always had the strong desire to experience it when it became mine. But now this is reality. Will tonight be that night? Am I ready?

I came out of the washroom after checking a million times whether my face was intact and hair was perfectly set in place. Although I was in my carefully-selected pajamas, I felt so self-conscious. I dried my face and set the towel aside. I checked myself in the mirror by the dressing table.

He was glancing at the TV, switching channels. Switching channels? Is he actually trying to look for something to watch or avoiding looking at me? Is he as nervous as I am? But he is a guy. This was supposed to be their cloud nine. They don’t get nervous, do they?

“Done?”

“Yup. Let’s eat?” I asked nervously.

“Ya, sure.”

As I reached to put on some lotion on my ever-so dry hands, I sensed him getting up from the bed behind me. Was he coming here?! What do I do? Ok, act natural. Don’t turn around, you will look desperate. Continue looking at yourself in the mirror. Maybe, he is just going to unpack the take-out containers.

He was walking towards me. I could feel my breathing getting heavier and heavier. I started to feel the heat in an A/C room. This was supposed to be a honeymoon suite and yet the temperature setting was so high.

As I pretended to casually reach for the comb, he hovered over me and reached for both of my hands.

“May I?” Wow, he was asking my permission! What a gentleman.

“Uhuhnn” I couldn’t even breathe, let alone speak! I could feel his warm breath on my shoulder. I was wearing a wide neck T-shirt (very unintentional). He leant in close to smell my hair. My stupid hair never strongly captured the aroma of any shampoo. I hope his sense of smell was good. We stood there for what felt an hour, but more so just 2 minutes. I gripped his hands even tighter as moments passed by with him just nudging against my neck. With both of his hands wrapped around me, he backed us up to the edge of the bed. He sat down and slowly pulled me on to him. Oh crap! I was numb with the fear of the unknown. I had always told my friend that I would be the one dominating or initiating this process, but here I could not even budge. I was literally blank and completely at his mercy. But there was no hesitance. It felt so peaceful, beautiful and passionate. I tried to place myself on the bed, but he didn’t let go.

“You alright?”

“Mmhmm” Giving the slightest of a nod.

He turned me around to face him sideways and locked his left hand fingers into mine.

With the other hand, he brought me in closer to him. His perfume was just enchanting. I sat there awkwardly watching my chest moving up and down.
In a soft tone, he said, “Hey, you don’t need to be scared. This is my first time as well. We won’t do anything until we are both ready. I am not here for that. I want to get to know what’s in here (pointing towards my heart) before anything else. But again, it will be a mutual decision. When the time is right, we will both know.”

My heart melted. For the first time since we entered this room, I glanced up and stared into his eyes. Now I had to give my token of gratitude for being the wonderful husband that he was. I leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek. I put my hands over him and embraced him with a hug. We remained like that for quite a long time. I could hear his heart beating. It was such a serene moment. Everything felt just right. I could feel my heart still beating fast but now for a completely different reason.

*****

By Maya 🙂

Copyright © Elephanatics, 2016-2017

All Rights Reserved.

 

 

A Simple Dream

She woke up at 5:30am on a bright, sunny day. It had been like this for a week now. While giving energy to some, this scorching sun drained hers. She made some rice for the kids’ lunchboxes. She had to drop them off at the school bus stop. Frantically, she kept wondering whether they will be able to attend school from next year. The kids who ate ice cream in a minute took an hour just to drink milk. Perhaps their minds do not work early in the morning that they lose sense of time. She remembered her childhood days when milk was considered a luxury. It still was for her but not for her children. It was good for their health so she had to buy it. After dropping them off at the bus stop, much to the conductor’s dismay who glared at her for being late as per the routine, she headed off to the grocery store at about 7:00am. With no fridge in the house, she could not hold more than a day’s worth of vegetables in this hot climate. After picking up the essentials, she rushed home to find that she had forgotten to pay the electricity bill and there wasn’t any light in the house. However great her memory was, it was a given that she forgot to pay the bills. It was almost as if she was waiting for a miracle to happen that if she did not pay until the last date, someone else just might do it for her. This never happened. It might soon, depending on her luck and how well she worked her charm. She made a mental note to pay it before the kids came home. After washing her face, she got ready for work. She drank a cup of water and headed out to earn for the day.

She entered his house. It was a large, beautiful house with every room having different wall colors. There were three rooms. It was a large family after all. He was one among them. She found herself dreaming about sleeping in one of those soft beds. One time she had sat on one for one whole minute when everyone else were in the kitchen. It was heavenly. She knew it could never be reality. She had a whole lot of baggage. He was fresh. She assumed he would never accept her but regardless she dreamed. She believed in the philosophy that dreaming was the first step to success.

“After you are done mopping, take these carpets and put them out to dry. This hot sun will dry it off quickly. Don’t forget that you will be getting your salary today.”

She sighed. They kept forcing new things on her every day. She had never agreed to all this four years ago. But they were a rich family. If she was unwilling to do these things, they will easily find another one to replace her. They had even threatened to do that a couple of times. She began to rush the mopping process. She cannot be late for the other house. If she missed joining them at their breakfast time, she will not get her first meal of the day.

If someday he sees her inner beauty and accepts her, she will be on the other side of the realm.

*****

-Maya 🙂

Copyright © Elephanatics, 2016-2017

All Rights Reserved.

 

The Perfect Smoothie for a Healthy Lifestyle

Almond milk – The base that helps blend all the wonderful fruits, veggies, and other toppings in the smoothie. Just like almond milk, in life we need to have a strong foundation of good values. These values help in building a fulfilling lifestyle by taking in all the good and the bad we face every day,  and turning each experience into a tasteful journey.

Spinach – This is a healthy smoothie, so we do need to add some greens in there (you can choose to add any type of vegetable such kale or collard). Although we are adding the greens in the smoothie, we should avoid the bad greens such as envy and greed in our lives, and embrace a balanced lifestyle of love and gratitude.

Mixed berries – Not only are berries super healthy for you, they add sweetness and colour to the smoothie.  Society may try to set expectations that may seem black and white, but we know how grey those expectations are, so make your life as vibrant as possible.  Do not be afraid to live a colourful life, because in the end, everyone admires a rainbow after a storm.

Banana – Not only do they make the smoothie more sweet, but they give a creamy texture to the smoothie.  Bananas are known as a super fruit for reasons ranging from waking you up in the morning to helping with depression. Having someone to share your thoughts, worries, and memories is also important for a long and happy life. Whether that person is a friend, a family member, a romantic partner, or even a blogger you met online, letting someone be a part of your life makes it more fuller and enjoyable.

Finally, you can add any topping of your choice:

Nuts, chia seeds, cinnamon, cocoa powder, orange juice, etc – You may choose to add these to give your smoothie additional flavour. One of my favourite sayings is, in life we need a hobby to make money, a hobby  to keep you in shape, and one to be creative. We should find ways to make our everyday life a little bit more inspiring. You can start a blog, take up photography, start reading more, go for a walk, volunteer, or learn a new recipe.  Add something to your routine which makes you smile, for that smile will reflect upon those around you as well.

I did not put measurements for these ingredients, because each of us is unique. Please add in the amounts which make the smoothie just right for you. This goes for life as well, embrace your individuality, find the good in everyone and everything; blend life into your liking and drink up all the goodness.

~Diana♥

Copyright © Elephanatics, 2016-2017

All Rights Reserved.

The Extra

“Heyy! What are you up to?”

“Hmm. Yeah, I am doing well. Why wouldn’t I be after today?!”

She starts grinning and giggling out of shyness.

“Shhh. Some secrets should not be revealed. There is more where that came from!” She blinks her eyes out of naughtiness.

“Yes, of course, the ice cream was amazing.”

“Oh my goodness. Stop! Someone will hear me.” She giggles again now with a blush.

“I love carnations and hibiscus.”

“What time shall we have our business meeting next Saturday?” She motions a pair of quotations with her index and middle fingers when saying ‘business.’

“Haha, you are just too cute. I can’t believe it’s been 4 months already.”

“No way, you were just as poised as Andrew, if not more! It takes so much effort and responsibility to put on such a great presentation.”

“Don’t underestimate yourself. I know your potential.”

After a long gap, she states, “You are right. We need to make plans. Somehow this has to work out.”

I stare at the wretched lady who once blew me away. The same, young girl who I had to hug me before leaving her. The same, young woman whose touch was mesmerizing and had all the healing powers in the world. The woman that I admired and looked upon as my idol. I wonder what changed.

The truth in her words and the love for the other was drowning me in misery. Humans can’t breathe underwater. She had never spoken to me with such tenderness and affection. I don’t know whether to be disgusted by her naughtiness towards this other man or amused that she has so much love and lust inside her which she never revealed to me. Or better yet, happy that she found someone to truly express herself to?

I wonder what I did wrong. She kept saying I was the best husband in the world. It’s unfortunate that I can’t say the same about her.

*****

By Maya

Copyright © Elephanatics, 2016-2017

All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

A Double-Edged Sword

Lying;

Powers the paranoia engine

Devours your conscience of sensibility

Guilt becomes the commander-in-chief

Training is given for creating delusions

A thousand justifications hold their guns

Present and future are tactfully destroyed

The clock has ticked

Once told to deceive, different are those who are deceived

Truly a double-edged sword.

*****

By Maya 🙂

Copyright © Elephanatics, 2016-2017

All Rights Reserved.

I am…20 Random Questions!

If you could do anything you wanted right now, what would it be?

I would want to travel, specifically go visit my best friend on the other side of the world.

What has been your biggest challenge?

I find it challenging to maintain a positive attitude. I think of all the worst possible scenarios, and repeat it in my head nonstop.

What one thing would you change if you had to do it over?

I am huge believer of not dwelling on the past and moving forward, however I think I would be much more successful if I were to go to university at this point in my life.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?

I don’t have a specific character in mind, but I would either want to be a superhero or work as secret agent for the government.

Would you rather be poor and happy, or rich and miserable? 

My ultimate goal is to find happiness; therefore, whether I am poor or rich would not matter.

What’s your life motto, or philosophy you live by?

Don’t live with expectations. Take it one step at a time.

What’s your biggest dream?

When I was little, I told my friend jokingly I’m going to grow up and save the world, whether it’s from war, poverty, or global warming. If I could one day have a career, which revolves around helping those in need, and make that joke into reality, I would have achieved all my dreams.

What do you wish people understood more about you?

I always always want the best for people and do not want to hurt them. Sometimes I cannot communicate my thoughts clearly, thus I may sound rude or totally unaware of the situation. I wish people understood how much anxiety I have in any given social situation, and the numerous complicated thoughts that run through my mind, in order to communicate even the simplest of thoughts.

What do you think about most often?

Building better relationships, finding a good job, living a healthy lifestyle.

If you are in a bad mood, do you prefer to be left alone or have someone to cheer you up?

Preferably left alone, but if someone can cheer me up rationally, as in give possible solutions or realistic advice, then I would prefer the latter.

What animal best represents you and why?

I am a caterpillar waiting for her transformation into a butterfly.

Would you like to be famous? In what way?

I would love to be famous for fighting for great social causes. However, a famous actor would be a close second.

Is your glass half full or half empty?

It is a little bit less than half full.

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

It may breakdown without notice.

What’s your favorite food?

Pizza.

What’s your favorite season?

Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring.

If you don’t know the words to a song do you improvise?

All the time.

Who named you?

My mom’s cousin.

What do you love for breakfast?

Pancakes.

Who are you when no one’s watching?

I am still figuring this one out.

-Diana♥

 

Copyright © Elephanatics, 2016-2017

All Rights Reserved.

Simple Expectations; almost an oxymoron*

Expectations;

The beliefs that make you hopeful

And the very hope that drowns you

The beliefs that form your cloud nine

And the very cloud that swerves your path to hit the pole later

 

To expect is to

Wait for that blue moon

Anticipate for February 30

Visualize a snail running

Reach the end of the rainbow

 

Time has come to move on

A simple apology is all that would have sufficed

If only it was that simple

 

*Oxymoron (as defined by Google): a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction

*****

By Maya 🙂

Copyright © Elephanatics, 2016-2017

All Rights Reserved.

Just a few comics on expectations 😀

Reblog: 6 Habits of Successful People — Millionaire’s Digest

Hi Everyone,

Please read through this amazing article featured on the Millionaire’s Digest.

Cheers to all of us being successful! 🙂

Habit 1: Write Your “To-Do List,” The Night Before High achievers would write their to-do’s every evening before dinner or bed so they were prepared for the following day. Prioritizing your “To-Do” list is the key to productivity success.

via 6 Habits of Successful People (2 min read) — Millionaire’s Digest