Wednesday, March 16, 2011

WINNING MEANS TURNING YOUR FACE TO THE SUN

“Winning is the result of having a winner’s mind and a winning positive ‘can-do’ attitude. Winning has everything to do with being in the right place at the right time as well as being ready to grab the opportunity and take the challenge to win. Winning takes determination and persistence. And as with most things in life, it takes practice to perfect, too.” ----Anon.

That’s lifted from an article in a magazine I was reading as my hair was being pampered, softened, and beautified by a wonderful affable beautician-friend. This was my quarterly visit to her shop and the package included a manicure and pedicure, too. Most women would do this monthly but monthly I can do by myself. The thing is coming here to the parlor is more therapeutic than simply punching holes in my wallet. I leave my cares and woes outside the parlor door and simply bask in superb pampering and pleasure inside. Temporary, still it’s a good option for a mini-vacation other than a big expensive trip to Boracay Island.

My beautician-friend as she works on my hair chirps away on the latest Hollywood juicy bit in her sing-song voice like Tweety, that lovable cartoon character. But I love this Tweety and I love my friend. I knew her since she first started in this business. It was nothing like this at all. Her first shop then was small and spare. She had only one person, a cousin, who helped her with her small base of regular customers. Some days I would catch her staring out the window with thoughts lost somewhere. I knew the bills were piling up and the challenges grew bigger as life became difficult.

But this petite lady had spunk; she knew what she wanted. A year ago, she held an office job, saved a portion of her pay each month, and against the advice of family and friends left it. Thus began her journey to a dream-- her own shop. She took out a loan and added it to her small fund. With determination, perseverance, and sensible money-management, she bit-by-bit put together what she now proudly calls her ‘Beauty Haven’.

My friend came out a winner. That’s the stuff winners are made of. Winners don’t sit around sulking or moping. Neither do they fear failure or think ‘I can’t do it’, ‘It’s impossible’. Winners try to make it happen and keep on trying until it does happen! Even when the odds seem huge and insurmountable, nothing will faze a winner permanently. My friend didn’t buckle down under that load.

Yet it’s okay, too, to stop, sit, think-- looking out the window like my friend did. One will need to do that – recharge, evaluate, energize. But go back into the fight one should with renewed strength, courage, and determination. There is no easy way to do it but through the struggle. Sleepless nights, furrowed brows, ulcer pangs, time-problems, people-problems, dearth of resources — those are but a few of the challenges down that road.

My friend knew yet doggedly pursued her dream working her skills to perfection with every trial and test. She made her dream happen! She prayed that she would. She’s a winner and a happy one. You see, winners are made not born. Don’t we all love success stories!
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Be like the flower, turn your faces to the sun! :-)

14 comments:

  1. There is a good message for all in the winning story of your friend.Staying focused on to the dream,persevering against all odds and remaining confident of the outcome do not come by easily to all.The few who have these positive qualities are winners for sure and role models for others.

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  2. Hi KP,

    You're right about it not being easy but then who's stopping anyone from trying?! :-) Life's battles are fought and won by those who doggedly stay in the fight. Focus.. as you have said. Thanks for sharing your insight.

    Thanks for dropping by and for your interesting comment. It's nice seeing you in the blog after such a long time.

    Hope you're having a blessed day.
    May God bless you and your family.

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  3. Awesome...not just inspiring but also told in a compact way. You started it on a here and now note and skillfully moved into the main story. You should more often pick up these stories and share them.

    There are many who who leave their regular jobs and pursue their dreams or whatever. I know a guy who has done the same thing and is doing quite well on his own. People usually frown upon them but want them to succeed and find myself a lone voice defending their decision. Actually I envy such people, not just when they succeed bu when they show the courage to take the step.

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  4. Hi Ellen,

    Very inspiring story of a lady who left a comfortable, secure job in an office and taking the risk of going into business and fighting it out to become a success.

    What attracted me was your words - Like a flower, turn you face to the sun. Yes, the flower blooms and looks radiant and glorious when it faces the heat of the sun. A flower that doesn't face the heat will wither and fall away without realizing its full potential and beauty. So also the lady. She faced the challenges of business,risk of failure, tension of getting enough customers to keep her floating, sleepless nights and finally with her grit and determination overcame all obstacles and became a success.

    Most of us in the face of difficulties give up and lose our confidence and faith in our abilities. This is the difference between a winner and a loser. A winner gets up after a fall and keeps moving but a loser doesn't even try to get up after a fall.

    You post is very motivating and I enjoyed reading it.
    Joseph

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  5. Hi there, Indra :-)

    "...envy such people, not just when they succeed but when they show the courage to take the step."

    You're so right about that.. such admirable courage and determination. Oh I know what you mean about some frowning on taking such huge risks. We can understand that, right? Comfort zones are hard to break away from. In fact, it's not the new challenge that's tough but it's leaving comfort zones that is. That's the bigger challenge.

    But as all of life is everything has its own time space and place. Your friend had his, you will have yours too, and so with everybody else.

    I wish you all the best when your big moment arrives. May God be with you.

    Thanks for dropping by and appreciating the post. Warms the heart so. Thank you.

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  6. Hi Joseph,

    This is true --- "..Most of us in the face of difficulties give up and lose our confidence and faith in our abilities. This is the difference between a winner and a loser. A winner gets up after a fall and keeps moving but a loser doesn't even try to get up after a fall."

    Thank you for sharing your insights into the subject. It's so appreciated. Wish you a lovely and blessed day. Blessings to you and your family.

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  7. Yes....giving up in tough times always looks easier but that's may be because we avoid to think long term! Winning stories are always good and I must confess your blog is always helpful in whatever wisdom you share and especially the way you share....

    And on a lighter note.....these little pampering (affordable)vacations are always good....I do it when i need to make myself feel 'special'

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  8. What a lovely surprise, Jigyasa! Busy Jigyasa.. lols ... but always remembers to get in touch. You're special, you don't need those little pampering affordable vacations.

    Take care, Jigs. Thanks for dropping by and for your comment. :-)

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  9. Nice read, Be like the flower, turn your faces to the sun.

    Wow what a thought. Easy and simple :-)

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  10. You get no where if you don't sail out of the harbour. As you have rightly said, face the sun and when the tide comes in, sail out. Adventures await you. Tks for your inspiring posting. You are blessed with a great family.

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  11. Your friend is indeed a winner! I'm so happy she has come out on top!

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  12. Hi Aby! Delighted to see you. Hey saw your recent post and I liked it. That was a good question there. Have replied to that too. Take care and God bless you.

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  13. Hi Thomas! Thank YOU for appreciating the post; warms the heart. And thank you for your kind words about my family. I must say that yes they are my treasures. Take care and Blessings to you and your family.

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  14. Delighted to see you, Theanne! Wishing you and your family tons of wonderful blessings. Bless you!

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:-) Here's where I warmly welcome you and where you leave your footprints behind with fond memories attached to it of wonderful chats and friendships. Thank you for your comments. Or send your comments to ellen622@gmail.com. Will be seeing you in your blog too. God bless you!