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Showing posts from March, 2009

Sir Bobby Robson: An Ode to the Power of Gratitude and Companionship

Amidst the glitz and glamour of the 2007 BBC Sport Personality of the Year awards in London, a hushed anticipation settled over the audience as Sir Bobby Robson ascended the stage to receive the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. Yet, it was not a grand soliloquy or boastful speech that graced the occasion. Instead, Sir Bobby’s words were a masterclass in humility and gratitude, echoing through the hall: “Nobody wins anything on their own,” he declared, “This award really is an extension and opportunity for me to say thank you very much to everybody that has supported me.” In that crystalline moment, Sir Bobby gifted the world a profound lesson - that our journey through life is not a solitary pilgrimage but a collective tapestry woven from the countless acts of kindness, support, and sacrifice by those who have traversed our path. He reminded us that our present existence stands upon the foundation laid by countless hands, both past and present. Sir Bobby’s words invite contempla...

In the Whisper of a Bus Ride: Children’s Dreams and the Symphony of Hope

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One evening aboard Dublin’s 121 bus, a tired journey was transformed into a canvas of innocence. Amidst the humdrum of daily life, a child’s proclamation echoed hope – “Mum… I want to have 16 children!” As the bus resonated with dreams, the simple chatter of youngsters revealed profound aspirations. In the enchanting realm of children’s conversations, these innocent exchanges paint a portrait of hope and optimism. When little minds envision a future with numerous offspring, it sparks a gentle reminder that hope is the silent melody underlying their musings. As adults, we might dismiss these talks as mere childhood fantasies. Yet, in the simplicity of their dialogue lies a profound truth – a hope for life that transcends our adult complexities. The children’s uninhibited discussions unveil a positivity born from their nurturing relationships with one another. Beyond the innocent banter, this conversation becomes a beacon of hope. Amidst a world sometimes overshadowed by challen...

In the Joyful Art of Smiles: A Lesson from Schoolyard Innocence

In the sun-drenched afternoons of my secondary school days, a simple yet beautiful game defined our youthful camaraderie. Gathered on the road in front of the boarding school, we aimed not to cause mischief but to play our version of a ‘positive game’ — making passers-by smile. This delightful game wasn’t about deceit or tricks; it was an earnest attempt to elicit joy. Standing by the road, one of us would flash a smile at strangers, and if they reciprocated, we celebrated the shared moment. No prizes were exchanged, just the simple joy of making someone smile. Reflecting on this cherished memory, a quote recently received via email echoed its essence: “The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.” While this sentiment rings true, I’ve come to realize that the best smiles emanate from the purity of one’s heart. In the book of Samuel, it’s written: “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appear...