It was a great end of the work day. My colleague and I had just completed what seemed to be an everlasting day of correcting examination scripts.  Thereafter, we  welcomed the opportunity to go to the supermarket to purchase a few items. Going through the aisles was most therapeutic. We collected our items and headed to the counter to pay. There were no long lines to overcome. Who would not welcome icing on a cake? Icing that is well made makes the cake most pleasing to the eyes.  Well, we were in for our icing on the cake when we learned that we could obtain a free shopping bag while we were there. The news launched us into a fit of trying to meet the conditions to qualify for a bag. Anything legal for that bag. Buy more items? Combine our items? Ask the customer ahead for one of his bags? Negotiate with the cashier? We resorted to negotiating with the cashier. However, if we landed one bag how would we share it?  When the customer ahead had cashed his items...

 When the pencil is no more When the pencil is no more the effects of its inscriptions remain. Memories are created. A lover of art will appreciate the drawing for years to come. The student will continue his education as a result of the pencil he used to take his exam.  So for you. Leave good memories behind because this is what others will have left of you after you are gone. Your work will still be there for generations later and may even inspire someone to live their best life.  Memories live on.

 The pencil ends A pencil, no matter how pretty it is does not last forever. Being used it will be sharpened and used until the lead is no more. Some pencils may never be used but after a while they will rot. A used pencil may last a day. Another may last a week. Someone may own only one pencil and used it until its finished.  So for you. Do not think that you will live forever. At some point we will die. But we do not know when that end day will come. Just like a pencil a shorter one may last longer than a longer one.  As long as we have life live the one life that you have meaningfully.  Memories

 Your lead breaks The lead breaks or finishes while on the assignment. Pencil has to be sharpened again. This is a time of renewal. Renewal may come out of difficulties. Fulfillment

 Your lead has to show Pencil being sharpened before starting the assignment. Some pencils are sharpened pre packaged. Others have to be sharpened by the user. In any case part of the exterior has to be removed in order to show what is important. It may hurt while being sharpened. But whatever is preventing the pencils inside from being used has to be removed no matter how nice the outside looks. Likewise you, while you go out to complete an assignment you will need to put your best foot forward. That means you may need to endure a bit of discomfort in order to accomplish your task.  That may mean that you have to: Move to a new place Wear a uniform Wake up earlier Change your tone of speaking Leave some of your friends and family behind All it is at this point is that you drop whatever that does not help  and embrace whatever helps to fulfill your purpose in the specific assignment.  Accept and let go! Renewal  

 A pencil is selected. It should not make fun of other pencils that have not been selected.  In the human realm, when you have been selected for an assignment accept it gladly as long as it is well laid out clearly and fits within your skill set.  Go out and fulfill your assignment with pleasure. Do not look back and make fun of others. As a matter of fact if you know of an assignment that you cannot complete it doesn't hurt to recommend someone else who has the skill set to get it done.  Help another. Do not be selfish.  Do your job with love. Letting go

 All pencils will not be selected at the same time. Some will be left in the packet or in the pencil case. Those that are left are just being themselves and waiting to be selected. They may not have been selected because the assingment may have required something else such as fill in the form with blue or black ink. Just like you. You may not be selected for a task. At that point do not feel disappointed. You are still in your comfort zone. Make no attempt to compare yourself with others. Take the time to love yourself. Remember that your purpose is to love- love yourself and others.  Sometimes you are busy concentrating on others but you forget about yourself. So during that time you can: Go for a massage Learn a new skill Start exercising Learn how to care for your hair Remain hydrated Listen to uplifting music Declutter your space You may even do these suggested activities as 30 day challenges.  Take care of yourself.  Click for the next post in the series:On assi...