Inspirational Monday

This morning, I lazed in bed and started reading this book I got from the library. It's titled Dear Sebastian about a father's last wish to publish a book with collection of inspirational letters to his son. Jordan, Sebastian's dad, died at age 35 with terminal cancer. At 35, a prime time where most people are enjoying their lives, taking life for granted and complaining about so many minor things... Jordan had only one wish, he wanted his son to grow up to be an amazing person when he's not around anymore to guide him. Thus he set up this project and wrote to writers, politicians, artists, sports stars, musicians, businessmen, journalists and many others to ask them to share their thoughts on finding happiness, success and peace in life. Sadly, before he could write his own letter to his son, he passed away, his mother then continued to help make this dream come true.

My afterthoughts...

Unfortunately, we can't tell people how to live their lives. Everyone has to make their own destiny, good or bad. I read in part of the book that everyone has their conscience and we know all the time if something is wrong or right, but it is really up to that individual if you want to make it right. I also recall this sentence that says,"If you've nothing good to say about someone, say nothing." Why do people have to be mean when they have a choice not to be? It also tells us not to bear grudges as the person carrying the burden is the one who bears it. I see some new things in life that I didn't seem to notice before, this is the thing I love about such inspirational books.

I also like to share some quotes found in the book:

"Learn to tell knowledge from wisdom - seek people with wisdom, remember that the world is full of the knowledgeable blind."
"... every person is deserving of respect, ... from the lowliest to the greatest."
"Try to turn every negative into the biggest positive, because the people you meet on the way up may very well become the people you will meet on the way down."
"Don't go looking for a massive improvement in everything you do - learn to delight in small things, because, one day, they will all become the big things you were looking so impatiently for."
"One of the most difficult things in life is recognising how to evaluate yourself, because, at the end of the day, knowing the good and bad in yourself is more important than the opinions of others...You can never validate yourself through the eyes of others - only through your own... We all like to be praised, but we should not seek it."
"If it's going to be, it's up to me."
"Dream and dream big, but remember it's in the following of the dream where the success lies. Let achieving your dream be a bonus."
"It was great for you to ride your first winner but don't forget you are only as big today as you were yesterday -- Don't forget where you came from and don't get carried away."