Humming Bird
If you let your life be ruled by fear
Soon you will cease to care
About whether its sunny or snowy
Because your seasons will soon mold into one
Life is not about pleasing
It is about living
And to really live you can't not live because of fear
Because in the middle of the night
When your dreams seem slowly to slip away
It will only be you and the darkness
That will seem to care
imadon @ 2006
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Quiet Times
It is only recently with the quiet
That the memories come to me again
Knowing who would be my enemy
And who would be friend
imadon @ 2006
It is only recently with the quiet
That the memories come to me again
Knowing who would be my enemy
And who would be friend
imadon @ 2006
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Making change possible for 2006
published: Wednesday | January 11, 2006, Jamaica Gleaner
Wendel Abel
WE HAVE started a new year. By now, all of us would have committed to realising meaningful change in our lives. Let us make this year the year of possibilities. Let us make this year the year we unlock our potentials. This year must be the year to realise our dreams.
1. Let us believe that things can change and will change.
"Things do not change; we change".
(Henry David Thoreau)
We are in a world that is constantly changing. People are changing around us. Organisations are changing and the world is constantly changing. Let us, therefore, commit ourselves to change and transformation this year. May we realise changes in our personal lives, in our relationships, in our homes and in our careers. As we bring about these changes in our personal lives, they will also be transmitted into our communities and also effect real changes into the entire island of Jamaica, and by extension our world.
2. Let us change our thinking.
For all of us the personal transformation and change will only take place when we start to change our thinking. We should confront all negative thoughts this year and replace them with positive thinking and positive affirmations. Let us all commit ourselves to positive thinking this year.
"We are what we think.
All that we are arises
With our thoughts.
With our thoughts,
We make our world."
(The Buddha)
3. Let us make concrete plans this year.
Take some time out to reflect on your aspirations and resolutions for the new year. Make plans that are going to be necessary for your life goals. If possible, write them out and discuss them with a friend. Whatever your intentions, realise that the possibilities in this life are endless. Do not leave things to chance. Take time out and make plans.
4. Make investments in your personal lives.
In order to facilitate the changes in our lives, we often have to make personal investments. These personal investments include reading various self-help books and motivational material. It may also include consulting lifestyle experts, personal coach and attending motivational workshops. I encourage us all this year to place more attention on the positive things and less on the negatives.
"Whatsoever things are of good report, think on these things".
5. Stop all self-defeating emotions, attitudes and behaviour.
Fear, anger, dishonesty, deception, procrastination, denial are some of the common emotions, attitudes and behaviours that limit us and stifle our growth and development. Pause and make a list of some of those negative attitudes, emotions and behaviour that may be keeping you back. Sometimes, it is very difficult for us to identify them. I suggest that you call or ask a friend or someone close to you to help you. Listen to them and do not counter or challenge them. Reflect on whatever suggestions they may make. This may be a very painful process but, I strongly urge that you proceed with this exercise as, by so doing, you may bring about meaningful growth and success.
6. Believe in yourself.
"They conquer who believe they can, He has not learned the lessons of life who does not each day surmount a fear." (Emerson).
This year remind yourself and nurture the belief that you have the ability to change and realise your dreams. Have faith in your abilities. Nurture the confidence in yourself and constantly remind yourself that your life can change, your life must change and your life will change for the better this year.
Let us continue the journey into 2006 and make it a successful and happy one.
One love!
Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
published: Wednesday | January 11, 2006, Jamaica Gleaner
Wendel Abel
WE HAVE started a new year. By now, all of us would have committed to realising meaningful change in our lives. Let us make this year the year of possibilities. Let us make this year the year we unlock our potentials. This year must be the year to realise our dreams.
1. Let us believe that things can change and will change.
"Things do not change; we change".
(Henry David Thoreau)
We are in a world that is constantly changing. People are changing around us. Organisations are changing and the world is constantly changing. Let us, therefore, commit ourselves to change and transformation this year. May we realise changes in our personal lives, in our relationships, in our homes and in our careers. As we bring about these changes in our personal lives, they will also be transmitted into our communities and also effect real changes into the entire island of Jamaica, and by extension our world.
2. Let us change our thinking.
For all of us the personal transformation and change will only take place when we start to change our thinking. We should confront all negative thoughts this year and replace them with positive thinking and positive affirmations. Let us all commit ourselves to positive thinking this year.
"We are what we think.
All that we are arises
With our thoughts.
With our thoughts,
We make our world."
(The Buddha)
3. Let us make concrete plans this year.
Take some time out to reflect on your aspirations and resolutions for the new year. Make plans that are going to be necessary for your life goals. If possible, write them out and discuss them with a friend. Whatever your intentions, realise that the possibilities in this life are endless. Do not leave things to chance. Take time out and make plans.
4. Make investments in your personal lives.
In order to facilitate the changes in our lives, we often have to make personal investments. These personal investments include reading various self-help books and motivational material. It may also include consulting lifestyle experts, personal coach and attending motivational workshops. I encourage us all this year to place more attention on the positive things and less on the negatives.
"Whatsoever things are of good report, think on these things".
5. Stop all self-defeating emotions, attitudes and behaviour.
Fear, anger, dishonesty, deception, procrastination, denial are some of the common emotions, attitudes and behaviours that limit us and stifle our growth and development. Pause and make a list of some of those negative attitudes, emotions and behaviour that may be keeping you back. Sometimes, it is very difficult for us to identify them. I suggest that you call or ask a friend or someone close to you to help you. Listen to them and do not counter or challenge them. Reflect on whatever suggestions they may make. This may be a very painful process but, I strongly urge that you proceed with this exercise as, by so doing, you may bring about meaningful growth and success.
6. Believe in yourself.
"They conquer who believe they can, He has not learned the lessons of life who does not each day surmount a fear." (Emerson).
This year remind yourself and nurture the belief that you have the ability to change and realise your dreams. Have faith in your abilities. Nurture the confidence in yourself and constantly remind yourself that your life can change, your life must change and your life will change for the better this year.
Let us continue the journey into 2006 and make it a successful and happy one.
One love!
Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
Here's to your best life now
published: Wednesday | January 11, 2006, Jamaica Gleaner
Eulalee Thompson, The Gleaner's health editor, relaxes at the beautiful waterfront, downtown Kingston. This year 'Your Health' focuses on 'securing your mental health'. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Last year, we were all about taking control of your health - 'It's your health, take control' - this year it's all about securing your mental health.
RELAX. REFRESH. Renew. This year it's all about you, your wellness and your emotional wellness is at the top of our list. We want you to live your best life now and The Gleaner's health team is with you all the way.
So get started by getting rid of toxic people, places and things. Toxic places and things, you know what and where those are, but toxic people are a little more difficult to recognise. Like termites, under the quiet, they eat away at your soul, creativity and potentials. They are always whining, complaining, criticising and tearing you down. Hang with the 'builders' - people who help build your self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth, and respect and love you unconditionally. Then, pamper yourself - get your hair done, get a professional massage and take time out, each day, to appreciate nature.
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
What's emotional wellness, anyway? It's all about your mental health. The American Psychological Association (APA) points out that research increasingly supports the idea that emotional and physical health are very closely linked (APA, How to Find Help Through Psychotherapy, 1998) and that illness should be addressed both at emotional and physical levels.
The APA points to many important topics under health and emotional wellness - coping with stress (whether everyday stress or stress associated with disease and illness); exercising for a healthy mind and body; recognising and dealing with depression; meditation; music and mental health; food and relaxation; silencing the disturbing chatter of the mind and the continuous self-analysis.
WELLNESS STRATEGIES
How about implementing these quick and easy wellness strategies this year:
Think positively.
Most people have a running commentary going on in their heads, you know the self-talk or automatic thinking. What's the tone of your self-talk? Are you always telling yourself negative things and depreciating yourself like, "I'll never finish this assignment"; "I will never be successful" or "I am always so stupid, bad and worthless"? Check if these self-talks are really based on facts; they may just be irrational. You may want to reframe those negative self-talks into more positive tones because the theory is that your thinking impacts your feeling and behaviour.
De-stress.
Researchers (Cormier and Nurius, 2003) say that stress stems from demand exceeding capacity; that is, roles, tasks or expectations from oneself, others or the environment exceed one's ability or condition. However, stress can be the result of largely positive situations such as a job promotion, marriage, having a baby or moving house. Several studies point to a correlation between stress and heart disease, cancer and other serious health conditions.
So, add stress-management strategies to your wellness list. Try some exercise - it's good therapy not only for physical fitness but a growing body of research shows that exercise will relieve or at least reduce some symptoms of mental disorder, in particular depression and anxiety. Also, try sitting in Emancipation Park (or any other park) and listening to the waterfall, doing some gardening (even a small piece of earth will do), deep breathing regularly to take in more oxygen and meditating on pleasant scenes.
Check your life support.
Do an inventory of your 'life support' - who is really there for you, giving you unconditional support? Studies say that major life events, such as getting a divorce or getting the boot (being fired), can permanently change the cardiovascular system but a good support structure of trusted friends (one or two good ones will do) can be a real buffer, protecting you from illness. Mayoclinic.com reports a study by Mark Roy, Ph.D., Penn State University (U.S.), where men facing a lot of stressful life events had their blood pressure getting higher but those with strong social-support networks recovered much faster.
Count your blessings.
Link this strategy to the positive-thinking strategy above. Counting your blessings is about cultivating an attitude of gratitude to increase your sense of satisfaction with life. You can choose to wallow in misfortunes or focus your energy on the good things in your life. At the end of each day you should be able to record, in your diary, at least five great things in your life.
Stay with us this year as we shore up your mental health.
(See related article by Dr. Wendel Abel.)
You can send feedback to eulalee.thompson@gleanerjm.com.
published: Wednesday | January 11, 2006, Jamaica Gleaner
Eulalee Thompson, The Gleaner's health editor, relaxes at the beautiful waterfront, downtown Kingston. This year 'Your Health' focuses on 'securing your mental health'. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Last year, we were all about taking control of your health - 'It's your health, take control' - this year it's all about securing your mental health.
RELAX. REFRESH. Renew. This year it's all about you, your wellness and your emotional wellness is at the top of our list. We want you to live your best life now and The Gleaner's health team is with you all the way.
So get started by getting rid of toxic people, places and things. Toxic places and things, you know what and where those are, but toxic people are a little more difficult to recognise. Like termites, under the quiet, they eat away at your soul, creativity and potentials. They are always whining, complaining, criticising and tearing you down. Hang with the 'builders' - people who help build your self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth, and respect and love you unconditionally. Then, pamper yourself - get your hair done, get a professional massage and take time out, each day, to appreciate nature.
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
What's emotional wellness, anyway? It's all about your mental health. The American Psychological Association (APA) points out that research increasingly supports the idea that emotional and physical health are very closely linked (APA, How to Find Help Through Psychotherapy, 1998) and that illness should be addressed both at emotional and physical levels.
The APA points to many important topics under health and emotional wellness - coping with stress (whether everyday stress or stress associated with disease and illness); exercising for a healthy mind and body; recognising and dealing with depression; meditation; music and mental health; food and relaxation; silencing the disturbing chatter of the mind and the continuous self-analysis.
WELLNESS STRATEGIES
How about implementing these quick and easy wellness strategies this year:
Think positively.
Most people have a running commentary going on in their heads, you know the self-talk or automatic thinking. What's the tone of your self-talk? Are you always telling yourself negative things and depreciating yourself like, "I'll never finish this assignment"; "I will never be successful" or "I am always so stupid, bad and worthless"? Check if these self-talks are really based on facts; they may just be irrational. You may want to reframe those negative self-talks into more positive tones because the theory is that your thinking impacts your feeling and behaviour.
De-stress.
Researchers (Cormier and Nurius, 2003) say that stress stems from demand exceeding capacity; that is, roles, tasks or expectations from oneself, others or the environment exceed one's ability or condition. However, stress can be the result of largely positive situations such as a job promotion, marriage, having a baby or moving house. Several studies point to a correlation between stress and heart disease, cancer and other serious health conditions.
So, add stress-management strategies to your wellness list. Try some exercise - it's good therapy not only for physical fitness but a growing body of research shows that exercise will relieve or at least reduce some symptoms of mental disorder, in particular depression and anxiety. Also, try sitting in Emancipation Park (or any other park) and listening to the waterfall, doing some gardening (even a small piece of earth will do), deep breathing regularly to take in more oxygen and meditating on pleasant scenes.
Check your life support.
Do an inventory of your 'life support' - who is really there for you, giving you unconditional support? Studies say that major life events, such as getting a divorce or getting the boot (being fired), can permanently change the cardiovascular system but a good support structure of trusted friends (one or two good ones will do) can be a real buffer, protecting you from illness. Mayoclinic.com reports a study by Mark Roy, Ph.D., Penn State University (U.S.), where men facing a lot of stressful life events had their blood pressure getting higher but those with strong social-support networks recovered much faster.
Count your blessings.
Link this strategy to the positive-thinking strategy above. Counting your blessings is about cultivating an attitude of gratitude to increase your sense of satisfaction with life. You can choose to wallow in misfortunes or focus your energy on the good things in your life. At the end of each day you should be able to record, in your diary, at least five great things in your life.
Stay with us this year as we shore up your mental health.
(See related article by Dr. Wendel Abel.)
You can send feedback to eulalee.thompson@gleanerjm.com.
Monday, January 09, 2006
When he kicked the dog
I remember seeing him kick the dog
Maybe I could have prevented it
But how would I to know
That he would have had so much rage inside
To intentionally kick the dog
Walking time bomb
Kicking the dog with a wham
How could I have known
That such hate he would have shown
Unknowingly simmering
Hate got the best of him
And manifested itself
When he kicked the dog on a whim
imadon@ 2006
I remember seeing him kick the dog
Maybe I could have prevented it
But how would I to know
That he would have had so much rage inside
To intentionally kick the dog
Walking time bomb
Kicking the dog with a wham
How could I have known
That such hate he would have shown
Unknowingly simmering
Hate got the best of him
And manifested itself
When he kicked the dog on a whim
imadon@ 2006
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Fallujacy
It is a fallacy
What Bush said to you
No way can you fight evil and win
From ever since the days of sin
Heaven was made but also Hell
Wherein evil could dwell
So do not give your live away
Fighting evil for one more day
It will consume you
And morph into you
And you become the hell
You set out to fight in good faith
Then it will be too late
imadon @ 2006
It is a fallacy
What Bush said to you
No way can you fight evil and win
From ever since the days of sin
Heaven was made but also Hell
Wherein evil could dwell
So do not give your live away
Fighting evil for one more day
It will consume you
And morph into you
And you become the hell
You set out to fight in good faith
Then it will be too late
imadon @ 2006
