Gratitude to the Lord

 

I am grateful to my Parents, though poor gave me education, brought me up in my Catholic faith, taught morals at home. They guided 5 of us in every way to be good human and Christian. They taught us to be respectful towards elders, teachers and any strangers whom we met either on way to school, church or play and never insult or offend them by words and deeds. They were our greatest teachers though unlettered but hearts and souls were educated in the School of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for their support and guidance when i decided to Join the Capuchin Order, they did not know about the Capuchins but had heard that they are strict and very poor. I remember my mother saying that we too are poor so it will be easy to live with the poor Capuchins. 

The Journey of being grateful to God, parents, teachers, brothers and relatives began well at the age when everyone seems to be learning the art of living. It was so amazing to have good people around to show the way and path to walk and to hold when fell or fumbled on. The journey of gratitude begins from within the heart and mind, how can i forget the sacrifices of my parents, toiling day in and out for 5 sons to provide food, clothing, education, medicines etc. They were living saints guiding our destiny of future. I have seen my mother eating less but serving us more and sufficient, in winter covering us with sufficient warm clothes than herself. My Father would provide whatever he could afford so that we have minimum required. They were days when he could not provide food for us because he could not sell vegetables or flower plants in market but never grumbled or blamed God....accept the plight and came back home as cheerful as always. 

I am grateful to the Lord for granting me such a good parents who are now enjoying the blessedness and glory of the Lord in His abode. They were ably supported by my eldest brother who discontinued his schooling in order to financially support my parents in providing the minimum necessary. I am grateful for his great sacrifices for the family in providing everything that we needed in order grow matured human beings.

New Possibilities of healing the wounds with St. Francis of Assisi

In every nook and corner of the universe there are many troubles, war, killings in the name of Religion, caste and color and the earth is crying for peace and inviting to put an end to all these unnecessary sufferings caused by us. There is a need to share in the anguish, pain, suffering and poverty of so many men and women everywhere in the world. The Church is inviting us to keep the positive and optimistic flame of Christian hope alive in this turmoil, brokenness, and darkness. The Franciscan Order is gearing up to celebrate 800 years of the rule 1223 -2023 and the Order would like to find out new possibilities with Francis of Assisi for this world which is crying for a spirituality which is focused and centered on the Human Being as an Image of God. Amidst the miseries of the world of his times in Assisi, Francis never gave up blessing the Lord, “Who alone is good, merciful, gentle, delightful, and sweet, who alone is holy, just, true, holy, and upright, who alone is kind, innocent, clean, from Whom, through Whom and in Whom is all pardon, all grace, all glory” (Earlier Rule 23, 9).

            In his brokenness, his poverty, Francis came in search of new possibilities for rediscovering the liberating power of the Gospel.  But Francis knew that this liberation does not come freely; it comes with a cost. What is that cost? We heard it proclaimed in the Gospel: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he or she must deny self and take up his or her cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his or her life will lose it but whoever loses his or her life for my sake will save it” (Lk. 9:23-4). We are invited to undergo a spiritual death: death to those thoughts and attitudes within us that lead us towards death and despair instead of life and hope; death to those wounds we harbor in our hearts inflicted by those who pretend to love us – our husbands, wives, children, parents, brothers or sisters in our religious communities, friends – and wounds accumulated in the daily struggles of life; death to our quick tempers and rush to judgment of others; death to those fears and prejudices that prevent us from recognizing the face of God in all people, especially the poor, marginalized, the ‘strangers in our midst’, and that keep us from recognizing one another as brother or sister in the one family of God; and death to our unwillingness to let God love and forgive us, turning our stone cold hearts into hearts of flesh (Ezek 36,26) capable of receiving and sharing love.

 

St. Francis teaches us to hope in the cross and resurrection of Jesus and the Lord would once heal us all of our brokenness, transform us into that ‘new creation’ announced by St. Paul in to the Christians in Corinth. Francis touched the wounds of the crucified Jesus in order that by touching these wounds, his heart and spirit might be healed. The need of every human being is to touch the deep wounds of Jesus Christ to heal the deepest wounds, divide and gaps that we have created in the world, families and in our personal lives. To do this as Christians we are invited by the Lord and the Church as Francis, to enter deeply into the mystery of Christ. We, like Francis, are invited to enter into the mystery of Christ to be spiritually consoled and to be transformed into agents of the ‘new creation’, messengers of love, universal fraternity, and restoration. Like Francis, we need to approach our brothers and sisters to be healed and re-energized. Like Francis, we the disciples of Jesus need to have the courage to take up the cross in our daily lives, a cross that bears the sufferings of all of our brothers and sisters everywhere in the world. The Gospel and the Church offers us new possibilities to heal the wounds and the brokenness of humanity. St. Francis undertook a difficult journey into the darkness and pain confronting humanity and the natural environment of his time and experienced the guiding hand of the Creator and His fullness of grace to heal humanity and the environment .

 

As we celebrate the feast of St. Francis, let us, as sons and daughters, followers and admirers make use of this opportunity to take stock of the problems, sufferings, injustices and the wars knocking at our doors and propose to the world new possibilities of Living out our vocations as Christians according to the Gospel as St. Francis lived and proposed. The events, situations and concerns that Francis faced are the same and have the specific message for us to offer hope to the suffering humanity as Francis did, by becoming one with the humanity and the creation. He did all this by being open and transparent to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, he discovered his mission of healing the wounds, building and restoring relationships and welcoming all to experience the forgiving love of Jesus Christ. We are all called to rediscover the victorious power of the Resurrection of Christ, engaging in a process of conversion and restore the broken relationships in society and families.

 

Today we are restless and searching ways and means to do away with the politics of hatred and exclusion.  800 years ago Francis too was restless and searched for God’s ways and possibilities to implant the word of God in a broken society and it worked and gave birth to a new society and church. We have to seek new paths, ways to face the challenges of our times like Francis did 800 years ago with a purified human heart filled with God’s forgiving love. St. Francis received advice, admonitions, corrections, and inspiration from his brothers and sisters to see new possibilities, to heal the wounds and brokenness. Today the need for the church is to create and develop the ability to listen to the questioning in order to interpret agonizing realities in the light of the Word of God. But St. Francis warns us that, it is not sufficient to “wish only to know [the Scriptures] and to interpret them for others” (Adm 7) — we must also be committed to a life witness that is consistent and eloquent. Francis of Assisi was not a theoretician of the spiritual life; he spoke of God in terms of his experience. We too are called to make of our lives a true Gospel, as an expression of our fidelity to our vocation as Christians. Our witness, our personal commitment, our way of life, and how we face various situations are all ways through which we discover various means by which the signs of the times can be reinterpreted.

            As committed Christians and followers of St. Francis, we should not be afraid of the challenges that are bold and radical, let us live our Christian commitment like Francis with enthusiasm and passion. This will only help us to find and provide new possibilities and answers that are current and relevant. Today we live in a secularized society and in a culture of Cancelling each other because we don’t accept and appreciate what the others express and write. In a society which is increasingly excluding God as regards how life is lived and how choices are made, in a world where values are relativized, where everything is provisional and fleeting, our permanent life choice based on Gospel values and principles has real appeal. Together we can propose new possibilities with the Life and Rule of St. Francis to dispel the darkness and heal the wounds of the society: The possibility of embracing the Lord Jesus as our source of happiness and healing, the possibility of living our faith in a creative way, the possibility of making the Gospel as our way of life is open to every believer. Let us live a life guided by the Spirit of God, rooted in human experience and open to the amazing love and closeness that God offers to those who are willing to let Him be at the center of all life.

 

Transitus: Journey of St. Francis

 

We are all journeying in this God given life to achieve our goal, aim and mission. We journey from one place to another, from state of life to another, from one spiritual experience to another higher one. Today we see and reflect on the journey of St. Francis of Assisi. His journey was unique and inspiring, a journey coupled with many things, human and divine, a journey of renunciation and surrender, a journey of total dedication to the person of Jesus, a Journey of love for God, human and the entire creation. Today we contemplate on the last phase of his journey as it is coming to an endpoint, a journey full of drama and grace and a journey which would last 800 years and inspire and attract millions of all generation. His journey will keep speaking and bringing many to Jesus the saviour. Francis shared his journey with that of Jesus and that is what made him to Imitate Him perfectly and completely.

In this journey Francis discovered himself as a weak, sinner and fragile human being and went about seeking the grace which would assist him to be an instrument of peace, service, love and fraternal bond and relationships. The journey was marked by positive and negative experiences, which led him to unite totally with the Divine and human. The journey granted him prolonged periods of illness and decline which he was able to face and carry forward. This journey of discovery of who God and Jesus is in his life led him to the lepers and outcasts of the society. This journey of discovery brought him close to the reality of being human and its pain and sufferings, but he marched on towards the goal with determination. Nothing in this journey broke him down, neither body or soul, mind and heart.

 

This journey of Francis led him to the Sultan to share his experience of the Crucified Lord facing all the sufferings and pain to reach to the Land of Saracens, initially it looked like the journey is not going to be successful but a solid solider of Christ that Francis was would never give up. At the end the journey is sweet and successful, there is conversion and change of heart and mind, there is acceptances of the Lord Jesus in the Lord of the unknown and a hero’s send-off to Francis. He carried not himself in this journey but Jesus in his heart, mind and on the lips for which he was willing to be hurt and wounded during the journey.

During his journey what accompanied him most was the Gospel way of life, the fraternity and the divine grace of God which brought vitality and vigour in him and the early brothers. His fragility turned and transformed into strength and power, into new vision and face for the Lord for the generations to come like that of ours. In this journey of Francis were are all accompanying him as sons and daughters, journey of life as Franciscans and journey of Faith to discover Jesus and Francis.

Today we will all gather in silence together with our friars and sisters to comfort one another with the Love of Francis as we remember his holy death. Prayers and songs of Praise will echo in our monasteries as we contemplate his life and final journey into eternity. As we share the common bond of being Franciscans with our rule, testament and proper constitutions, should not estrange us from the ideals of our father and founder Francis. He is calling us to higher life and journey that is Journey of Brotherhood and sisterhood.

 

On this day of Transitus let us imitate Francis and his virtuous life, let us learn to surrender totally to the Lord with the divine grace we have received on our Baptism, profession and Ordination. As Francis died as he lived, as a person of faith and a real man. He made a final act of surrender by asking the Lord to receive him into the sweet hands of the Lord. Let us place ourselves into the hands of Francis all our pain, brokenness, acts of disobedience, decline in living the Charism and rule, let us acknowledge our journey as Franciscans has not been what it should have been according to the promises we made on the day of our Professions.  

St. Francis leads us to be True and Genuine to ourselves!

What a wonderful advise to those who are into prayer and leading others to a life of communion in Prayer with Lord Jesus. Francis says “We should seek not so much to pray but to become prayer.” Becoming prayer means to put into practice and be what we pray. If I am asking to be virtuous then I must try to practice and live those virtues at any cost for the growth of my spiritual life.

 

Today we easily give up trying when we encounter failures. We just shut ourselves from trying again and fail to reach our target, goal and Life’s mission. Francis says Keep a clear eye toward life’s end. We can achieve many things when faith, trust and hard work combined with the presence of God.  “Keep a clear eye toward life’s end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God’s creature. What you are in his sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received…but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.” “Men lose all the material things they leave behind them in this world, but they carry with them the reward of their charity and the alms they give.” 

There have been persons who have won the most difficult battles and wars with pure and genuine Love. Marriages are saved from being broken when faithful and obedient love has been shown or lived by the couples and families. St. Francis said it years ago saying that Love is the way.  “Blessed is the servant who loves his brother as much when he is sick and useless as when he is well and an be of service to him. And blessed is he who loves his brother as well when he is a far off as when he is by his side, and who would say nothing behind his back he might not, in love, say before his face.”

 

Many those who come for counselling or for sacrament of confession do sincerely confession of the lack of patience with oneself, others, spouses, children and with colleagues. As a result there are many issues and problems being created and which go beyond one’s capacity to handle and settle because of impatience. If there is patience in us then St. Francis says that patience reaps great rewards. ‘My dear son, be patient because the weaknesses of the body are given to us in this world by God for the salvation of the soul. So they are of great merit when they are borne patiently.”

 

 Most of the modern gurus will tell you that the other is not your enemy but you are the first enemy of yourself. As a result we fight with ourselves and there is no growth in us. We remain where we are. Then it becomes easy to see the enemy in the other. St. Francis advised his brothers saying that The enemy is not Out there, the enemy is In you.

“No one is to be called an enemy, all are your benefactors, and no one does you harm. You have no enemy except yourselves.”

 

 

St. Francis speaks to us in our Language!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello Friends today let us reflect on the golden and memorable golden messages of St. Francis which are medicines to our broken and confused hearts and minds. He said that your walking should be your preaching.“ There is no use in walking anywhere to preach if you’re walking isn’t your preaching.” ~ St. Francis Of Assisi So very true in our lives today. We all want to preach, talk, advise, counsel without walking the talk. It would make a big difference in the lives of those whom we guide and expect to change and convert if we live what we preach. on Example and action is more effective than thousand words.  “While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.” This is the need of the hour. What a wonderful foresight Francis had and his words speak loudly and clearly to all of us today.

Today there is craze and rush among us to amass wealth and knowledge but Francis says that if Knowledge not applied is meaningless. Some of us keep learning without using it for one's good and that of the others. If it is used in a right manner there would be peace, joy and happiness and can create a better world for all to live. “A man has only so much knowledge as he puts to work.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi

Today there are so many people wounded and broken by various events and some are broken by persons whom they loved, marriages are broken just like that and deep wounds are caused. In 12th Century also had men and women who were wounded and emotionally shattered and Francis went about healing them. So he is inviting us today that We need to heal wounds.   “We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi

Misunderstanding and fights are order of the day which leads to separation and wars. Francis announced it 800 years ago that Patience and humility. banish all worry and anger. The need today is to do away all negative energies from our lives by living lives of patience and humility.  “Where there is charity and wisdom there is neither fear nor ignorance. Where there is patience and humility there is neither anger nor worry.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi

We are all called to be perfect images of God the Father. This is our task and goal, mission to be achieved by following and living according to the commandments and doing the will of the Father. We are all imperfect called be to be perfect in a gradual manner. Francis said that All Saints have a past. All sinners have a future. “I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, He can work through anyone.” ~ St Francis of Assisi

Poor - at the centre of St. Francis Assisi's Heart

We are living a time which is critical in all areas of human life, Covid has left us economically, spiritually and emotionally weak and fragmented. The pandemic has affected the poor and weak the most as many of them have no hope of getting back what they have lost. But the society and world at large seems to be silent and not worried what is happening to these poor ones. There are no debates, discussions, protests and dissents from any corner of the society. It looks like that it does not bother or affect us so why do we need to raise a voice. Let us be deaf and mute. St. Francis of Assisi showed in life through words and deeds that the poor were the central focal point of concern and love. Through his powerful preaching and presence in the society demanded a social equity and justice. The problems and concerns that he encountered and experienced in his time are the same ones we are grappling and facing in our advanced and technological world. The money spent in wars is amazingly high, poverty has crossed all borders of the world, corruption seems to be not disappearing from the society and politics and people are excluded, banned and boycotted for stupid reasons. St. Francis also had to tackle these problems which he did with concern and getting involved in the lives affected by the evils of the society.

Francis, son of a rich cloth merchant decided to live a poor and simple life in identification with the poor of Assisi. He saw them as the Mirror of Christ and loved and served this face of Jesus in them. His life is a strong message to us who would like to compromise with all the Gospel values and principles in order to be happy and wealthy at the cost of the poor. The sufferings and pains that we see today in the society is caused by ever increasing greed of some few super rich. The famous and rich take a big cake piece away and those who slog, struggle and work hard to money get peanuts. St. Francis is inviting us to live a life that is spiritually, morally and emotionally uplifting and promoting gospel values in the society.

War and infighting was also common during the time of Francis and he experienced the reality of war. He saw the negative and destructive effects of the war with his own eyes. He felt the strong urge and need to stop these mindless wars were thousands were killed and rendered homeless. He was courageous in undertaking the journey to meet the sultan and stop the crusades in harming the humans. He made an impression on those who met him and there was a change of heart and mind. Can we as sons and daughters of St. Francis go to the war torn countries where millions are rendered homeless, jobless, killed, looted, raped and left orphans go with the gospel values as Francis went? It is a big challenge to put our words into actions.

Call from St. Francis of Assisi

We are going to celebrate soon the feast of St. Francis of Assisi and all over the world the Franciscan family will begin reflecting, praying and Novenas in his honour. This spiritual exercise would bring fresh to the memory of sons and daughters of Francis his Holy Life and apostolate to be effective disciples in the modern world.  Francis is known and famous spiritual leaders of all time and still inspires millions of men and women to follow his way and path.

 

He inspires us today to live values of the Gospel and the teachings of the Church through simple, humble and poor lifestyles. The community life of the sons and daughters of him is an instrument and example to the divided modern society and world. We have to present Francis to be a guide and master for a complete change and conversion of men and women of good will.  The need of the society is to focus attention on the poorest, the vulnerable and least who have no name and face. they are to be recognised as dignified human beings. 

The call of Francis remains valid and attractive even today, the call to radical simplicity and humility, to be generous to every human being and the creation. But the call is sill open to us so that Francis becomes alive even to those facing darkness and persecution. 

Like Francis we need to sell all that we possess especially our attachments and rich ways of living our lives and give it all to the poor, needy, naked, hungry and depend totally on the generosity of God the Father. Today there are new kinds of poor people after covid who have lost dear and near ones, jobs, property and business and these unfortunate ones are looking up to the sons and daughters of St. Francis. We have more than we need and yet we grumble and complain. Just think of those who have nothing and yet glorify and praise the Lord. 

The Lord is asking us to Open Ourselves

 

The Gospel of today taught me a great lesson which I have been waiting to be unfolded to me over the years. The Lord granted that grace to me as I was reading the gospel text this morning and I believe that Our Lady of Lourdes might have interjected for me. She has been my constant company ever since I made pilgrimage to Lourdes. The inspiration that I received is that we need to open up to the Lord who is ever present to us and who keeps telling us to open many areas of our lives which are sealed or closed for years and years. These closed areas are disturbing and harming us in many ways  but do we hear the Lord calling and speaking to us to open up to his power and glory which can heal and open up the darker areas of life.

We are not only physically deaf but spiritually, emotionally and psychologically too deaf to hear and listen to one another, we need cure because our relationships are broken beyond repair due to lack of hearing and listening to the sincere need of being close to one another. The Lord of life wants to open up us to see and experience many things in this short life that he has gifted us. The power of his words asking us to open must go deeper into us so that we can enjoy this beautiful life. He commands us because he loves us as we are so that he can make use of his for his glory and power to be spread and shared with one and all.

He is ever ready to heal us provided we are ready to receive and do what he commands. He uses his authority and power not to put us down but to give us the best in life and bring about the greatest good that is in us. He gives us comfort so that we can be always close to him and to one another. Trust in him and just keep leaving the call of faith and trust.He has control over us and let him command us so that we can open those areas which has imprisoned us for so long….those dark areas which has made us salves of our bad habits and negativity. His command is for our good because it is a command of love, mercy and compassion. The command is for our good because it leads us to the fullest reality of who we are.

You are always Growing

There are many of us that ignore the positive signs in life which teach us about ourselves and the things that are happening to us and around us. We need to pay attention to the lovely and creative patterns in life which tell us the beauty and wonders of being human.Sometimes people complain that nothing works in life, we experience failures and hurdles in life to achieve greater heights. But if we open eyes we will realise that everything works out in the end for our own benefits. We fail to see it because we are blinded with fear and anxiety. If we accept all that happens to us we will realise that everything takes slowly but surely takes us to a greater destination. We are always growing and it is a fact and truth of life. It is not physical growth but emotional and spiritual growth.

 

When you are deep and solid into the healing journey which takes you inward to know and accept who you are, we forget the outside world because the the new world allows us to taste the real meaning of life. But when you heal, others heal, and it’s the biggest service to those around you. Personal healing is not meant for oneself but it always comes with a mission to heal those around us by sharing the experience and leading them to that inner reality where they will experience the joy of being a perfect human being. Thus you lead yourself on the process of growth.

 

We sometimes don’t realise that the things that we do to others allows us to experience and taste the beauty and sweetness of growth. There are many ways like visiting a sick and lonely neighbours, helping someone who is in trouble getting a job done, one who is jobless and needs it badly to look after his family, someone who is accused falsely and languishing in the jail without trial, we go out to help him get released through the legal help offered to him, initiating a dialogue with an irritating co-worker or even a family member forgetting all about the past but just beginning to relate in a new way. Through all these positive ways we grow to be real and to be worthy of our call. 

 

Growing to be according to the plan of God is something that we all must strive and try to achieve in our lives. This can happen through a deep prayer and communion with the Lord which makes us to understand that God has a purpose in our life and He does everything according that purpose to shape our destiny and events in our lives. He will never do anything wrong but will allow us to achieve those things which we dream of achieving in life. 

Be Human !!!!!! St. John Bosco

 

The need of the modern world is to be more human and humane. Many people are mercilessly ignored, rejected and killed for no reason and fault. Some of them are killed because of their Identity or allegiance to one particular political party, caste, creed or religion. we are losing touch with humanity. Many innocent children are massacred or made to work as a child labour. 

Many children are killed before they see the light of the world. Many youth are losing their track and way due to social media and what the society has to offer them. Many of them are searching for meaning and significance in their lives but do not have role models to guide them. 

The model and example of St. John Bosco is still valid and in use all over the world. Today the church and the Salesians are celebrating the feast and it would be wonderful to offer a new the model of him and follow his example to work for the youth who need us so much to be their guides.

Don Bosco looked at the reality that was around him with human eyes and heart and extended his help and support to the children and showed them a right path to follow. He became to these youth a model of good and spiritual life, he followed them like a brother and father, offered whatever help and support they need to follow the Gospel way of living in the world. 

As a friend he allowed the youth to grow in the image of Jesus and offered them divine and human paths to follow to be what God wants them to be. He was able to bring them out of bad and sinful situation to lead them to fullness of life with the grace of God.

Grow like a Mustard seed in Patience and not in a speed!!!!!!!

Jesus Christ taught the secrets of growing in Love and building up the Kingdom of God through out the Gospels. He indicates the right nature, attitude and behavior, the believers need in order to be the part of the building process of the kingdom of God. The seed of grace and love that He sows in each of us is like the mustard seed that grows silently and patiently without making any noise or sound but in obedience grows to be a biggest shrub. The growing of the mustard seed teaches us that God's word acts in our life provided we allow patiently and silently God's word to work in us. 

Many of God's blessings and graces act and wok in us without us realizing  it but the fruits and effects are seen in our words, deeds and actions. We as human being dependent on God's grace need to welcome it in a worthy manner by preparing our heart and soul to receive it. Once the soil of attitude and behaviour is right and prepared the grace blooms beyond our expectations and imaginations. Like the seed which grows without haste, pause and making any noise but graciously becomes what it is called to be. 

We with modern social media and comforts, technology and computerization often are impatient with ourselves and with others, we would like to have quick and fast results, sometimes it leads us to depressions and desperation when not results are not achieved. Quick changes do not last long they satisfy us for that moment and then leave us empty and broken. 

We live immersed in the culture of rapidity, but God, who is Love, is patient & that is what He invites us to do: to know how to wait, not to be discouraged, not to judge before the time, because germination is slow & we can devastate it if we do not respect its time. If we want to work for the Kingdom of God, we must learn to be patient & let the grace of God act in each soul, without imposing our rhythms. He knows how to do it. Yes the Kingdom grows, slowly, hidden when we least expect it, we see it's fruits. Today more dan ever we must have confidence & believe God, for it is not we who make the seed grow, but He.

Be Wise and Live your Life

You are never too young and never too old, to influence and inspire the world, around you. If you go out determined, to live at your best, you are raising the bar

It feels good to remember, where you started... and appreciate, how much you have accomplished.. however little:) Though human tendency, is to always want more

Your life will be more rewarding, more fulfilling, when you’re in a relationship with your Creator. He breathed life into you. He knows what your purpose is, and He knows what you can accomplish. To attract what you want, you do not work out HOW it will come about. Focus on the outcome, imagine it, believe it, and give thanks.When you make excuses for people, who cross your boundaries, you remove the possibility of a happy, healthy connection. Hold people accountable and remain discerning, with who gets.. to be in your life

When something means the world to you, it's more important to keep going, than to be the best. The world, will only celebrate your wins for so long, but it's you, who can celebrate your perseverance.. forever.Don't be afraid to do something, just because you're scared, of what people are going to say, about you. People will judge you, no matter what.