Happiness and success?

1. Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.

2. Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talent.

3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.

6. Be generous.

7. Have a grateful heart.

8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.

9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.

12. Commit yourself to quality.

13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

14. Be loyal.

15. Be honest.

16. Be a self-starter.

17. Be decisive even if it means you'll sometimes be wrong.

18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.

20. Take good care of those you love.

21. Don't do anything that wouldn't make your Mom proud.

Of life’s Drizella’s and Anastasia’s.

Cinderella is a folk tale that has thousands of variants know the world over. Growing up as a young girl, you must have been in awe about the glass slipper, the impeccable chariot, the gorgeous ball with poised people among many other interesting things. However the most poignant thing I recall in the story is Cinderella’s two step sisters: Drizella and Anastasia Tremaine!!

This two display step-sisters at their worst. They are manipulative, scheming spoilt brats who cannot take no for an answer and would go to all cost to ensure that if they can’t get anything neither will anyone else.

As a child, I would just marvel at the story, mostly glad that it was fictional. Little did I know that in the ‘real’ world they are the equivalents of evil Lady Tremaines’s children; not in two but in the hundreds!

Am sure you have met one of these people. They do not need to be related to you but I am referring to those sisters who step on you to get to that promotion...or who backstab you to win favours with friends…..etc.I call them “step” because they literally step on you to move forward!!!

Quite recently, I have been encountering a number of this evil Tremaine’s.Some claim to be our friends, but if circumstances force them to choose, they will drop you like hot cake and look for ways to move forward even at the detriment of your friendship. Others just do so to make themselves feel better especially when things seem to be going great for you. Whatever ailing reason they have, it is never for your benefit but to your detriment.

So, when I read Cinderella today, I am not as naïve as a nine year old child. I am very aware that these people do exist in our midst and have learnt how to detect them. It is of course wise not to have such people in your inner circles for obvious reasons.Therefore, once you identify them, feel free to run away from them like a plague!!!! Interesting how such a beautiful read can make us see such unbeautiful things!

Despite everything, we all know how that story ends…evil never wins…so ladies….let’s not step on other sisters shoes just because!!!Instead we should be like ladders, helping a sister reach a higher level!!And be genuinely glad when others achieve and accomplish! They too will be happy when the tide is in your beach!

Managing Happiness:

1.     You must have goals but they must be achievable.

2.   Change what you can and accept what you cannot change.

3.    Don’t expect gratitude from anyone. Do whatever you can for the pleasure of doing and giving to others.

4.  Laughter is the best medicine. Learn to laugh at yourself and tickle the funny bone in others.

5.    Accept failures and sorrow to enjoy happiness.

Managing Time:

1.     One of these days in none of these days. Today is the day to start the big job.

2.   Manage your time as you would your money. Start your day with the “to-do” list and priorities the vital few after picking them up from the trivial many.

3.    Do important jobs NOW before they became urgent.

Managing Friends:

1.     It is chance that makes brothers but hearts that make friends.

2.   The only way to have a friend is to be one.

3.    A little straight talk between friends is sometimes the best way to stay friends.

4.  Two people can no longer be friends if they cannot forgive each others little fittings.

5.    Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries them.

Managing Yourself:

1.     Self knowledge is the beginning of self improvement.

2.   The greatest loss is the loss of self confidence.

3.    Attitudes are mirrors of the mind, they reflect thinking.

4.  Identify your weak link and act. One weak link can spell disaster for the whole chain. Remove it and stride ahead from strength to strength.

5.    Follow no one but learn from everyone.

6.   You cannot be anything if you want to be everything.