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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

Change Is Up To You

By Shazad

"The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.”

Marcus Aurelius

Some people seek change. They want to better themselves physically, mentally, spiritually or financially. Others ignore and even resist it like a person trying to stop a river from flowing or the planet from rotating. Some embrace and look forward to changes as a way to grow and prosper. Others loathe anything that changes, even in the slightest. How should you look at this issue?

First, recognize what’s up to you and what is not up to you. Where is change coming in your life, whether you like it or not? Getting a little older every day is a small example of how you have to deal with something without complaining. The economic situation is a bigger example of something you can’t directly influence. When you find out where your agency lies and what things are in your control, change isn’t so scary or painful.

Once you know what is in your power in part or whole, you can do something about it. Your health, for example, is at least partially up to you. The choices you make regarding food, movement, and sleep are going to translate into some good outcomes or bad ones. Everyone ages, but not everyone ages the same way. Some people have better habits, great nutrition, and an Awesome mindset, which makes them very different than others of the same or younger age. Find out the levers and knobs you can dial up or down in your life and ‘tune’ your life whenever you have some choice in the matter.

Being humble and accepting of things out of your control is a great way to stay sane, calm, and healthy in a world of constant change….and news about everything that’s changing or just about to change. Realizing that you don’t have to have all the answers or fix the problems of the world on your own can reduce some anxiety about life in the modern world. Every generation from the past and many into the future has felt the dynamic tension of things happening quickly and out of their control. Whether it’s politics, the weather, or the price of gas, things change all the time. They will continue to do so, and that’s not a problem for you to fix.

In the end, you need to accept and even be open to certain changes in life. Look forward to that next season or the coming of some grey hairs that make you more distinguished looking. It’s not all bad. A lot of what happens can be positive or beneficial in some ways. Realizing where you can contribute to a changing world and helping others through their journey of change can be your superpower. If you keep focusing on what could go right and what a joy it can be to be in a dynamic environment, you’ll be far ahead of others trying to figure out yesterday’s change. The world needs more change agents and leadership to handle what’s coming next. Will you adapt and become the kind of person to help show the way?

Have An Awesome Day!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

Are You As Healthy And Happy As You Want?

By Ahsan

“Action is the foundational key to all success.”

Pablo Picasso

We all know we can be healthier and happier, and we even know how we can do it. But after a good start, we often find ourselves wishing we had more willpower. Our efforts fade into the background, and we lose that confidence in ourselves.

Dear seeker of health and happiness, I understand you’ve faced hurdles in your journey. It can feel like you’re battling against your own willpower, unable to break free from old habits.

However, let me share a powerful insight: it isn’t willpower that leads to lasting change, but rather the cementing of your personal standards.

While willpower might have you thinking, “I’m trying to eat better,” standards empower you to declare, “I am someone who nourishes my body.”

Willpower can help to think positively, but standards say I will drop negative thinking the second it pops up, just like I would a hot knife!

Think about it. Willpower is a fluctuating force, like the tides influenced by the moon; it ebbs and flows based on moods and circumstances.

In contrast, standards are steadfast like the mountain, immovable and unwavering.

Willpower is fleeting, but standards are transforming!

As you embark on this transformative path, remember the words, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

It’s not about pushing against temptation; it’s about building a new identity.

Your successful future self does not negotiate with unhealthy habits. Instead of saying, “I’ll try not to snack after dinner,” confidently affirm, “I do not snack after dinner.”

This simple shift opens a new world of achievement.

Consider a new and more refined you by applying non-negotiable standards.

You are the sculptor of your own life; let standards carve out a healthier, happier you.

Now, my friend, take action.

Define your standards today!

What will you no longer negotiate?

What will define your path forward?

Embrace these standards with unwavering commitment, for they will be your guiding star on the journey to the life you truly desire.

Let’s solidify our identity as someone who thrives in health and happiness!

Have An Awesome Day!

Want more Awesome writing from us? Go to this link and order your copy of the Awesome Life book today! Click Here to Buy The Awesome Life Book By Clicking Our Affiliate Link Here!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

Rebuilding Yourself One Day at a Time!

By Shazad

Never stop investing. Never stop improving. Never stop doing something new. Make it your goal to be better each and every day, in some small way. Remember the Japanese concept of Kaizen. Small daily improvements eventually result in huge advantages.

Bob Parsons

Most people want to change something about themselves. Maybe it’s their finances or their physical fitness. Some people want to improve their relationships or mental well-being. Whatever it is, you aim to be on some kind of journey of self-reflection, skill development, and personal growth or refinement. This is our ultimate Human Transformation journey.

We begin by assessing our current situation. How are you feeling today? Where can you improve your life—let me count the ways. Choose one area and concentrate on it. Take a honest look at your performance, feelings, and personal assessment of that part of yourself. If your fitness level is a 6/10, consider how to raise it to a 7/10 within three months or less. It’s crucial to be honest and clear about your current position and where you want to be in a set time frame. I prefer to think in terms of weeks and months because it creates a sense of urgency, but the goal remains achievable through small, meaningful changes.

The next step is to identify what needs to be done or which tools are necessary to improve in a specific area. Who do you need to serve as an accountability partner or coach for you? How much time, money, effort, focus, and rest are required? Be very clear about these from the beginning so you don’t have to renegotiate later. Treat your resources of time, money, and mental energy like a ‘budgeted’ item on a non-negotiable spreadsheet. Anything that is not essential can be delegated or postponed until you reach your goal.

The final step in this ongoing cycle is refinement and returning to point 1. You need to identify the next aspect of life to improve or level up further in the same area you've just worked on. For example, aim for 8/10 physical health over the next three months. This cycle continues until you feel you've maximized a particular area of yourself and no longer need to level up. At that point, you can shift focus to something else to improve until it’s either maximized or sufficiently enhanced so you're satisfied for now and ready to tackle a different area of life. It's highly likely that improvements in various parts of your life will reinforce each other, creating a virtuous circle. For instance, better physical health can lead to improved mental health and life satisfaction. This can enhance your work performance, resulting in better financial outcomes, which then strengthens your relationships through more quality time with family, like vacations. Conversely, focusing excessively on one or two aspects of your life or obsessing over them can harm other areas, as neglect, abuse, or exhaustion may take a toll on those parts. You need to consider your entire life and its diverse components.

When you think holistically and focus on making small but meaningful improvements every day, over time, you discover healthy ways to refine and grow into a better person. That gradual, consistent process with lots of patience and forgiveness for minor stumbles is how you will remake yourself and achieve lasting transformation.

Have An Awesome Day!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

Massive Changes are Coming! Learn To Surf!

By Shazad

"You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf."

Jon Kabat-Zinn

Just when you think it’s time to relax and get comfortable... wham! Another major world-shaking change hits you—or is about to! That’s the reality we live in. When I was younger, these shocks to the global system seemed to happen every 10 years, and as I got older, they seemed to occur every 7 years. Now, it feels like every 3 to 5 years, we're all stunned by developments in the economy, healthcare, education, or geopolitics. Sometimes, it’s all of the above in the same year! What should we do, and how does a person cope with all this?

First, accept the honest truth that change always occurs and has long disrupted the world. Then, get comfortable with how quickly change happens, because we live in a highly connected world. This means many events happening halfway across the globe are shared with us in minutes now, instead of months or years as in earlier times. Everything feels like “Breaking News!” all day, even when it’s just about an aging actor or celebrity sports star passing away naturally.

Second, find stability in the things that haven’t changed. Be grounded in your values, your family, and your faith. Gain peace, strength, and wisdom from the timeless things that aren’t tossing you around like you're in a giant pinball machine played by a competitive champion who just keeps earning more credits and playing endlessly. Step away from the chaos or noise of the world and pray, meditate, and simply evaluate your life so far. Where is it going well, and where can you make improvements? How can you be more grounded and adaptable to external changes? Learn to give your foundational practices some time every day to get stronger.

Third, every day, picture yourself as a surfing champion wading into the water and standing up when you see the big wave approaching. You’re both nervous and excited at the same time. Fearing the worst but hoping for the best and trusting your life experience, stamina, and faith to guide you through. You know you can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to ride them as best you can and even enjoy the moment. It’s going to take all you have on some days. You’ll wipe out and be covered in a wall of water, but you will find your way to the surface again and take a giant gasp of air to regain your senses.

It’s not going to stop, and surfing won’t be easy even for the best of the best, but you’ve got this! Everyone who has ever been alive has made it through similar times, and we are all descendants of some of the greatest of the human species. As living beings, human beings are genuinely resilient, resourceful, and even robust. Dramatic life changes aren’t just endured; they are used to transform and improve. That’s what we all must strive for so we can become even better when we come out the other side of the wave and get ready for the next one!

Have An Awesome Day!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

What is LIFE?

By Ahsan

“You do not find the happy life, you make it.”

Camilla Eyering Kimball

I’m sure you have your own definition of life or have heard countless clever sayings along the way, but here’s one to think about:

LIFE stands for: Live In Full Experience

The older you get, the more you’ll come to appreciate how precious this one life truly is. The acronym itself—Live In Full Experience—highlights the key words that remind us how to make the most of our time here.

LIVE IN [the moment]

Imagine you’re sitting down to enjoy a beautiful show—one you and your partner have been planning to attend for weeks. Just as it begins, a thought crosses your mind: Did I lock the car?

You start to worry about the valuables in the glove compartment. That anxious loop keeps you mentally tied to the parking lot while your body sits in the audience.

The music plays, the lights dance, but you’re not really there. That, of course, isn’t living.

To LIVE is to be present where you are. It’s allowing yourself to fully show up for the moment you’re in, without dragging along the weight of what might go wrong. Your mind must be where your feet and the rest of your body are; otherwise, you’ll miss the show!

FULL

To live a full life means filling your days with the things that bring meaning and joy. Are you making time for the activities that truly matter to you?

When weeks slip by without seeing a friend for coffee, going on that nature walk, or carving out time for laughter and creativity, life can start to feel incomplete.

Make a short list—five things that make you feel genuinely alive—and commit to doing them each week. You’ll be amazed at how much more fulfilled you feel when you intentionally create space for joy.

EXPERIENCE

There are experiences we all encounter automatically—working, parenting, travelling—but living them deeply is a different story.

Experiencing your job might mean focusing on your impact, not just checking tasks off a list. Experiencing marriage might mean being more than partners—being each other’s best friend and greatest supporter.

The same is true with your kids: connect with them so they see you not just as the authority figure, but as a guide who helps them discover who they are.

Even vacations can change when we slow down—less like racing through a museum to see every painting, more like pausing in front of one masterpiece and letting it move us.

A Gentle Reminder

Time is running, and life is short. Its meaning is something we can—and should—slow down to reflect on.

Jackie Robinson once said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

And as Søren Kierkegaard reminds us, “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.”

True—so true.

So, what’s life?

It’s very simple. Just Live in Full Experience!

Have An Awesome Day!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

How to Be a Real Human Being In an "Artificial" World

By Shazad

“The tragedy of life is in what dies inside a man while he lives - the death of genuine feeling, the death of inspired response, the awareness that makes it possible to feel the pain or the glory of other men in yourself.”

Norman Cousins

“One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.”

Elbert Hubbard

We live on the brink of a new dawn. Artificial intelligence has surged into every aspect of life since late 2022, when ChatGPT became accessible to the public, and the widespread hysteria about its implications has just begun to dominate all media. Which jobs will vanish? How will people earn a living? What will we do with all our free time if AI can handle everything for us? And the questions go on. This human-made tool called AI has certainly become more powerful and widespread over the past few years, but some things have not changed, and that is where our humanity truly resides.

To be human is to have feelings, thoughts, and empathy towards all creatures, especially other human beings. That should not change, regardless of how widespread AI tools and services become. We have to remind ourselves that these tools were designed to help humans live better lives, rather than taking over our consciousness. We should have more time to truly examine ourselves and our world to see how we make it better, safer, and more fulfilling for the largest number of people.

When AI tools can manage some of the heavy lifting in complex research, technical writing, and even driving, we all stand to benefit. That time saved on mundane or dull tasks is time gained and not wasted on undesirable activities. This raises questions about the purpose of our lives. What do we value when we regain some or a lot of our time? Each person must engage in genuine self-reflection and find answers that make sense for them. Some individuals will enjoy more quality time with family. Others might pursue a new skill or learning opportunity. Maybe you want to volunteer some hours in your community or travel to a developing nation to provide much-needed human guidance to youth who need a teacher, mentor, or life coach. Whatever your choice, you and I will need to figure this out very soon.

As powerful and affordable as AI has become for many people, it still has limitations in its code. It doesn’t truly understand or ‘know’ anything at this stage. It may never reach a state of awareness, and that’s okay. Our tools should serve as our servants and helpers, not as our “Masters”. We created the wheel, paper, and the computer to assist us with tasks, not to replace our humanity. There are many limitations and caveats to AI use in the workplace and in daily life. These remind us that AI is not an “Everything” tool for every task. It’s a specific type of assistant, partner, or feedback mechanism to help us do our most important task — thinking for ourselves. We can’t outsource or fall short on that. All data and output from AI must be analyzed and processed by the world’s most sophisticated brain - the human mind. People have developed various technologies and tools around us today, and that includes Artificial Intelligence. Not the other way around!

"Technology gives us power, but it does not and cannot tell us how to use that power. Thanks to technology, we can instantly communicate across the world, but it still doesn't help us know what to say."

Jonathan Sacks

We can oppose, refuse, and attempt to destroy all new technologies as some might suggest, or we can choose to use them to nurture our best selves. First, we develop our tools, then leverage them to improve human life and well-being. Subsequently, we can continue to gain more benefits from these same tools with each new generation of technology and services. There is no end in sight when we handle our tools responsibly, thoughtfully, and with care. Our humanity remains the true measure of our intelligence today and into the future.

Note: This article was first written entirely by a human and improved with AI to fine-tune grammar, spelling, and tone.

Have An Awesome Day!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

How Travelling To The Future Is The Secret To Success!

By Ahsan

“The bruise! The bruise on your head. I know how that happened; you told me the whole story. You were hanging a clock, and you were standing on a toilet, and you fell. And that's when you came up with the idea for the Flux Capacitor, which is what makes time travel possible.”

Marty McFly, Back to the Future

Imagine yourself at the end of your life, reflecting on a simple secret to success so powerful that its absence leaves you with feelings of regret and longing. What if this secret could have transformed your life into something richer, more fulfilling, and deeply enjoyable for you and those you cherish most?

Today, I invite you to uncover this secret—a concept so transformative that you will wish you had embraced it sooner!

When we encounter successful individuals, we often wonder if their achievements stem from confidence derived from past accomplishments and skills. Surely, our past experiences and victories provide a foundation for future success, don't they?

However, what if the formula they employ, one that you might be unconsciously using as well, hinges less on the weight of past experiences and more on the power of envisioned outcomes yet to come?

This is the essence of "going back to the future." We engage in this process every time we daydream about what lies ahead—what if we harnessed that ability to create success in our present?

Are you with me so far?

You could set your sights on achieving your goals by visualizing yourself in the future, basking in the glory of your accomplishments.

That’s right, Doc!—the future that hasn’t happened yet but is a vivid portrayal of your potential reality.

In essence, can you manifest personal success today through this metaphorical "time travel" to your future?

Here’s how to embark on this journey:

1. Envision Your Future Self: Create a clear image of yourself achieving your goal. Feel the emotions that accompany that success—joy, pride, exhilaration!

2. Draw Your Roadmap: With that vision in mind, formulate a concrete plan and take determined action!

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "If you would have it, pay for it and take it!" This mindset is particularly powerful when confronting new, challenging goals, as opposed to simpler, linear objectives, such as committing to exercise three times a week.

Challenging goals, such as climbing a mountain, require you to carve a new path, and they may instill a sense of unease and doubt because they exceed anything you've previously accomplished.

Instead of approaching from past experiences, think from the goal; allow it to shape your present. Visualize the future and let that vision pull you toward its reality. The optimal path and strategy for achieving that goal will naturally emerge!

Consider this: no soccer team scores a goal without first envisioning itself kicking the ball into the net. No boxer enters the ring without imagining a knockout. They hold a steadfast image of victory, replaying it in vivid detail—the thrill of the crowd, that moment of glory when they raise their arms in triumph.

When we glance at our past, it’s often to predict what the future holds for us. But remember, the past does not dictate your present or future—your future sets the terms for your present and can even reshape how you view your past!

Your vision for the future and the goals you aspire to will establish the frameworks and filters for what you prioritize today, guiding the choices you make.

With these future ambitions in mind, you can decide what to discard and what to invest your energy into, facilitating your progress in achieving them.

Creating the best version of your life and the person you aspire to become is an ongoing journey. However, by focusing on "going back to the future," you can cultivate the success you seek today.

So, let’s seize that Flux Capacitor moment—explore your future potential and take bold steps to turn those visions into reality! After all, the only limit to your success is the scope of your imagination.

Have An Awesome Day!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

Using AI For Better Mental Health

By Shazad

"The future of artificial intelligence is not about man versus machine, but rather man with machine. Together, we can achieve unimaginable heights of innovation and progress."

Fei-Fei Li, Co-Director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI

There is so much news, hype, and propaganda about both the strengths and dangers of Artificial Intelligence or AI. Lots of doom and gloom out there and I think its time for some positive ideas to balance the concerns. This is especially important to do now when we have so many people suffering from mental health issues. The situation gets worse as we have a shortage of qualified health professionals to talk to combined with very high costs to engage with the ones that are available to.

One of the bright spots of AI as a groundbreaking tool is how it helps expand access to healthcare. AI tools are providing new forms of support, and offering a promising path toward a more accessible and personalized future for mental wellness. AI-powered chatbots provide accessible, anonymous, and 24/7 support for the majority of people with access to the Internet.

Various chatbots can offer instant support without the need for appointments or the high cost of traditional therapy. These tools are non-judgmental by nature and encourage users to open up about sensitive topics they may be hesitant to discuss with another human being.

Many of these chatbots are based on evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), making their interventions clinically relevant and useful to a large percentage of people seeking therapy.

AI isn't just a replacement for therapists but a powerful tool that helps them work more effectively by referencing studies and the latest information about how the mind works in the modern world. The right tools help health professionals make more accurate diagnosis and come up with more tailored treatments for a variety of human conditions related to the mind and mental well-being.

AI algorithms can analyze a patient’s health records, neuroimaging, and even genetic data to recommend the most effective, personalized treatment plan. This is the advanced healthcare we have all dreamed of and it’s now available to the general public in many places.

AI tools, just like human beings, are not perfect or a ‘silver bullet’ to fix the mental health crisis but the do offer some great information, accessibility, and a tailored approach to this complex issue affecting so many people. The efficiency, affordability, and constant improvement of AI platforms makes it possible to achieve some healthcare transformation within a few short years. By leveraging proven tools which have the right human oversight, we can improve the well-being of society and have a better world for all!

Have An Awesome Day!

Want more Awesome writing from us? Go to this link and order your copy of the Awesome Life book today! Click Here to Buy The Awesome Life Book By Clicking Our Affiliate Link Here!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

How To Avoid Arrows From Striking You

By Ahsan

"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another."

William James

Upon hearing that the ancient walled city was under attack, a group of citizens asked the soldier what would happen to themselves, their loved ones, and their valuables if the enemy breached the main gate.

The soldier remained calm and assured them to have faith in the fortified gateway engineered to withstand the pounding of the battering rams.

However, he added an important measure for them to consider.

He stoically urged them, “Keep close to the walls; lest the arrows flying over – strike you!”

This advice is so logical yet not intuitive. The recommendation to shield oneself by simply changing one’s physical position, staying closer to the walls, requires the least amount of effort and offers the greatest protection.

Similarly, you and I are bombarded, as it were, by striking arrows of negativity, irritations, anxieties, and tensions unleashed by daily circumstances and the people around us.

While we could devise many techniques to avert the piercing of these arrows, let me suggest one very logical and straightforward method.

What is the equivalent of simply staying close to the walls?

Just become aware.

Develop a personal awareness of how circumstances and people around you can influence you, allowing you to avoid the negative feelings or irritations you might usually feel.

Get closer to the walls of your mind with an awareness of life playing out in front of you without getting swept away by it.

This level of personal awareness is not just about understanding your environment; it’s also about recognizing that “The only journey is the journey within.” – Rainer Maria Rilke.

By undertaking this inner journey, you discover the root causes of your emotions and your ongoing experiences in life. Otherwise, you'll remain forever trapped in the misconception that your feelings come from the pleasant or unpleasant circumstances or people you interact with.

By letting the arrows fly past you, you can live with more happiness and really enjoy your time here because life should be cherished, not just endured.

Among the most vital knowledge you can ever absorb is the ability to live well, helping you savour the time you have during your brief visit to this planet.

Have An Awesome Day!

Want more Awesome writing from us? Go to this link and order your copy of the Awesome Life book today! Click Here to Buy The Awesome Life Book By Clicking Our Affiliate Link Here!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

What Is Your Reinforcement?

By Shazad

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths.

When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Humans have been using concrete to construct tall and wide structures for quite some time. Under normal and light loads, it is strong and stable. However, when stressed by weight or tension, even concrete can break apart. That’s why reinforcement bars of steel, also known as “rebar,” are embedded within large concrete structures. They help ensure the tall building, the bridge, or the stadium remains upright and resilient to the constant stress from people and vehicles testing its design. Humans are built with similar reinforcements. I’m talking about the way we react, think, and care for ourselves.

Resilience is a topic we’ve spoken about before, and I’m going to mention it again here. We can’t talk about living a strong, courageous, and healthy life without mentioning resiliency. This is the ultimate ‘rebar’ for your mind. It means you have the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties and hardship. By developing your ability to endure and even grow stronger, you avoid crumbling and breaking down. Doing hard things regularly and accepting that struggle is an important part of your human journey can help you build this kind of reinforcement.

Equanimity is another form of ‘rebar’ we have discussed before. Having this means maintaining mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper during challenging situations. You reset and regain stability when aroused, angered, or shaken. You don’t have a meltdown, which could make things worse. To develop your equanimity, you need to experience calmness in your mind and life consistently. Daily meditation or gratitude practices can assist. Walking in nature, listening to soothing music, and engaging in proper stretching routines will help you strengthen your equanimity at your core.

Fitness and Self-Care are the third key aspects of being strong enough to handle life’s challenges. They include staying physically fit and eating well most of the time. Just like moisture and road salt can damage concrete and the rebar inside, poor food choices and unhealthy habits can harm our well-being, so we must avoid these dangers as much as possible. Small cracks in concrete can be repaired before they worsen, and the same applies to our overall health. If we address issues related to our muscles, bones, and organs early, we can maintain strength and overall condition better than those who neglect these areas. Maintaining a bridge or building is similar to caring for our bodies and minds through proper movement, nutrition, and medication/repairs. Looking and feeling strong on the outside starts with what is happening inside us all the time. Look for problems early and address the issues right away.

So now it’s your turn. What are you doing to build resilience, practice equanimity, and maintain fitness to keep yourself robust and capable of handling whatever the world throws at you? How you choose to live from now on will determine how heroically the rest of your life unfolds. Reinforce yourself with these tools on a daily basis!

Have An Awesome Day!

Want more Awesome writing from us? Go to this link and order your copy of the Awesome Life book today! Click Here to Buy The Awesome Life Book By Clicking Our Affiliate Link Here!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

Embrace Joy: 3 Mindsets for a Fulfilling Life

By Ahsan

“Your mindset matters. It affects everything - from the business and investment decisions you make, to the way you raise your children, to your stress levels and overall well-being.”

Peter Diamandis

Are you ready to shift your perspective and embrace a more joyful life? Here are three powerful mindsets to help you thrive every day!

1. Focus on Happiness: Start by smiling more! Surround yourself with positive people and uplifting news, and do your best to avoid negativity. Remember, as the saying goes, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” Happiness is a choice, so choose it daily!

2. Practice Gratitude: Take a moment each day to express gratitude. Fill in the blank: “It’s good to be _______ (insert your name).” Reflect on your unique strengths and blessings. This simple practice can transform your outlook and remind you of the abundance in your life.

3. Incorporate Joyful Activities: Make it a point to engage in activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s playing pickleball, meditating for a few mindful minutes, or exploring new hobbies, find what makes you happy and prioritize it. Sometimes, as writer Maya Angelou said, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

Remember, these three practices should be part of your daily routine. Approach them with urgency—your well-being truly depends on it!

Choose to live successfully and joyfully every single day. You owe it to yourself!

Have An Awesome Day!

Want more Awesome writing from us? Go to this link and order your copy of the Awesome Life book today! Click Here to Buy The Awesome Life Book By Clicking Our Affiliate Link Here!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

Become The Kind of Person You Admire

By Shazad

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

Helen Keller

We all admire certain famous people in history or among our relatives and circle of friends. Such people stick out and represent the best of what it means to be a good human being. They show us how to get difficult things done and demonstrate incredible character. We may even call some of these people ‘our hero’. How does this happen? Let’s explore what makes such people so admirable.

I was inspired by the chapter called “Be the Guy” from the Awesome Life book. In that chapter, there are 2 stories of heroic courage, ingenuity, and consistent forward progress. These are attributes anyone who wants to be known as the reliable guy or ‘get it done’ person has. They don’t make excuses or try to find a way out of doing the task.

Once a person decides they need to get something done, they commit to a plan of action and execute it. This is the first step and drives the rest of the process. Consistently moving the ball forward, no matter what. Such people are recognized as doers and action-oriented vs those who merely think about problems and discuss possible solutions without actually trying to do anything about them.

Whatever happens on the journey, the noble person focused on a mission has a ‘do or die’ mentality. They can endure hardship and temporary setbacks, but they WON’T GIVE UP. They will stay resolute in their determination to complete the task. That persistence and grit are essential if you want to keep moving forward in your own life and achieve your goals.

The people we truly respect and admire don’t “perform” for applause, likes, or fame. They do it because it’s part of who they are! They show up, ask how they can help, complete the task, and move on. They aren’t seeking thanks or any kind of reward. That’s what makes them truly special. They are the everyday heroes in our lives and show us the way forward. If we all borrowed some of their courage, persistence, and humility, we too could become the kind of people we would call Awesome!

Have An Awesome Day!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

How to Increase Your Income: An Invitation to Growth

By Ahsan

In the quest to increase your earnings, consider the tale of a young man who approached a moneylender, seeking solace in a loan. "Why do you seek this aid?" the moneylender inquired. With honesty, the young man confessed, "I am bound by obligations, struggling to meet my family's needs." The wise moneylender replied, "Reflect deeply, my friend. To surpass your burdens, you must first elevate your worth, for borrowing blindfolds the spirit to future opportunities."

Fortuitously, the young man received a small loan that day—modest in amount, yet powerful as a seed of potential.

Not long before, he had stumbled upon a transformative course in his vocation, one led by a seasoned master whose craft shone with success. Rather than satiate immediate wants, he chose to invest in this opportunity, propelled by the belief that true wealth lies not in borrowed coins but in acquired knowledge.

The course unfolded over three days, illuminating pathways to prosperity. At its conclusion, the young man brimmed with exhilaration, for within him stirred a newfound spirit of possibility.

Now it was time to act on the newfound ways and means.

He embraced each day’s tasks with fervor, honing his skills and nurturing an unwavering persistence. The fruits of his labour began to flourish; circumstances shifted, opportunities emerged, and in a mere two months, he returned to the moneylender, paying off his modest debt with gratitude.

As the sun charted its course across the sky, so too did the young man's fortunes rise, multiplying fivefold within a year and continuing to ascend ever higher.

Reflect upon this parable, dear reader, and let it resonate within your being.

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity," declared the great philosopher Seneca.

Thus, if you desire greater wealth, invest wholeheartedly in yourself. Seek mentors who illuminate the path, learning their wisdom, and let your actions echo their insights, for “Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire,” as the esteemed author Arnold H. Glasow so aptly stated.

To unlock the doors of abundance, immerse yourself in the pursuit of knowledge. Cultivate your skills until you stand unrivalled in your craft.

Challenge the notion of limits and refuse to settle for less. Embrace the quest for excellence, for in the journey, you shall transcend mediocrity.

As the Stoic philosopher Epictetus proclaimed, "Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants."

What do you really want?

Nurture your potential; rise on the wings of relentless effort and unwavering focus.

As you climb the mountain of personal growth, remember: the summit is not merely a destination but a continual pursuit. There, at the pinnacle, awaits your reward — the realization of your truest self and the wealth that flows from your enhanced capabilities.

Take this invitation boldly, and let no shadow of doubt reside in your heart. Pursue your passions, hone your talents, and ascend toward the riches of your dreams. For the time is now, and the mountain beckons. Get after it, and do not look back!

Have An Awesome Day!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

With The Passage of Time...

By Shazad

“All I know time is a valuable thing
Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings
Watch it count down to the end of the day, the clock ticks life away.”

‘In the End’, Song by Linkin Park

It’s early morning, about an hour before sunrise, and I am offering my pre-dawn prayers as I listen to the clock ticking in my home office. I am reciting various prayers in Arabic and also appreciating how special this moment is as it merges into the next. One second at a time. The quiet and steady ticking of my wall clock seems to grow louder as I get older, and I believe I know why.

When we are younger, we have a vague sense of time and the clock is mostly a nuisance that reminds us things like it’s time to go to school, or it’s time to eat lunch, or the dreaded one, bedtime! We mostly don’t hear or just plain ignore the ticking clocks at home, at school, and anywhere else that annoying mechanical sound happens to be. We are full of energy, dreams, and time!

As we grow older, we realize there are some limits to how much we can enjoy our days. How often can we sleep in, and what is it like to trade time for money? I’m talking about getting a job, earning money, and then spending it all just before the next pay cheque hits the bank. It’s simply another game involving time, our efforts, and the world we live in. The clock seems louder, constantly reminding us when lunch breaks end and it’s time to finish that assignment, or the boss will be all over us about an incomplete project.

As mature adults with families, we really start to notice that annoying hum or buzz of every clock in the room. It’s as if they are following us around! Some produce a whirring sound, and others constantly beep as seconds march forward in a seemingly endless flow of tiny soldiers. It’s around this time that we realize some important things, like I’m middle-aged and I have serious responsibilities with people relying on me every day to do the right thing at the right time! Suddenly, time is very front and centre in our minds, and we think about it more than ever before. Things like investing for retirement, life insurance, and leaving a legacy come to mind. We think about how much time remains before our parents and other elders pass away. We imagine how great our youth was, with so much time and energy. We even notice our kids getting bigger, older, smarter, and moving a little farther away from us as they create their own journey through time. It’s all becoming very tangible and visceral. Time is no longer just a vague concept or a nice idea. It’s a very key dimension of our existence and the measure of everything we hold dear, because TIME is the only thing we can’t create more of! TIME is literally passing by as you read this and absorb the message of this post.

As I finished my early morning prayers, I turned my face to the right and left and sent blessings of Peace and God’s Mercy in both directions. I remain sitting and express gratitude for this gift of understanding, awareness, and most importantly, TIME! Meanwhile, the constant ticking of my clock is heard in the background, and the hint of a new dawn begins to appear outside my window. I cherish this moment as one of many I’ve had in the early morning hours, and I start a new day because it’s about time!

Have An Awesome Day!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

How You Can Guarantee Being Unhappy and What to Do Instead

By Ahsan

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

Muhammad Ali

We all have a natural desire to be happy. How do we know this? Well, our choices, decisions, and dreams are often guided by what brings us joy and pleasure. Generally, the things we chase in life are aimed at achieving happiness and steering clear of anything that causes us pain or displeasure.

In essence, every action we take and every desire we nurture is centred around attaining a sense of well-being—or, in other words, happiness. This understanding can shed light on our motivations and help us empathize with others, as everyone shares this universal quest for pleasure while avoiding suffering.

But what about pain? Isn’t it simply the absence of happiness?

Interestingly, there’s a straightforward way to cultivate unhappiness, restlessness, or discontent: focusing entirely on yourself. Whether you’re dwelling on past grievances or worrying about the future, immersing yourself in self-centred thoughts can trap you in a cycle of negativity. You might find yourself ruminating about why certain events unfolded or how others are treating you, which inevitably leads to feelings of despair.

So, what’s the antidote to this self-imposed misery?

Consider this: instead of getting lost in your thoughts, seek opportunities to be helpful to others. Offering assistance to friends, family, or even volunteering for strangers can lead to a remarkable transformation. There’s a unique kind of joy that arises when you shift your focus from yourself to the well-being of others.

As the famous author and speaker Viktor Frankl once said,

“Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue.”

By recognizing that your happiness often follows acts of kindness and service, you can build a more fulfilling life.

At the end of the day, everyone grapples with some form of unhappiness or challenge. By lending a helping hand, an encouraging smile, or simply acknowledging someone’s existence, you can alleviate their moment of sadness.

In this spirit of service, we not only uplift others but also nurture our joy. As the renowned theologian Henri Nouwen expressed, “The great illusion of leadership is to think that man can be led out of the desert by someone who has never been there.” When we empathize and connect through our shared experiences, we remind ourselves of our potential for happiness.

If we consciously adopt this mindset of stepping out of our heads to focus on helping others, we can cultivate a perpetual state of well-being and happiness. Remember, fixating on oneself can lead to unhappiness, regret, and fear.

Instead, consider letting go of controlling everything and surrendering to a higher power, serving others in the process. By doing so, you’ll discover the path to genuine happiness and contentment.

Have An Awesome Day!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

Get MAD Daily for Awesome Health!

By Shazad

“He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.”

Thomas Carlyle

Do you want to be healthy? Would you like to have a strong and lean body? How about a sharp mind that continues to work well as you age? The answer for everyone I know is a resounding “YES!”. In this article, we’ll find out some strategies to do this by referring to the Amazing Health chapter in the Awesome Life book.

It’s so confusing to figure out what’s healthy, how to exercise, and how much effort is required to actually get and then stay healthy. I’m here to simplify some things for you so you can be clear, have a simple plan, and develop consistency.

First, ignore the government food guides, the hype on TV, and most of the fitness influencers with their magical smoothies and ‘superfoods’ on the Internet. Get back to basics and do what humans have been doing for thousands of years. What’s that you say? Eat real food whose ingredients you know and do this at least 80% of the time. The other 20% of the time you can indulge in processed food. Next, make the 80% good food you eat as nutritious as possible and make it look Awesome! What we call MAD. That stands for Massive - Awesome - Delicious! Make great salad bowls with the most colourful vegetables and fruits you like to eat and top off with the tastiest proteins you enjoy from chick peas to grilled chicken, beef, or fish. Use the best Olive oil you can find and enjoy frequently! Make all your meals as colourful and nutrient-rich as possible. This doesn’t mean they have to be calorie bombs as a lot of real food that is minimally processed is low calorie in nature while being full of the required minerals, vitamins, proteins, and flavour you crave! When you do eat, make it a social thing at least one meal a day. Eat with family. Eat with friends or peers at work. Just don’t eat alone any one day. The act of eating and enjoying great food with others cannot be understated. Great for your mind and body when you gather around the table for some great tasting and healthy food.

Second, make sure you move your body daily. Go for 15-minute walks at least twice a day. If it’s safe, do some brisk walking or even running once or twice a week for about 5-10 minutes on a soft surface like a grassy field or sandy beach. Get your heart rate up until you can’t talk, then return to a normal pace of walking or cycling. You don’t need hours of cardio each week, but you do need to keep moving, and you should be able to sustain a fast walk, run, or cycle for 5 minutes once a week. Don’t stop there. Pick up and put down moderately heavy objects. Yes, I mean strength training with your body, bands, or weights in a gym. Focus on 4-5 exercises total, such as pushing, pulling, squatting, hinging, and stretching. Basic exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, bodyweight squats, deadlifts, lunges, and flys are easy to find proper form for online. Look these up and do them twice a week with 1-2 days of rest in between. You don’t have to lift heavy or do much, but you must do everything slowly and smoothly, then finish. Take your breaks between sets and repeat. When planned well, a quick 20-30 minute strength training session can be very effective. Doing two of these weekly, gradually increasing reps and weights, will make your body stronger, leaner, and most definitely awesome! If you need coaching or help creating a program tailored for you, consider hiring a personal trainer for 3-6 months and follow their plan exactly to see results. You can’t keep changing programs and expect significant progress, so find a suitable one and stick with it for at least three months but no longer than six before making major adjustments.

"Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."

Benjamin Franklin

Third, lock in your gains and maximize the benefits of all that healthy eating (80% of the time) and those workouts (twice a week) with daily walking. Go to sleep on a consistent schedule such as 10 pm and wake up no later than 8 pm every single day. It’s very easy and often neglected, but it’s critical if you want to see results. You can’t grow if you don’t rest, and sleep is the time when the mind and body do their cleanup and repair process, so you are a better human being during the daytime. Your nutritional needs, digestion, and thinking abilities all change depending on how well you rest at night, so focus on getting the best possible sleep every day. This is even more important for those 40-plus who want to avoid the various lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure, blood sugar/insulin sensitivity, and heart conditions. Sleep is such a big factor in healthy ageing and keeping diseases away that it cannot be understated. Give up your FOMO and stop talking to your friends online or in person after 9 p.m., at least six days a week.

“Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Aye! it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort”

Holy Quran (13:29)

Incorporate prayers in the morning (pre-dawn) and night (after sunset) to further enhance your soul by expressing gratitude, asking for help, and seeking wisdom from the Creator. Our souls need exercise as well, and spending some time reflecting throughout the day and offering prayers is an excellent way to nourish your soul. Start your nightly wind-down and aim to be asleep by 10 p.m. for optimal rest and recovery. Perform prayers and go to sleep on time consistently, and over a month you’ll feel like a different person. A better and more competent person with better health, God Willing!

The advice above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official medical or official health advice. Please consult with your healthcare professional and fitness coaches for the best guidance tailored to your specific situation.

My goal was to offer a general overview of key points to consider and share some practical strategies I used to stay fit and maintain that for over 10 years. Your circumstances may be different, but I believe the principles mentioned will generally apply, and the individual actions can be adapted to fit each person's schedule, physical abilities, and preferences. Always remember to look after yourself—mind, body, and soul. Don’t let time pass without self-reflection and a commitment to take even small steps each day to improve your situation. If we all aimed to be just 1% better every day, we could significantly transform our lives in positive ways.

Live Awesome!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

Are You Dead But Just Don’t Know It?

By Ahsan

“I’m reflective only in the sense that I learn to move forward. I reflect with a purpose.”

Kobe Bryant

Are you feeling a bit stuck, as if you’re merely going through the motions?

Here Are Concerning Signs:

- You may have given up on some of your dreams.

- Challenging yourself with new experiences might have taken a backseat.

- The sense of wonder you once had seems to have faded.

- Your health might not feel up to par, perhaps even below a 5/10.

- You sense something is off, but finding out what it is doesn’t seem to matter much.

You’re certainly not alone; all of us experience this funk from time to time.

The good news is that conscious awareness can help you rediscover that zest for life, boosting your mojo, adding a skip to your step, and igniting that sparkle in your eyes.

How to Find Your Purpose:

Start with a simple yet profound question: What is my purpose in life today?

Reflect on what comes to mind right now.

Here are some areas that might inspire you or remind you of your purpose:

- Unfulfilled personal goals

- Improving relationships with the people who matter most

- Achieving financial comfort for you and your loved ones

- Pursuing hobbies that bring you joy

- Exploring places both near and far

- Creating lasting memories to cherish

- Cultivating a spiritual connection with your Creator

- Prioritizing mental well-being

- Becoming the best version of yourself

Any or all of these aspects can ignite that much-needed spark.

Remember, you are here for just a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of things!

Don’t you want to feel like you’re truly living, rather than just existing?

This is the notion of “being dead but not knowing it” that I’m talking about— a decaying mind, body and spirit, a weak sense of direction and a drying up of dreams that once mattered to you.

As Oscar Wilde wisely said, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”

Why Not Do The Exercise Described Today:

All you have to do is take one hour to sit down with yourself and use an old-fashioned pen and paper to write down what comes to mind.

There is magic in writing down your thoughts because it brings things to life. Pun intended.

Let’s commit ourselves to this beautiful journey called life and infuse it with greater purpose.

Just as a gardener tends to their plants with care and dedication, nurturing them to grow and flourish, we too can cultivate a life filled with vibrancy.

The action of planting the seeds of purpose today will cause a well-lived life tomorrow!

Have An Awesome Day!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

Success Is A Choice

By Shazad

We all seek it, dream about it, and even pray for it. We sincerely and anxiously want to become successful, and why not?! Success is not some random chance event or something that must be inherited from a wealthy relative. Success is up to you and me. I’m no astrologer and I personally don’t believe in stars or planets defining my course in life. I do believe in personal choices and responsibility. There are some things we can and must do if we want to achieve success. I’ll show you one possible path you can follow.

Step 1: Definition

In competitive sports, a goal must be known to score a point and WIN the game. The same is true with your success in life. How do you define success in your own words? What does it look like and feel like? Is it a certain bank balance, free time, a healthy family, or something else? Be very clear what it means and write it out in some detail. Look at your definition daily until you achieve it.

Step 2: Why Does it Matter?

Before you go on a big life-changing journey to pursue your success, figure out WHY you want the success you defined in Step 1. What’s wrong with the way you are living today? Knowing your WHY will help anchor your actions with a greater purpose that will motivate you. If your WHY is not strong enough, you will give up at the very start. It’s a good habit to write down your WHY and look at it daily, so you know what you are chasing.

Step 3: Sacrifices

What will you give up, delay, or otherwise ignore in pursuit of your success? Will you invest the time, money, and attention needed each day? Are you willing to work a little longer or eat better? How about saving money instead of spending all your income on luxuries and entertainment as soon as you get the paycheck? You have to know yourself and what you are willing to sacrifice from the very start. This self-awareness and discipline will help you stay on track when things get difficult or feel like a struggle. You will stumble and feel like giving up along the way. We all have moments like that. Remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place.

There’s no get-rich-quick plan to achieving success and keeping it. Even if there were, you probably wouldn’t enjoy that kind of success because there needs to be some sacrifice in every positive outcome. Nothing meaningful comes easily. When you become clear on what you truly want to achieve, why you want it, and what you are willing to delay or give up, the path becomes very clear. The success you want is more likely to happen as a result. No lottery tickets or alignment of the planets are needed to make your Life Awesome!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

Chasing the Dream: The Lottery of Life and the Hole-in-One Experience!

By Ahsan

I'm lucky because on June 30, 2025, when I least expected it, I got a hole-in-one!

I was golfing with my high school buddy Eman at our usual course. It was hole number 9, a simple par 3 with a bunker on the right and left and 110 yards away. We had faced off at this hole at least a hundred times before.

I had the task of at least hitting my ball onto the green, as my buddy did, who had landed his ball close to the flag for a tap-in.

So there I was, aiming for the green. I set up like my favourite golfer, Moe Norman, and put my swing on the ball.

I'm telling you that ball of mine flew beautifully into the air, hit the front of the green, and started its onward roll. My friend was cheering the ball into the hole.

He started yelling, "It's going in!" I casually looked at it, tracking down the pin, and suddenly, the ball disappeared from the green and into the hole!

I could hardly believe my eyes, and I didn't until I saw it waiting for me to pick it up out of the hole!

Holy Canoli! I did it—my very first experience of getting a hole in one.

We celebrated the moment and let the pro shop know about my good fortune.

They will be giving me a certificate to frame, and yes, I kept the ball because one thing is for sure: getting a hole in one is golf's most prized experience! It reminds me of how much good luck one can have in life!

They say there is a 1 in 12000 chance of an amateur golfer getting a hole-in-one. Given that most courses usually have four holes, you might have a chance of getting it, you would need to play 3000 games of golf, and for most golfers, that is easily a lifetime of playing!

So getting a hole in one is almost impossible and is a once-in-a-lifetime thing—it's a combination where preparation meets serendipity—technical skill marries happenstance—and Lady Luck embraces you with her arms and all three strike together in one glorious moment!

That hole-in-one experience and the game of golf are a lot like life!

No matter how hard life can be or how challenging it is, there are moments when you realize how lucky you are out of the blue!

Focus and Mindset: We need to remind ourselves to be positive.

In golf, maintaining focus and a positive mindset can greatly influence performance. Similarly, cultivating a hopeful perspective can lead to better outcomes, helping us navigate uncertainty with grace.

The Element of Chance: Achieving a hole-in-one is rare, highlighting luck's role in golf and life. Sometimes, opportunities arise unexpectedly, proving that good fortune is crucial to our experiences.

In these ways, the unpredictability of life and golf share a common thread, reminding us to embrace the journey and find joy and a bit of good luck that can happen to anyone!

Live Awesome!

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Shazad Ahmad Shazad Ahmad

What is the Best Movie You Ever Watched?

By Ahsan

“Story as it turns out was crucial to our evolution – more so than opposable thumbs. Opposable thumbs let us hang on; story told us what to hang on to.”

Lisa Cron

For me, it's a tie between The Godfather and Star Wars. Both classics from the 1970s have left an indelible mark on my imagination. When I watch them, I don't just observe the story—I become part of it. I feel as if I am young Vito Corleone, navigating the complexities of power, or Luke Skywalker, venturing into a galaxy far, far away.

A truly great film immerses you completely. For those few hours, you live and breathe the story as though it's your own reality. You experience the plot, the twists, the emotions, and the characters so deeply that the line between reality and the illusion created by the film blurs. Yet, here's the crux: while you are caught up in the narrative, you always know you are watching a movie—it feels real, but it's not.

Now, consider the movie of your own life. It's a grand drama filled with highs and lows, unexpected twists, and a cast of characters who influence your story in significant ways. But do you genuinely take this personal movie as your reality? Or could it be that there's a larger director behind the scenes, shaping it all?

Imagine for a moment that there's a divine director orchestrating your personal movie. Your thoughts and perceptions create an illusion of reality that seems entirely yours, yet it exists within a broader, divine narrative. By letting go of rigid personal thinking, you can begin to appreciate that there is a magnificent story unfolding.

In every twist and turn of your life, remember that this Divine Director is in control. He determines the plot, the characters, the climax, and the thrilling conclusion. If you yearn for happiness, it's vital to grasp this truth: your life is a beautiful illusion crafted by your perceptions. No two people experience this extraordinary film the same way—each journey is unique!

So take a moment to reflect on this concept. Embrace the idea that you are not merely an actor in your life, but a character within a divine narrative.

Have An Awesome Day!

Live Awesome!

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