“Any day above ground is a good day!” This was the ritual greeting of a chronic patient of mine. I surprised her once by saying it first. “Gotcha!” We had a good laugh.
That expression of thanks and praise always got me thinking. Years ago, I came across this total stranger and was immediately taken his infectious, positive mental attitude. As we went our separate ways, he clasped my hands warmly in both of his and proclaimed emphatically, “Have a SPARKLING day!” Wow! What a champagne moment! I felt a spring in my step; ready to take on anything. He’d probably be shocked to find out that to this day, I still remember this chance encounter. In fact, I adopted it as my signature sign-off, from emails, to radio programs, to daily acquaintances – even this DNO column!
To sparkle is intentional. It is planned ahead of time, even before the beginning of your day. And if perchance things go sour, as they sometimes do, be like a good scout: ‘Smile and whistle under all difficulties’ – Hallelujah anyhow!
To your success!
Being successful does not only mean having a big job, big house, big car, or to be rich and famous. The glory of this world fades. Take it on good authority: a person’s life does not consist in the abundance of things we must leave behind. On the other hand, all of us can choose to be successful; at least more successful at whatever we do. Studies show that successful people make the best of the golden hours, the FIRST THREE HOURS OF THE DAY.
In the army our motto was “We get more done before 8 AM than most people get done all day.” Of course, as evidenced in Gaza, military forces generally boast that they are licensed to ‘break things and kill people.” Mweh meme, as a doc, my mission has always been to “fix things and heal people.”
Not a morning person?
Here’s to the mothers and the bakers, the farmers, the fishermen, the vendors and others! They do not have a choice about starting early. This may not quite be what folks want to hear on a big holiday weekend. However, when a certain critical mass of any population begins to emancipate their minds, productivity increases. We need more people making that little extra sacrifice to help us blaze a trail to the next level, in terms of development and economy.
Benjamin Franklyn put it this way: “Early to bed, early to rise; makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Let’s do the math: we all have the same 168 hours in each week. We spend about one third of that sleeping, say 50-55 hours. The average work week is 40 hours. Even if you work 50 hours or more, after subtracting time for the necessary activities of daily living, that still leaves 68 hours to burn. Anyway you cut it, regularly hitting the sac late and waking up even later, sows the seeds of mediocrity.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve worked places where I strove to come in all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, primed to hit the ground running. Others would drag themselves in after 8:00. They gather at the coffee pot and groan how they must have another cup before they can get going. Next, they whine and complain about the boss, the economy, the weather. Then it’s on to how their sports team suck; the headline mayhem-of-the-day, not to mention the latest bef. Negativity breeds negativity. It all started with that “Oh, this bed feels so good!” trap. Confirmed snoozers are losers who routinely place no better than 4th – no prize. Leaders have long learnt that every day, every day: the early bird gets the worm.
Afford yourself the magical experience of declaring to the daylight, “I beat you to it!” Never mind if Cock-a-doodle takes it personally. Spend the first few hours developing you. In the stillness of the morning, it’s ‘me, myself and I,’ all by my lonesome, moulding my destiny. Feed the spirit through devotions and energize the body with exercise – whatever floats your boat. Intercede for others always. Anyone can, but few do. Nevertheless, this is how to secure the armour needed to fight life’s battles and seize the vigour to enjoy life’s bounty.
Charity begins at home. Always show your family how much you care. Put them at the top of your priority list. At the end of the day, what matters most is nurturing loved ones to pass on your legacy and to comfort you in time of need.
Cherish your career. Do those things to advance it (study, plan, to-do list). Stick to this morning formula and in 30 days it will become as routine as brushing your teeth and washing your face.
Confidence boost
Accumulated aggravations and disappointments during the day tend to wear down our resolve. This is why we get so side-tracked and pre-occupied with social media and the virtual universe online. The chance for messing up steadily increases; from diet cheating, to substance abuse or hanky-panky. But what’s already done is done – be it constructive or not. That is why those who start their golden hours at 5 AM, tend to stand out in terms of achievement and confidence. Succeed in this manner to truly feel the triumph of hope over despair.
Hitting a six in the first over of a 20-20 gives the batting team a distinct psychological advantage. Arise earlier and get a head-start on your day. Securing early victories moves debits on your daily personal ledger across to credits. Regardless of your calling, it’s healthy and wise to put your best foot forward. In that way you’re sure to make it happen: to have a sparkling day!
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Dr. Sam Christian is a general surgeon who manages the Urgent Care at 137 Bath Road. It is like a casualty / emergency room for non-life threatening medical conditions, surgical care and acupuncture at short notice. He is author of the faith and fitness book, ‘Mannafast Miracle’ and a former Major and Battalion Surgeon in the US Army Reserves. He serves as Medical Officer of the Dominica Cadet Corps and Medical Advisor of the Dominica Cancer Society. He can be reached anytime at 440-9133 / 613-8345 or [email protected]
I read the following in a Toronto newspaper. It was either Dear Abby or Ann Landers’ response to someone. As I said, I love such encouraging sayings. I make note of them:
Success In Life
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a little better place than we found it;
Whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life breathed easier because you lived –
This is to have succeeded!
Dr. Christian, once again, this is an excellent article and to the point. I could comment on it due to experience.
It also helps to have a good breakfast which will hopefully erase that downtrodden feeling.
There are some people when greeted especially at work, saying, “Good Morning!” They will respond in that not a nice tone, “What’s so good about the morning?”
Those who drag themselves to work appear not to have a motive for living and working and sadly so. They may need some pep pills as Vitamin E and Iron, etc.
Oh yes! Referring specifically to the work force, there are some who could be miserable and make your life miserable. It is as if they cannot stand to see others happy and smiling. They have a way of ignoring such people with a serious face.
It took me years, no doubt through spiritual enlightenment, to realize that such people are unhappy. They leave home unhappy and arrive at work in the same manner. Thus this is their demeanor throughout the day.
During such a conversation, I stated to someone, we never know what is occurring at their home, in their personal life which is why they appear unpleasant, putting it mildly.
One co-worker, a Sri Lankan man who was consistently sarcastic and annoying would caste remarks at me, one of which was “M.. Congeniality.” I learned to ignore him
I love certain statements and also songs of caring for one another and loving others. The majority of them are not new ones. Once when searching for some religious tapes, I found a tape which has this song which is entitled, “At the End of the Day.”
At the end of the day
Thank you Lord for my work and pay
I tried to do good even though that I should do
That’s my prayer at the end of the day.
So when the new dawn begins to break,
Just lift up your eyes, let your heart awake
Be ready to greet what the day might send
And be ready to greet everyone as a friend
Nobody knows what a power you have found
So do all you can for the others around
Carry them high when they seem to be low
As on your way you go.
I love this song, among a few others which I have. I love singing it too. I also inform others about it. I had re-taped it with some other relevant songs and gave copies to everyone whom I know, family and friends. It is a beautiful, uplifting tape and worth passing on.
Thank you very much Doc, this reminds me of the way I grew up. I really need to revisit that way of life……I need to get back my sparkle.. Thanks and keep up the good work of inspiring others.
That sparkle not only comes from what we ingest but from God. As we recognize him, pay him homage, pray to him and perform acts of love in Jesus Name, watch how the giver sparkles. It comes from within.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by the Word of God.”
You moving me Doc.
Our people are great consumers and entertainers. This holiday is a prime example. We need more exhortation like this to make us more creative and productive in industry.
DA can really blossom if a few more of us take a more serious attitude toward work. I’m glad you point out how healthy that is.
Appreciated
Dr. Christian, I , Bright-eyed and Bushy-tailed, I am even more inspired to sparkly intentionally after reading this article. Although some of your thoughts are habits I practice daily I am motivated that much to print them out and display them prominently as a constant reminder. keep up the good work and continue motivating us to put our “Best foot Forward”