Get to Know Your Friends and Enemies and Who You will become

Who are your friends and enemies?

 If you are in a sinking ship with all the people you know, and you could only save 10 people, who would it be?

Many of us do not even realize who the most important people in our lives. We are constantly trying to impress random people who almost do not care about us, at the expense of ignoring the people who mean the most to us. Are you aware of some people who really mean something to you? Do you treat them right?

If you died today, who would you miss the most?

Now, flip that around - that is the people who have you on their list of the most appreciated? You should not have to live that guarantee national holidays when you die (though, that would be better!), But if you leave a legacy that at least a few people will appreciate?

 What will they say in your speech?

Why are these people going to miss you when you go? Do they read your speech out of the rote and resume their lives, they will choke up can not continue, or will they smile all the way through because you show them life is to be celebrated? Remember, there is no right or wrong answer - it's just an exercise to get you to know yourself better.

 If you have the power to make someone disappear, who will?

Once again, look at all the people around you - you want is not there? The people who surround you have the power to lift you up or pull you down. How many people are you able to have around you that you can not stand, or that bring you down?

 If tomorrow's paper read "<your name here> shot" who will be the person holding the revolver?

Is there someone whose life made sad because your presence? Life is too short - is it worth continues to be a pain in one's life?

Who will you become?

 Are you a better person today than you last year at the same time? Or 10 years ago?

Source of much suffering in our lives is because we are constantly comparing our worst moments with the best of those around us. The only way to get out of this is to change your reference for comparison. Are you a better person today than you before? Are you on the path to growth? Are you moving forward, stand still or slip backwards?

 What is your last random act of kindness?

When was the last time you helped someone carry groceries to their cars, or just smile at a stranger who looked like he could use one? When was the last time you gave something despite knowing that it will never be paid back? What goes around does come around - what will come back to you? (For some inspiring true story of a random act of kindness, look at this.)

 How many hours a day do you spend on unproductive activities like watching TV, sneaking around at other people's facebook profile ', idle gossip etc?

Now, multiply that number by 2.5, and it is the number of years of your life, you are wasting away, assuming you live to 80, and discounts first 20 years of your life. (X hours / day * 365 days / year * 60) / (24 hours / day * 365 days / year). Agree, we all need some time to relax - but, if you are OK with the number you come up with, or whether it boggle your mind? (On the other hand, for those of you with kids, how many hours a day do you actually spend time with your kids without distractions such as TV, telephone etc? Multiply that by 0.75 and it is the number of years you really spend time with your child with the assumption that they live under your roof for 18 years. If your answer surprise you, come stop by afineparent.com and we will find a way to fix it.)

 What if you lost all your money?

Would you be so desperate that you would want to end your life? Would you be so angry and frustrated that you will not be able to think straight? Will you be sad but ultimately cured? Undoubtedly, you will always need money. But as long as you remember (and believe) that you are the master of money and can make some no matter what life throws at you, you will be able to roll with the punches of life, and thrive in spite of them.

 Who makes most of the decisions in your life - you, the people around you or your circumstances?

On that note, you are the ruler of your life as well. But many of us find it much easier to hand over power it and make things, or worse, the people around us, the masters of our lives. Do you ever find yourself saying "I'm not happy because ..."? No matter what happens after that because ... that because it is the way you give away your power. Watch your thoughts, watch your words and you regain control over your life.

 What one thing are you most afraid of when you think of yourself as a parent?

Are you worried about looking old? It was like the fear of the sunset .... Why fear something that is guaranteed to happen and very dignified if you simply change your perspective? Are you worried about not having money or family nearby? It's like having a cow in your backyard and not worry about the milk .... spend your time building a bank balance and maintain your relationship now. The same goes for the sick and weak - as long as you take care of your health and do not abuse your body now, you will be able to withstand many diseases at bay when you're older. Stop being afraid and live your life now in such a way that you can continue to celebrate your life into old age.

Have you ever been invited to give lectures (eg, TED) or interview (eg Oprah), etc?

Finally, what is your life all about? Are you just sleepwalking through life or you go ahead with your eyes wide open, full of joy and vitality? If you choose the latter, regardless of how "ordinary" or "boring" your life may seem today, you will have the opportunity to make a small difference around you who can change the course of history!

Bonus Question

And before we end I would like to ask a bonus question. You read an article that is very strong here on a regular basis - but what do you do after reading this article?

Did you just get on with life you treat it as a boring, whining and arguing about the people closest to you? Or do you live each day as if treasure, enjoy the little moments with your dear ones as a chance to create a lasting memory?