frm sun's bulletin board

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In such a fast-paced, over-stimulated society, it's very easy to get swept away by the hurricane of media messages, corporate targets, financial goals, or popular notions of how we should be living our lives. When was the last time you allowed yourself the luxury of simply "being", without expectation of goal or result? When was the last time you shut out the discordant voices of this world, and truly listened to your own heart?Too many people have lost the ability to reflect - to search inwards for answers. They look to other people and outside influences as if this imperfect world had the ability to miraculously improve their lives. Buy this moisturiser and you'll have a better shot at getting hitched. Climb to the top of the corporate ladder and you'll be happy. Buy flowers for your partner on Valentine's Day and your relationship will be great. Overtake that car and you're a winner. Well, most moisturisers only work on a superficial level. You may reach the top of the corporate ladder only to find that it's leaning againstthe wrong wall. If you show your love for your partner only on certain days, then your relationship is flawed anyway. If overtaking another driver makes you feel like a winner, you should seriously evaluate what you're losing out on in this meaningless race. When we're too focussed on the external, we may lose sight of the game plan. What are we doing this for? What do we truly want out of life? Dowe have to achieve every objective? Do we have to impress everyone? Do we have to win every argument? Do we have to know everything? The person who judges himself or herself and others based on such specific criteria is quite unable to see beyond the surface. Knowledge should broaden our minds, not narrow them. Life is not a multiple-choice exam.Having goals is no doubt important, but if we're too transfixed on the destination, the journey can be a misery. Goals should motivate us, butthey should not teach us that happiness is impossible until we achieve them.