Pay attention or pay the penalty

Hello mi neighbour,

Drawing your attention today to a few things that we must pay attention to. Draw a bench and siddung a likkle. I once gave a mango to a former coworker and her gratitude made me feel that if it were possible, I’d give her the entire mango tree. My first point is, pay attention to gratitude, it bears fruits! Just to be grateful to someone who does a kind deed to you can bring rich blessings into your life! Sadly, many of our neighbours, children and grandchildren do not understand how to show gratitude for kindness received. Parents and GPs, we have work to do. Too late? Not quite. Start the ball a rolling now!

As a youngster, when I told a gentleman that I was “sorry for him”, to my surprise and utter dismay, he hurled a shoe at me. Not a laughing matter! I learned then, that we should pay attention to how you go around “sorrying for people”. We could end up losing a limb or suppen. Especially these days when people are traipsing around with all kinds of baggage including pride, we have to act intelligently around them. If you hurt their pride, they will not forgive you – matters not how innocent or well-intentioned you maybe. And hello Mr/Mrs Prideful, “pride goes before a fall”! Just thought I’d through that in.

I also remember a case where a kind-hearted citizen offered a total stranger a night-over at her house, because she “was stranded”. This stranger’s story would’ve melted the toughest heart! Well, one night became two nights, two nights became three nights and three nights became ... Over time, the owner of the house was put out of her house by the “stranger”. Strange? Yes, but a true story! Pay attention to how you “rescue the perishing” you could “perish” in the long run for being foolish. Not that you should not help where neighbours suffer misfortunes – we have a duty so to do, but not to our demise. Be wise. Pay attention or pay the penalty.

And listen to this one: A company director who was selling a motor vehicle some years ago, lost this precious possession because he unwittingly gave the potential buyer the key to test-drive the car. Would think a company director would be smarter than that, right? Anybody anywhere in the world can be bamboozled if they are not paying attention, especially where critical personal matters are concerned! Pay attention to you trust because scamming is no respecter of ‘he, she or the old lady’, especially those that we know.

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See that you are rushing! Hope I’ve warned you enough. Have I? Generally speaking, remember to pay attention to your actions, decisions, commitments and how/where you find fun. By paying attention, it simply means:

* Do your due diligence

* Look before you leap

* Get the facts

* Exercise a little patience

* Seek council

* Pray.

An over-supply of sad stories is all over the place, please don’t add to them.

As you pay attention to those, remember to pay attention to these: Maintain a healthy work-life balance

* Establish a clear distinction between work and personal life.

* Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit.

* Be mindful of your workload and avoid taking on too much.

* Make time for relaxation and recreation.

* Regularly write down your thoughts, feelings, and insights to reflect on your experiences.

* Practise mindfulness to increase self-awareness and reflection.

* Ask for constructive feedback from trusted friends, family, or mentors.

* Establish personal goals and track your progress to reflect on your growth.

And like I have been telling my friends these days, join a prayer group – prayer is power.

Pay attention! Could be your salvation!

Next time.

PLEASE HELP SOMEBODY WITH THE FOLLOWING:

1. Stove

2. Refrigerator

3. Bed

4. Food,

5. Medication

6. Financial assistance to start a little business.

To help, please call Silton Townsend @ 876 649-9636 or 876 884-3866 Contact email: h elloneighbour@yahoo.com. Visit hellomineighbourja.blogspot.com. Townsend exclusively manages the collections and distributions mentioned in this column and is neither an employee nor agent of The Gleaner.