Live Strong and Live With Passion

"Give up defining yourself - to yourself or to others. You won't die. You will come to life. And don't be concerned with how others define you. When they define you, they are limiting themselves, so it's their problem. Whenever you interact with people, don't be there primarily as a function or a role, but as the field of conscious Presence. You can only lose something that you have, but you cannot lose something that you are."

~ Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose ~

 This reminds me of a fable about two frogs ...

The Two Frogs

A group of frogs were hopping (as frogs do) contentedly through the woods, when two of them, Fred and Gus, fell into a deep pit. The other frogs, frantic and anxious, gathered around the pit, concerned for their two companions. When they realised how deep the pit was, one of the group shouted out to Fred and Gus "You're as good as dead. The pit is too deep. You'll never be able to jump out!"

"It's impossible" echoed another grimly.

Unwilling to accept their predicated fate (as deemed by the other frogs), Fred and Gus began jumping. Determined to escape, they jumped and jumped and jumped. Until, exhausted, Gus relented. He fell in a crumpled heap and yielded to death. Not convinced of Gus' death, Fred continued to encourage his companion. "Come on, keep jumping ... we can make it" he kept repeating to the lifeless Gus. All the while, Fred continued to jump as hard as he could, his little body wracked with pain and exhaustion.

His companions, huddled at the top of the pit, shouted in unison "Give up already!"

"Accept your fate ... you will never get out!"

"You have no choice but to die." They continued to caution.

Looking up at the clear blue sky, a weary Fred inhaled very deeply, pushed off his hind legs as hard as he could and sprang out of the pit! Amazed at Fred's success, the waiting group were eager to celebrate his freedom. They showered him with many pats on the back and then asked "Why did you continue jumping? We told you that it was impossible! Did you not hear us?". Surprised by their questions, Fred explained that he was deaf. So he interpreted their gestures and shouting as encouragement - inspiration to try harder and succeed against all odds.

This powerful story teaches us some valuable lessons:

1. Was Fred really deaf? Or was it a ploy to highlight the fact that there are times when we need to block out what others say (i.e. how others define us). As this story depicts, the other frogs agreed through their collective actions that Fred and Gus were in a hopeless situation and that they would die.

2. "There is power of life and death in the tongue" (Book of Proverbs). An encouraging word to someone who is feeling down, can uplift them and help them to make it through the day.

3. A destructive word to someone who is feeling down, can be catastrophic. So, be careful of what you say.

4. Eckhart Tolle says, "You can only lose something that you have, but you cannot lose something that you are." Fred experienced a momentary loss of freedom, but he chose to dig deeper, he believed and leapt his way out to live another happy day. Unfortunately, Gus chose to abandon hope by succumbing to the destructive words and thus lost his will to live.

Speak life to and about those who cross your path. There is enormous power in words, especially words of kindness, praise or encouragement. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. We may not intend to be harmful but destructive words strike deep into the soul and shatters hope.

Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another. Strive to be that special someone.

"Without inspiration, the best powers of the mind remain dormant. There is a fuel in us which needs to be ignited with spark."
~ Johann Gottfried Von Herder ~

Live Strong and Live with Passion.

About the Author: Xen (The X Factor) Angelides is the founder of
X-Factor Human Performance Systems. Xen Angelides is a proven veteran of the fitness industry, an accomplished educator and professional speaker. As a certified results coach and master practitioner of neuro linguistic programming (NLP) and neurological re-patterning, Xen has helped many individuals transform their thinking and performance. For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Edited by Charmaine Idris, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it