Nelson Mandela is one of the secular saints of our times. His approach to peace can teach us how to resolve conflict in our lives. Here are 8 lessons on how to foster peace:
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1. Never let go of your dreams

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Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years on Robben Island. During this time he never gave up on his dream to end apartheid and bring peace to South Africa.
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2..Look for the good in people

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There is a lovely passage in his autobiography where Mandela describes the departure of prison commander Badenhurst, the most callous and barbaric commanding officer Mandela had witnessed whilst imprisoned on Robben Island. Before leaving, Badenhurst summoned Mandela and said:

“I just want to wish you people good luck.”

Mandela was taken aback. In his autobiography he says, Read the rest of this entry »

Photo by Matthew Fang

In the core of your consciousness, what kind of being are you? Are you brave or cowardly? Are you truthful or dishonest? Are you generous or selfish? Are you responsible or irresponsible? Life in the physical universe exposes your true inner qualities.

These are challenging questions by Steve Pavlina in the following conversation with Mary Jaksch. Read on to be inspired by what Steve Pavlina, one of the most successful authors on personal growth, has to say about personal development:
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Mary Jaksch: Steve, you’re easily the most successful personal development blogger on the Internet, attracting more than two million monthly readers to your website StevePavlina.com. And your new book Personal Development for Smart People is about to become a bestseller. I hear that it’s just cracked the Amazon top 100 list. And it’s still three months away from release! When I read your website, I get the feeling that you are totally passionate about personal growth.
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Why do you think personal growth is so important?

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Steve Pavlina:
I think growth is the primary reason we find ourselves here on earth. I came to this conclusion while pondering the seemingly unavoidable fact that someday I’m going to die, and I don’t even know when that will happen.
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You must realize that everything you’re experiencing in your human life is temporary. Your body, your home, your career, your possessions, your human relationships — all temporary! When you die, all of those things will be left behind. Read the rest of this entry »

Photo by *scarleth white

Do you have good friends? Do you make friends easily or is it hard work?
I’ve collected 35 tips for you on how to create lasting friendships. Some of the tips are about finding friends, others are about how to deepen a friendship once it’s formed. Finally there are some points on how to repair a friend.

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A friend recently said to me:
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“What if I were to get convicted of a crime - even if I’m innocent - and get put in jail for ten years. Who would be at the gates when I’m released?”
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Could you rely on some of your friends to be there if that happened to you?
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What’s your definition of a friend? Read the rest of this entry »