Feelings of Disappointment

 Jimmy was a bright and intelligent young boy his early years were marked by unfortunate events. After his father left, Jimmy’s mother remarried without realizing that her new husband tended to bully others. Tragically, Jimmy became a victim of his stepfather’s abusive behavior, both physically and verbally, on a regular basis. One incident stands out is when his stepfather forced him to unclog a toilet using his bare hands. Imagine this young boy, plunging his hands into the filth, removing everything that had accumulated there. It’s hard to comprehend the emotions he must have felt in that moment. Not only was he subjected to verbal abuse, ridicule, and scorn, but he was also forced to carry out physically degrading tasks.

Jimmy felt dehumanized and devalued due to the treatment inflicted upon him. This continuous mistreatment instilled a sense of hopelessness and powerlessness in him, as he internalized the bully's derogatory remarks and abusive behavior.  

When Jimmy enters his teenage years, he finds himself grappling with anxiety attacks that occur in various settings, such as school, field games, and even at home while watching TV. 

What are some questions do you think Jimmy may have after growing up that environment? Like Jimmy or someone you know must have the same limiting beliefs or the same trauma.. How did Jimmy over come this? Jimmy might have asked himself many times " Do I deserve to be treated better than what I experienced? Can I trust others others to treat me well? 

Olivia's early experiences in first grade left a lasting impact on her. At the age of 10, she found herself in a class where the teacher ruled with fear and intimidation. Carrying a long ruler, the teacher would punish students who failed to meet her expectations by slamming the ruler on their hands. This harsh treatment created a sense of dread within Olivia, especially because her younger sister sat next to her.

One morning, the teacher instructed everyone to open their reading books and read a sentence aloud. Threatening physical punishment for mistakes, the teacher instilled fear in the students. Olivia, deeply concerned for her sister who couldn't read yet, whispered the sentence in her ear, determined to protect her from harm. But it wasn't just about her sister anymore. In that pivotal moment, Olivia felt an overwhelming desire to make a difference in the world, realizing that there were others who struggled like her sister did. This sparked her mission to become a world saver, always searching for ways to empower those who faced challenges like illiteracy. 

However, as Olivia grew older, she began to notice a recurring pattern in her life. She experienced intense fear and anxiety when confronted with authority figures, whether it was her boss, college professors, or anyone she perceived as superior. Unable to comprehend the source of this anxiety, she felt overwhelmed until one day, everything clicked into place. She connected the dots between her past experiences in first grade and her present struggle with fear and anxiety. It became clear to her that those early traumatic events had shaped her perception of authority and triggered her anxieties.

Now armed with this understanding, Olivia embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. She sought ways to overcome her deep-rooted fears, using her past as an incentive for personal growth. Through therapy, self-reflection, and the support of loved ones, Olivia gradually found the strength to confront her anxieties. With time, she learned to differentiate between the past and the present, recognizing that not all authority figures were threatening.

Olivia's journey of self-discovery enabled her to reclaim her power and redefine her relationship with authority. She understood that her childhood experiences didn't define her worth or limit her potential. Instead, they served as reminders of her resilience and determination to overcome obstacles. Armed with this newfound clarity, Olivia continued her mission as a world saver, not just for those who struggled with literacy, but for anyone in need of support and empowerment.

By transforming her past traumas into sources of strength, Olivia's story became one of resilience, growth, and the power of empathy. She showed the world that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to rise above and make a positive impact, both for oneself and others.

Have you ever found yourself in a puzzling "what just happened" situation? Allow me to illustrate: Lilian is gearing up to meet a crucial client upon whom her entire career hinges. In the days leading up to the meeting, she meticulously attends to every detail, ensuring her nails, hair, and appearance is impeccable. Feeling fully prepared for the significant occasion, she settles at a Starbucks table, eagerly awaiting the client's arrival. When the client, introducing himself as Matt, finally approaches her, he extends gratitude for her contributions to their company. In response, she expresses her appreciation for their support. Unexpectedly, the client offers an apology and swiftly departs. The perplexing question arises: What just happened? Her emotional turmoil and distress after this deeply upsetting and puzzling encounter with the important client crushed and heart-wrenching and carrying a heavy burden of disappointment.

The mix of hurt and embarrassment is overwhelming, affecting her deeply, and she can't find comfort even in sleep as her mind keeps replaying the encounter, causing restless nights.

In a vast ocean teeming with life, there lived a wise old fish named Finn. Finn was known throughout the ocean for his profound wisdom and his unique perspective on life. 

One day, as he swam gracefully through the shimmering waters, he overheard a conversation among a group of younger fish."I wish we had more seaweed to eat," one fish lamented.  “Yeah, and there never seems to be enough space to swim freely," another complained.

Listening to their words, Finn couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. These young fish were so focused on what they lacked that they failed to see the abundance all around them.

Swimming over to them, Finn gently interrupted, "My dear friends, have you ever considered thinking FROM the water, rather than OF the water?” 

Confused, the young fish looked at Finn quizzically. "You see," Finn continued, "we fish are surrounded by water at all times. We live and breathe in its abundance without ever having to worry about running out. 

Instead of focusing on what we lack, we should think from the perspective of abundance."The young fish pondered Finn's words, realizing the truth in them. 

They had been so caught up in thinking of what they didn't have that they had overlooked the vast riches of their underwater world.

From that day on, the young fish made a conscious effort to shift their perspective. Instead of dwelling on scarcity, they focused on the abundance of food, space, and beauty that surrounded them. And as they did, they found that their lives became richer and more fulfilling than ever before.

 So, with Finn's guidance, the fish learned a valuable lesson: that true abundance comes not from seeking more, but from appreciating what is already present.

And as they swam through the ocean together, they did so with hearts full of gratitude and minds attuned to the endless possibilities of abundance.

So, think of what you truly want, imagine you already have it, and think from that perspective rather than from a place of lacking.

Forgiveness goes beyond the initial actions—it's about navigating the aftermath, where trust shatters, hearts ache, and love fades. It's the journey through the ripples of consequences, trying to mend what was broken and rebuild what was lost.

Imagine forgiving a friend who betrayed your confidence? The impact was the betrayal itself, but the aftermath involves rebuilding the trust that was shattered. In the same way, forgiving a partner's mistake might go beyond the act itself, encompassing the emotional toll— a heart crushed and the challenge of resurrecting a love that momentarily vanished.

How do you navigate the aftermath?

 IF YOU ARE THE BETRAYER. THERES IS ONLY ONE WAY MY FRIEND, AND THAT IS SHOW UP DIFFERENT. 

YOU SEE I HAVE A LITTLE GRANDSON AND EVERY TIME I SAY I AM SORRY TO HIM, HIS RESPONSE TO ME IS “MOM, HE CALLS ME MOM, “MOM SORRY MAKES NO DIFFERENCE.”

What sets you apart It's within? Examine your inner self, identify the root of negative actions, and eliminate it. By doing so, you'll reveal the authentic you that lies within.

QUESTION: WHT IS THE DRIVING FORCE, WHO ARE YOU BEING AS A HUMAN BEING THAT CAUSED THE ACTIONS THAT TOOK YOU AWAY MOMENTARIY FROM BEING THE GREAT AUTHENTIC PERSON THAT YOU REALLY ARE BENEATH?

ULTIMATELY, FORGIVENESS IS AN ACT OF GIVING ON THE PART OF THE VICTIM AND AN ACT OF TRANSFORMATION ON THE PART OF THE VICTIMIZER.

*********************

Ultimately, forgiveness is an act of giving and a story to tell. It becomes the art of rebuilding, where the broken pieces are carefully reassembled, and the scars tell a story of resilience, redemption, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Have you ever had an “I don’t belong moment?  Lucia did, 

In the back of a 4th grade classroom Lucia sits quietly, as a substitute teacher makes his way into the class.

Instead of greeting the students, he focussed his attention on Lucia, coldly remarking as he points at her, "WHO IS THAT? THE TEACHER?!" he exclaims.

In that very moment Lucia froze, the entire class turned their attention towards Lucia laughing, murmuring and giggling as she is in shock.

That was an awkward moment for Lucia. YOU SEE in her time and country there was a believe—parents especially fathers believed that a girl should not have any school for she will end up being the one having children, cooking and cleaning, basically a maid. 

Unfortunately for Lucia, she was from that generation and by the time she convinced her parents to send her to school, she was much older than her classmates and felt inadequate.

As the substitute teacher entered the room, he found himself amused by the fact that Lucia was older than her classmates. 

What was that like for Lucia? In the moment an overwhelming of emotions took over her, she felt diminished, confused, mocked, and felt like an alien—“I DON’T BELONG," she thought. That is the moment in which Lucia believed and convinced herself that she did not belong.

QUESTION FOR YOU?

What was the defining moment for you when you overwhelmingly felt that you did not belong. The moment in which you said, “I DON’T BELONG.”

One day, as Eliasu sat there, he noticed something was different. The 5-year-old's stomach grumbled with hunger, and a sense of unease washed over him. Every evening, Eliasu’s mother would light the fire to cook dinner, a moment he eagerly anticipated for the warmth and comfort it brought. However, tonight was unlike any other – the fire remained unlit. 

In that moment, a sudden realization struck him: “Something isn’t right,” he thought. There were no signs of his mother preparing their evening meal. A sinking feeling settled in his stomach as he realized they would be going to bed hungry. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he pleaded with his mother for food. 

Her gentle reply cut through the silence of their empty home: "My child, we don't have any food tonight. Please try to sleep, and tomorrow morning I'll find some KOKO from a neighbor for you." With a heavy heart and a growling stomach, Eliasu reluctantly retreated to bed.

This marks the beginning of Eliasu's hunger pangs. How did this happened? You see, Eliasu, was born into a nice beautiful family but unfortunately one fatal day, the unexpected happened.

when Eliasu was just one year old, his father woke up in the morning got ready for work and off he goes, not knowing he would never make it back home. 

That day, as Hawa sat quietly outside, a man rushed up, breathless. He told her that something bad had happened to her husband. Moments later, another man arrived to deliver the heartbreaking news: her husband had passed away.

Hawa's heart sank, a wave of shock and grief washing over her as she heard the news. A deep sadness filled her, and she felt a crushing weight of loss and uncertainty about the future.

Now without her husband, who was the provider and supporter, Hawa was faced with the daunting task of caring for her one-year-old Eliasu and his eight-year-old sister, Zeinab.

Hawa took on several low-paying jobs to support her children as a single, grieving mother. She worked long hours as a cleaning lady, a day laborer, and sometimes even sold handmade crafts. Despite the meager income, she did her best to ensure her children had food on the table and a roof over their heads.

Until she could no longer manage, Hawa struggled to find stable work as jobs were scarce and money kept running out. The pressure of providing for her children grew heavier, and she faced the harsh reality of their precarious situation.

Now, with limited resources and no steady income, there were nights when the children had to go to bed hungry, adding to Hawa's anguish and worry as a mother.

And that is the night when ELIASU’S for the first time experience the pain of hunger pangs.

Emilia's Journey: From Self-Doubt to Self-Discovery

Emilia grapples with a constant feeling of failure until a profound realization strikes: it's a deep-seated belief holding her back. 

"I am a failure," 

echoes hauntingly every time she dares to strive for success. Determined to rewrite her story, 

Emilia embarks on a path of self-discovery.

As Emilia reflects into her past, a vivid childhood memory resurfaces: as their third grade teacher distributes graded papers.  She’s hands Emilia hers. 

A wave of disappointment washes over her as she notices the low grades on her paper, while her sister's report card stands out with achievement.

In that instant, self-doubt takes root in Emilia's mind,  the feeling of self-doubt continues to affect Emilia’s life from her childhood into her adult years. 

Emilia refuses to be defined by her past. Instead of seeing herself as a failure, she now envisions herself as a high achiever. 

With determination, she sets out to challenge her destructive beliefs and rewrite her story by tapping into the strength within.

Like Emilia, 

we tap into the strength within, refusing to let disappointment overshadow our spirit, demonstrating that even in the darkest moments, hope prevails.

Because Pablo found it difficult to say the words, "I love you"—something women by nature like to hear—his wife came up with an idea. One morning, as he was waking up, she handed him a list and told him to practice it. Curiously, he grabbed it, but since he was running late for work, he folded it and put it in his pocket.

Days passed, and the list remained intact in his pocket. Then one day, while driving home from work, he began reflecting on his wife’s recent distant and indifferent attitude. As he put his hand in his pocket, he noticed the piece of paper was still there, folded and intact. He wondered if this paper could be the reason for his wife’s behavior. Intrigued, he started reading it.

The list read:

"Dear husband, in my intense love for you, I have a simple request that might, from your point of view, be the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced. In advance, I thank you for accepting it, and I love you with all my heart!"

Tears rolled down his cheeks as he finished reading. Upon arriving home, he greeted his wife with a tender hug. Then, looking into her eyes, he said, “Layla, my dear wife, without you, I am not me. I miss you when I’m not with you. I treasure you when I am with you, and without you, I am not complete. You are my God-given complement. I loved you yesterday, I love you today, and I will love you tomorrow.”

From that day forward, he did exactly what the list indicated. Each day, he shared a phrase from the list:

1. I love you.

2. I care about you.

3. You are the love of my life.

4. I adore you.

5. You have captured my heart.

6. My heart belongs to you.

7. I carry you in my heart.

8. You are everything to me.

9. I can’t live without you.

10. You are my everything.

11. I need you.

12. You are my life.

13. You mean so much to me.

14. I’m madly in love with you.

15. You are my soulmate.

16. I carry you in my soul.

17. You are my reason for being.

18. I appreciate you so much.

19. You are my light.

20. You make me happy.

21. I love you with all my soul.

22. I miss you when you’re not here.

23. You are my happiness.

24. I can’t stop thinking about you.

25. I always wish you the best.

26. You are my best dream come true.

27. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

28. You are my favorite person.

29. I value you more than you know.

30. My heart is yours.

By the time he reached day 30, this list had served its purpose. It was no longer difficult for Pablo to say, “I love you!” or “I care about you!”

The first impact in your life is what drives your life.  Let me say it again: the first impact in your life is what now runs your life.

What does that mean?

The first time something shook your world might have been…

—when you overheard your parents arguing late at night,

—the day your best friend suddenly moved away, or perhaps

—the moment you watched your beloved pet take its final breath, or

—the first time you failed a test you thought you’d ace, or

—the first time you saw your parents cry.

IN ANY CASE, it was

—a moment so powerful that it left an indelible mark on your soul.

Maybe it was…

—the first time you felt the warmth of love,

—the first time you faced betrayal, or

—the first sting of rejection.

These moments are not just memories; they are the architects of your present—the silent forces guiding your every decision, every reaction, every emotion.

AND THAT INITIAL IMPACT is the force that SHAPES your life. It’s like dropping a stone into a calm pond—the ripples spread out, touching everything. It affects how you trust, the fears you cling to, and the dreams you chase. Everything you do can be traced back to that first big moment.

So, let’s dive deeper. What was your first impact? How has it defined who you are today? And more importantly, is it still running your life, or is it time to take control and redefine your path? This is your story—shaped by the first impact—and it’s yours to rewrite.

Francesca’s world shattered when her father woke her in a panic, saying, “Go get your sister. Your mother is passing.” Terrified, she raced to her pregnant sister’s house, her father’s desperate words ringing in her ears. Returning home, she couldn’t bring herself to enter her mother’s room. Instead, she stood outside under the full moon, clutching her chest as if to hold her heart together.

As she gazed at the night sky, a deep pain settled in her soul. “If this is how much it hurts to lose someone you love,” she thought, “then I will never love again.”

Even though her mother survived, Francesca had already made a life-altering decision: to stop loving, to protect herself from ever feeling that kind of pain again. From that moment on, her heart grew cold. She became distant, shutting herself off from what gives life meaning.

This was Francesca’s first impact, leading her to believe that love is too painful and best avoided. It was the moment that shaped her life, leaving her as a shadow of the person she could have been, forever haunted by the choice she made under that full moon.

As you reflect on Francesca’s story, think about the first time your world was shattered—when something made you believe you weren’t enough, were not important, or were unworthy of love. Those early experiences may have planted seeds of doubt that still influence your life today, quietly shaping your decisions, relationships, and sense of self. They might be leading you down a path that leaves you feeling unfulfilled, unhappy, or disconnected from the life you truly want to live.

Thank you for reading and don’t miss our next “YOUR FIRST IMPACT” story.

Mario always believed he was the smartest person in the

room. His exaggerated sense of self-importance made him

overconfident and dismissive of others. Whenever someone

shared an idea, Mario would scoff, convinced that his

thoughts were superior. His arrogance—the subtle force that

drove him—created an invisible barrier between himself and

the people around him, and over time, it began to fracture his

relationships.

At work, Mario’s behavior was even more pronounced. In

team meetings, he outright ignored suggestions, convinced

that only his perspective held merit. This attitude didn’t just

cause frustration—it led to resentment. The negative

atmosphere at work was palpable, and Mario’s colleagues

began to distance themselves, quietly wishing for his failure.

But what they didn’t see was the internal world of Mario, the

one filled with insecurity and pain, hidden behind his

arrogance. His arrogance wasn’t an inherent trait; it was a

behavior that had been created long ago—a response to the

wounds of his past.

A Seed of Pain

When Mario was 9 years old, he faced a pivotal moment.

Upon receiving his report card, he noticed that his grades

were much lower than those of his classmates. In an instant,

he was consumed by shame and embarrassment. That day,

Mario quietly sentenced himself: “I am not smart enough.”

That single, painful moment planted a seed of insecurity, and

from that point on, Mario carried the weight of this belief

everywhere he went.

Now, as an adult, any situation that made him feel less

intelligent, or any hint of failure, would trigger that deep-

seated shame from his childhood. Rather than face the

discomfort, Mario found a way to hide: he wore the mask of

arrogance.

Whenever he felt that familiar pang of inadequacy, he turned

to a predictable set of behaviors to shield himself:

• Dismissiveness: Ignoring others’ opinions, belittling their

contributions to make himself feel superior.

• Condescension: Speaking down to people, as if their ideas

or thoughts couldn’t possibly be as valuable as his own.

• Lack of Empathy: Focusing only on his own needs and

concerns, disregarding the feelings of others.

• Overconfidence: Exuding a level of certainty that silenced

others and left no room for collaborative thinking.

• Defensiveness: When challenged, Mario would react

aggressively, refusing to admit mistakes.

• Isolation: His arrogance built walls, pushing people away

and making real connection impossible.

All of these behaviors weren’t just masking his insecurity—

they were pushing people away, sabotaging his

relationships, and creating a toxic atmosphere both at work

and in his personal life.

Hitting Rock Bottom

One day, Mario faced a significant challenge. His latest

project, one he had been leading with absolute confidence, hit

a major roadblock. He was stuck, and his usual tactics—

acting superior, pretending he had all the answers—weren’t

working. Humiliating others, dismissing their input, these

strategies had all failed him.

That’s when a close friend, tired of Mario’s arrogance, finally

said the words Mario needed to hear: “Mario, you’ve become

so arrogant. This attitude isn’t working. You’re not as superior

as you think you are.”

The words stung, but they stayed with him. At first, Mario was

in disbelief—he had never seen himself as arrogant. But later,

in a quiet moment of reflection, the words echoed in his mind.

He thought, What if I am arrogant? What if this behavior is my

hiding place?

That night, he looked into the metaphorical mirror his friend

had suggested, asking himself the question he had long

avoided: How did I become this way?

And there, in the depths of his reflection, Mario saw a different

version of himself. Not the confident, superior figure he had

imagined, but a young boy, standing in his kitchen, spilling a

carton of milk. His father’s harsh voice cut through the

memory: “You idiot, look what you’ve done! Now there’s no

breakfast for the family!”

In that moment, Mario had frozen. He hadn’t just spilled milk;

he had spilled a deep belief into his psyche: I am dumb. I am

inadequate. From that day forward, everything he did was an

attempt to cover up that belief, to prove, at any cost, that he

was intelligent, capable, and worthy. Arrogance had become

his shield.

The Turning Point

Armed with this new understanding, Mario finally allowed

himself to be vulnerable. He reached out to his team and

asked for their help. To his surprise, they didn’t judge him;

instead, they brought their insights to the table. Together, they

quickly found a solution. It was a humbling moment for Mario,

but it was also liberating. He realized that other people’s

perspectives weren’t a threat to his intelligence—they were

valuable contributions that he had been missing out on all

along.

Through this experience, Mario began to understand the

importance of humility. He started to listen more, to recognize

that he didn’t always have to be the smartest person in the

room. The more he let go of his arrogance, the more he saw

how it had been a barrier not only to others, but to himself.

Conclusion: What is Arrogance?

Arrogance is nothing more than a created behavior—a shield

built out of insecurity and fear. It’s an exaggerated sense of

self-importance that often hides deep feelings of inadequacy.

It manifests as overconfidence, dismissiveness, and a lack of

empathy for others. But, as Mario learned, arrogance is not a

permanent trait. It can be dismantled.

How is it overturned?

1. Self-Reflection: Looking in the mirror and being willing to

see yourself for who you truly are.

2. Acknowledging the Impact: Understanding how your

behavior has affected others and yourself.

3. Choosing Conscious Behavior: Replacing arrogance

with humility, gratitude, and respect for others.

In the end, Mario learned that humility wasn’t about being less

—it was about being open to others, about embracing the

power of collaboration and empathy. And in that, he found real strength.