Carpe Diem - Dead Poet's Society

I would like to share an inspiring speech in one of the scenes in a movie, "Dead Poet's Society". I have watched this movie three times. Each time I watched this movie, I would admire the courage of an English professor, John Keating, who inspired his students to love poetry and to seize the day.

It's a very inspiring movie as Professor Keating mentioned in the movie that we should constantly look at things in a different way. However, this movie may not be suitable for young kids as it deals with the suicide of one of the main character.

One of my favourite portions:

"They're not that different from you, are they? Same haircuts. Full of hormones, just like you. Invincible, just like you feel. The world is their oyster. They believe they're destined for great things, just like many of you, their eyes are full of hope, just like you. Did they wait until it was too late to make from their lives even one iota of what they were capable? Because, you see gentlemen, these boys are now fertilising daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? - - Carpe - - hear it? - - Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary."

Yes! We should seize the day. Carpe diem.

Motivational and Inspirational Image

One of my tutees shared with me today that he is a little stressed. Everyone seems to be putting pressure on him this year as he is taking the PSLE.
It will be a challenging year ahead for the kiddos who are taking the PSLE. However, I am sure all of them have the resilience to persevere.

Hope that this motivational image will remind us that when we are stressed, we just have to step back and remind ourselves that we are strong and that we have the strength to move forward.

Source of image: http://www.motivational-multimedia.com/images

Inspirational Clip - NEVER give up!

I watched this video during one of the motivational talks conducted for the kiddos by an external vendor when I was teaching at my ex-school. The video was on a former Olympic sprinter, Derek Redmond.

I was very touched when I watched how Derek Redmond persevered and completed the 400-metre semi-finals of the Barcelona Olympic Games 1992 despite pulling his hamstring.

There will be times when we face obstacles or even failure in life. Do we give up? Or do we grit our teeth and persevere? It takes a lot of mental strength to continue the tough journey. Redmond is a true inspiration for all of us although I would not encourage anyone to run with a torn hamstring. Even in the face of failure, Redmond did not quit. He might not have won the race but in my eyes, he was a champion. He really showed us what pure grit and determination means.

The love and support from his father also serves as a reminder to parents out there that it is important to be always there for your kids even if they may not be doing well academically or in other aspects. Help your kids to move forward.

I can't remember who finished in first. However, I can remember who finished last.

Never give up.

Motivational and Inspirational Cartoon

                                           Source: http://www.facebook.com/Dailyinspirationandmotivation

Which step have you reached? Very often, we just need to change our mindset and work gradually towards our goals. Then we will reach the FINAL step! We just have to be positive and keep reminding ourselves that we can do it! Subsequently, we have a plan and schedule tasks and activities to help us achieve our goals.

~ Serena's Greenhouse