How many candles?

In some cultures there is the habit of putting a number of candles corresponding to the number of years the person is celebrating and for some people it may be embarrassing as they have an age consciousness.

For me it is pretty good, as I carry my 54 years with the greatness of being such a special person and the humility of so much I have to learn yet… However, as part of my personal tradition, I have been doing a double birthday.

The reason is that on the same day I was born, I became aware spiritually, 36 years ago. Both summed up to 90 years. So, yes, I am 90 years old...

As the sum of its two digits is 9, if you ask me, that is the number of candles in my cake… But which candles?

Candle # 1 must go for GOD; without Him, I can’t even imagine how my life would be. I think candle # 2 is for GRATITUDE, for all I have had the chance to be, for the greatest opportunity of all to be born. The # 3 is for ACCEPTANCE… I took some time to accept myself as I am and to change on the basis of what I have accepted. I tell you, this procedure is working… Number 4 is CHANGE and my life is dedicated to change every day, towards my self-transformation. SPIRITUALITY was not in my map, it was not part of my paradigm and now it is my paradigm; number 5 is for this important aspect of my being.
 The candle # 6 is for LOVE, a feeling with which I have struggled for some time, but I realised it has been within me all the time. Definitely, I need a candle for DETERMINATION, which is # 7. Particularly In my darkest days, being determined was the way to come out of situations and re-create my life, again and again I was thinking # 8 should be hope, but then I remember another pillar of my personal process has been CREATIVITY. I am not sure how I became a creative person, but that is what I am, and I love it. For a deep reflection, UNDERSTANDING is my last but not least candle, # 9. I am not always looking for understanding from others, but my main effort in life is to understand what happens and get the best from it.

And you, how many candles in your next birthday cake?

A Happy birthday from me to myself…

82 Reasons to be a leader

January 12th 2015 I will be having two birthdays in the same day. On one hand, I will be 50 years by having been born in a warm night in São Paulo, Brazil. On the other hand, I will be 32 years of having started a very meaningful change in my life.

For celebrating, I have compiled this list because the most valuable gift I have ever received from life is the possibility of being a leader. By summing up both ages, I have got 82 reasons to be a leader. I do hope this is a gift to you, someone I appreciate and I dedicate this document.

1. By reflecting on before taking any decision, which empowers that will be done.
2. Every day you will look at your family, home and friends from a new perspective.
3. Being able to convince others from his/her own example.
4. Never again "stand" others’ behavior; instead, tolerate and help them to change.
5. The great tragedies will cause an inner change that will transform the world.
6. Being able to forgive an unlimited number of times.
7. Living life at 100% happiness and 0% sadness.
8. The love you have for life will be fully satisfied.
9. The pressures are increasing and only you can handle.
10. You can develop the values you need for living and fulfilling your personal goals.
11. Tolerating by giving others the best of herself/himself.
12. Life becomes a challenging funny game.
13. Every step taken is an achievement.
14. You have everything to transform the world.
15. Your specialties are a key part to change the world.
16. The world is living immersed in uncertainty and leadership hands you tools to manage it.
17. The world needs your qualities, talents, all you have and are.
18. You will never experience a failure!
19. Facing situations without aggressiveness, with total internal stability.
20. Living life with 100% challenges and 0% problems.
21. To discern the best paths to follow in the journey of life.
22. You will develop your intelligence completely.
23. Each day will begin as a new chapter of your life.
24. You are the source of harmony in your circle of influence.
25. Channeling resources so that great and needed projects take place.
26. The incredible wisdom that is in you is exactly what others need to find a solution to their problems.
27. Seizing moments of silence and introversion to release inner creativity.
28. To embrace those who are considered enemies as a student hugging a teacher.
29. Achieving others’ cooperation because your job is to serve the world.
30. Learning from others through observation.
31. Everything that happens to you contributes to your personal development.
32. Being able to sit at the end of a day and "pack" whatever happened, not carrying grudges for the next day.
33. Your thoughts create a unique vibration, helping others in their time of need.
34. You're an example every day of the year.
35. You need to explore and use your potential completely.
36. You will always see each other as friends and always feel deep compassion for everyone.
37. Empowering people, creating new leaders.
38. You'll always be a satisfied person.
39. No impossible obstacles to a leader.
40. Others can help you, but you are the one living the life you live.
41. Your character can impact many others and change their lives.
42. May all your temporary stages turn to be valuable in your life overall.
43. The source of knowledge you have cannot be without being used.
44. To change the intentions of others through your own example.
45. When deciding something, that decision is imperishable, as are its results.
46. Establishing a new ethic code that makes to live with others easier.
47. To translate into reality what exists in thoughts.
48. Motivate, motivate and motivate others.
49. Adapting to any environment, without losing personal values and principles.
50. Others’ company is enjoyed at a very deep level.
51. You are the star that reminds many others of their own brilliance.
52. Your thoughts impact the atmosphere in which you live.
53. Being so flexible that everyone feels you are part of their lives.
54. Your past is a source of inspiration and values, but does not define your present actions.
55. You will never feel disappointed.
56. As a leader, your family will have a clearer guide for the coming uncertain future.
57. Your present is a present life has given you.
58. You are the sun that illuminates the lives of many.
59. To turn your personal introversion into source of energy for others.
60. You will stop blaming others and be responsible for your own life.
61. Small tragedies will be a temporary chaos you will overcome with love, dedication, patience and perseverance.
62. Each conquest changes life and a bit of the world.
63. Your future, it is you who generate.
64. To experience the BEING in all its fullness.
65. Every day you will look at the sun as if it is the first time.
66. It gives meaning to your possessions and actions.
67. Sharing values without having to preach them.
68. Teaching others through silence.
69. Transforming a cloudy day on a sunny day in others’ minds.
70. Building a new world.
71. What your relationship with others will be like just depends on you.
72. You are the hero of your own story.
73. It makes you fulfill your goals, objectives and vision.
74. There is no other way to create your future.
75. Your relationship with others will always be that of a disciple who learns from the smallest gestures.
76. You will no longer complain about situations, as you are the one who designs your life.
77. Sharing premium wisdom.
78. Your relationship with others will always be that of a teacher who shares fundamental secrets.
79. The world needs a lasting meaningful change.
80. It is the only way to truly satisfy your mission on the planet.
81. Your life and the lives of others always make sense.
82. It's your life, and it is you who have to carry on that life until its fantastic conclusion.