Believing is seeing

Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40 (NIV)

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Courtesy reveals your nobility

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

Families and communities stay together because critical factors link them and support their progress and harmony. Chief among those factors is the way people treat each other, or the practice of courtesy. The more people feel safe and appreciated, the more they enjoy their communities. As a result, these communities experience stability and retain their best intellectual capabilities.

Courtesy shows through respect and good manners. Usually, this virtue points to educated and refined minds. To make sure they socialize well their children, parents often ask, “what's the magic word?” This question refers to: thank you, please, may I, you are welcome… A great way to teach courtesy, isn't it?

Courtesy ranks so high in society that it stands for the hallmark of effective leadership and royalty. In fact, courtesy derives from court, a king or queen's entourage where etiquette, decorum, decent conversation and intellectual skills are the norms. Courtesy  facilitates access to other people and increases the chance of success.

Several benefits flow from practicing courtesy.

For starters, you gain from projecting distinction, staying away from vulgarity and carelessness. This perception builds your influence and affords you a good reputation. Biblical wisdom states that a good name is more desirable than great riches.

As you practice courtesy, you will notice that other people often oblige to your request. Why? Because you make them feel good, thus triggering their good disposition. As a courteous negotiator, you hold a trump card that is likely to give you an edge.

Courtesy crafts an environment and a culture profitable to everyone. Creativity and productivity flourish as trust and togetherness grow. Therefore, you contribute to strengthen the sense of community and patriotism.

Reveal your nobility, give a good dose of courtesy.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Show your appreciation

Show your appreciation

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

The animal kingdom abounds in lessons about appreciation. My grandfather used to say: “when a cow has nothing to give her calf, she licks it to show her appreciation”. Dogs are emblematic in this regard.  They turn their masters into long-term friends using excitement and attachment.

Keeping your appreciation secret amounts to leaving fertilizers in their bags. Why would you miss an opportunity to bring courage to the disheartened, shower hope on the depressed and light a smile on the face of a downtrodden? Appreciation works as a great gift that creates value both for the giver and the receiver.

Showing appreciation signals that you have the good taste, knowledge and authority to assign value. It takes a connaisseur to identify a masterpiece and assess its value. A refined ear perceives the quality of great classical music. Only experts properly evaluate antiques and rare items. You take a major step upwards when you state someone's feature, belonging or action that impresses you.

Do you wish to make someone feel good? Show them your appreciation. In virtue of the principle of reciprocity, the beneficiary will find a way to return the favor. Thus you create connections and conditions conducive to cooperation.

The habit of showing appreciation leads us to focus on strengths and positive characteristics. Thus, you contribute to strengthen other people's self esteem and you automatically do the same thing for yourself. Why would you deprive yourself of such a godsend?

It may take some effort to practice the art of showing appreciation and paying a compliment from time to time.  But imagine the inestimable satisfaction that will accrue to you from mastering this art. Show your appreciation now and often.

Jean Ricot Dormeus


If this post resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips and developing self and nation.

Saturday, February 9, 2019

Embrace your uniqueness

Embrace your uniqueness

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

Every human being bears the seal of uniqueness. Even identical twins exhibit different sets of fingerprints. Regardless of your physical characteristics, cognitive skills and social extraction, you form a unique blend. Your life trajectory brings you an unmatched set of experiences with specific challenges and opportunities. Therefore, your value is intrinsic in your nature. No flaw can damage it.

A perfect diamond raises the suspicion of being fake. It is possible to mass-produce diamonds. And they look perfect and very appealing. Reason why gemologists look for flaws in this precious stone to assess its genuineness. In other words, your flaws point to your value and authenticity, and confirm your uniqueness.

When you embrace your uniqueness, you accept your size, height, color, gender, even your handicaps, if any. Then you develop your natural assets as you educate your minds, grow your gifts and enhance your talents. Else, you run the risk of being a copy of someone. You would fail your mission on earth, and feel unfulfilled.

Passion, natural dispositions and skills work in synergy to catapult your growth. This powerful mix turns any simple task into an outstanding achievement. Realize that some people use this mix to transform a single chicken recipe into a billion dollar business.

Even though you learn from everyone and every possible source to fulfill your potential, you gain in following your calling. This road surely leads to happiness and a satisfying life. Imagine what would happen if artists, athletes, businesspeople and professionals should cap themselves to the level of their coaches! Your uniqueness raises your limit to the sky.

Do you have qualms loving yourself and embracing your uniqueness? Think again. You are a genuine diamond. Don't seek to be identical to anyone else. Your uniqueness provides a solid foundation for your treasure, embrace it.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog resonates with you, share it with your network.

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Enthusiasm lifts you to success

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

Most cases of success reveal enthusiasm at work. Much knowledge and good strategies still need to overcome indolence, procrastination and negligence to be effective. The horse of decisiveness and positive energy pulls the cart of our vision and skills. Enthusiasm supports the conditions for great achievements.

As a boy, I used to make my own kite. I learned to use the right material: coconut tree leaf spine or bamboo shreds, tissue or wrapping paper, thread, among other things. I also learned the right technique, in particular the respect of symmetry and proportions. All that was far from enough though; I  always needed a good breeze to fly a perfectly made kite.

The good breeze of enthusiasm lifts your goals and strategies to success.

Firstly, enthusiasm, this nice feeling of energetic interest, triggers confidence. When we embark on a project, this feeling helps to secure our first steps as we seek to get the lay of the land and adjust to new activities and circumstances. Enthusiasm assures us that we will reach our expected results.

Secondly, enthusiasm prevents inaction and enables resilience. We expect challenges, but we keep going because we know that we are up to the task. Else, we identify the gaps and bridge them following adequate research, learning and training.

Lastly, enthusiasm confirms our authority or leadership. It radiates to our circle of influence.
We will inspire our team and those we serve with our eagerness to walk even a difficult path until destination. Success and leadership thrive on communicating this burning desire.

Let's not mistake precipitation or temerity for enthusiasm. A good breeze differs from a storm or a tornado. These would not sustain the kite of your pursuit. However, the good breeze of enthusiasm will lift you to success.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams - A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.