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)

Friday, September 27, 2019

The art of letting go

The art of letting go

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

Single mother Bertie experienced frequent bouts of anger and depression. She couldn’t sustain long-term harmonious relationships, even with her children. She often brought up memories of unfair treatment at the hands of her step mother. As a result, she saw herself as a victim and had difficulty trusting anybody. She adopted a negative and judgmental attitude with fear and and anxiety dominating her emotions.

It took Bertie several therapy sessions, self-help reading and a connection with the Bible to turn her life around. She realized that her inability to live a happy life derived from unforgiveness toward the people who hurt her in the past. In the end, she  freed herself of this trap as she developed a more positive mindset.

Few people go through life without any incident that seared unfairness and pain on their mind. Our interpretation of what happened makes the difference. Either we learn from it or we suffer from it. In most cases, past experiences meant to grow our emotional muscles. No bodybuilder can be successful without tolerance to pain. The guitar player may have calluses at his fingertips, but without resilient fingers, there is no producing inspiring melodious music.

Letting go of past grievances brings along manifold benefits. Conflicts tend to be relegated in the past and give way to more harmonious relationships and a desire to please. The mind declutters for a better capacity to focus. Thenceforth, learning becomes easier and the present more enjoyable. We develop a sense of well-being as we suspend judgment on people, events and things.

It takes practice to make the art of letting go second nature. Pause often, bring your attention to the present and enjoy a better life.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

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

Friday, September 20, 2019

Get past your obstacles

Get past your obstacles

By Jean Ricot Dormeus

Kerby, an energetic young man in his thirties, worked for a small store for over ten years. He often struggled to make ends meet. At some point, he became comfortable in his workplace despite the challenges and lack of upward mobility. A friend of his encouraged him to apply for a data processing job that would increase his salary by 50%. He just had to pass a proficiency test and get certified. 

The test turned into an obstacle as Kerby could not develop quickly enough the habit of reading and learning. Only after a long time and many attempts did he get through and and seize the new job opportunity. The hardships he experienced instilled in him the desire to change his lifestyle and cultivate his mind.

No important journey comes through without obstacles or hardships. Often, the traveler has to conquer multiple giants, including the fear of failure, the fear of uncertainty and the resistance to change. In this case, the desire to succeed and reach destination must trump the reluctance to face these giants. The attractiveness of the goal has to surpass the appeal for security. Getting out of the comfort zone requires strategy, patience and effort.

Hardships have their place. How could we grow muscles with pain and resistance, or fly a plane without gravity? These obstacles, far from discouraging and pushing to resignation, mobilize our cognitive resources and unleash our creativity. Often, challenges, trials and tribulations are allies in disguise.

To slay these giants, you have no choice but to learn more and better, design effective plans and strategies, enlist a team and develop a positive mindset. With these arrows in your quiver, you will get past your obstacles.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

If this blog 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 on developing self and nation.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Choose your allies

Choose your allies

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


Alliance conjures up entities joining forces in the face of a common challenge. In times of war, countries team up to get an edge and in times of peace, they unite to dissuade potential enemies. Organizations, businesses, families and individuals also have allies they count on to advance their interests or to protect themselves. If you need advice or financial support to seize a business opportunity, you will immediately think of someone you can address. Likewise, if an emergency takes you to the hospital, you will want to advise a set of persons immediately.

Sometimes, we form alliances and make friends by default, without strategic thinking. For example, sharing a neighborhood or attending the same school might be a factor. However, lasting alliances require more in depth consideration such as affinity of goals, values and principles. If you strive to be a level headed person, an irritable and aggressive ally may derail your efforts. If you are passionate about working, an ally prone to pleasure or idleness might not be ideal.  And if you like to build, you may not consider a destructive ally.

Therefore, it is crucial to explore your motives and identify the interest you pursue within an alliance. You will be in a better place if you weigh the advantages and inconveniences and make the pertinent choice. Thoughtless relationships or alliances may prove useless and even harmful. When you need them, they may elude you.

Also, depriving yourself of alliances may not amount to a good strategy. Good allies will build you up, rejoice in your success and extend a hand in difficult times. When an alliance runs its course, consider your options and make the requisite change. For the sake of your future, choose the right allies.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

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

Friday, September 6, 2019

Pursue your vocation

Pursue you vocation

By Jean Ricot Dormeus


Gert was a renowned architect in the Caribbean and would catch the attention of any art lover and beauty conscious observer with the appeal, shimmering style and gracious features of the buildings he designed. The art came to him naturally and he pursued it with pleasure and passion. 

A while ago, Gert migrated to the United States in search of better opportunities. However, he received no attractive offer in his field. This situation prompted him to try his hand at computer science. He worked hard but was not able to reach the success or the level of satisfaction he enjoyed in architecture. He realized that architecture was his vocation.

Everyone possesses natural dispositions to perform some specific activities with ease and excellence. Work in such a context procures much satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment. Coworkers, friends and family members would express admiration and encouragement for the quality of the product or service that the gifted person produces. Think of Michael Angelo or Beethoven and countless great minds that have marked universal history. Their touch was simply exceptional.

When you enjoy your trade, the learning curve is embraced with gusto, hard work amounts to a breeze, the time dedicated to a piece seems to fly. No complaints, no vexing, no quitting, because challenges take special meaning. Internal motivation reaches its peak. And money becomes secondary despite its importance.

Culture, life circumstances and the need to make a living may not open you the gate to your vocation. However, take some time to assess your situation. If you know what your vocation is, by all means pursue it, even part time in the beginning. Not all roads lead to the Rome of a satisfying life.

Jean Ricot Dormeus

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

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