What is Charisma?

The word charisma or charismatic has two senses: 1) compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others, 2) power or talent.

Being charismatic is well...not all that simple. However, to some it comes in naturally . Is it a gift from up above? Or can a human being, mold into being charismatic over the years of own life? It is interesting that this word carries two meanings, but mesh into one. I believe, that compelling attractiveness and being able to inspire others with your charm or devotion in others is power AND a talent. A charismatic human being magnetizes others around him. Others find themselves drawn to that stereo type and long to be around as much as possible. Charismatic people are inspiring and can cause you to perform beyond expectations to accomplish their goals. So how can you tell a part a charismatic person? Is it speaking well...or being social..or just having an attractive image? Actually, it's all that-and more. We can often group such qualities in the term of charisma. I believe that unlike wisdom, charisma is not something you are born with, it is something that can over the years define you. For instance; everyone has a unique personality, we can relate to each human being as a "glass" or a "container." Some may be nearly empty, some may be filled to a certain level and this can boil into a one big constitution of a charisma. If every container would be filled, people would think very highly of you and compare you to God, that is what you would think too. There is no one in this world who can "know it-all."

Our "containers" may be filled to a certain extent, and over the years as we journey through this life we add to them. Some add graciously, and some may just filter out everything completely and this may be the cause of one being blunt. So no, charisma is not something you are born with. It is like trial and error. You lean to be charismatic, you try to mold your self with lots of positiveness, with simply being your self, having self confidence, honesty, and passion and love for those around you. You are unique and charismatic in your own individual way.

Unnecessary Translations

I often wonder about this whole translating business when non is being requested by a bilingual person. It seems as though, as soon as people notice of your name being alien or foreign to their eyes and ears, a red flag is automatically put on that "strange name" of ours and all of a sudden we are subjected to wait for the next available Translator. Sometime ago, I had applied for a program of a well known organization and was looking forward to receive some more information in the mail.

As soon as I got my long awaited mail, I took a good look and everything had been translated into my native Russian language. I began to read as though I was a second grader who was made to read unwillingly. After each paragraph I was translating everything back to the English language. Considering the fact that my last name gets easily mistaken from Chain to Chang, I found my self lucky for not receiving the mail in Chinese or other Oriental language.

No matter what the native language is, no one deserves to be categorized in any way unless for sure it is known that there is indeed a language barrier. Lets face the facts and realize how much time and money is lost for unnecessary Translations, when the ones in need are still waiting for the next available Translator.

Nodding to Criticism.

I never had imagined that the older I'd get the harder it would be to listen to criticism. Biting my tongue and nodding was my simple way of avoiding a never-ending argument. I knew that this would make my opponent think deep down whether his/her criticism was very well said as they critiqued and why there wasn't any boxing match of outspoken words against them. As far as I could remember, I handled this process well. Sad to say that I did not realize as with each wisdom we gain, we lose a millimeter of patients, and patients is a virtue. Yes, I just had realized over a day, that I had changed. I could not keep my self from biting my tongue anymore. Did I ware my teeth out? No. I simply got too wise to fool my self from biting my tongue too lightly where I let a few words slip out as if I did not mean it. I knew I had to break this habit even though I felt a bit relieved as I spoke back to someone's remarks. My humble wisdom that I had gained over the years would shrink each time I spoke back foolishly. Being a newborn is what everyone needs to re-direct their ways back to remind them selves of the better you. Think about it. A newborn does not know how to talk. They are sweet. They smile, nod, and turn away. We, as parents call them our angels. I wanted to be the same as I was once before. It took time to re-teach myself. Going through what I call "baby-steps" gave my tongue blisters as I tried to succeed the way I did in the past. I won the battle once more, and the more I did, the easier it had become. In the end, people do realize that the less argumentative one always wins the battle because of his or her "angel" way of handling and argument full of criticism. The fiery matter of an argument between one another perishes as you simply walk away. It is not ignorance. It is a wise way of being humble. Remember, a fool is a man with many words.

Waiting for a change.

Stopping the procrastination

I have to admit, that I am no gardener. The truth of the matter is, that I simply do not like dirt. No, I don't have that perfect manicure as you may have imagined as I unraveled the truth.

I remember the summer passing by ever too slowly because I have been helping planting and seeding things in the garden. Perhaps as a little girl, I got somewhat "traumatized" while harvesting in the fields.

After living in the States for over 20 years, I am what most people living in Russia would say; spoiled. Yes, this is the plain truth due to the fact that planting and gardening is extremely hard labor. Especially, in Russia. There, planting is used as a survival mode. No planting would generally equal to; no harvest which would come down to; no food for the winter season. I laugh at my self (along with my husband) when he says: "How would you survive in Russia"? I stumble on that question, and cannot find a relative answer.

So I began to re-introduce myself to soil this last year. Yeah...we just dont get along. I found my self looking in the kids pool, and could not wait until I washed my hans off. I begin to wonder if I have obtained an obsessive compulsive disorder. No, it cannot be!

As I sat there, looking at the dirt, I began to categorize and combine things such as; If I could squash a bug, then I can dig in the soil. If I cold change the debri trap at work, then dirt is WAY better!! And the list went on and on... I was amazed of the cognitive process and my own activity as started digging, seeding, and planting things that I had been shallowing away from ever since as a little girl.

Before I realized, the structure of my plantation, had become reasonable. It took me one day out of my adult life, to graduate from my so called kindergarten state of mind. I know, most people would think it's all in my head. You don't have to say it.

Little did I know at that time, that IF had I NOT changed my way of thinking, the theory behind my procrastination of coming in contact with dirt, would prevent me from knowing the true joy and and beauty, in my very own yard.

In my conclusion, the only way to stop stumbling over the root, is to delete the procrastination process from your life. And go ahead, try something that you thought you were not meant to do. And once you do, you will be surprised as I was, as you gather the beautiful harvest that you had planted. Only because, you have finally rooted out the weeds.