Balance X Patience

I have never been a person who liked to look back at past experiences, but I am smart enough to know that everything happens for a reason and in each experience there are several lessons to be found. Currently, I have to be a patient man in order to achieve my goals and paving the way for them. I am still learning to be a patient man for good things to come even though it is in my nature to go after what I want when all I have to do is give it some time. Although I appreciate that character trait, it sometimes guides me into a situation I even want to be there for, or around, somebody even when I am fighting my own battles. I guess that is just my nature instead of trying to portray a certain role. When I deeply care for somebody I always make sure I am emotionally secure but sometimes I even go beyond that to be there for somebody else. It shows respect when that other person says that I am not the most qualified person to be there even when there is some cheering up to do :). It is the difference between what your mind says and what your heart sees and how one decides for himself to respond.


Every person has his own battles to fight, whether they stem from work, family history, upbringing or any other path that makes one the person who he/she is today. Personally, I allow any friend to be critical of me as long as they understand that when somebody really cares they also will say things that can be harsh or even difficult to listen to. Everybody is responsible for their own actions, as a friend you can offer your opinion and be there when the chips are down. After all, it takes a long time to grow an old friend. Sincerely, I have made mistakes to but I am grateful to have a few people around that when I've made a fool of myself they do not feel I've done a permanent job.

The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing... not healing, not curing... that is a friend who cares.
Henri Nouwen

Inspire Series X Muhammad Ali

Born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Muhammad Ali reigned as a boxing champion in the ring but as an inspiration to many outside the ring. With a height of 1,91 m Ali is known for his unorthodox method of boxing: instead of holding his hands high to block punches, he literally floated around in the ring diverting punches. Next to becoming a Sunni Muslim, one of his character traits that he was very outspoken concerning religion, human rights and was very opinionated. 
He always believed that he was the greatest boxer alive and commended attention in that way and became bigger then life. He took risks by not listing to go to Vietnam and overcame all the struggles to regain his world championship title. Since he retired from boxing, his life is about devoting himself to humanitarian endeavors around the world supporting education efforts of all kinds, promotion adoption and encouraging people to respect and better understand one another. Being a champion in the ring as he still is outside of the ring.

I hated every minute of training, but I said, "Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion."
Muhammad Ali

Louboutin Kicks for Men

Searching for inspiration on such a nice day, it is 24 degrees down here in Rotterdam, these kicks caught my eye:

Christian Louboutin Spacer Flat Sneaker

Although the same causes some excitement for women, the focus of CL onto the men's market hopefully will cause the same response. Available through CL retailers in black leather, white leather and beige suede for the price of $1195. I do like the fact it is a hight-top sneaker where the buckles go up towards the diagonal zipper. Reminded of a Kris Van Assche sneaker of Autumn 09, Louboutin branches out into men's footwear and might do well there to with this bolder design. They are something to look at!


Source: My MANy Bags