Valeriy Okonechnikov

05/04/2025

George Bernard Shaw said:
“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”
That really made me stop and think.
If I keep the same thoughts all the time, nothing in my life will move forward.
Change doesn’t just happen on the outside — it has to start in my own mind.
This is what I believe now:
• If I want a new result, I need a new idea.
• If I stay stuck in old thinking, I stay stuck in old problems.
• If I’m not open to learning, I’m closing doors on myself.
It’s not always easy. Sometimes I hold on to old thoughts because they feel safe. But I’ve learned that being brave enough to think differently helps me grow.
What helps me:
• I remind myself it’s okay to be wrong sometimes.
• I try to listen, not just speak.
• I ask, “Is there another way to see this?”
Every time I’ve changed my mind — in a smart way — I’ve improved something in my life. I’ve made better choices. I’ve seen better results.
Now I try to stay open. Because I know the truth:
If I can’t change my mind, I’ll never change my world.
What do you think?

05/01/2025

This is how I see it:
• Nothing stays the same forever.
I used to believe things would always be the way they are now. But that’s not how life works. Places, people, and even how I feel can change. And that’s okay.
• Some friends don’t stay in my life.
I’ve had friends who were close to me, and now we barely talk. Sometimes it’s because they moved, or we grew apart. It hurts at first, but now I know it’s just part of growing up.
• The world keeps going, no matter what.
Even when I feel upset or lost, the clock keeps ticking. School of life doesn’t stop. Days keep passing. And, I have to keep moving, even when it’s hard.
Here’s what I try to do:
• Make the most of the time I have with people.
• Let go of the blame when someone leaves.
• Remind myself that I’m learning and getting stronger.
• Keep going, one step at a time.
What is your reaction?

04/29/2025

Sometimes people think that after a certain age, they should stop dreaming or trying new things. But I believe that’s not true at all.
When I hear the words "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream," I feel hopeful and strong.
I know that my dreams don’t have a timer on them.
Even if I have already reached some goals, there are always more things I can imagine and more things I can work toward. It’s like my life is a big, open book, and I get to keep adding new chapters whenever I want.
Here’s what this means to me:
• I can start fresh anytime. If something doesn’t work out, I can set a new goal without feeling bad about it.
• I don’t have to compare myself to others. My dreams are mine. My journey is mine.
• Trying new things keeps me alive inside. It makes my heart excited when I think about all the things I still want to do.
• Even small goals matter. Dreaming isn’t just about big things like becoming famous; it’s about little dreams too, like learning to bake, playing guitar, or making a new friend.
• Every day is a new chance. I can wake up each morning and say, "What do I want to try today?"
When I set a new goal or dream a new dream, I feel like I’m giving myself a gift. It reminds me that I’m still growing, still learning, and still becoming more me every day.
In My Words:
I don’t believe dreams have an age limit. I believe dreams are part of what makes me who I am. Whether I’m 12, 22, or 82, dreaming new dreams keeps my spirit bright and my life interesting. I will keep dreaming, setting goals, and reaching for new adventures — because my story is still being written, and I’m the one holding the pen.
Do you agree?

04/27/2025

Sometimes when we’re working hard, we feel like giving up. Our legs hurt. Our heads feel heavy. Our hearts tell us, “Maybe this is enough.”
But is it really enough if we haven’t finished what we started?
The phrase, "Don't stop when you're tired, stop when you're done," reminds me that feeling tired is just part of the journey. It doesn’t mean I’m finished — it means I’m getting closer.
Here’s what I believe this phrase is really teaching me:
• Tired is a feeling. Done is a fact.
Feelings come and go. But finishing something stays with you.
• My best moments come after I feel like quitting.
Pushing through the hard parts makes us stronger, even if it’s uncomfortable.
• Small wins build big dreams.
Every time I don’t quit, I move closer to the big things I want.
• Promises to ourselves matter the most.
Keeping a promise to myself — even when I’m tired — builds trust inside me.
When I get tired, I don’t tell myself to quit. I remind myself why I started. I think about the pride I’ll feel when the job is finally done.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s not about being the fastest.
It’s about finishing what I said I would finish.
Next time you feel tired, just ask yourself:
"Am I tired… or am I done?"
Because tired will pass.
But finishing will last.
What do you think?

04/20/2025

04/15/2025

When I read the quote by Carrie Ann Moss, it made me stop and think.
She talks about how, when we’re young, everyone tells me what to believe.
Parents, teachers, TV shows, and even religion all try to shape the way I see the world.
But at some point—by paying attention—I start to realize something important:
I can choose what I believe.
I can think for myself.
I don’t have to follow a plan that someone else made for me.
When we're growing up:
• Parents teach us what they think is right or wrong.
• Schools teach us facts, but also how to behave and think in certain ways.
• TV shows and social media send messages about what's “normal.”
• Religion often gives rules and beliefs to follow.
All of this can be helpful sometimes. But if I’m not careful, I might stop thinking for myself.
Finding Your Own Voice
There comes a moment when I start asking questions:
• “Do I really believe this?”
• “Why am I doing things this way?”
• “What do I want my life to look like?”
That’s when I begin to design my own life. Not someone else’s version of it—my version.
What I’ve Learned
• It’s okay to listen, but I don’t have to agree with everything.
• I get to decide what kind of person I want to be.
• I don’t need to follow rules that don’t make sense to me.
• I can take parts of what I’ve learned and leave the rest behind.
My Suggestions for Others
• Ask questions when something doesn’t feel right.
• Take time to think about what you believe—not just what others say.
• Try things out—it’s okay to change your mind later.
• Build your own path instead of walking one that doesn’t feel like yours.
What do you think?

04/15/2025

When I read the quote by Carrie Ann Moss, it made me stop and think.
She talks about how, when we’re young, everyone tells me what to believe.
Parents, teachers, TV shows, and even religion all try to shape the way I see the world.
But at some point—by paying attention—I start to realize something important:
I can choose what I believe.
I can think for myself.
I don’t have to follow a plan that someone else made for me.
When we're growing up:
• Parents teach us what they think is right or wrong.
• Schools teach us facts, but also how to behave and think in certain ways.
• TV shows and social media send messages about what's “normal.”
• Religion often gives rules and beliefs to follow.
All of this can be helpful sometimes. But if I’m not careful, I might stop thinking for myself.
Finding Your Own Voice
There comes a moment when I start asking questions:
• “Do I really believe this?”
• “Why am I doing things this way?”
• “What do I want my life to look like?”
That’s when I begin to design my own life. Not someone else’s version of it—my version.
What I’ve Learned
• It’s okay to listen, but I don’t have to agree with everything.
• I get to decide what kind of person I want to be.
• I don’t need to follow rules that don’t make sense to me.
• I can take parts of what I’ve learned and leave the rest behind.
My Suggestions for Others
• Ask questions when something doesn’t feel right.
• Take time to think about what you believe—not just what others say.
• Try things out—it’s okay to change your mind later.
• Build your own path instead of walking one that doesn’t feel like yours.
Is it helpful?

01/18/2025

This phrase highlights the importance of starting tasks or goals now. It reminds us that waiting or delaying action can prevent progress.
If we don't begin something, we can't expect it to be completed.
Imagine this: You have a school project due in a week. You think, "I’ll do it tomorrow," and then tomorrow comes, but you still don’t start.
Before you know it, the deadline is here, and you’re stressed. That’s what the phrase "What is not started today is never finished tomorrow" is trying to teach us.
Taking the first step is like opening a door to new opportunities. Starting today means you're closer to getting things done tomorrow.
Here are some simple reasons why starting now can make your life easier:
• Time is limited: Every day you wait is a day lost. Starting today gives you more time to do things well.
• It builds momentum: When you start, even with something small, it gets easier to keep going.
• You feel less pressure: Waiting too long can make tasks feel overwhelming. Starting early gives you control.
• Practice makes progress: Beginning now gives you more chances to learn and improve as you go.
Here are a few easy steps to get started:
1. Make a simple plan: Write down what you want to do and break it into smaller steps.
2. Start small: Even if it’s just five minutes, doing something is better than nothing.
3. Set a timer: Challenge yourself to work for a set time, like 15 minutes, and see how much you can do.
4. Ask for help: If you don’t know where to begin, talk to someone who can guide you.
My View
Starting today isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing effort and being brave enough to begin. From my experience, every big accomplishment starts with one small step.
So, the next time you have something important to do, remember:
The sooner you start, the sooner you can succeed.

01/02/2025

As we step into the Year of the Green Wood Snake, let’s embrace the qualities it symbolizes—wisdom, growth, and adaptability.
Just like the snake sheds its skin for renewal, this year offers us all the chance to grow.
Leave behind the old.
And welcome new opportunities.

09/11/2024

Logic is like following a map or a GPS for directions.
However, there’s a limit to where logic can take you.
You’ll only reach places that already exist.
But what if you want to go somewhere no one’s been before?
That’s where imagination steps in.

Imagination allows you to think beyond what’s possible today.
It’s how new ideas are born.
When you imagine, you can picture things that don’t exist yet.
You can solve problems in new ways or create something never been seen before.

Helping others to embrace their imagination is one of the most powerful tools I can share.
It's not just about thinking outside the box, but about the box didn’t exist.
This shift in thinking can help anyone break away from the limits they might set on themselves.

What do you think?

09/08/2024

Life can be full of challenges, whether learning something new, tackling a difficult project, or reaching a personal goal.
What matters is how we handle those challenges when they come our way.

Success isn’t just about reaching the finish line.
It's about learning from your mistakes and making progress bit by bit.
Take sports, for example—you don’t become the best player after just one day of practice.
It takes time, effort, and a lot of determination. But each small step brings you closer to your goal.

Looking back at my achievements, I see that the key wasn’t excellence.
It was sticking with it, even when things got difficult.
I want to encourage you to believe success is within reach if you stay persistent and don’t lose hope.

You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish by not giving up!
Today is a good day to do it. Isn’t it?

09/07/2024

Whether helping someone learn something new or breaking a big task into smaller steps, each action you take has a positive ripple effect.
You’ve used your achievements not just to succeed but to guide others. And we don’t always need to aim for huge goals to make a lasting impact.

The key is to focus on what’s in front of you and do your best.
Little things we do matter when done with care and dedication.

What is your opinion?