Monthly Archives: December 2023

#inspiration, #spirituality

Staying Positive

The culture of today will tear you down if you get caught up in it. Fear of missing out, likes and shares of our social media posts and comparison will suck the life out of you if that is your focus. How do you maintain a positive mindset in this environment?

Self-work along with self reflection are vital components to maintaining the right attitude. Work on being the best version of yourself. This work never ends because there is no arrival destination. We are all works in progress or works in regression. If you ever think you’ve hit the top, you haven’t.

Take the time to reflect on how you are doing. Be accountable and fair with yourself, but don’t be too hard on yourself, either. Hold yourself to a high standard and don’t compromise your values. Stay focused.

If you find yourself missing today’s crazy culture, it will still be waiting for you to return. I don’t think you will…

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#inspiration

Lost

Every year you and your family and friends are creating memories. Are you creating a record of them?

Legacies are handed down over generations. We must preserve them or all will be lost over time. There is no way you can remember everything, so write it down. Keep it safe for others to enjoy.

Take the time to make a record of your life. The written word is the best way…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

It’s Time

Timing is everything. There’s a right time to speak and a right time to listen. There’s a time to take the lead while there’s also a time to step back and watch things develop.

Your time is now. Unwrap the dreams of your heart and act on them. You won’t have everything figured out beforehand so don’t concern yourself with every little detail. Just act.

There has never been a better time than now…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Depression

Depression is real. There are multiple types of depression: clinical, seasonal, post-partum and more. Where someone says they are depressed, please listen to them without judgment.

The hopelessness of depression can lead to all types of irrational behavior. How many times have you heard of or experienced someone who took their own life, yet they had everything? It doesn’t make sense to those of us who aren’t depressed, but it was very real to them.

The holidays can bring on weird moods. Please raise your awareness to what your friends, family and colleagues are saying. They might need a listening ear…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Aging

Aging doesn’t suck. There are a variety of benefits to getting older. You have acquired wisdom, you approach things more methodically, your relationships gain importance, and you have learned what is important in life.

Young people would be wise to pick the brains of older people. Learn from their mistakes. See opportunities previously unseen.

And remember, you are like a fine wine. You get better with age…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Christians

If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

We sometimes get confused about what a Christian should look like. Christian men and women are not pious or preachy. Christians should not hold others in judgment. Christian people are known by their actions, not their knowledge of Scripture.

Look at Jesus. He was perfect and showed us the character of God in human form. He redeemed and restored others. He hung out with the people no one else thought he should. While many religious leaders of that time shunned sinners, Jesus welcomed them.

We too should be recognized as Christians by our actions. Nothing more is necessary. Take the writing of Saint Francis into consideration: “preach the Gospel always. Use words when necessary…”

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Finding Purpose

In 1854, Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Most men live lives of quiet desperation, and die with their song still in them.” Do you want to die unfulfilled? I don’t think you do.

Let’s go on a journey together to find purpose and meaning in our lives. The first thing to do is pray. Ask God to show you the way to your higher purpose. Then ask God for the courage to follow through and do it.

Step two is to take an inventory of what you are good at. What makes you feel alive? Write everything down. Keep your list with you and add to it as things come to light.

Step three is to begin. Start moving in the direction you are led in. Don’t concern yourself with having everything figured out beforehand. The pathway will open as you take steps. Be fearless.

Expect setbacks and frustrations. They are natural. Work through them and keep moving forward.

Finally, thank God regularly that He is on this road with you. Thank Him for guidance and for lifting hurdles.

Start now. Do not hesitate. I look forward to seeing you on the road less traveled…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Holiday Blues

The holidays bring out a variety of different emotions. I hate to admit it, but I’m always glad when the holidays are over. They were always a disappointment to me during my childhood, so memories really do have muscle.

I love to see people enjoying and celebrating the holidays. Families and friends share some happy moments and create memories. These are good things.

There are other people who are struggling, doing everything they can to hold it together. People put on a good front but they might be dying inside. For this reason, I encourage you to slow down during the holiday rush. Whatever you are in a hurry for can wait. Take the time to show a little extra kindness.

Your kindness might be someone’s last, best hope…

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#inspiration

Retirement

Retirement is something many people look forward to. They dream of doing the things they always wanted to do, and now they have the time.

Studies demonstrate that retiring might not be the panacea we hope it is. In fact, the later in life that you retire, the longer your life expectancy. Many people experience mental health problems. Their daily sense of purpose is gone.

Why not do the things you always wanted right now instead of waiting? We truly don’t know how long we will live. Go find yourself and live now.

Experience life. Engage. Dream. And then go do…

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