Spirituality

Caught Up

Do you ever feel like you are caught up with life, your “to do” list? My list keeps growing.

We can get lured into an unhealthy lifestyle. It may start with just a little flirtation. But it seems to be okay, so maybe go a little farther. Before you know it, you get caught up in something you didn’t want but now you don’t know how to get out. If this is you, be at peace. There is always a way. Always.

If alcohol, gambling, sex or shopping are your challenges, there is a 12 Step Program for whatever you battle. And remember, it is a spiritual battle you are in. It may manifest into our physical world, but its basis is spiritual.

I know people whose lives had become a train wreck. They were hopeless. But through a lot of hard work and changes in their thinking, they restored their lives.

If this resonates with you, please take the first step to a new, better life. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

Take the step…

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Spirituality

Eve of Destruction

My personality is hardwired in optimism. It always has been. I have an ability to see the good in every situation. The “good finder” in me sees it in people, too.

My optimism about the future of The United States is waning. I’m not happy about this, but I must be realistic. Let me explain.

America has gotten lazy. We rest on the strength of will of those who came before us. Our last of the World War II heroes are dying off. For a while we were replacing them with dudes in dresses and makeup. I’m glad that era has passed, but rebuilding takes time.

The United States’ obesity rate is epidemic. This has caused our healthcare costs to spin out of control. The country has $38 trillion of acknowledged debt, but there is another $200 trillion in unfunded future healthcare liabilities no one talks about.

It’s not too late! We can turn things around if we are collectively willing. It won’t be easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is…

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Spirituality

Free Range Chickens

The term “free range chicken” has a nice sound to it, doesn’t it? It makes us think that the chickens are running wild in the barnyard, and so they must be better to eat and the hens produce superior eggs. It’s really just a marketing term, nothing more.

People are free range beings. We are independent thinkers. We don’t like being labeled or confined. All of us are unique. We come and go as we please. As long as we obey the law, we remain free.

We also have a desire to be part of a group, a community where we “fit in.” This makes sense because we do need other people in our lives. But let’s not take unity too far. Being part of a unified group is good unless the group doesn’t want people to express themselves freely. Go against the group and you’re out.

Stay true to yourself. The qualities and characteristics you possess are what makes you the beautiful person you are. Be who you are, not the person that others want you to be.

Be free range…

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Spirituality

Beliefs

Someone recently asked me what I believe in. So, I thought I would share a few of my beliefs here.

First off, I believe in God. Our world is in a spiritual battle, an unseen fight. God has already won the battle. It’s just a matter of time until we see it.

I believe in what is true, what is right, and what is noble. I believe most people are good in their hearts. We see the goodness of mankind show up when tragedy strikes. Sure, there are bad people, really evil people in the world, but that’s not most.

I believe in the next generation. It’s hard to be a child nowadays, but I believe our young people are some of the best.

I believe in justice. If we don’t find it here, God will make it right.

And I believe in spreading goodness and light into the world. People need to find hope and know they aren’t alone in their struggle. It’s easy to criticize. It’s worthwhile to encourage.

If I wrote everything I believe in, it might break the internet! This was a small glimpse into my mind. And yet, there are people who will find fault with my beliefs. That’s okay. God loves all of us, even the critics…

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Spirituality

Clear Vision

Seeing the world around us as it is rather than how we wish it was is vitally important for objective thinking. Believing things are better (or worse) than they are is a form of denial. Reality never denies the truth.

Do you have a vision for your life? Many people are just going through the motions, getting by, and living for the weekend. Living with unfulfilled dreams is merely existing. There is a lot of life on the other side, but you gotta go get it.

We were placed here for a reason. God created everyone with a purpose in mind. There is nothing random about your life. You know in your heart that this is true.

Life may have knocked you down but it didn’t knock you out. It’s time to re-engage. Bring the calling on your life to the front of your mind. Create your unique vision for your life and get started. Conditions may change but your vision doesn’t have to.

Remember the writings of Thoreau and plant his words in your heart: “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation and die with their song still in them.”

Don’t allow your music to die with you. The world needs what you have to offer…

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Spirituality

Neighborly

Have you ever had a bad experience with a neighbor? I have. Only one, but he was a rude, selfish ass. And the thing is, you are stuck with them until one of you moves.

In the workplace we have neighbors. My office has around 20 people in it. We may only casually know our coworkers, but we can make a difference in their lives. We simply need to be aware of what’s going on around us and offer support if appropriate. Even casual acquaintances need to know we care.

People are struggling. Most people put on a brave face for the world, but they might feel empty inside. Show patience and kindness when you can. Even if you are in a hurry. Your simple smile might be what someone needs in the moment.

We are never too busy to show kindness…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Detractors

There are people among us who love to tear you down. I have never understood this. It must come from an area of their own insecurity embedded in their hearts. Deeply embedded.

The world is hard. Take a moment and notice the faces of the people around you. Wherever you are, in an elevator, walking around The Domain, in restaurants, the effects of isolation are still felt today. These are opportunities to show kindness and compassion to others, even to those who don’t deserve it.

God created us to be in community, not alone. We need solitude but not isolation. Even the CDC has put on their website that human connection is vital for good emotional health and wellbeing. If you haven’t heard from your friends and acquaintances for a while, take a moment to check on them. It will do both of you well.

Don’t fall for the distractions of life, or the detractors. Stay focused on spreading goodness and light, no matter what anyone says…

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Spirituality

Free Radicals

In the science world, free radicals are unstable molecules that are missing an electron, which makes them highly reactive. They are produced naturally in the body, but outside influences such as pollution, smoke and processed foods can cause them, too.

What happened to the Democrats? The party used to represent working people while also standing up for free speech. Today’s party is full of elites who detest the working class. And the crazies shout you down when you disagree with them. This represents a far cry from the party of JFK.

Jesus was a radical. He revolutionized his era, preaching love while hanging around with the people who were outcast by the religious leaders of their time. Jesus gave people hope and he never wavered.

Today’s Democrats are the free radicals in the physical world. Not all of them, of course. Just the far-left wing which are the ones who get most of the attention.

My encouragement to you is to continue standing up for what is true, right and just. Those things transcend politics…

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Spirituality

Uninspired

Do you ever have days where you just can’t find any motivation? Of course you do. It’s natural. But the real question is, how do you respond on those days?

Periods like this are when you must be careful. Be careful to not allow your mind to play tricks on you. Your mind will tell you to coast, that you deserve to slow down or not give your best. Don’t fall for it!

My encouragement to you is to walk away for a moment. Get outside if it’s possible. Breathe deeply. Your waning motivation is merely a feeling, nothing more. Feelings pass. Taking that brief recess will get your mindset right.

Once you’ve reset your mind, get after it! You have a reason for being here…

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Spirituality

Play on Words

Sometimes a play on words is funny. Like when you provide comfort to a grammar freak: “there, their, they’re.” Goofy stuff like this makes me laugh.

Words have meaning. Actions have meaning. When they don’t align then they are hollow. Some of us had parents whose actions didn’t follow what they said. This created confusion in our brains because our parents were our first teachers.

Be careful with what you say. People pay attention and they can see what we do. Never allow your emotions to take over your words. Stay calm in the chaos.

There are good people in this world who say little but accomplish much. Follow their lead. They are solid.

I leave you with this:

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