Category Archives: Uncategorized

#inspiration, #spirituality

Christmas Cheer

I love to laugh and to make others laugh. I find that a lot of life is full of humor. And laughter is good for us. It burns calories without having to go to the gym!

Some people are having a difficult time finding anything to laugh about, and Christmas cheer isn’t waiting for them in their stockings. They have suffered losses and setbacks. It takes time to heal from the pain. It can’t be forced.

If you know someone who might be alone this year, reach out to them. Let them know they are in your thoughts. Your small gesture might put a smile on their face.

Speaking of laughter, here is an old SNL clip that always makes me laugh. Peace to all…

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#inspiration

Freebies

You have heard the saying, “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.” It’s true. Everything in life has to be earned. One of my favorite politicians to pick on believes the government should pay for everything. Someone has to make the money to provide for whatever government benefits he wants to provide. You see, the government doesn’t generate a single dollar of revenue.

Retail stores offer “buy one get one free” to entice you into the store. The store might actually lose money on the offer, but figure people will buy more things while they are in the store. It must be a successful business model because stores continue to make the offer.

It’s important to remember, everything in life that has value requires work. Everything. Mental health, physical fitness, and solid relationships are brought to life by our commitment to making them happen. There is no other way.

Decide what is important to you. Then commit to making it happen. You will encounter difficulties along the road. But it’s hard to defeat a person who refuses to quit…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Nearby When You Need It

All of us have things in our past we would love to forget. The mistakes we’ve made, the things we have said we wished we hadn’t. All of them play on a never ending loop in our heads.

At the same time, there are more things we did right, and we continue doing them. We aren’t constantly reminded of them because they don’t induce stress. Yet, stress isn’t always a bad thing.

I grew up in a constant “fight or flight” way of thinking. My mind created coping mechanisms so I could survive. Over time, those coping mechanisms ceased to serve me well. At that point I was kinda lost. I was living in an adult world with no adult skills. Only by the grace of God I made it through.

In 2010 I found the right psychotherapist and I went to work on myself. Over time, I learned what the root causes were of my decision making. Only then did I remove the root and began making better, healthier decisions. It has been challenging, but man I have grown immensely.

The past remains in the past. It’s always nearby if I need it, but its only use is as a reminder of how far I have come. I’m still working on myself because that never stops.

Do the work…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Unspoken Stories

This week I have been doing volunteer speaking in seven Texas prisons. Some of the stories the men and women tell about their lives are unthinkable. Physical, emotional and sexual abuse are common to many of the inmates. But there is hope…

The State of Texas criminal justice system is designed to give inmates a path forward. An inmate can become a cosmetologist, a barber, even a nurse, courtesy of the state. The state believes in them while many in society have rejected them. Over the past couple of years I’ve had the privilege to speak to thousands. Many life stories will stay with me forever.

One of the truths I share with prisoners is that when they leave, they need to walk out with their heads held high and their shoulders back. They have done what the State of Texas required of them. Yet, there are people who will reject them because they are convicted felons. Some will throw their past in their faces and try to keep them down. Those aren’t their people.

There are a lot of good people in the world. You gotta look hard to find them, but they are there.

Be good…

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#inspiration

Homebodies

I love going out and being the life of the party. Always have. I have never met a stranger and I can usually find a way to connect with everyone I encounter.

Yet I truly enjoy being home. The inner peace of being home is like no other. With the rapid pace of the holidays upon us, it is getting harder to find peace in the world. We all need peace and quiet in our lives, no matter how outgoing we are.

I encourage you to find a few peaceful moments during your day. Perhaps it’s the very early morning before your day gets moving. Make time for yourself.

Make your home a refuge. Enjoy it…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Fantasyland

The Walt Disney Company is in the business of creating fantasy worlds. They are excellent at their craft. And just think, it all started with a mouse.

People create stories in their heads to cover up pain. They tell themselves (and others) the stories so often that they begin to believe they are real. The reality of our lives won’t change because we wish it away.

We put on masks, creating a facade for the world to see. Inside our heads and hearts we believe if people saw us for who we are, they won’t like us. It may surprise you to know that just the opposite is true. People crave human connection, rea connection. Not something based upon superficiality.

I encourage you, let your guard down. Connect. Leave the fantasy world to Disney…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Self Aware

Are you fully in touch with who you are? Knowing ourselves is essential for growth.

There are areas we all need improvement in. And there are things we do well. Don’t forget your wish list! These are the things we wish we could do. Some are achievable, while others are fantasy.

Take inventory of yourself. Be honest. If you are really brave, talk about your strengths and weaknesses with a trusted friend. Be willing to listen to constructive criticism. And give yourself a break when necessary.

I encourage you to take your talents and use them to make a difference. The world needs to hear from you…

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Self Pity

There is a character from Winnie the Pooh who constantly looks on the dark side of life. He pities himself that “nobody minds. Nobody cares.” Eeyore is who I’m talking about. He speaks in monotones and doesn’t have an uplifting word for anyone.

We all know people like Eeyore. They wallow in self-pity, always moaning about how things never work out for them. Someone was rude or short with them at work. Perhaps a sales clerk wasn’t as helpful as they wished they had been. These types of people should consider the problem might be themselves. Our attitude comes through in the way we speak and act.

Take a moment to consider which character from Pooh you identify with. For me it’s Tigger. Who is it for you?

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Self Assured

Do you approach life with confidence, or do you take on what the day brings with trepidation? Confidence is built in the dark, difficult times. We learn that we get through our hardest battles and we live again. The temptation to quit is always lurking, but we must have the mindset that quitting is not an option.

You are here for a purpose. I’m not suggesting fame and fortune. Those things don’t last. Your legacy will, though. The difference you make in the lives of others will be remembered and talked about for generations.

Never forget this. You are way more important in the grand scheme of things than you realize. God didn’t create anyone to merely be average.

I encourage you to live confidently, even when you aren’t feeling it. Confidence won’t be built in the easy times. Only through darkness can you find the light…

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#inspiration

Behind Schedule

Do you feel like you are always behind schedule? I know people who are constantly in “fight or flight” mode, and that’s not healthy. It disrupts clear thinking, keeping people off balance.

The best way to stay on track is to keep working at whatever lies in front of you. Needs to wrap Christmas presents? Wrap for an hour and then take a break. Have a work deadline in front of you? Just go to work on it. You aren’t behind unless you miss the deadline.

Placing too much pressure on ourselves can work against us. We will be our best, and do our best when we apply just the right amount of pressure.

We all fall behind schedule occasionally. Don’t sweat it. Just get after it!

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