Tag Archives: #challenges

#inspiration

Praise

Praise is good. We all love to be recognized for a job well done, and we derive great satisfaction in doing it.

False praise sends a harmful message. Children build resilience when they bounce back from a screw up. If they are given praise for not doing their best, they begin to accept that second best is enough. Participation trophies say “everyone’s a winner,” rather than allowing kids to experience the sting of defeat.

Praise others often when given the opportunity. But only offer praise that’s deserved…

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#inspiration

Why Forgiveness is Important

Have you been hurt by someone else? Most of us have, and we will be hurt and disappointed by others again. Why should we forgive them? After all, they are the ones who caused the damage.

When we choose to hold onto the hurt and not forgive, it damages us, not the offender. Unresolved conflict becomes bitterness and resentment. We focus on what we have lost, not what remains. Having a strong sense of gratitude reminds us of how much we have. Our focus goes from distressed to blessed. We recognize and remember all of the good in our lives.

Forgiveness is hard, and it takes time. If you try to force it, forgiveness won’t last. You will know when you are ready…

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#inspiration

Opposition

Albert Einstein once wrote, “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”

Plenty of people stand ready to throw cold water on your dreams. It’s your life. You can choose to listen to the naysayers or to your inner voice, the voice that encourages you to pursue your destiny. Expect opposition, but don’t give in.

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#inspiration

Outlook

How do you envision your future? Are you looking through a lens of optimism or fear?

Fear limits you. It prevents you from taking chances and fulfilling your dreams. Faith breeds self-confidence. As your confidence grows, the challenges you face will be met with the knowledge you will overcome them. And thrive…

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#inspiration

Monday

It’s here! Another Monday. I’m not sure why Monday gets a bad rap. If I’m alive and breathing, I’ll take that over being listed in the obituary column!

Every Monday brings a new beginning. See it as an opportunity to make a difference. Commit to working hard every day, knowing restoration is coming at the end of the week. Make today count…

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#inspiration

Ignorance

If we think we know it all, then we believe we must always be right. Ignoring facts and truth which contradict our beliefs insulates us from releasing our egos and admitting we were mistaken.

Seek knowledge outside of what you know. Be willing to test your beliefs. Ignorance might be bliss, but I believe ignorance is blindness…

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#inspiration

Doubt

What do you do when you doubt yourself? Do you retreat, or press forward toward your goal?

Everyone has doubts. Even Olympic athletes have to overcome doubt. Fear of failure has killed more dreams than anything else. “What if I fail” is an all too familiar question. We must fight through our doubt, understanding that the road to success isn’t a paved road. It’s rocky. With potholes! And unknowns.

Press forward through doubt and discomfort. Listen to the voice of encouragement. That voice speaks the truth. Just keep going…

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Popularity

All of us want to be liked, to have others look up to us. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Sometimes we must make a decision: do we go along with the crowd and fit in, or do we go it alone and stand up for what’s right? If the crowd is ridiculing someone, causing the person heartbreak and pain (bullying), shouldn’t we act differently?

It’s better to have self-respect than to have the adoration of weak people, even when we stand alone…

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#inspiration

Decisions Decisions

Every day we are faced with innumerable decisions we must make. Some are very easy, while other decisions can cause stress.

Solid decisions are based upon what is the right thing to do. Decisions that are made from an emotional standpoint often lead to chaos or ruin. We listen to our feelings rather than logic. Logic alone isn’t sufficient. We must consider the potential outcomes from our decision on the emotional side of our brain.

Not every decision we make will have a successful outcome. We cannot control everything. But regardless, make a decision…

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