Tag Archives: #challenges

#inspiration, #spirituality

Hatred

Why do people hate others? Everything from the neo-Nazis to the KKK exists so they can isolate and marginalize others, keeping them living in fear. Although these groups are small, they can inflict great harm to people.

Anti-Semitism is rampant on college campuses and in mainstream society. Two weeks ago I attended a “Breakfast For Israel” meeting to learn about the battles Israel is facing. The Israelis are in a fight for their lives, their very existence. There was security everywhere to keep the attendees safe. This really saddened me.

Hatred is the default mechanism of a weak and empty society. Blame is oftentimes a companion of hate. People believe they have been victimized so they blame the people who aren’t like them.

People fear what they don’t understand. I encourage you to get to know people, learn about them and their culture. You will see that we are all pretty much the same inside…

Standard
#inspiration, #spirituality

When Fears Become Gods

Fears can be a powerful force. The fear of missing out is a real phenomenon. And there are over 500 listed phobias. The fear of fears has a name, too. It’s phobophobia. Where should I begin?

If you allow your fears to dominate your thoughts, you can become paralyzed. You are so fearful that you become afraid to make a move. Keeping fear at the forefront of your mind can impair your decision making, and it takes a toll on your overall health. You must find a way to fight through it.

I encourage you to take a break from media, social and political. The MSM pours fear out in truckloads. If they keep you fearful you will tune in because you might miss something. You won’t miss anything, I promise. Take a break. Get outside. Exercise your body and your mind. Your future self will thank you.

Personally, I’m deathly afraid of snakes. If I’m on a lake and I see a snake, I’ll be the third man to walk on water! They creep me out.

Take care of yourself. People need you at your best…

Standard
#inspiration, #spirituality

All or Some

If you are anything like me, you approach life with optimism, vigor and confidence. You believe anything is possible. But what about when we fall short or we meet frustration after frustration? What happens then?

Those are the dark times, the periods where we keep going even if we aren’t getting anywhere. Just as good times don’t last forever, neither does the darkness. Think back to the times in life where things looked bleak, pointless even. You got through those times and you will thrive again. Believe it.

Life is not “all or nothing.” Believe in yourself and remember, some is better than none…

Standard
#inspiration

Truth and Consequences

Have you noticed that there are people who want to mislead you out there? Perhaps they are trying to sell you something you don’t need, or a commercial inspires your children to ask you to buy some sugary cereal.

Take the time to think before you buy. Is your child better off eating sugar-filled cereal or fruit and protein in the morning? After all, cereal is quick and easy. Cutting up fruit and preparing bacon takes time, and who’s got the time? Take the time. You are investing in your child’s future health.

Politicians are the worst. “Elect me and I promise” they say. We expect politicians to stretch the truth, so you have to watch their actions closely. What has their history been?

Stay true to what you know is right. Commit to taking the time to investigate. Think things through.

It might be a good idea to slow down a little. Life takes time…

Standard
#inspiration, #spirituality

Improving

The progression of life is challenging. We are faced with setbacks, frustrations and difficulties. During difficult periods, it’s important to remember that we have overcome every obstacle we have ever encountered. And we will again!

When you are trying to fulfill your true purpose you will want to quit. That’s natural. But don’t quit. Ever. The greater the challenge, the greater the individual becomes. You are a work in progress.

It’s hard to beat a person who refuses to quit…

Standard
#inspiration

Reset

People are harder on themselves than they need to be sometimes. It’s a good thing to hold ourselves accountable, but that’s not what I’m talking about. Beating yourself up because of a mistake or disappointment is a contributing factor in poor self esteem.

We all make mistakes and we all fall short of our goals sometimes. It happens. Pick yourself up and move on. Have you blown the New Year’s resolutions you promised yourself you would accomplish? Start again! Life is a progression, not an all or none.

Give yourself a break. Challenge yourself but don’t get down on yourself if you fail to meet the challenge. Try once more.

Be kind to others, and remember to be kind to yourself…

Standard
#inspiration

Crunch Time

October has arrived. We are in the last three months of 2024. Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday we were ushering in the new year.

The fourth quarter is when we really ramp up our efforts. We gotta hit those goals we set. Time is of the essence because we are running out of it!

Slow down a little. You can only give 100% no matter how hard you try. Remember to take time for your relationships and make time for yourself. Recharging your mind will make you more effective.

Keep what’s important in the forefront of your mind. And keep going no matter what happens…

Standard
#inspiration

Who Do You Prefer?

Every election cycle we get barraged by celebrities making their presidential endorsement. And we get some who promise to leave the country if the other parties candidate wins. The funny thing is, they are all still here. I guess they were just empty promises.

Being a critical thinker, you don’t need to listen to anyone about who to support, celebrity or otherwise. Your vote aligns with your values and what you want our country to look like in the future. It’s up to the candidates to win your votes because they have the right vision. It’s up to us to hold them accountable.

Voting is a serious matter, and it’s a great right. We sometimes take it for granted and we shouldn’t. We might lose that right someday if we aren’t careful…

Standard
#inspiration

Take The Lead

Are you comfortable when you are placed in a position to lead others? I hope your answer is no.

Leadership requires humility and adaptability. The people you are leading might have a better idea than you, and when you recognize that, they believe in you even more. You won’t be ceding your leadership position. When you become less important, you are positioning others to grow. When your followers grow, and they trust you, they will march through the gates of hell for you.

Feeling uncomfortable as a leader is natural. Your growth comes through discomfort. Your confidence expands. And your emotional intelligence increases.

Leaders have a servants heart. Lead well…

Standard
#inspiration

Education

Being educated is important, wouldn’t you agree? In many ways our students have fallen behind. This is not all the teachers fault.

Horace Mann (1796-1859) is known as the “Father of American Education” because of his great impact on education. Mann believed the best way to deal with unruly children was to educate them. Early educators focused on the head, the hands and the heart. In other words, the brain, the application of knowledge and the emotional well being of children.

Fast forward to today. Teachers are forced to “teach to the test.” STAAR testing is their focus. Do you wonder why? Because test scores determine how much funding they receive from, you guessed it, the federal government. Students are memorizing information so they will do well on the test. I know a lot of educators. Not a single one is an advocate for the test. And students aren’t energized to learn, only to regurgitate a bunch of information.

A better approach is to teach kids critical thinking skills and test their proficiency. Teachers can capture their imagination. Kids will engage their minds.

When you reach the heart of a child, he will give you everything else…

Standard