Tag Archives: #challenges

#inspiration

Halfway There

We are now in the second half of 2024. Before you know it we will be celebrating Christmas! And as crazy as it sounds, some retailers already have Christmas decorations up. Yes, retailers are hurting that bad in this economy.

Take a moment to review the past six months. Think about the high moments, your victories. Keep those in the forefront of your mind every day while adding new successes as you go along.

Did you make any resolutions for 2024 that went by the wayside? It’s not too late to start again. Don’t beat yourself up, just begin again. And again. And keep trying.

You can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Make the next half of the year your best half…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Personal Responsibility

I love extracurricular activities in schools. Whether it’s theater, band or sports, they are great teaching tools for our young people. And kids are in school to learn more than how to conjugate verbs or solve quadratic equations.

Being part of something bigger than yourself requires responsibility, accountability and dedication. How well you compete is dependent upon how well you prepare. Every experience we have in life prepares us for something else. Even our bad experiences are useful.

Taking ownership when you do or say something wrong is vital for a functioning society. Getting out of something might cause someone to avoid some short-term pain, but it damages the offender in ways we can’t see, not to mention the carnage they leave in their wake. Face it and go through it. Adversity builds resilience and strength.

Be the one who leads well. Be the one…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Experience

Have you ever had someone describe their favorite beach to you but you don’t feel the same way they do? Empathy means shared experience. The only way you can empathize is through experience.

This is the principle behind Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcoholics willingly share their experience, strength and hope with others in the room. They are all affected by the same disease, so they understand each other. A non-alcoholic might be entertained by some of the incredible stories they will hear in an AA meeting, but it won’t impact them like it does the alcoholic.

I encourage you to share your experiences with others, especially the painful ones. Most people have felt deep heartache in their lives, and you will be letting them know they aren’t alone.

Let your guard down. Don’t waste your pain…

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#inspiration

Balanced Life

I hear people preach about getting balance in your life. You know, the whole work-life balance thing. I’m not sure that’s good advice.

It is true that all of us need rest, play, social interaction and nutrition in addition to our work. These are vital elements to maintain our mental health. Yet I have always leaned into my work while adding new projects. I enjoy it. That’s how I’m wired. Some people want a structured 9-5 job along with an element of predictability in their lives. That’s fine, too!

I believe the most neglected part of life is getting enough rest. You must take time to recharge. Deep, restful sleep prepares us to go fight another day.

Play is important, too. Take some time to let loose and have some fun! And don’t feel guilty for it. Solid playtime makes you better.

Find the balance that’s right for you. Don’t copy the templates of others, or what the “experts” tell you. You know what’s best for you…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Lost

Every week, I encounter many people and have a lot of conversations. By the end of the week, I’m pretty exhausted, but in a good way. What’s more telling to me are the people I don’t have an opportunity to engage with.

People look lost, merely drifting through life without any real sense of purpose. Life has beaten them down. They are existing, not living. I get it. We all have highs and lows to navigate through. It’s very expensive to live nowadays, and there’s no end in sight to the effects inflation. But you gotta keep going.

If you are experiencing a dark period in your life, I encourage you to get rid of any negativity. Turn the television off. Read great works and listen to podcasts that feature inspiring stories. You will make it if you refuse to give up.

Just keep going, no matter what happens…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Awareness

It seems that every month is some “awareness” month where we are encouraged to become aware of something we should already be aware of. Seriously, aren’t we already aware of Alzheimer’s Disease, Breast Cancer, Men’s Health and many other worthwhile causes? I believe it is naive to believe we could forget about any important cause we are supposed to be aware of.

On Sundays, we get cleaned up and head to church. But what about the drug addict we pass on the street corner. Are we aware of him and his needs, or do we look the other way and pretend he doesn’t exist? We should invite him in. That might make us get a little involved and perhaps a little dirty. But we need to remember (be aware) that in the eyes of our Creator the drug addict is as important as we are.

I encourage you to be aware of opportunities to lift others, not tear them down or ignore them. Remember what Jesus said: “what you do for the least among you, you do for me…”

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#inspiration, #spirituality

What Are You Thinking?

You have heard it said that we become what we think about, and it’s true. Our thoughts are powerful, and they control our actions to an extent that is more than we realize. Thus, be diligent with controlling your thoughts.

If you want to regain your health, fill your mind with information about healthy eating and exercise. Start an exercise routine. Focus on your long-term goals, and realize that you are making progress every day. Think about what you are gaining by jettisoning a crappy diet and sedentary lifestyle.

Nowadays it seems most people are thinking about politics. That is wasted energy. Congress will continue wasting trillions of dollars while the time you spend fuming about “the other side” has robbed you of valuable time. Regain control of your time.

Decide what you want from your life. It’s been written to begin with the end in mind, so think about how you want to be remembered. Then put your thoughts into action…

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#inspiration

Simplicity

Life can be complicated. I spent years learning subjects in school that I wasn’t sure I would ever use. Reading and spelling were helpful to prepare me for life. Yet, I still cannot understand why geometry was so important.

We are all capable of making life harder than it should be. Some things can be accomplished through simple solutions. If it’s too easy, we question whether we might have missed something.

Simplicity reigns. We should take the time to rid ourselves of clutter and unnecessary noise. Focus on important things like family, friends and making a difference.

Keep it simple. It’s not that hard…

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#inspiration

Do Nothing

Everyone can use a day off. Sometimes we just need a break. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s healthy.

American culture has tried to dictate to us that if we aren’t the busiest person around, then we have little or no worth. This isn’t true. Being productive is far superior to just busyness. To be our best, we need to rest and recharge.

Take some time off occasionally. The work will be waiting for you upon your return…

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#inspiration

Bullying

Bullying gets a lot of attention nowadays. And it should.

Bullies aren’t born that way. Something inside of them makes them act that way. At their core, bullies are the most frightened person around. They are scared so they want others to feel scared. If you want them to change their behavior, you must change their hearts. Then the change is lasting.

Rachel’s Challenge is the most effective in-school program that creates safer, better connected schools. A story, Rachel’s story, gives students the desire to change, the “want to” if you will.

Change the heart, change the world. It begins with a story…

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