#inspiration, #spirituality

Story Time

Our stories connect us. People find themselves in stories of inspiration, and even in stories of despair. We relate to others in a way that is undefinable.

My own life story is not pretty. I grew up in a tension-filled, violent home. I walked on eggshells, afraid of setting my father off. Being in a constant state of “fight or flight” is not a good way to wire the brain. Fortunately, we can rewire our brains and heal from past trauma. It takes work, but there’s hope in the process.

I’m grateful for my life story. I have found that it resonates with inmates in prisons. Many of them come from screwed up families, and my story gives them hope for a better future.

Take a moment to consider how you want to be remembered. I want my epitaph to read, “He Cared.” Live your life in a way that will fulfill your desire of how you want to be remembered.

Do it now…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Greetings

I serve as a greeter at my church. I call myself the “Head Greeter” because I’m ambitious, but I’m simply a volunteer like everyone else.

I enjoy saying hello to the men, women and children who are walking in from the parking lot. If you are paying attention you can read their moods. One guy was walking in, pushing a stroller with one hand while holding coffee in his other. When I asked him how he was doing, he didn’t skip a beat when he replied “pretty shitty.” No guesswork there!

I encourage you to speak kindly to others, even when you aren’t feeling it. They need it, and what you give to your fellow man you get back…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Take Aim

What are your goals, dreams and desires? Have you written them down?

We are all wired differently. Some people want a simple life without complications. Others don’t mind the challenges a bigger life brings with it. Aiming for the outer limits of the universe is a good thing unless you’re just chasing wealth.

Personally, I ask God to make me famous. As egotistical as this sounds, my reasons are pure. Fame brings a bigger platform than anonymity. I want to use my fame to let the forgotten people, the overlooked and the marginalized know they are important. I want them to feel seen and heard.

I encourage you to take aim at whatever turns you on. Do it for the right reasons. Ask God to open doors for you that were previously closed. If your heart is in the right place, He will.

When you get your heart right, worthwhile actions follow…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Stoicism

Stoics endure pain or hardships without complaining. This doesn’t mean that stoic people are without feelings. They can feel things deeply. Yet stoic people realize that complaining doesn’t solve anything, nor will it make the situation better.

Do you know people who specialize in pointing out problems? I find those people difficult to be around. For every problem in our world there is a solution.

Turn into a solution conscious individual. It’s all in your attitude…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Classes

People like to identify us by our class. You know, upper, middle and lower. But that’s based upon our monetary value, not our intrinsic value.

In the eyes of God we are all upper class. He made us and God doesn’t create junk. Always remember this.

Someone may have more money than we do, but in the opinion of the one who matters, we are equally wealthy…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Troubles

It seems that everywhere we look we see people struggling. It’s increasingly expensive to live. Going to the grocery store creates unnecessary tension.

Reality is not what we see on social media. Life presents us with challenges, and some of those challenges seem overwhelming and insurmountable. Then we get caught in the trap of comparison. Comparison is a never ending exercise in futility, since don’t fall for it.

Stay focused and keep going, no matter what happens…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Decisions Decisions

How many decisions do you think you make every day? According to my Google search, we average between 33,000 and 35,000 decisions daily. That’s mind blowing and inspiring at the same time!

We, occasionally, are asked for advice from others. I’ve had people say “just tell me what to do.” But it’s not my place to decide things for others. We learn and grow through experience. We learn more from our failures than our successes.

When I was raising my children, I made decisions for them while they were under my care. They are adults now, and must make their own way through life. Fortunately they are young men with solid character, so I’m confident things will work out well for them in their lives.

I encourage you to make a conscious decision to make a difference. That’s one of the best decisions you can make. Decide today…

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Reels

Each of us have highlight reels of our lives and we have what I call “lowlight” reels, too. Both are available for replay in our minds all the time. Which reel do you play the most?

When looking back on your life, replay the good moments the most. Don’t get stuck there, thus you might think your best days are behind you. That’s simply not true. And don’t get mired down in memories of your setbacks and failures, either. This might stop you from trying anything new.

Focus on the here and now. Leave the past in the past, right where it belongs…

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Insecure People

People will try to tear you down, sometimes to your face but more often behind a computer keyboard. They are insecure and unfulfilled in their lives, so they want the rest of the world to feel the same way.

Don’t take the bait. Stay on the high ground. Aim higher and think higher.

The naysayers and doubters will always be there. Stay true to who you are

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Inside Job

We love to be on the inside of things, to be “in the know.” We might believe this gives us a leg up on the rest of the world.

Here’s some truth for you: change is an inside job. We cannot fix anything about ourselves by changing something external. Botox might make you think you are staving off the aging process, but it is a temporary solution at best. The only way to slow down aging is intense exercise. Hard exercise changes your biochemistry, your inner organs.

Every one of us needs inner work. This never ends. But take heart! We grow when we change from within…

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