Tag Archives: #family

#inspiration

Family Time

Oftentimes when I ask people if they have vacation plans they respond, “yes, I’m going to visit some of my family.” My response is that family trips aren’t a vacation, they’re an obligation!

With the holidays approaching families will be together, hopefully celebrating and not fighting. Yesterday I had lunch with a friend of mine whose brother has cut off contact with him because of politics. From my observation, this is happening more and more frequently. It’s sad, really. Differences in political beliefs should not be a dividing line.

One of the foundations of our identity is our family. I came from a completely dysfunctional family, but the dysfunction stopped with me. I healed and did not pass on the craziness to my sons. It took work, but my children are much more important than my comfort.

It’s okay to disagree with your family. If you ever found someone, anyone, who agreed with you all the time, they are a chameleon and not to be trusted.

Stand by your family. They will be the ones who remember you. The politicians won’t…

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#inspiration

Less is More

I like to talk. Anyone who knows me will verify this. I’m a storyteller and I love to make people laugh through my stories. My life is what I call a “walking sitcom!”

There are times when words aren’t necessary. If your friends, family or colleagues are hurting, they need your presence, not your advice. Just showing up speaks louder than words.

Remember this when those moments present themselves. In those times, less is more…

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#inspiration

Cycles

Families carry generational traditions. Keeping up with family history is part of our identity. We want to know where we are from.

Generational maladies are alive and thriving, too. Abuse, addictions and poverty are cycles that, when repeated, further ingrain the evil into our DNA. These cycles can be broken. If you were abused by your family, you know the pain it inflicted on you. Why anyone would want to carry the abuse into the next generation is beyond my comprehension.

The hard, yet simple truth is, these unhealthy cycles can be stopped. You must be willing to think differently. Seek help if necessary. Be the agent of change…

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#inspiration

Family

Families can be difficult. We don’t get to choose the family we are born into. Nor are we offered the opportunity for a new selection once we are born.

Our name is the first foundation of our identity. If we do something that we get notoriety for, we either bring honor or shame to our family’s name and reputation. These “honors” can go on for generations.

Abuse is a familial malady that lasts until someone puts a stop to it. That, too, can last for generations.

No matter the family we are born into, our sole obligation is to be the best person we can possibly be. We have a choice…

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#inspiration

Separately

I went to a restaurant the other evening. I love to people watch. Restaurants and airports are a Mecca for me.

A married couple sat down a few booths away. They were probably in their 50’s, attractive and well dressed. After the server took their drink order, the couple hardly made eye contact with each other, choosing to look around the restaurant at other sights rather than their spouse. I felt a slight sense of sadness for a moment. It was as if they were there by themselves.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, I encourage you to try to reconnect. Focus on the good in your relationship. It’s there or you wouldn’t have ever gotten together in the first place. Make it a daily effort. We are better together…

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#inspiration

Wounds

In my book, “Killing My Father Then Finding Him” I wrote a chapter titled “Wounds.” In the chapter, I shared some details of my past trauma. I left quite a bit out, but the reader understood my life was hell in my childhood home.

Our minds are incredible. The trauma of the past surfaces, but the brain knows when to allow it to resurface. Pain returns, but only when we are ready to face it and heal from it.

If you have a painful past, pay attention when memories appear. It means you are ready…

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#inspiration

Breast Cancer Awareness

October is officially Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it’s something people share be aware of every day. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetimes.

Tomorrow, I will post my recent interview with Wanda Huff, a breast cancer survivor. Wanda walks us through her journey dealing with the disease, including multiple surgeries, radiation and immunotherapy. It’s a gut wrenching story, but she got through it and is cancer free!

Be sure to watch our interview tomorrow. Until then, here’s my friend Wanda ringing the bell!

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#inspiration

Take It Easy

If you have kids, you know they are going to do things that will get them in trouble. It could be as simple as being disruptive in school, or doing stuff that gets them sent to a detention center. Either way, they are in trouble.

How we handle it as parents sets the tone for their character development. If we try to get them out of it, then they learn nothing; that their poor decisions have no consequences. If we allow them to go through it, then hopefully our children learn something that will benefit them later in life.

Being too easy on our kids is as detrimental as being too hard on them. Find the balance to help in their development. Our kids are our future leaders. Help them to lead well…

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#inspiration

Have vs. Have Not

Are you grateful for all the good in your life? Family, friends, fresh air, clean water and sunshine are some of the things we can take for granted.

Comparing yourself and your life to others can take your focus off of what you have. Then you start concentrating on what you lack. This only leads to frustration and disappointment.

Keep a list of all the things you’re grateful for. Your focus will change, but it will change for the better…

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