Giving up is never an option. Resilience is built during the hard times, not when things are going well. When we find our inner strength we grow.
There are some people who have given up on fulfilling their purpose, their dreams for their life. Life isn’t easy, and the world will do everything it can to tear you down.
If you are one of the ones who gave up on a fulfilling life, I encourage you to pick yourself up and start living. You can do it.
When life gets tough, be tougher…
Most people are striving for success. Money, position and influence are the measuring sticks we use to determine how successful someone might be. But there’s so much more to success than just our possessions.
Making a significant impact on others is the truest way to measure success. People don’t care how much money you have if you make them feel seen and heard.
Success affords you the opportunity to be significant. You gain significance through serving others…
Christmas is almost here and you know what that means. People are stressed. We want everything to come together perfectly and this includes the meal, presents and family time. Any imperfection runs the risk of ruining our “Hallmark moment.”
Set your expectations correctly. We are human beings living in a broken world. Things go wrong on this side of eternity. Don’t stress over little things. Enjoy every moment.
Slow down a little. This is the time of year to do some relaxing. And remember to be kind. Not everyone has a Hallmark family…
We are rebellious by nature. Our natural tendency to be rebellious dates back to the beginning of mankind when Adam and Eve rebelled against God. Some things never change!
Not all rebellion is bad. Think about the American Revolution. Our ancestors rebelled against the British, they won, and what eventually became The United States was established. Abraham Lincoln rebelled against slavery. Our country became divided, yet Lincoln’s resolve abolished slavery and the country was restored.
In today’s culture, we have those who choose to rebel against good. They will not prevail. In the end, goodness wins every time…
We love extras, don’t we? Unless it’s extra weight, most extras are welcome additions.
A Baker’s Dozen is thirteen. Extra effort is easily recognized. “Extra Extra” meant something big was happening.
Let’s strive to be extraordinary in our lives. Set the example. Lead others well. You don’t need to use words for others to recognize you are exceptional. Show them…
We all know people who have accomplished much in their lives. They have long, impressive resumes. But there is more to us than our accomplishments.
The heart of mankind tells all. What is our motivation? Are we selfish or selfless? Service to others shows true leadership. To effectively lead others, we must be willing to serve without calling attention to ourselves. God knows what we have done. He keeps an accurate accounting so we don’t have to.
Lead well…
The beginning of the new year is right around the corner. Many people set New Year’s Resolutions, vowing to change some things in themselves. But why wait until January 1st? Start now.
Think of how far you will be in three weeks when 2024 actually arrives. Focus on how you will feel. You aren’t giving anything up. You are investing in yourself.
Start tomorrow on the renewal of you. Better yet, start right now…
My older siblings were Straight A students all through school. Not me. I was an A, B, C and D student. Report card day was always a stressful day for me. My teachers and my parents labeled me as dumb. I wasn’t dumb. I was bored.
There are people who were labeled who accepted the label whether it was true or not. They have succumbed to external opinions rather than listening to their own inner voice. This keeps people from living fully. The judgments of others don’t matter. There is one judge and his name is God. He is the only one who gets to define who you are.
If you struggle to overcome being labeled, my encouragement to you is to find your confidence in yourself. Remember who created you. It wasn’t those who labeled you or want to continue to keep you boxed in. God made you, and that’s good enough for me…
The culture of today will tear you down if you get caught up in it. Fear of missing out, likes and shares of our social media posts and comparison will suck the life out of you if that is your focus. How do you maintain a positive mindset in this environment?
Self-work along with self reflection are vital components to maintaining the right attitude. Work on being the best version of yourself. This work never ends because there is no arrival destination. We are all works in progress or works in regression. If you ever think you’ve hit the top, you haven’t.
Take the time to reflect on how you are doing. Be accountable and fair with yourself, but don’t be too hard on yourself, either. Hold yourself to a high standard and don’t compromise your values. Stay focused.
If you find yourself missing today’s crazy culture, it will still be waiting for you to return. I don’t think you will…
In 1854, Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Most men live lives of quiet desperation, and die with their song still in them.” Do you want to die unfulfilled? I don’t think you do.
Let’s go on a journey together to find purpose and meaning in our lives. The first thing to do is pray. Ask God to show you the way to your higher purpose. Then ask God for the courage to follow through and do it.
Step two is to take an inventory of what you are good at. What makes you feel alive? Write everything down. Keep your list with you and add to it as things come to light.
Step three is to begin. Start moving in the direction you are led in. Don’t concern yourself with having everything figured out beforehand. The pathway will open as you take steps. Be fearless.
Expect setbacks and frustrations. They are natural. Work through them and keep moving forward.
Finally, thank God regularly that He is on this road with you. Thank Him for guidance and for lifting hurdles.
Start now. Do not hesitate. I look forward to seeing you on the road less traveled…
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