#inspiration, #spirituality

Breaking Out

Breaking out sounds like a plan a prisoner might have. And in some ways we are all prisoners. We are also able to grant ourselves parole.

Life is full of routine. We go through the same thing every day. But I encourage you to free yourself of routine. Take some time away from your phone. Instead of watching and posting on social media, call someone and have a conversation. Attend a seminar on something you know nothing about. Start a blog!

It’s time to stop fitting in and start standing out. Conformity is the breeding ground of mediocrity…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Originality

We are made in the image of God, the one who creates everything. We are given the gift of creativity which can, and should be used for good. We can lift others or bring them down.

I read that someone in Hollywood has plans to remake “The Wizard of Oz” and “It’s A Wonderful Life,” two great movies. They plan to make the stories about people of color. No problem here, but why bastardize these classic works of art? Create something new, something unique. Most of the storylines are the same common theme. Come up with your own story.

I encourage you to tap into your creative talents. The world is waiting…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Repent!

In the Bible, to repent means to “change your mind.” We think of it as punitive, but it isn’t.

I have often written about controlling your thoughts in this column. It’s easier than you might think. We make it harder because the battle is in the mind. You might be thinking, “that’s just how I am.” Yet you are how you think. You become how you think, too.

Do you want to be healthy? See yourself in shape. Read something about fitness/wellness regularly. Your thoughts will take a turn for the better, especially at mealtime. You will unconsciously begin an exercise regimen. Your mind will plant these seeds and you will act on them.

Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s automatic. Your old thought patterns will hang around. They are powerful but your mind is more powerful. Push them away. Change your mind about your health (or whatever).

Start today. In fact, start now. You can do anything you set your mind to…

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#inspiration

When Difficulties Arise

This life has difficulties. I prefer to call them challenges. If you are in a period of life where you are free of major or minor problems, get ready because something is coming.

We have a choice when presented with a challenge. We can shrink from it or we can rise up and meet the challenge. I encourage you to think of challenges as opportunities. That’s right! It’s an opportunity to grow you and strengthen you. Facing difficulties isn’t fun, but you will come out of it a better version of yourself. It’s all about your attitude, how you look at life.

Flip the script on difficult times. In fact, welcome them…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Slowly But Surely

We evolve and we grow. The changes are slow and sometimes subtle, but every one of us can truthfully say we are different from ten years ago.

Growth requires change, good change. We see things through different lenses as life goes on. This should cause us to question our old beliefs and convictions, and eliminate the old ways that don’t serve us well.

The better version of you awaits in your future. Embrace the changes. And remember, if you aren’t growing, you are going backwards…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Change Your Mind

The way we think will determine the outcomes in our lives. Do you want to make a change in your life? Then start by changing your thoughts.

Read great books. Feed your mind with the stories of people in history who made a difference. Read the writings of the Apostle Paul. Ask for help to change and believe God will help you. He will.

Finally, get rid of every distraction that isn’t enriching your life. It’s time for change…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Giving Up

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…

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New Year. New Who?

The New Year is right around the corner. Soon it will be 2024. Many people set New Year’s Resolutions and go into the new year determined to change. But what really changes?

Starting anew and replacing a bad habit with a good one is always a good idea. Maybe you begin exercising after laying off for a while. Perhaps you start eating better. Whatever it is, commit to it and don’t quit. Do not let anyone, including yourself, talk you out of the new version of you!

Focus on improving one day at a time. Progress happens if you simply trust the process and keep going…

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Annoyances

We all have things (people) who get on our nerves. They just annoy us whether we understand why or not.

My brother had this irritating habit of chewing his food with his mouth open. Even worse, he made a loud smacking noise when eating. The more he knew that it bugged me, the more he did it. Ugh!

Yet I learned something. I learned to eat quietly so I didn’t bother someone with my eating. I was acutely aware of my behavior, and I still am.

Annoyances are there to teach us, not necessarily just to bother us…

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