Tag Archives: #identity

#inspiration, #spirituality

Expressions

From an early age we learned to express ourselves. Babies have different cries. They have one cry when they are hungry, another one when they are tired, and yet another when they want attention. As a parent, you can distinguish the subtle differences and meet their needs.

When I was a child, boys (and men) started growing their hair long. From most parents reactions you would have thought they had started worshipping the devil! . They weren’t, they were simply expressing themselves.

Today we see more and more people displaying tattoos and piercings. These, too, are self expressions. If I am in a Starbucks (or wherever), I try to be served by the freakiest looking person who works there. I treat them as an equal, with respect because they are equal in God’s eyes. I want to leave an impression on them that they are seen.

Look beyond what you see on the outside. Look at the heart…

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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

Story Time

All of us have stories. Some of them aren’t pretty, but those ugly parts are just a piece of the bigger picture. The dark parts of our lives don’t define us unless we allow them to.

Our stories connect us. They let us know we aren’t alone in the pain and struggle of life. We help others by willingly sharing our stories. Who can better understand what it’s like to lose a child than someone who had the same experience.

Why are we reticent to talk about our lives? This might be where shame enters the picture. I know someone who was sexually abused at 14 by a trusted family friend. She still feels shame but it wasn’t her fault. She was taken advantage of by a creep.

Shame can have power over us. If you are struggling with shame from your past, I encourage you to find a psychotherapist and work through it. You can and will heal, but it takes time. Please try, and don’t give up…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Scared

What scares you? I’m not talking about physical dangers like air turbulence or being stranded. I’m asking what scares you emotionally.

A majority of people fear change. Yet, change is inevitable, so embrace it, don’t fear it. Loss of loved ones is another thing people fear. Whenever a young person’s life ends suddenly, all of us who are parents are reminded that it could happen to us. But the probability is extremely low. Don’t focus on it.

Face your fears, otherwise they will control you. We fear what we can’t control, but the only thing we have control over is our attitude. Look to the future with unbridled optimism and hope. That attitude will keep you free from anxiety about life. You will see the future through a different lens. Stay hopeful…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Ripped Off

There has been a robbery! Not to worry, though, because the robber didn’t get your money or possessions. The robber is life, and life has stolen your identity.

When we started out in life, we were going to show the world a thing or two. Nothing could stop us. We couldn’t even be slowed down! Then life hit us. Hard. Setbacks, frustrations and hurts threw us to the ground. We get up, only to get knocked down again. And again. And again.

Start 2024 with a renewed sense of who you are. Life will continue to kick your ass. It’s time you kicked back. It’s impossible to stop a person who refuses to give up…

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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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#inspiration

Significance

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…

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#inspiration

Automation

We live in an exciting time. I can get groceries, liquor, books and more delivered to my home in (sometimes) less than 24 hours. How cool is that?

Automation has also brought laziness into our lives. We text or email rather than picking up the phone and calling others. Text is fine for quick messages, but it’s not conversation.

Remember that human connection is vital for our health and wellbeing. Automation cannot replace that…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Extra

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…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Labeled

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…

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