Tag Archives: #influence

#inspiration

Animals

I love animals. Always have. When I was a kid, my mutt dog “Chipper” was my closest confidante.

Animals have a heightened awareness of their instincts. They must listen to their inner voice to survive in some situations. When a storm is coming, animals go to safety well before the storm arrives. It’s pretty cool, actually.

Pay attention to animals when they meet someone new. If your normally friendly dog acts aggressively towards someone, this tells you everything you need to know about that person.

We have instincts, too. Use them…

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#inspiration

Education

Education is defined as “the receiving or giving of systematic instruction,” but it’s really more than just information. We can read and memorize data from textbooks, but we know thought has taken hold when we apply such knowledge. Application shows proficiency.

The status of education in the United States is troubling in some cases. We are “dumbing down” our requirements so more kids can pass. This isn’t a solution. It merely hides a deeper challenge. We need to increase our standards, demand accountability from our educators, and focus on the areas Horace Mann did: the head, the hands and the heart. Intellect, application and emotion.

We can reverse the state of education, but we must be willing and not give up. Our future depends on it, and us…

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#inspiration

Timing

We tend to rush through our day, trying to cram as much in as possible. Maybe I’m the only one?

When we get in a hurry, the odds of us making a mistake go up. This might include not listening to someone who needs to be heard. Instead of creating a deeper connection, we distance ourselves.

I encourage you to slow down, even if it’s just a little. You will do more things right the first time, and fewer opportunities will be missed…

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#inspiration

Moods

I often say, “I have one mood, and it’s good!” It’s true. I don’t allow the difficulties of the day to affect my mood.

Every day we will face unknown challenges. As much as we want to believe we can control what happens to us, we are not in control. God has a much greater plan that we are incapable of understanding. So let’s trust that He is on our side, and that good can come from even our worst day.

When you let go of the desire to control, freedom waits…

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#inspiration

Insane!

There are people in this world who will act like we are the greatest thing ever, only to turn on us when we don’t allow them to manipulate us. You know the type. Narcissistic personalities have pervaded society, or at least it seems that way.

Narcissists will try to break us down and rebuild us the way they want. They are sick. They see nice people as prey, not as a person who has their own goals, dreams and desires. Narcissists are like ninjas when it comes to manipulating and gaslighting people. They have struck you before you even knew they were trying.

Stand up for yourself. It won’t be easy to learn this lesson. Remember this-God alone has authority over our lives. Let Him guide you through the process of learning…

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#inspiration

Imposters

We all fake our way through certain situations. Introverted people act extroverted when forced to be in a group setting. Jerks act like good guys when they are vying for the pretty girl. Eventually everyone gets exposed.

There’s a better way. Just be yourself. Always work at improving yourself, but stay true to who you are. Don’t fake it, simply face it…

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#inspiration

Columbine

On the morning of April 20, 1999 two dark and disturbed young men ended the lives of 12 students and one teacher before the two murderers took their own lives. At the time, the Columbine High School massacre was the largest school shooting in American history.

From this unthinkable tragedy, an organization was born: Rachel’s Challenge. Rachel Scott was the first child killed that day, but she did not die in vain. Her impact on the lives of others lives on. Over 30 million people have experienced her story, thousands of youth suicides have been prevented, and at least 8 documented copycat school shootings have been averted.

After Rachel’s Challenge is introduced into a school, the school becomes a safer, better-connected community. Students are no longer trying to learn in a “fight or flight” environment. I proudly serve on the board of Rachel’s Challenge. Check it out here:

http://www.rachelschallenge.org

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#inspiration

Poverty

Our world is struggling. People are starving and it doesn’t have to be this way. Collectively we have the resources to feed everyone good, healthy food.

It’s easy to point out problems, but I like to be solution-conscious. We begin to solve hunger by teaching students how to grow vegetables while they are still in elementary school. Kids love to be creative, and what a great way to educate! They learn responsibility by taking care of their garden. They learn that before you reap, you gotta sow! And the kids can take pride in a job well done.

This idea isn’t isolated to The United States. Gardening can be accomplished anywhere (well, maybe not Antarctica). There’s always a way, if we are willing…

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#inspiration

The Past

Do you know anyone who spends much of their time focusing on days gone by? All of us have fond memories of past events, but that’s what they are, just memories.

Some things from our pasts are hard times we went through. They were lessons to be learned along the road of life. Learn them and move on. Leave them where they belong, in the past.

Every day is an opportunity to create more fond memories. Remember to focus on the good in your life. Be grateful for something every day. Leave the past in the past and look forward with both eyes open…

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