#inspiration

Lean In

I like controversy. Seeing the world differently from the masses creates controversial conversations. Growth comes when you view the world through a different prism.

When I go to a store or restaurant, my inclination is to make my server laugh and engage with me a bit. If they have tattoos, piercings everywhere and rainbow colored hair, even better. By connecting with them and leaning in, I’m breaking away from any stereotypes they might have about me. More often than not, my server will say to me that “I’m so different than what they thought I would be like.”

Remember this:when you see someone who looks different, they are someone’s son or daughter. They are important…

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#inspiration

Woke

In today’s cultural language, woke means “being alert to racial prejudice and discrimination.” So I thought I might venture out onto the proverbial thin ice and discuss it.

Racism and discrimination exist, no doubt. Are they systemic and rampant? No. They are wrong, and they are taught. No one is born a racist. And people will discriminate for selfish reasons.

Every one of us should stand up against injustice. Every time. Racist behavior is a problem of the heart, as are all societal ills. Only God can change hearts. Let’s leave the heart surgery to Him while we set examples of His love and acceptance while we are here.

Get your heart right and worthwhile actions follow…

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#inspiration

Education

We place a premium on higher education. No doubt it shows a level of determination and intelligence to earn a degree. But there’s more.

There are two other types of intelligence beyond our IQ. Our personality plays a large part in how successful we become. If you can’t get along with people, you probably won’t get very far because we need other people to work with us.

The greatest success comes to those who show a high level of adaptability. Being flexible and adjusting to change quickly is tantamount to successful outcomes. Applying what we know while being adaptable inspires the creative talents we all possess.

It’s good to be smart. It’s better when you are adaptable…

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#inspiration

Adventure

Helen Keller wrote, “life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” She was blind and deaf from the age of 19 months, so it’s a miracle we have heard the name Helen Keller.

If you are reading this, you already possess an advantage over Keller. Can you hear beautiful sounds like music, birds singing or the laughter of a precious child? There’s another.

We have everything we need to make a difference in the world. We might not become world famous, but we don’t need fame to reach and impact others. Start your adventure today and don’t look back…

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#inspiration

Accept

Are you living life fully, or merely accepting what comes your way? Unfulfilled dreams can cause people to give up too quickly on what they truly desire.

Successful outcomes don’t happen overnight. It takes commitment, drive and unrelenting desire to achieve what you want. There are lonely times, but they don’t last. There are happy moments when you achieve a breakthrough, but you gotta keep working.

Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation, and die with their song still in them.” Don’t die with your music still inside you. The world needs to hear from you…

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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

Aging

Are you fighting growing older? It seems like there is a plastic surgeon on every street corner. Botox, fillers and anti-aging creams rule the day.

The most effective way to win the battle is by keeping your mind active and clear, while taking the time to exercise your body. Reading, journaling and learning new things will keep the neurons in your brain stimulated. Intense physical activity will keep your body young, fit and moving fluidly.

No matter your age, it is never too late to start. A year from now, you will look back and see your progress. Why not begin today? The year is going to pass anyway…

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#inspiration

Speed

I move at warp speed most days. I’m gifted with a high energy level, so I try to put it to good use.

In pursuit of some of my passions, I realize it’s necessary to slow down a bit. Slowing down is a struggle, I admit. These are the moments I need my head to overrule my heart.

Fastest is always the best way. Take your time to get it right the first time so you don’t have to repeat yourself!

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