#inspiration

Ownership

Take ownership of your life. None of us are victims of our circumstances. If we give up on our dreams and desires, then we become a prisoner in a cell we created.

Our circumstances will change, but our dreams don’t have to die unless we allow them to perish. And that prison cell I mentioned? You hold the key to unlock it. Every day…

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#inspiration

Inside Job

All of us have “stuff” we need to work through. Trauma from the past or pain from the present, when left unresolved, don’t just magically disappear. We can even try to hide it by making ourselves look good from the outside. That doesn’t work.

We must work on ourselves from the inside. Get to the heart of the problem. Self-work sucks when you’re doing it, no doubt. If it was easy, everyone would do the work. But the life and peace that await you make it so worthwhile…

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#inspiration

Praise

Praise is good. We all love to be recognized for a job well done, and we derive great satisfaction in doing it.

False praise sends a harmful message. Children build resilience when they bounce back from a screw up. If they are given praise for not doing their best, they begin to accept that second best is enough. Participation trophies say “everyone’s a winner,” rather than allowing kids to experience the sting of defeat.

Praise others often when given the opportunity. But only offer praise that’s deserved…

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#inspiration

Why Forgiveness is Important

Have you been hurt by someone else? Most of us have, and we will be hurt and disappointed by others again. Why should we forgive them? After all, they are the ones who caused the damage.

When we choose to hold onto the hurt and not forgive, it damages us, not the offender. Unresolved conflict becomes bitterness and resentment. We focus on what we have lost, not what remains. Having a strong sense of gratitude reminds us of how much we have. Our focus goes from distressed to blessed. We recognize and remember all of the good in our lives.

Forgiveness is hard, and it takes time. If you try to force it, forgiveness won’t last. You will know when you are ready…

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#inspiration

Acceptance

Judging others drains you of valuable energy. Accepting people as they are opens the door to new ways of seeing life around us. Our minds are open to new possibilities, new creativity.

If people are jerks, keep them out of your circle of friends and acquaintances. You can’t change their hearts. Only God can do that. By limiting their access to your life, you are protecting yourself while still accepting them as they are. Something to consider…

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#inspiration

Names

Our name is important to us. It’s part of our identity. Our identity defines who we are.

We are living in a culture that places value in our social status, our wealth, how much “stuff” we possess, and our position in life. Those things are hollow. They will pass away, but our name lives on. Create a legacy that brings value and honor to your name, not your stuff…

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