Tag Archives: #mindset

#inspiration, #spirituality

Nearby When You Need It

All of us have things in our past we would love to forget. The mistakes we’ve made, the things we have said we wished we hadn’t. All of them play on a never ending loop in our heads.

At the same time, there are more things we did right, and we continue doing them. We aren’t constantly reminded of them because they don’t induce stress. Yet, stress isn’t always a bad thing.

I grew up in a constant “fight or flight” way of thinking. My mind created coping mechanisms so I could survive. Over time, those coping mechanisms ceased to serve me well. At that point I was kinda lost. I was living in an adult world with no adult skills. Only by the grace of God I made it through.

In 2010 I found the right psychotherapist and I went to work on myself. Over time, I learned what the root causes were of my decision making. Only then did I remove the root and began making better, healthier decisions. It has been challenging, but man I have grown immensely.

The past remains in the past. It’s always nearby if I need it, but its only use is as a reminder of how far I have come. I’m still working on myself because that never stops.

Do the work…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Fantasyland

The Walt Disney Company is in the business of creating fantasy worlds. They are excellent at their craft. And just think, it all started with a mouse.

People create stories in their heads to cover up pain. They tell themselves (and others) the stories so often that they begin to believe they are real. The reality of our lives won’t change because we wish it away.

We put on masks, creating a facade for the world to see. Inside our heads and hearts we believe if people saw us for who we are, they won’t like us. It may surprise you to know that just the opposite is true. People crave human connection, rea connection. Not something based upon superficiality.

I encourage you, let your guard down. Connect. Leave the fantasy world to Disney…

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#inspiration

Self Pity

There is a character from Winnie the Pooh who constantly looks on the dark side of life. He pities himself that “nobody minds. Nobody cares.” Eeyore is who I’m talking about. He speaks in monotones and doesn’t have an uplifting word for anyone.

We all know people like Eeyore. They wallow in self-pity, always moaning about how things never work out for them. Someone was rude or short with them at work. Perhaps a sales clerk wasn’t as helpful as they wished they had been. These types of people should consider the problem might be themselves. Our attitude comes through in the way we speak and act.

Take a moment to consider which character from Pooh you identify with. For me it’s Tigger. Who is it for you?

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Self Assured

Do you approach life with confidence, or do you take on what the day brings with trepidation? Confidence is built in the dark, difficult times. We learn that we get through our hardest battles and we live again. The temptation to quit is always lurking, but we must have the mindset that quitting is not an option.

You are here for a purpose. I’m not suggesting fame and fortune. Those things don’t last. Your legacy will, though. The difference you make in the lives of others will be remembered and talked about for generations.

Never forget this. You are way more important in the grand scheme of things than you realize. God didn’t create anyone to merely be average.

I encourage you to live confidently, even when you aren’t feeling it. Confidence won’t be built in the easy times. Only through darkness can you find the light…

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#inspiration

Behind Schedule

Do you feel like you are always behind schedule? I know people who are constantly in “fight or flight” mode, and that’s not healthy. It disrupts clear thinking, keeping people off balance.

The best way to stay on track is to keep working at whatever lies in front of you. Needs to wrap Christmas presents? Wrap for an hour and then take a break. Have a work deadline in front of you? Just go to work on it. You aren’t behind unless you miss the deadline.

Placing too much pressure on ourselves can work against us. We will be our best, and do our best when we apply just the right amount of pressure.

We all fall behind schedule occasionally. Don’t sweat it. Just get after it!

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#inspiration

Wishful Memories

When people die, family and friends usually say a few nice words about the person whether they deserved them or not. People want to remember whatever good they could think of.

When we think back on our lives, we have both good and bad memories. Some memories give us good feelings and warmth, but there are some we would love to forget. The things we wish we hadn’t done always seem to come up.

Beginning with the end in mind, how do you want your future memories to look? You can make your life into whatever you want. Don’t just wait for things to happen. Make them happen!

Memories are made from wonderful experiences. Make yours count…

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#inspiration

Simple Math

When we were little children we were taught simple math: addition and subtraction. Division and multiplication came later.

Math is a nice analogy to life itself. In relationships, are we adding or taking (subtracting) from our friends and family? We all know people who love to point out our shortcomings. The world they live in is critical and judgmental. Constructive criticism is necessary so we can change the things we might be blind to, but those people will suck life from you if you allow them to.

Division is everywhere. Our society is, sadly, more divided now than ever. And there are little-minded people who love to “pile on” when they feel the need to gloat, thus multiplying.

I encourage you to be the one who adds value and insight to others. Be a pleasure to be around, not a whiner or a burden. Find humor where you can. The world needs to laugh.

And speaking of math, I have yet to use Algebra II in my daily life…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Don’t Look Away

Over the course of my life I have learned that there are many people who have demons to rid themselves of, yet they refuse to face them. You can quash them for a while, but they always return.

Inner workings are difficult. They allow us to look not only at decisions and behaviors we made, but why we made them. When you remove the root cause, you have freed yourself from destructive thoughts and actions.

People put off doing self-work. I get it because you are taking responsibility for your actions, and not everyone wants to do that. You no longer have anyone to blame. But you grow immensely by the process. And aren’t we all trying to grow?

My encouragement to you is, if you know there are things you know you need to work on, stop putting it off. Face your inner demons. Stare them down and change your thought patterns.

Freedom is waiting for you on the other side. Walk into the light. Take that brave first step today…

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#inspiration

Consequences

Yesterday, I started working out with a new trainer. Today I am very sore from the workout. That’s a good thing because it lets me know the workout was effective.

Actions without consequences teaches us nothing. Over the years I have seen people start eating healthier and begin an exercise regimen after they had a health scare. They suddenly were properly motivated to take better care of themselves.

Toddlers can be told to not touch the stove, but they do it anyway. Getting burned taught them that perhaps they should listen to their parents. By not listening you might get burned!

When we are facing situations that might lead us into trouble, take a moment to consider what the after effects look like. Will you feel better about yourself? Will it enrich your life? If the answer is yes, then proceed. If it’s no, well, you know…

I encourage you to take the time to think things through. Get off the emotional side of your brain. If you do, life might go a little more smoothly…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Sayings

“Early to bed, early to rise makes a man…” you know the rest. There’s a lot of cute, catchy sayings that are meant to teach us something. Life is the best teacher of all. We take to heart the lessons we learn through experience.

All my life I’ve heard people say, “you know, they say” this or that. Who are they??? I wish they would show themselves because I have a few things to say to they!

When we are seeking wisdom, go to the Book of Proverbs. Written by King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, it’s full of solid advice to guide us in life. His writings were inspired by God so we know they are true. God gave us a guidebook to navigate life on this planet. We are being prepared for eternity.

Remember, God didn’t create us and forget about us. We are in His thoughts. Always…

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