#inspiration

Narcissists

Have you ever been in a relationship with a narcissist? Narcissist destroy whoever gets in their way.

Narcissists break you down so they can rebuild you into what they want: someone they can control.

By doing this, the narcissist forces us to find our inner strength. We rebuild ourselves and become a stronger version of ourself. We develop into who we are, not who others want us to be.

If you are in a relationship with a narcissist, I encourage you to find your strength. Find your voice…

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#inspiration

Amends

How many times have I said something and wished I could take the words back? I’m not sure I can count that high.

All of us say things we don’t mean to. We hurt people unintentionally, but that doesn’t make it hurt the other person any less.

Apologize immediately. Don’t wait and do not make excuses. Most people will forgive and move on.

Saying “I’m sorry” is the right thing to do in these situations. And doing what’s right never goes out of style…

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#inspiration

Willingness

Conflict is unavoidable. We see things differently, uniquely. When others don’t agree with us, it isn’t an insult or a threat. It’s their perspective, and just because it’s different doesn’t mean it is wrong.

Be willing to listen to others. Try to see things through their eyes. You can stand by your beliefs and convictions while building a bridge to another person.

Our world is divided. It’s up to us, the people, to unite it. Be willing…

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Gentle

We like to go through life like a tornado, a force to be reckoned with. It’s “our way or the highway.” We must get to the top rung of the ladder and do it quickly!

Forcing outcomes might work occasionally, but in the long run it’s a recipe for disaster.

An alternative approach is to use some gentleness and self-control. Let’s not burn bridges as we rise. No. Let’s bring others along with us, creating trusting relationships.

We are better together. It begins with gentleness…

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#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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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

Home

Our home is different from our house. Home is the place where memories are made, where we feel safe and secure. A house is where we live, nothing more.

Every problem our world faces is a problem of the heart. The lessons we model for our children, from conflict resolution to how we see and interact with our fellow man are taught at home.

Treat others equally well, show compassion and generosity while doing the right thing. It begins at home…

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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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