Tag Archives: #relationships

#inspiration, #spirituality

Arrival

Sometimes in life, we just need to show up. You don’t want to go to work? Go anyway. Does a school event for your kids interfere with a sports game you want to watch? Record the game and show up for your child.

Life is unpredictable. If one of your friends goes through a loss such as a divorce or one of their children dies, show up. Yes, it is uncomfortable, but I encourage you to do it regardless of your discomfort. You don’t have to say anything. Your presence during a horrible time in someone’s life is enough. People need others when the shit hits the fan.

Much of life is about showing up. Make the call you need to make. Reach out to others.

Life itself is a participatory experience. So, participate…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

When Oughta Becomes Shoulda

People say they live their lives with no regrets, but they aren’t telling the truth. Everyone has regrets. Maybe it’s something I said that I wish I could take back. Or something I did. Perhaps I took the easy way out rather than doing what’s right. We are all guilty of this.

When we say “I oughta start exercising or I oughta apologize,” we run the risk of our oughtas becoming shouldas. Someone dies and they pass away with an unresolved conflict between us. Things like this can haunt you for the rest of your life. I should have apologized but now I can’t.

We live in a broken, imperfect world and it always will be. There are some regrets you can head off at the pass. Make the call. Be the bigger person.

Do it today…

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#inspiration

Friends For Life

There are people from my childhood that I’m still friends with. We have decades of history together. They are important to me. I know them and I care about them.

In the political culture we are living in, I have seen friendships severed because of politics. Relationships with people you know are tossed aside because of someone you don’t even know. The politicians don’t know or care about you. You might not like some of them if you got to know them. Politicians are self-serving, shallow people. They want your money and your vote. They don’t want your friendship.

You are going to go through periods in your life where you’re going to need people. You suffer a loss? Friends are there. Need some encouragement? Talk to a friend. Want companionship? Call one of your friends.

Where are the politicians when you need them? They are still in Washington pandering to the masses.

Value your friendships. They care about you…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Tension

My childhood home was filled with chaos and violence. As a result, tension became my close friend. I was used to it subliminally.

When I became free of living in that hellhole I thought I could leave it all behind and create a new, better life for myself, free of tension. Boy was I wrong! I had this innate ability to be attracted to people who created chaos. It was like a tractor beam. When I was married, one day I came to the realization that I had recreated what I was desperately trying to escape from. In that moment I realized the common denominator was me and I had to do something about it. So, I began working on myself.

Looking inside myself exposed why I made the choices I made. Then I went to work to modify my thinking which led to better outcomes. It wasn’t easy working through this stuff, and it took time, but it was worth it.

Today I’m peaceful, content, and still ambitious as hell. Do I miss the chaos? In a word, no…

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#inspiration

Hints

What we criticize in others is something that exists in us. If you talk about someone’s looks, you possibly aren’t happy with your own appearance. By putting others down you feel better about yourself. But only for a moment.

There are many people who need to heal from something, whether it’s from their past or something that happened to them more recently. Perhaps you had a violent childhood, or your spouse cheated on you. If you don’t work on yourself to heal from it, you might be doomed to repeat it. You can break the cycle if you want to.

Do the work…

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#inspiration

Interview with Jennifer Styers

For over 20 years, Jennifer Styers has been a beacon of light in the mysterious world of relationships. She is the CEO and Founder of LoveJenn.com. Jennifer created her own unique App, Lovey AI, which combines science and technology to create matches ideally suited for you, versus endless, pointless swiping. During our conversation, we discuss setting boundaries, getting rid of unhealthy habits that lead to unfulfilling relationships, and much much more! Take a moment to watch…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Affordability

It’s expensive to live! Yes, the CPI report shows that inflation is slowing, but the cost of going to the grocery store is not coming down. FYI, the inflation report omits the rise in food and energy because they are too “volatile.”

Here are some facts: the cost of food rose 2.2% while it costs 4.1% more to go out to eat. Medical care was up 3.3%. Shelter rose 5.1% and so on and so on. Most paychecks aren’t keeping up. This has led to 52% of families putting their groceries on credit cards. It is not sustainable.

I get it that today’s blog isn’t very uplifting. The purpose is to remind you to show patience and kindness to others. People are more stressed than ever. You might not be able to feed everyone yourself, but extending a smile is free. People need it…

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#inspiration

Leave ‘em Behind

People come and go in your life. Sometimes they are around for a short time, while solid friends are there for life.

Growth requires change. When we outgrow people, it might be time to let them go. We should always treat others with dignity and respect. Yet some people are determined to remain right where they are. You can’t help them or change them.

Remember, if you aren’t growing, you’re dying. I plan to live a long time. Join me…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Transactional vs. Relational

Oftentimes life is a series of transactions. When you buy something at the store, you might exchange pleasantries with the person checking you out, but you don’t form an ongoing relationship with them.

Is this how we treat God? We want something so we ask God for it. After all, the Bible tells us to ask. Prayers answered. Deal done. On to the next transaction.

We are God’s children. We shouldn’t treat Him like we are ungrateful teenagers. We can’t manipulate God, nor should we try to. Teens are good at getting their way because parents don’t know all the facts. God knows everything, literally everything.

Let’s take the steps to enter into a meaningful relationship with God. He certainly wants one…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Decency

A bit of decency dies off with every generation. The older generation knows how to tell us off without insulting us. It’s almost an art form in how they do it. The younger generation shows their lack of intelligence by using profanity and vulgarity. Of course I’m generalizing, but I’m telling the truth.

The art of listening is something everyone should learn. Listening is active. It’s much more challenging than simply hearing someone. Active listening requires thought, and it can be exhausting. But when you listen and engage, your conversations become more meaningful. You learn.

I encourage you to practice listening to others. Remember the old Chinese Proverb: Seek first to understand before trying to be understood…

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