#inspiration

Cycles

Families carry generational traditions. Keeping up with family history is part of our identity. We want to know where we are from.

Generational maladies are alive and thriving, too. Abuse, addictions and poverty are cycles that, when repeated, further ingrain the evil into our DNA. These cycles can be broken. If you were abused by your family, you know the pain it inflicted on you. Why anyone would want to carry the abuse into the next generation is beyond my comprehension.

The hard, yet simple truth is, these unhealthy cycles can be stopped. You must be willing to think differently. Seek help if necessary. Be the agent of change…

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#inspiration

Family

Families can be difficult. We don’t get to choose the family we are born into. Nor are we offered the opportunity for a new selection once we are born.

Our name is the first foundation of our identity. If we do something that we get notoriety for, we either bring honor or shame to our family’s name and reputation. These “honors” can go on for generations.

Abuse is a familial malady that lasts until someone puts a stop to it. That, too, can last for generations.

No matter the family we are born into, our sole obligation is to be the best person we can possibly be. We have a choice…

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#inspiration

Triggers

Trigger’s have meaning beyond being part of a gun. Triggers are something that create an unexpected emotional reaction. They can be events, situations, or even people.

A personal trigger for me is lying. I was lied to as a child, so this one runs deep in me. When I hear a lie, it does something to me I can’t describe. I get angry, disgusted and hurt all at the same time. I get over it, but my ability to trust the person who lied has been compromised.

Think about your own personal triggers. Then commit to understanding where they come from. Be ready, because you will gain insight into yourself…

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#inspiration

Separately

I went to a restaurant the other evening. I love to people watch. Restaurants and airports are a Mecca for me.

A married couple sat down a few booths away. They were probably in their 50’s, attractive and well dressed. After the server took their drink order, the couple hardly made eye contact with each other, choosing to look around the restaurant at other sights rather than their spouse. I felt a slight sense of sadness for a moment. It was as if they were there by themselves.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, I encourage you to try to reconnect. Focus on the good in your relationship. It’s there or you wouldn’t have ever gotten together in the first place. Make it a daily effort. We are better together…

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#inspiration

Games

When we were children we played games with our friends. The only requirements were to have some fun and maybe learn something. We were taught to play fair, try to win, but don’t win at someone else’s expense.

Adults play games, too, but the stakes are different. Adult life is a higher responsibility than childhood. Cutting corners for a quick victory is a shallow victory. Playing with people’s emotions is a dangerous game. Yet people do it anyway.

Take the rules of game play back to your childhood days. Do your best. Play hard and try to win, but even if you come in second place, maintain your integrity. Always…

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#inspiration

All or None

Life is rarely black or white. There’s a lot of gray area. This is partially due to different perspectives. Something that might appear to be one way could be misinterpreted by our emotional state of mind.

Many people on dating sites say they are looking for “the one.” Why only one? Perhaps you could be friends with someone without a romantic connection.

Thinking that things are all or none could cause you to overlook some of life’s best opportunities. Be open minded. Be flexible. If “the one” comes along, you will have gained so much more along the way because you were adaptable

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#inspiration

Vacations

Summer is here in the Northern Hemisphere! That means it’s time for a vacation, right? But what is the purpose of a vacation?

Taking time away from our daily routines is good. We create memories with our loved ones, and we have an opportunity to unwind from the stresses of life. Experiencing new things also stimulates our minds. Our brains sorta reboot, if you will.

Take a trip this summer, even if it’s a short one. Life’s routines will be waiting for you…

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#inspiration

Here! Have Another Bite

Have you ever had someone try to cram their politics or religion down your throat? I believe we all can answer that question with a resounding yes!

Trying to convince others to believe what we believe through force doesn’t work. People have their own reasons for their convictions, right or wrong. It’s none of our business, actually.

The best way to communicate our faith is through our actions, not a bunch of religious talk. People might respond to our political beliefs by asking questions of why we believe the way we do. Then, and only then, we can begin a dialogue.

Let’s focus on our actions, not our words. Find out who you are, then stay true to yourself, but keep an open mind to the beliefs of others. We are better together…

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#inspiration

Fathers

Today is Fathers Day in the United States. People celebrate their dads and their great memories with them.

Fatherless homes are one of the fastest growing family demographics of today’s culture. Over 90% of homeless people come from fatherless homes, as well as 75% of rapists and 69% of youth suicides. If you ever think that good fathers aren’t necessary, just consider those alarming statistics.

To all the solid men who are dedicated dads, enjoy your day…

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#inspiration

Activity

Our culture has become addicted to their screens. We constantly have our heads buried in a phone or a laptop. I’m not just talking about adults, either. Kids are doing it, too.

Our minds and bodies aren’t meant to be totally absorbed in information. We need interactions with other people, and we need physical activity.

Technology is a necessary component of our lives. Yet it should not dominate our time. I encourage you to get outside, enjoy some sunshine every day and get physically active. Pay attention to how different you feel afterwards. Try it for 21 days and let me know what happens…

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