Daily Thoughts

1/23/21

No man is an island. For all the talk about “rugged individualism” that is prevalent in American society, the reality is that we are all interdependent. We each need something from those outside ourselves and our inner circle. We are also called to contribute and provide assistance when we can. No matter what your station is life, there is always an interaction between giving and receiving. When we hold tightly to the things we have or seek to increase only for ourselves, society is harmed. When we balance giving and receiving, everyone benefits. It is time for us to step back and examine the root of our divisions. It is time to focus on mutual good, so that we can begin the process of healing. Set aside preconceptions. Truly listen. If we do, bridges can be built. From where I sit, I see the foundations of bridges being built.

Daily Thoughts

1/22/21

You are the author of your life story. You are the dreamer of your dreams. If your story is fear-filled and unhappy, you can rewrite the script. If your dreams seem to be walking nightmares, change the focus and create a world of peace and love. I know that there are things out of our control, yet the one thing we can control is our response to what is happening. That is how we write our story. That is how we can maintain our dreams. Every moment is an opportunity to write the story of who we are. Will you continue to write a tragedy, filled with despair and sorrow, or will you write a story of resilience, filled with peace, love, and joy? From where I sit, I guide my pen in the direction of peace, love, and joy!

Daily Thoughts

1/21/2021

Unity does not mean 100% agreement with others. When we seek unity, we see commonality, community, collaboration. When we seek unity, we respect our differences. When we seek unity, we put aside our differences for the greater good. The language of unity is kind. The language of unity centers around cooperation. The language of unity is compassionate. The language of unity is loving. We will disagree, yet we must remember to allow kindness, cooperation, compassion, and love to be the guiding factors in conversation and in the face of conflict. What will you choose this day? From where I sit, I seek and celebrate the possibilities of unity.

Daily Thoughts

1/20/2021

I am. Therefore, I think. Oh, what thoughts I think! The evidence is fairly clear regarding the power of our thinking. The more we think something, the more likely it is to come about. If our thoughts are on what is wrong in our lives, those things will perpetuate. If our thoughts turn to what is possible in our lives, those things will grow. Changing our thinking can create a new world for us. Focusing on growth, learning, and peace will help us to manifest those in our own lives, as well as providing impetus and influence for those around us. Where will your thoughts be – on what is wrong or what is possible? From where I sit, I focus on growth, learning, and peace.

Daily Thoughts

1/19/2021

A forgiving mind releases the past, celebrates the present, and anticipates the future. When we take the time to forgive, it opens new doors for us. When we take the time to forgive, burdens are lifted. When we take the time to forgive, we create a new path into our future. Forgiving does not mean condoning, yet it is necessary for healing to occur. Without forgiveness, we are stuck. Letting go and letting our Divine connection guide us creates change within our own circle which then ripples out into our communities. It takes one pebble to start the ripples of kindness, peace, and joy. Are you ready to drop a pebble of forgiveness into the well of fear, hatred, and division? From where I sit, I am a pebble of forgiveness, sending kindness, peace, and joy!

Daily Thoughts

1/18/2021

An inclusive society is one that celebrates the diversity of every individual. Communities that thrive are those that seek to empower every part of their community. Companies that succeed celebrate collaboration versus strict competition. There is evidence that supports the concept that empowering those who might be on the lower rungs of the ladder has a ripple effect on the society as a whole. What is it that we can do today to empower ourselves as well as reach out to help uplift others in our communities? How can we be more inclusive of those who are different from ourselves? How can we find the common ground across party lines, religious diversity, ethnic differences, or cultural divides? What steps will we take? From where I sit, I will seek common ground.

Daily Thoughts

1/17/2021

What we give is what we receive, and what we give comes from who we are. If what we are giving to others is judgment and condemnation, it is coming from a heart filled with judgment and condemnation. If what we are giving others is love and acceptance, it is coming from a heart filled with love and acceptance. Whichever is coming from you is what you will receive as well. “Out of the abundance of the heart…” is an accurate statement. When you squeeze an orange, you get orange juice. When you squeeze someone filled with judgment, you get judgment. When you squeeze someone filled with love, you get love. The things that squeeze us are the circumstances of life. What’s going to come out of you when the circumstances present themselves? From where I sit, I fill myself with love in order to share that with others.

Daily Thoughts

1/16/2021

Listening is a lost art. Each of us is so busy trying to get our point across that we often fail to hear others around us. How often do you find yourself in a conversation with someone and instead of truly listening to what that person is saying, you are ready to jump in and give your rebuttal? It is important to speak our truth, yet it is equally important to listen to the other person’s story as well. I’m not always the best at that, but I am continuing to work on it. The next time you engage in conversation, give the other person your full attention. Listen with your ears, eyes, and most importantly, your heart. From where I sit, I will seek to engage true conversation.

Daily Thoughts

1/15/2021

As I am getting older, I am being more thoughtful regarding the “battles” that I am willing to engage in. I am also being more thoughtful regarding people that I am allowing into my life. In childhood and adolescence, I spent so much time trying to get people to accept me. My early adulthood through early mid adulthood spent trying to please and appease others. That is a lot of wasted energy. When are we going to start teaching the next generation that they don’t have to do things the way we did them? When are we going to accept the uniqueness of our children, neighbors, and adversaries? There is perfection in imperfection, and we need to begin to foster acceptance of that imperfection wherever it emerges. From where I sit, I embrace imperfection in myself and in my world.

Daily Thoughts

1/14/2021

Accepting challenge. If the dream you want to pursue fails to challenge you, the dream is too small. If the task before you fails to make you stretch your abilities, the task is too mundane. Many college students will be heading back to the classroom within the next two weeks, and there will be opportunities for students and instructors to challenge ourselves. If I keep doing things the same way I’ve always done them, I fail my students as much as I fail myself. Each group of students requires me to be adaptable, responding to their needs while making sure that course content is presented. I remain a learner even while being an instructor – that is the challenge of my profession. What challenges are you willing to take on? Are you ready to grow? From where I sit, I choose to challenge myself.