Daily Thoughts

1/13/2021

I’ve been thinking about the concept of sacrifice. Most of us have a hard time with that word, because it means we have to give something up. I have a different way of looking at that word – or at least the concept behind it. Instead of the concept of “giving up” something, I look at it as substituting a higher goal for a lower activity. Replacing two sodas per day in favor of an equal amount of water. Replacing an hour of television watching for reading a book, taking a walk, talking to a loved one, etc. Taking these small steps begins the process of change. It puts us on a new path toward our futures. From where I sit, I replace a lower order need for something I value as a higher goal.

Daily Thoughts

1/12/2021

Loving versus condoning. Loving our enemies does not mean that we condone their actions. Loving those who have hurt us does not mean that we have to continue to allow the hurt. Loving them does not mean that we have to let them in our lives (maintaining boundaries out of self-love will not allow that). If loving is our first action (based in self-love), it acts as a buffer against attack, while also being a tool that can open hearts and minds. This is not a swift solution, but love must be the foundation for every action we take. From where I sit, I choose love.

Daily Thoughts

1/11/2021

Healing relationships. We live in unprecedented times of fractured relationships. Family and friends who once demonstrated love through their actions and interactions now have allowed ideologies to create chasms of distrust, disdain, and dislike. My question is: how long will we wait to find common ground? We don’t have to agree in order to have relationship; however, if our ideologies are harmful to others, it’s time to re-examine those ideologies. Healing only comes through the openness of love. From where I sit, I seek healing through the openness of a loving heart.

Daily Thoughts

1/10/2021

Doing what is right is sometimes difficult. Doing what is right sometimes pushes us to rethink our positions. Doing what is right is always the right choice. Doing what is right does not advance a selfish agenda. Doing what is right uplifts those around us. Integrity is called for in every situation. Authenticity is called for in every situation. Drop the façades. Act from your authentic self. Do what is right instead of what is easy. From where I sit, I choose authenticity and integrity.

Daily Thoughts

1/9/2021

Learning lessons. If we took the time to examine our current relationships (whether they are personal or professional) and compared them to past relationships, how similar would they be? The human psyche keeps playing the same relationship until we learn whatever lesson that relationship is supposed to be teaching us. Oftentimes, these relationships are rooted in an early trauma that we are trying to resolve. Take a look at your current relationship status. Does this fall into your old pattern or have you started something new? What lesson are you learning or have you learned? From where I sit, I have broken the old patterns of behavior and have begun anew.

Daily Thoughts

1/8/2021

Power in Words. I know I just talked about this a couple of days ago, but recent events bring it back to the forefront. There is power in words. When you are in a position of influence, the things that you say take on greater meaning. The words of a parent to a child have a direct effect on how that child views themselves. The words of a teacher, counselor, clergyman, etc. can be used to uplift or belittle. Don Miguel Ruiz said it best when he said that we need to be “impeccable with our words”. Whatever your station is in life, your words are generally something you can control. From where I sit, I will watch my tongue!

Daily Thoughts

1/7/2021

Perspective. Just because I believe something, doesn’t make it true for everyone else. Each day as I share my thoughts, they are coming from my perspective. Sometimes, you may agree with those thoughts, other times, you may not. I base my perspective on evidence. New evidence always requires evaluation of my perspective. If the evidence is overwhelming that my perspective is errant and I don’t change my perspective, it’s not my place to force you to ignore that evidence. From where I sit, it’s all a matter of perspective.Publish

Daily Thoughts

1/6/2021

What are you listening to? We are bombarded by information 24/7. Sometimes the information is blatantly false, intended to create division. If we give validity to the messengers who are sowing division, it will be difficult to bridge the gap between the opposing sides. I try to live by this standard when speaking: is it truthful, is it necessary, and will this help our relationship grow? If the answer is “no” to any of the three, I generally hold back from speaking. From where I sit, I watch my words as I seek higher good for all.

Daily Thoughts

1/5/2021

What you do when things don’t work out the way you want them? You set your goals. You gather your resources. You anticipate obstacles. You set a plan of action. You implement that plan. It didn’t go well. Now what? At times like that, it would be easy just to give up. If it’s truly important to you, and more importantly, to the community as a whole, it’s time to regroup, revamp, and revitalize. For most of us, we’re the only thing that is truly standing in our own way. Keep moving. Breakthrough is just around the corner! From where I sit, revamping and revitalizing are keys to success.

Daily Thoughts

1/4/2021

Just keep moving. I know how difficult it can be to put a plan into action and seeing it through to the end. We would like for it to go from Point A to Point B in as straight a line as possible, but all too often our path meanders left, right, a little backwards, back to the left, etc. It’s okay if that’s what’s happening! As long as you’re alive, keep moving toward your destination. It’s all good! Just keep moving! From where I sit, I will enjoy the ride of this life and keep moving!