Tag Archives: personal growth

When Life Lessons Come Full Circle: A Personal Story

Posted on by under Daily Inspiration, Personal Life Reflections

I’m an over achiever and a go getter. There’s a frantic, nitpicky air coursing through most of what I do. When I lived in Los Angeles, I shared an apartment with a wonderful free spirit. We contrasted well with her calming, almost floating presence.

I’ll never forget when she turned to me one day and asked, in her innocent, purely curiosity driven way, “What are you going to do when you’ve done it all?”

At the time, her question bounced right off me. Back then, fresh out of college, the only beatings I endured were from myself and generally, I saw no limits to what I could achieve.

Ironically (though probably not), she was the very person with me 2.5 years ago, when my world came crashing down around me. And although we no longer live together in Los Angeles, her question has haunted me throughout the years.

Today, 29 months and numerous universe inflicted battle wounds later, her words ring more powerful than ever.

While I’m still an over achiever and go getter, I now understand and appreciate the gifts of grace and presence, agents of change that my former LA roommate wisely knew all along.

I’m Thankful For All of You

Posted on by under Personal Life Reflections, Uncategorized

On this Thanksgiving, I’d like to express my gratitude to all of you, my readers.

You inspire me every day.

I seem to have a lot of people who follow this blog but I’m not sure how many of you actually read my work, much less enjoy it. Judging actual impact is one of those difficult, non tangible tasks that us bloggers are faced with.

But I want to make an impact. Nothing fills my cup more than sharing wisdom with people who are thirsty for it. With that being said, responses, opinions, thoughts, and feedback are encouraged and appreciated. In particular, I’m curious for an answer to this question: If I wrote a book, would you read it? Please respond in the comment section.

Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for all the joy that you bring to me. Thank you for sharing your own personal stories and allowing for me to share mine. I pray that we continue to grow together.

Much love to you all.

 

Growing Up

Posted on by under Daily Inspiration, Thought for the Day

I don’t know why so many people say, “Do I have to grow up?” Me personally, I love growing up. Things seem to clarify year after year. I grow stronger and stronger, more sure of myself and My Maker. Yes, indeed, it’s joyous to grow up, to grow at all, in fact.

Self Love Vs. God’s Love

Posted on by under Christian Spirituality

The problem is not lack of love for ourselves. The problem is lack of belief in God’s love for us.

Arguments

Posted on by under Relationships & Love, Thought for the Day

In an argument, have patience.

Imagine if someone were to come at you with their fists doubled, surely you would double your own just as fast.

But now, imagine someone comes to you asking to sit together, hoping to understand your point of view and exactly why yours differ. In this instance, you may find that you are not so far apart after all…that the points on which you differ are few and the points on which you agree are many.

In arguments, if only we can possess patience, and a desire to get together, we will get together.

What We Can Learn from the Rivers and Seas

Posted on by under Relationships & Love, Thought for the Day

If you wish to be above men, put yourself below them. If you wish to be before men, put yourself behind them.

This way, although you are above them, they will not feel your weight. And although you are before them, they will not count it as an injury.

This is how the rivers and seas are able to reign over all the mountain streams.

An Old Fable About The Sun and The Wind

Posted on by under Daily Inspiration

interactive-story-book-the-wind-and-the-sun-screenshot-1

One day, the Sun and the Wind quarreled about which was the strongest and the Wind said, “I’ll prove that I am. See that old man down there with the coat? I bet I can get his coat off quicker than you can.”

So the Sun went behind a cloud, and the Wind blew until it was almost a tornado. But the harder it blew, the tighter the old man clutched his coat. Finally, the Wind calmed down and gave up.

Then the Sun came out from behind the clouds and smiled kindly on the old man. Presently, he mopped his brow and pulled off his coat. The Sun then told the Wind that gentleness and friendliness are always stronger than fury and force.

The end.

Posted on by under Quotes

Consider every man you meet to be your superior in some way. By doing this, you will learn from him.

Be Generous in Your Appreciation

Posted on by under Relationships & Love

You want approval from those with whom you come into contact. You want recognition of your true worth. You want a feeling that you are important in your own little world and you crave sincere appreciation.

We all do.

Remember the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”

In other words, be generous in your appreciation and lavish in your praise. Towards all people. All the time. Everywhere. And you will reap the rewards.

A Letter to Young Ben Franklin From Which We Can All Learn

Posted on by under Daily Inspiration

Benjamin_Franklin_1759

In his youth, Benjamin Franklin received a letter from one of his friends rebuking his opinionated nature. The letter is included here because I believe we can all learn from it.

“Ben, you are impossible. Your opinions have a slap in them for everyone who differs with you. They have become so offensive that nobody cares for them. Your friends find they enjoy themselves better when you are not around. You know so much that no man can tell you anything. Indeed, no man is going to try, for the effort would lead only to discomfort and hard work. So you are not likely ever to know any more than you do now, which is very little.”

What a great friend this man was! He told the truth. And Ben listened…and went on to become one of the greatest Diplomats in American history.

What can we learn from this letter?

Often, it is best to choose being nice, over being right. Forcing your opinion down another person’s throat never works. And know it alls tend to lose it all before they know it.