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Being Heard

7 Jan

When we think of people in groups, and assign them to a category, it’s easy to forget that the group or category designation isn’t who they are. Each person is an individual with something to offer, and each is valuable. We all deserve to be heard and treated with respect. If we are ignored, criticized because we are different, and disregarded, we may endure it for a time, but eventually the need to be heard may push us to a breaking point. We may shout to make others listen, or storm the castle to make our leaders remember we are there. Everyone has a tipping point. Treating those who are different with distain, calling them names, disparaging their opinions, or saying they don’t matter, is a recipe for eventual disaster. Nobody is better than anyone else. There is not one perfect way to live life. We are not all the same, and will never agree on everything, but each of us is precious and unique, and brings something of value to the world. Our differences are sometimes difficult to understand but that does not mean we cannot co-exist respectfully and peacefully. We are responsible for what happens after we use vindictive and hateful speech about those with whom we disagree. Every decision has a result and everything we do defines who we are. No idea or ideology is worth the destruction of others. We are all connected more than we realize. By thinking before we act and understanding and accepting differences, we can make the world better and bring peace. We are more powerful than we think we are and can make excellent decisions. By choosing wisely, and being open to every idea, our lives will be enhanced, and we will find greater satisfaction and happiness.

Some people are very sure of themselves and believe their ideas are the only ones worth having. They are confident they have all the answers and if someone disagrees, may strongly criticize them and do whatever they can to make them comply. We are in control of our own lives and may live them any way we like. We don’t have to follow anyone else’s ideas or obey. Our differences are what bring interest and depth to the world. Honoring everyone’s ideas and allowing free expression without judgment enriches our experiences and opens our minds to other possibilities.

We all have the right to choose anything we like, but we don’t have control over anyone else. We will never have all the answers or inspiration over anyone else’s life. It’s good to be confident in our decisions but that doesn’t make us ruler over the decisions of others. Everyone is valuable and worthwhile and has something to offer. By respecting the rights of others to make their own choices and honoring the gifts they offer, we bring light to everyone around us, and richness to the world.

Today if you’ve been critical of those who are different, and want them to comply with your beliefs, remember every idea has value. We all have personal inspiration unique to each of us. Listen to others and be open to new ideas. You are a great gift to the world and have so much to offer. Be confident and be wise, and the road ahead will open and take you to success.

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Still Down

31 Jan

Disappointments are a normal part of life. Everything doesn’t always go the way we want it to, or how we think it will. Small disappointments are easy to overcome and we navigate through them without much distress. But some things impact us greatly and alter how we feel about ourselves and the world around us. If we’ve suffered through a devastating development that has left us feeling broken and deeply hurt, we likely won’t sail through it quickly or without serious discomfort. Heartbreak, betrayal, and intense, serious setbacks can be very difficult to overcome. We’re capable of managing anything that comes to us, but when we’ve had the emotional air knocked out of us by an acutely painful event, it may be impossible to immediately bounce back. We’ll need time to understand what’s happened, and find our footing again, but no matter what happens, our lives continue forward. Even when we’re suffering, life goes on. There are things we have to take care of, places we need to be, and responsibilities that must be tended to. We must continue forward despite how we feel. Intense sorrow and grief are not permanent and cannot hold us indefinitely. Time will help, but there is no way to know how much time it will take. Each day will bring a little more relief, and moment by moment, we will move forward. No matter what’s happened or how badly we’ve been hurt, we will eventually find our way through. It won’t happen overnight, and we may have many days of despair before we heal completely, but we have everything we need to find our way back to full confidence and peace. Life is complicated and there will be trouble. But we are strong, and nothing can hold us down forever.

Nobody can know our deepest feelings or the full extent of anything we’re going through. If we’ve been struggling over something difficult for a while, those around us may have lots of ideas and advice. They may give us suggestions and recommendations for moving forward. We can listen to and try anything they offer if we feel it will help, but we know ourselves better than anyone else, and know what we need. We have all the courage and strength necessary to overcome anything. In time, we will find peace and comfort, and be sure of the way ahead.

When we’re trying to get over something difficult, we may feel we should be further down the road than we are. Grief has its own timetable, and although we may try to rush it, will take the time it takes. By being involved in the world around us we can improve our outlook, and refresh our thinking. There are endless goals still possible and we can accomplish anything we desire. A setback may be difficult, and it may hurt, but it isn’t the end of the road. It’s just a pause, and there is great success ahead.

Today if you’re suffering from a painful event, and feel disconnected and lost, remember how strong and powerful you are. Nothing can hold you down indefinitely. There is still light. Give yourself time to heal and be confident. Look ahead, and step forward. You are amazing, and every dream is still there for you. You will find the way ahead, and reach great success.

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Escape

6 Aug

Life is full of options and opportunities. Every single day brings something new into our lives, and new people will come and go as time passes. Sometimes we make lasting relationships and spend significant time with someone, getting to know them well, and incorporating them into our lives. If our values are similar, and we’re interested in the same things, those bonds may be very strong. It’s good to make close connections but it won’t happen with everyone we meet. We may have passing interactions with people we see once and don’t see again. As we’re getting to know someone and begin to build rapport with them, we learn more about them. We might find we have lots in common, or we may discover their true attributes are nothing we want to be involved with. Maybe they’re dishonest, or make horrible decisions that bring grief and destruction to everyone around them, or they have deep, hidden hatred for others. We never have to stay in any situation or relationship that makes us uncomfortable. We can always step back, and step away. There is no reason to continue an association that isn’t working or that will bring us discomfort. Escape is always an option in every circumstance, no matter what’s going on. We can choose another path and go our own way. We are never inexorably tied to anyone else. Our lives belong to us and we can manage them in ways that are positive and work well. If someone around us is doing things we don’t want, or is making decisions that don’t work for us, we can walk away. We’re all responsible for the lives we live. Every choice we make takes us somewhere, and we can ensure where we’re headed is where we want to go. Every blessing is possible and there are unlimited roads to travel. We can have the lives we dream about and find great, abiding happiness.

Most of us try to be helpful and want to be patient with others who are struggling. We can be supportive but it’s impossible to change anyone but ourselves. It never works to try to fix someone else’s life for them. Everyone owns their own problems and must find their own solutions. We’re not responsible for saving anyone else, and we need not accept or excuse bad behavior, or go along with bad decisions. We can set an excellent example for success, and step forward with confidence and clarity.

We may be asked to help when someone has twisted their lives up and don’t know what to do. We can be kind and offer any advice we feel appropriate, but they must solve their problems on their own. Getting tangled up in the confusion of someone else’s mistakes will not help them find resolution. We can be supportive and still allow them to do what is needed to resolve their situation. We all have everything we need to find the way forward.

Today if you’re in a situation that’s uncomfortable, and you don’t want to continue, you can step away. You know what’s best for you and how you want to proceed. Take control and do what is needed to change direction and start again. You are valuable and important, and can go anywhere. Make the best decisions moving forward and you will reach your goals. Nothing can keep you from the life you desire.

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Changing Everything

3 Jul

We all have our own personal responsibilities, details, chores, and worries. As we go through our days, getting things done and working on what’s next, we might share our lives with those around us. If we’re close, we may share our personal worries and concerns, but if we’re very private we may keep everything to ourselves. If we’re having a personal issue that’s weighing on us, we may be distracted and concerned. If we’re good at hiding our feelings, others may not notice we’re struggling. But in the midst of getting through our days, everything can change in a moment if someone reaches out a hand and offers a kind word. Suddenly we may feel lightened and lifted, and the next step forward is a little easier. They don’t have to know the whole story, and we don’t have to share more than we’re comfortable with. Just the simple act of showing they care can ease our burden and we can feel strengthened and more confident. Small gestures of kindness can turn everything around. We never know what those around us are going through, we can’t see inside their private thoughts, but we can express our gratitude for them and show we care. A smile, a comforting word, or a moment to share some insight or encouragement, may change everything for someone else and make their journey easier. It doesn’t take much time or effort, and we can reach out to those around us in many different ways. We don’t have to pry into their personal affairs, and we don’t need to know the whole story. We can just be there, be aware, and offer comfort. We’re all more connected than we may realize. By reaching out and supporting those around us, we can change the world. We have so much to offer and with patience and caring, can be a blessing to others.

Nobody has a perfect life. Everyone gets trouble from time to time, complications arise in all our lives, and the road ahead is rarely clear and paved. We may have no idea of the suffering someone close to us is enduring. Everything may seem fine on the outside and there may be a tempest roiling on the inside. A kind word, a caring touch, or a gentle smile may mean more than we can imagine to someone who is struggling. It may change darkness to light in an instant, and be what they’ve been hoping for.

The world is a huge place with billions of people. When we’re going through difficult times, it’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected. It may seem everyone else has a better situation than we do, but we all have problems and challenges. When we feel alone, and problems surround us, we can reach out to someone we trust and share whatever we’re comfortable with. We can ask for support and find relief through sharing. Talking about our trouble may alleviate some of the stress and help to find answers moving forward. We’re all in this together. We can share our lives with those around us, ask for help or offer kindness, and when we do the whole world is better.

Today if you’re carrying a heavy burden and feel alone and sad, remember those around you. Share your feelings with someone you trust and let them comfort you. You are an amazing gift to the world and nothing is too difficult for you to manage. Reach out and be encouraged. We’re all blessed because you are here.

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Your Turn

17 May

People constantly come in and out of our lives, and we interact with them in different ways depending on our circumstances. Sometimes we work together in order to achieve something. Perhaps we’re in a formal team that’s been set up to accomplish a specific task, or maybe we’re just cooperating and working with others on something less formal. Whatever the situation, if we’re all in the project together and we want to reach success, everyone must do their part. We can take care of our own responsibilities and then hand it over to the next person for their input. It all works out fine unless someone drops the ball and doesn’t get their assigned portion done. When that happens, the whole thing can fall apart. If we’re in that type of situation and want the goal to be reached, we may feel tempted to step in and take over where someone else has neglected to move. It’s great to be helpful, but it’s important for everyone to recognize their input is necessary for success. If we jump in and cover when someone else forsakes their part, the job might get done, but the precedent we’ve set may cause problems going forward. If people know we’ll cover every time something goes wrong, we may end up with more work than we can manage. A group effort is just that – a group effort, meaning everyone in the group should participate. If someone neglects their responsibility the group can come together and determine the best way forward. Once everyone decides how to manage the loss, a solution will be found and the goal can be reached. We are very capable and able to do many things. If we work together, we will find the answers we need without taking too much on ourselves. Every goal is possible and with planning and determination, we will reach it.

Everyone must carry their own weight, but if someone needs our help, we may step in and take some of their burden from them. It’s noble to be kind and assist others, but if we take on everyone else’s burdens, the weight may become oppressive and we may find we can no longer carry our own. We can recognize our limits to be successful and still share our strength. Everyone has their own road to travel. We can manage our time effectively in ways that ensure our success.

Some people need a lot of support. They may lack the confidence necessary to proceed forward without constant reassurance and help from others. Help is always available, but in the end, we are all responsible for our own successes. We cannot expect others to carry us forward, or find the right roads for us to travel. We have everything we need to find our own way and reach any goal we desire. We can be confident that we have everything necessary for success.

Today if you’ve over-extended yourself helping others or have taken on more responsibility than you can effectively manage, take a good look at what you can successfully accomplish, and set the rest aside. You are strong and capable, and can accomplish many things. Be wise and plan your time in ways that help you reach success and achieve the goals you desire. You are amazing and can do anything. Make your plan and move ahead with confidence. You will prevail.

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