Tag Archives: Culture

Without Exception

26 Oct

There are few absolutes in life. No matter where we are or what we’re doing there will always be a lot of variables and differences. Even if we stay in the same place and do the same things, our experiences will never be exactly the same. There are endless things that affect every decision and every move we make. We can’t control what others do or what goes on in the world, but we always have control over ourselves. Our choices belong solely to us. If we are careless and haphazard, and don’t pay attention to the cues and situations around us, odds are we’ll have some unpredictable and uncomfortable experiences. Who we are is defined by what we do, and we can set any standards we like for our own behavior. For instance, we may determine that we will never break the law, rob a bank, kill someone or cheat on our taxes. Those are big problems that would likely bring intensely unpleasant ramifications. But what about the choices that aren’t so extreme. If we want to be honest, will we decide that no matter what, without exception we will always be honest in all our dealings? It sounds straightforward enough, but life is complex and there are lots of situations around us that may make that decision more difficult than we imagine. How will we handle it if we discover we were given too much change at the store, or the checker only charges us for one mango when in fact there were two, or we have the chance to sneak into a theater or concert without paying or being seen? We may excuse these as small and insignificant, but there is no sliding scale for honesty. How we interpret that is up to us. We may do whatever we like, but at the end of the day, our lives will be a reflection of the choices we make. We know what we want and how we want to live our lives. By being true to the standards we set for ourselves, we will find great satisfaction and happiness. There isn’t anything we can’t do once we decide. Every choice is possible and with wisdom and clarity, we can choose the roads that take us where we most want to go.

Peer pressure isn’t just limited to our teen years. Wherever there are others around us we may experience pressure to be like something or do something. Everyone has their own ideas about how things should go and their own interpretation of what is acceptable. We may be pressed to follow the group even if we disagree, but we never have to do anything we don’t want to do. If we’re uncomfortable we can step back and go in a different direction. Those who respect us will honor our decisions. Our lives are ours to design, and we can do anything we like.

As time passes, cultures change, but no matter what those changes are, truth will always remain. The influences around us may be great, but we can take our time and evaluate what is happening and where it will lead. We are strong enough and smart enough to find the best way forward. We don’t have to follow the crowd to reach success. It is there, waiting for us to make the choices that will take us to it.

Today decide what kind of life you want to lead and determine where you want to go. Look at every option before you and choose the road that will take you to the goal. You have everything you need to achieve great success. Trust yourself and be true. Every destination is there for you, and you will reach them all.

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Not Sorry

30 Jul

There are billions of people in the world and we’re all unique. No two people are exactly the same, and we all have our own preferences, desires, and decisions to make. There is an unlimited variety of personalities and expressions, and we each choose our own way. Sometimes we’ll agree with those around us and take the same road moving forward, but with all the differences there are bound to be times when we clash. What others want us to do may be fine for them but not exactly what we want. We’re in control of our lives and can make any decisions we like. Our lives are ours alone and we can design them any way we choose. We don’t have to follow what anyone else is doing, or take any suggestions we don’t want. We decide how we’ll move forward, where we’ll go and what we’ll accomplish. It’s all up to us, but if we’re insecure or unsure of ourselves, we might step in line even if we want to do something else. It takes courage to chart our own course, especially if it’s different from what those around us are doing. It can be intimidating to go against the flow but just because everyone else is going west doesn’t mean we can’t go east. Others may try to make us comply and follow their lead, but we know what we want, and have everything we need to get it. We never have to apologize for being ourselves. We were created with specific and individual gifts and traits that no one else in all of creation has. Nobody can bring the blessings we have to offer. We can go our own way, color outside the lines, and choose any destination we like. Life is an incredible gift and when we live it according to our own personal choices and desires, we will find great satisfaction and happiness. Every success is there for us, and every destination is possible. Being true to who we are will help us reach them all.

Traditions, families and cultural norms are powerful. Paved roads that millions of people have walked on are always easy to travel. When things have been done certain way for a long time it can be difficult to consider an alternate method. But change is constant and nothing can stay the same forever. If we want something different than what others are doing, we can change direction and go another way. Cutting a new path isn’t easy, but we are strong and powerful, and no matter what comes, will be able to get through. Once we decide what we really want, we can begin moving toward it and find our way until we reach success. Nothing is too difficult for us to manage, and we can have the lives we dream of.

Nobody is perfect and we all stumble from time to time. If we hurt someone, or make a bad decision we might be sorry, but we never have to be sorry for living our lives according to our own desires. Happiness comes when we are authentic and truthful with ourselves about who we are and what we want. Following along and trying to fit a mold that doesn’t work will never bring us true contentment. We are perfect just as we are, and have so much to offer. By believing in ourselves, and honoring our personal worth, we will find great happiness and success.

Today if you feel pressure to conform to something you aren’t, be honest and choose your own way. You know who you are and what you want, and you bring great depth and richness to us all. Your gifts are priceless and precious. Trust yourself and stand tall. You have so much to offer and the whole world is blessed because you are here.

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Inevitable

9 Jul

There are a lot of unknowns in life. We can’t read the future and we can’t see what’s around the next corner. In most cases, we have no idea what will happen next, but there are some instances where we can predict outcomes. If we regularly eat more calories than we burn, we will gain weight. If we don’t put gas in our car and continue to drive, we will run out. Some things are inevitable based on the decisions we’re making. Most of the time we know what we’re in control of and what will happen if we don’t pay attention. But life is complicated, we get busy, and there are lots of distractions. Sometimes we get carried away going from one task to the next, and forget or ignore things that need our attention. We grab food on the go, even though we know it’s heavier than we want to carry, we may forget to fill the car up, water the plants, or take the dog out. And in the end, we pay the consequences. When we’re sitting in traffic with a dead engine because there is no fuel, arrive home only to find the dog has “decorated” the rug because we didn’t take him out, or finally notice the plant on the table is dead because we never watered it, we may have regrets. If we continue to neglect what needs to be addressed, our lives may get more complicated. We’re in control of everything we do and decide how we’ll spend our time. We can plan our days responsibly and prepare for what needs to be done. Our lives are a reflection of every decision we make. If we’re constantly getting into situations that cause us discomfort, embarrassment or hardship, we can regroup and plan more effectively. We are smart enough to make good, strong decisions and take care of our lives in ways that pave the road ahead. Every success is possible, and with focus and attention, we can do anything we desire.

We can accomplish our goals and go anywhere we desire, but everything has a cause and effect. We can control every decision we make, but we have no control over the results of those decisions. If we choose well, the outcomes will likely be what we desire. If we make a bad decision, the results may be far different. Every road ends somewhere. By taking our time, and looking at all the possibilities before we choose, we have the best chance of ending up where we want to go.

There are all kinds of influences around us all the time. We may have cultural, family or traditional pressures to live our lives a certain way, and make certain decisions. If things have been done a specific way for a long time, it may seem inevitable that we must follow them. We can do anything we like, but our lives are ours to design and we create our own destiny. There are endless roads to choose from, and we can chart our own course. We can have the lives we dream of, choose our own journey, and reach every success.

Today if you’ve neglected something that has caused complications, think about making a new plan moving forward. You are stronger and wiser than you think you are, and nothing is too difficult for you to manage. Be confident, and move ahead with clarity and focus. Every destination is there for you, and nothing can keep you from success.

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