Any questions that cloud my mind regarding others are typically the first warning signal of something that I need to work on myself. I find that when something judgmental comes to my mind, it is a learning tool that I can use to think about and adapt to my life. If a fleeting judgmental thought crosses my mind, I take note and try to take that thought and put it back on me. When my mind is alerted to someone who acts prideful, instead of addressing the person, I look to myself to eliminate that type of behavior. If my…
Acceptance for many of us is seeing before believing. But the beauty of our faith is believing without doubt. There are many things we do in our daily lives that strengthen our faith and the faith of others. Living life and accepting others with love have proven to be instrumental in my journey. Not simply saying the right words, but following through with compassion and meaningful actions. Taking a moment before things get nasty to better understand the perspective of others. Before saying something I regret, I say a quick prayer for guidance and perspective. I ask Jesus to speak…
Sometimes it seems easier to escape into something routine, exciting, or new instead of addressing the issue. Avoidance creates much stress and anxiety in the world today. I was taken aback when I heard the statistic that over our lifetime, between 12-18 years of our lives are spent on our phones. Although I see many advantages of technology, to me, hours of scrolling through unnecessary information seem to be an escape from being present, avoiding the unknown, the silence, or the discomfort of being present in the moment. It might not be technology for all of us. Some of…
When I consider that our pets completely rely on us, it makes sense that they might have a fear of the unknown. They sense clues that something is different, but have no knowledge of what or for how long. Over the last three years, our dog has been a bit spoiled by the fact that someone, mostly me, has been in the house 24/7. Our dog saw my suitcase and started to get a bit clingy, knowing something was up. One of my neighbors takes great care of her when I am away, but it has been numerous years…
Although I don’t dwell on my imperfections, I have an abundant supply. One of the many things I am grateful for is that I have people in my life who love me, with my strengths and flaws. My closest friends are those who can laugh with me at all my ridiculous habits. Never making fun of me, but instead they bring humor to my otherwise crazy moments. If someone is laughing at me, I simply remove myself from the toxic environment. Imperfections are all around us, it is how we manage the imperfections that is important. I was vividly…
Surrounded by beautiful people, but I still feel alone. I am talking, laughing, and contributing, but alone. How is it that we can be surrounded by people, maybe even friends, but still feel lonely and alone? Is it because I’m not giving the relationship all that it needs or maybe the relationship is not fulfilling me? I find these questions often as I join in fellowship with various friends and acquaintances. It’s very easy to feel alone amongst people, even when the people are beautiful, kind, people. I believe part of it is because we’re searching for…
When I start questioning what others are doing around me, I look inward with self-reflection. Am I participating in the things that I am questioning in my mind? Are my actions and words congruent with my values? I look to avoid carrying around anger and immediately replace it with compassion. When I step back and evaluate with love, I become more understanding and regain my inner peace. Disappointment might show up for a moment, but I quickly move to encouragement. The situation might not be pleasant, but through prayer, I am guided back on path. I have to listen…
The Wall Street Journal article, “The last decision by the world’s leading thinker on decisions” by Jason Zweig (3/15/25) was moving and thought-provoking, but it stopped short of addressing my question: What might we miss if we don’t complete our journey? The author of this article was friends with Daniel Kahneman, psychologist at Princeton University, winner of the Nobel prize in economics, and author of Thinking, Fast and Slow, who died in 2024, choosing to end his own life in Switzerland. The article caught my attention because for numerous years, my parents have suffered…
When I realize I am second-guessing myself, I block those thoughts and pray, immediately asking Jesus to take back control and lead me to my intended path. The questioning and doubting are signs to me that I have steered off course and are often an indication that I have left Jesus behind for the moment. This happens most often when I am in a rush, caught off guard, or feeling unmotivated. The common factor in all these situations is that I have not put Jesus first. For a moment, I have allowed myself to lose focus and walk off…
Merriam-Webster defines encouragement as the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope. What a world this would be if we offered encouragement to all those who entered our circle of influence. At the same time eliminating all withholding of encouragement. That would mean leaving the judgment to Jesus and serving others with compassion. Being present and a good listener, not necessarily in agreement, but showing a level of understanding. Encouragement comes packaged in many different ways. Some deliver tough love while others take a softer, more compassionate route. The tricky part is delivering the message in a manner…