one year ago …

One year ago I started this blog not knowing where it would take me or you.   If you stop by and you find something of value that is great.   I do hope that you find words that will inspire you, cause you to think about your contribution to this great world we live in or cause you to reflect on where you have been.

Life is a journey – where do you want it to take you?

of monsters and angels

“As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, we need to find better solutions that will include everyone in today’s opportunities.  Monster will always exist.  There’s one inside each of us.  But an angel lives there, too.  There is no more important agenda than figuring out how to slay one and nurture the other.”   Jacqueline Novogratz  from The blue sweater.

 

What an impressive quote.  Our nature contains darkness and light.   The monster resides in the darkness and the angel in the light.   To discover that which darkens our nature is a challenge and the bigger challenge is of course how to manage and control that force that tends towards destruction.   

How do you embrace the light?   How do you grow within so that you accentuate the positive in other’s and in yourself?  What specific actions do you need to take?

It does take great courage to face your own shortcomings and then greater courage to make the needed changes to overcome those shortcomings.

What do you want to become?   That might be the most challenging question.

make a difference today

The “Indispensable Man” by Saxon White Kessinger from John Maxwell’s book Talent is Never enough.

 

Sometime when you feel important;

    Sometime when your ego’s in bloom

Sometime when you take it for granted

  You’re the best qualified in the room,

 

Sometime when you feel that your going

   Would leave an unfillable hole,

Just follow these simple instructions

  And see how they humble your soul;

Take a bucket and fill it with water,

  Put your hand in it up to the wrist,

Pull it out and the hole that’s remaining

   Is a measure of how you’ll be missed.

 

You can splash all you wish when you enter,

   You may stir up the water galore,

But stop and you’ll find that in no time

   It looks quite the same as before.

 

The moral of this quaint example

  Is do just the best you can,

Be proud of yourself but remember, 

  There is no indispensable man.

 

 

We can make a difference in the world while we are there.  The moment we leave someone else will fill the gap.   It doesn’t mean that while we are there that what we do doesn’t matter, it does.  It just means that as time goes by others can pick up where you left off and continue.  Make the difference that you can today.

a balance of power

 

“… she followed power itself instead of risking her life for principles.”  Jacqueline Novogratz – The Blue Sweater

 

In your life has the idea or thought of power taken over your principles or values? 

So many people have been caught up in the vortex of power.   Power will not release its grip on anyone.   Power seeks more power and that in of itself becomes an intoxicating lure capable of destroying values and character.  Those who survive the ecstasy of power have strong guides that are reliable and honest.   

Terror or hope

What do you fear the most? What would grip your soul, your thoughts and actions beyond what you would think possible?

Here is a link to a story about hope, terror and fear.

Finding hope in a hopeless place

The story is about leadership as well. It is a story about character, dreams and more. It is a story that everyone has faced even if the context is different. At some point in our lives we have faced a situation that demands all of our attention to such a degree that we are altered after the event has concluded.

What was that defining moment in your life?

How were you changed?

What did you learn?

What did you share with others about that moment?

foundation of character

“While your circumstances are beyond your control, your character is not.” 
John Maxwell

 

Helen Keller said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.  Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

 

What is character made of?

Values

It is more than just values.   Character is living your values with sincerity.     Sincerity is derived from the Latin sincerus meaning clean, pure, sound.  

Values that are expressed and lived out in a pure manner demonstrate your character.     Values are often associated with a positive moral ethic, truth, honesty, humility, kindness, and patience to yourself and with others.    The values that you live determine your character. 

chase the dream

“If you don’t like the world the way it is, you change it.  You have an obligation to change it.  You just do it on step at a time.”   Marian Wright Edelman

If you don’t like the way you are change it.   You have an obligation to improve yourself.  Do it daily.

A powerful story has been written about a woman who has done just that, changed the world, in part from a deep seated dream to do something good for the world and in part from a determination that would not rest.   Jacqueline Novogratz has written that story, a story that started with a “Blue Sweater”.    

Determination and hope forged in the hearts of women in Rwanda are changing their future. 

With determination and hope what could be different in your life?   What obstacles do you have to overcome to touch that dream that has been so closely guarded?

courage to face fear

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.  You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”  

Eleanor Roosevelt

 

Everyday people say out loud, “I could have done that”, “I should have done that”, or “I would have done that”.   “Only if” echoes in our minds of chances we could have taken that weren’t because we lacked the courage to do so.

Imagine if all those “should have, could have or would haves” were translated into realized dreams.   An ounce more courage would have moved you from inaction to action.  Imagine if those dreams came true and the words that take the place of dreams realized disappeared from your vocabulary.

What dreams do you have that are sitting waiting for you to take action on?

What words do you need to encourage you to take that first step to “imagine if” to “I did it”?

If you believe it can come true it will.   Do you have the courage to try?

The shining sea

“Today a new sun rises for me; everything lives, everything is animated, everything seems to speak to me of my passion, everything invites me to cherish it” Ninon de Lincios

  

 Listen to the waves that gently gather at your feet.   Look at the glistening sea and reflect for a few moments on the beauty that is presnt.

Be present in the experience.   Set your worries aside and be present in the moment.

Kindness works best when

“Kindness is a language we all understand.  Even the blind can see it and the deaf can hear it.” 
                                                                                    Mother Teresa 
 

How do you spread kindness?   How do you encourage others to reach their full potential?   When was the last time you were encouraged, thanked, appreciated, or acknowledged?

If you have been acknowledged recently those around you probably haven’t been either.   What a great way to start a trend – acknowledge those around you and see what happens.   Brighten their day to brighten yours!