John Harrell's Blog, page 100

Changed

Why do people try to change others into who they want them to be? In the beginning of a relationship, there are things you find attractive about someone, only to feel annoyed by the same things later on. The other person might change into what you want for a while, but eventually they will return to who they are.

Let’s encourage, support and build up others. Work on yourself. I hope you want the best for your significant other, and that best shouldn’t require you changing them. They will evolve and grow on their own…

Appearances

Perceptions are deceptive. We meet people who remind us of someone we know and we automatically think we know how that person is. Or actors get typecast as suitable for only one type of character.

Learn to see through into the heart of others. Be free of judgement as you get to know who they are. Otherwise you might miss something…

Instant

We have instant coffee, microwave food, Instacart grocery delivery, and instant messaging! We have gotten accustomed to living life at the speed of light.

Life takes work. We must apply ourselves to earn what we gain. Nothing is guaranteed, nor should it be. We make incremental progress daily to achieve bigger gains in the future.

The truth is, we only value what we earn, and rarely does anything great happen in an instant…

Emotions

In the past year, I have noticed a change in my emotions, a good change. For years, I stuffed them down because as a child I wasn’t allowed to express any emotions unless they were positive. My parents would force me to put a smile on my face, even when I was raging inside. This carried over into adulthood.

I’m allowing my emotions to surface, and they are complying! Feeling something is good. It’s still a little uncomfortable for me, but growth comes when we visit the discomfort zone…

Transitions

We are in constant motion. Life is not fluid, always going the same direction. Sometimes we have to pivot. It’s okay. Be flexible and adaptable.

Remember, the only constant in life is change…

Wounds

In my book, “Killing My Father Then Finding Him” I wrote a chapter titled “Wounds.” In the chapter, I shared some details of my past trauma. I left quite a bit out, but the reader understood my life was hell in my childhood home.

Our minds are incredible. The trauma of the past surfaces, but the brain knows when to allow it to resurface. Pain returns, but only when we are ready to face it and heal from it.

If you have a painful past, pay attention when memories appear. It means you are ready…

Live Life

Last night, a dear friend of mine from high school days passed away suddenly. Although I hadn’t seen her in 25 years, I still treasure our memories and hold her dear in my heart.

The point is, live your life like there is no tomorrow, because there might not be…

The Determined People Podcast I Interview With Pamela Lowery

Pamela Lowery is a dynamic young woman. She is a speaker and publisher/creator of FAVR Lifestyle. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, her story of how she came to know Jesus will inspire and amaze you. For all her life, strangers have been speaking prophesy into her life. Pamela finally listened, and obeyed. Click on the link to watch our lively interview:

The Way

We all have our rituals. For example, I drink coffee every morning. It’s more a habit than a rite, but I do it daily.

We can become set in our ways. Neural pathways are strong. Let’s be aware that the way we have done things in the past might be ready for change. New, innovative methods should be embraced, not avoided.

Keep your mind open. Change is inevitable…

Paradise

This morning I woke up in paradise. I’m in Cancun to give a speech on what I call three pillars of life. These are three things we need in our lives. They are forgiveness, acceptance and gratitude.

If you are a person who prays, please pray for me that my message resonates with my audience, that someone finds forgiveness in their heart for a past grievance. My speech is tomorrow’s keynote address…