John Harrell's Blog, page 105

Truth

Nowadays we hear people say they are living “their truth.” What does this even mean? There is one truth and that is what God says is true.

Living in light exposes the truth. Lies and deceptions can only exist in shadows and darkness.

Come into the light. Live in truth…

Build That Wall!

Boundaries are something many people struggle with. For a period in my life, I couldn’t bring myself to say “no” to anything people asked of me. As a result, I would end up doing a lot of things half-ass. By not giving my best, my self-esteem took a hit.

After doing a lot of self-work (12 years of psychotherapy and counting), I learned it’s okay to say no. Setting boundaries is a form of standing up for yourself. By doing this, I became more effective in the things I said yes to.

Learn to say no. Say yes to whatever is enriching and edifying to your life. The first time is the hardest, but that’s how you grow…

Superspreader

Superspreader is a term that became commonplace during the pandemic. It typically means something negative, something harmful.

Does it have to be a negative event? I say no, no it does not. Why don’t we start a superspreader of kindness and compassion, treating our fellow man the way we want to be treated?

Anything is possible if we believe…

Learning

When I was in school, I received a report card that showed my supposed knowledge in the subjects I was studying. My grades reflected the first four letters of the alphabet. I mostly received B’s and C’s, along with an occasional A or D. I was labeled as an average student.

I have never considered myself to be average. I refused to accept that label. My ability to connect and communicate with people was not graded, but I excelled in human connection. There are other types of knowledge than book knowledge. Personality and adaptability are more highly correlated with success than intelligence.

My grades went up in college. It turns out I loved to learn. I just needed the right environment.

Whatever grades you received in school, be sure you don’t degrade yourself…

Tell Me!

I have blog subscribers in over 120 countries. I’m grateful for each of you, and I create these messages for you. My hope is that you will find strength and encouragement here.

Please let me know what topics you want to learn more about. How can I encourage you better? What traumas are hidden in your life that I can address?

Please write me and tell me. I will keep it confidential, and I will not share your email address with anyone.

My email address is: rewrittenone@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you…

Gods

There is only one God. We, as human beings can make status and “stuff” our gods, but they aren’t sustaining.

I have seen people who make fear their god. The God of light doesn’t invoke fear in us. Those fears comes from darkness.

I encourage you to reject darkness and come into the light. Leave your fears behind and live a more fulfilling life…

The State of Politics

Politics has been a great debate between competing ideologies. Strong words uttered by strong personalities made great political theatre.

We used to have it out on the issues and not each other. Today we have it out on each other and forget about the issues.

This is the current state of politics. It doesn’t have to be this way…

Talent

Life isn’t a spectator sport. We must play the game every day and give it everything we have in us.

All of us have unique gifts and talents. Use yours, not merely for yourself, but to benefit others as well.

Make a difference…

Pressure

There are many forms of pressure, from pressure cookers to peer pressure. There are people in our world who will use pressure and intimidation to get their way. Steer clear of those people.

You can get everything you want in life by doing good, not through threats and maneuvering. Leading with a kind and compassionate heart will move mountains, leaving a trail of good. You will be creating a legacy.

There are times when applying pressure is a good thing. Lean into those times and divert your attention away from the pressure you know goes against your values…

Art Acevedo I The Determined People Podcast Part Two

Be sure to catch Part Two of my interview with former Police Chief Art Acevedo. In this segment we discuss Uvalde, Ferguson and community policing.