John Harrell's Blog, page 108
October 23, 2022
Gentle
We like to go through life like a tornado, a force to be reckoned with. It’s “our way or the highway.” We must get to the top rung of the ladder and do it quickly!
Forcing outcomes might work occasionally, but in the long run it’s a recipe for disaster.
An alternative approach is to use some gentleness and self-control. Let’s not burn bridges as we rise. No. Let’s bring others along with us, creating trusting relationships.
We are better together. It begins with gentleness…
October 22, 2022
Alignment
Have you ever noticed how life just seems to fall into place? Even when things are falling apart, they are still aligning with your greater purpose in life. We don’t have the luxury of seeing the end result, but God does. Trust Him.
Every experience we have prepares us for something else. This is especially true about our bad experiences in life.
Just keep going…
October 21, 2022
Failed Again
Here’s some hard truth: most people want to see you fail. They will tell you they are happy for your success, but underneath they don’t mean it.
People thought Albert Einstein was crazy, they told Henry Ford he would never create an eight-cylinder engine, and Thomas Edison only had two months of formal schooling. I guess the dream killers in their lives were wrong.
Do not allow anyone to talk you out of your dreams for your life. Other peoples insecurities have nothing to do with you. There are many detours and setbacks on the road less traveled. If you don’t quit, you will reach your destination.
Do the work…
October 20, 2022
Seen
Everyone has a deep desire to be seen and heard. Yet some people don’t believe they are important enough to have a voice. Nothing could be further from the truth.
We were created by God. He doesn’t make mistakes, nor does He second guess himself. If we are important enough to have been thought of by the Creator of the universe, then all of us are important. We weren’t an afterthought.
Be the voice for others until they find their own. You and I are good enough for God, so we are good enough…
October 19, 2022
Aging
I have known people who at 23 years old thought and acted like they were one foot away from the grave. And there are eighty year olds who live rich, vibrant lives.
We have a choice about how we age. When we exercise regularly and keep our thoughts clean and clear, we will slow down the aging process. I don’t have to point out what a lifestyle of no exercise, too much television and poor food choices will do to your body. But poor choices are reversible! At any age.
Age exists only in your head and your heart…
October 18, 2022
Chains
Everyone has a past. Some are pretty dark, but God brought them into the light. Yet, I meet people who are still chained to their pasts. At least they believe they are.
Forgiving yourself is the hardest kind of forgiveness. It’s necessary because then you can grow. You can never forget your past, but when you forgive yourself you see how God can use it to help others.
If this is one of your life challenges, I encourage you to start on the path to self-forgiveness by making a list of everything you are grateful for. Gratitude changes us. Our view of the world grows. We see the art and beauty in other people, and that includes those who are still living in darkness…
October 17, 2022
Terminal
People make changes in their lives when they receive a health scare. Maybe they begin an exercise program and eat healthier foods. But what might happen if they were given a diagnosis that they were terminal?
One thing is certain: all of us will die someday. The odds of us living a long time are high, but what would change in us if we adopted a terminal mindset? What I mean is, we don’t focus on death but we act like our time is limited. We would get more accomplished than we would if we act like we “have all the time in the world.”
I encourage you to turn up the heat on yourself. Our time is limited. Get to work on living with purpose. Make a difference…
October 16, 2022
The Determined People Podcast I Interview with Sandra Dee Robinson
Sandra Dee Robinson is an accomplished actress, speaker, author and she is the founder of Charisma on Camera. In our conversation, we discuss how a young girl with intense stage fright won the Miss Pennsylvania USA contest, going on to represent Pennsylvania in the national finals, what led her to Hollywood, and how she has healed from some family dynamics. Sandra has found her true calling outside of Tinseltown, though. She teaches charisma and presence, onscreen or off, and she empowers others to find their voice.
October 15, 2022
Lean In
I like controversy. Seeing the world differently from the masses creates controversial conversations. Growth comes when you view the world through a different prism.
When I go to a store or restaurant, my inclination is to make my server laugh and engage with me a bit. If they have tattoos, piercings everywhere and rainbow colored hair, even better. By connecting with them and leaning in, I’m breaking away from any stereotypes they might have about me. More often than not, my server will say to me that “I’m so different than what they thought I would be like.”
Remember this:when you see someone who looks different, they are someone’s son or daughter. They are important…
October 14, 2022
Laughter
Find a reason to laugh every day. Laughter is a healthy habit we often overlook. When we laugh, we burn calories, our spirits are lifted and we release endorphins in our brain. There are no downsides to laughter…
