John Harrell's Blog, page 125

Online Culture

You can get literally anything you want online. I have had groceries, liquor, books and more delivered to my home after ordering them off the internet. You can even get a date!

There’s a potentially dangerous downside to only ordering things online. The lack of human interaction is vital for us as people. Without human connection, we can become isolated and alone.

Online purchases are great for busy people. Yet I encourage you to shop in person when you can. The personal interaction is good for your health and well being…

How We Treat Others

Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Sounds easy, right? But some people can be downright difficult to treat kindly.

I have to ask myself, am I one of those people? Am I stubborn, ill-tempered or rude? If the answer is yes, then I need to work on myself. We will treat others in the way we love ourselves.

A healthy self-acceptance will be reflected by our words and our actions. Take inventory, and corrective action if necessary…

Weariness

Life can wear you out. Combine the noise from the outside world, the conversations we have with ourselves and the daily grind, people can get worn down and worn out.

It’s important that we take care of ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. You must focus on all four of these areas to maintain a peaceful spirit. When we do this, we are the best version of ourselves. Everyone benefits, especially you…

Teachers

Today is National Teacher Day in the United States. So first off, thank you to all of the dedicated, devoted teachers worldwide.

The best teaching moments are in the home. We, as parents, should model behavior for our children. Characteristics like kindness, forgiveness, compassion and honesty are best taught by example, not by forced behavior.

Our children are watching us all the time. Let’s make sure our words and actions align…

My Interview With Viktoria Romanova

Viktoria Romanova had only been in The United States for a short period of time when she had a nightmare. She dreamed that her two-year-old daughter, Eva, had a blood disease. Viktoria’s dream proved to be prophetic because soon after Eva was diagnosed with leukemia.

In our interview we discuss the hellish two years + of chemotherapy, the anger and fear Viktoria felt after being told Eva had less than 24 hours to live, and we learn about the wonderful work The Make-A-Wish Foundation does.

Click on the link to watch. Please hit the ‘Subscribe’ button: The Determined People Podcast

Diversity

Recently I was asked what I thought about diversity. Here’s what I believe: you can have ten people with the same skin color sitting in a conference room and have a diverse crowd. Everyone at that table has different thoughts, experiences, beliefs, convictions and hang ups. Isn’t that diversity?

We must stop looking at the outside of others and consider what’s going on inside. The inside is where diversity comes from…

Actions

Our actions should align with what we say. This is a foundation of building trust. Having someone’s trust is a sacred honor.

Be consistent. Show up when you say you will. Be the same person no matter what crowd you are in…

Convicted

I grew up believing that people are innocent until proven guilty. I still believe that, and I had to practice it when I was chosen as a jury member on a murder trial.

The public domain has become one where you are now guilty until you prove yourself innocent. People are doxxed, vilified and harmed because someone wants their 15 minutes of fame at someone else’s expense.

We can stop this harmful behavior. Let’s think before we speak. Consider if it was you who had the spotlight turned on them…

Excuse Me

Excuses are lame. Taking responsibility is strong. All of us are accountable to someone, beginning with ourselves.

Do not fall into the trap of making excuses. Excusing yourself can lead to a victimhood mentality. You are not a victim…

Spreader

Let’s face it, people love to gossip. Gossip is wrong on every level.

Since you are speaking to others daily, why not talk about things that enrich their lives? Speak from your heart. Spread kindness, compassion, encouragement and hope. In fact, be a super spreader…