John Harrell's Blog, page 126

Think Differently

Today, Elon Musk is a constant news item. People like Musk, Einstein and many others see the world through a different lens.

We have the same ability. When you think of any situation, see it from different perspectives. Ask yourself, “what if we tried it this way?” Your mind will expand and your worldview will be enhanced…

Science

Nowadays it seems that everyone is a “scientist.” During the pandemic, we continually heard “follow the science.” That’s easier said than done.

Science changes. Viruses mutate. What I love about science is that there are no definitive answers, only more questions. For a curious soul like myself, this feeds my sense of curiosity.

Science is a great reminder for us to question everything. Don’t believe everything you hear on TV, and question everything that comes out of a politician’s mouth. God gave us an incredible gift called our minds. Follow and believe His word, and question everything else!

Keep Going…

We live in an imperfect world, where failures, frustrations and setbacks come our way. It seems like every time we get our lives together we only get knocked down again.

That’s okay. No matter what you see on social media, everyone has struggles. The most perfect-looking people are dealing with stuff we don’t know about. It’s important to remember, we are in this beautiful life together. Encourage others. Strengthen them. And when you find yourself in a battle, keep going, no matter what…

Beliefs

What do you believe, truly believe to be true? I ask this because whatever you believe with emotion attached to it will come true.

It’s just as easy to believe in positive, enriching outcomes as it is negative ones. You must train your mind…

Empathy

Empathy is shared experience. Who is better qualified to talk with an alcoholic than another alcoholic? In fact, talking about their drinking experiences is how Bill W. and Dr. Bob came to be the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The pain and struggles you have gone through can be used to help others. Our world needs encouragement and hope. Your pain has purpose. Don’t waste it by keeping it to yourself…

Opponents

The division in our country is destroying us from within. Was Khrushchev telling the truth when he said, “we will bury you and we won’t have to fire a shot?”

We aren’t opponents. We are citizens who, hopefully, stand up for what is right and true. Just because someone disagrees with your politics doesn’t make them a bad person.

Stand up and speak out for goodness. Otherwise, we will prove the communist to be correct…

Legacy

On the morning of April 20, 1999 two dark and disturbed young men ended the lives of 12 students and one teacher. The Columbine High School massacre will be etched in our minds and hearts forever.
Rachel Joy Scott was the first child killed that day. Rachel was a unique girl. She didn’t care about popularity, and reached out to other students: kids who were new, kids getting picked on and special needs students. Her ongoing life and legacy is shown through Rachel’s Challenge, the largest, most impactful in-school program in the world which creates safer, more connected schools.
Rest In Peace, Rachel. You did not die in vain…

My Interview With Melissa Fleming

There is no word to describe the loss of a child. I believe it’s too painful to describe.
In 2016, Melissa Fleming and her family were given the worst news imaginable. Their son, Brock, was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Not quite 7 at the time, Brock couldn’t understand why he was the only kid in school with brain cancer. Yet, Brock wasn’t deterred. He wanted to “kick cancer in the nuts!”
Click on the link to watch how this brave family dealt with the loss of a child, and how they are continuing Brock’s desire to kick it in the nuts!

Junk

It’s amazing how much clutter you can accumulate over the years. Most of it sits in piles and is useless.

We clutter our minds, too. Whatever we read, watch or discuss with others is stored forever. We can filter a lot of the noise by not watching the news, listening to the pandering politicians or engaging in gossip. Focus on good books, art and music. Then observe how your mood changes when you eliminate the junk…

Fitness

What did you think when you saw the title of the blog? Maybe you pictured someone who is in great physical shape. Perhaps you thought of yourself in the gym.

Fitness is more than just the physical. We must exercise mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well. The more we work at it, the stronger we became in all those areas. Take care of yourself so the best version of you shines through…