John Harrell's Blog, page 29

Unspoken Stories

This week I have been doing volunteer speaking in seven Texas prisons. Some of the stories the men and women tell about their lives are unthinkable. Physical, emotional and sexual abuse are common to many of the inmates. But there is hope…

The State of Texas criminal justice system is designed to give inmates a path forward. An inmate can become a cosmetologist, a barber, even a nurse, courtesy of the state. The state believes in them while many in society have rejected them. Over the past couple of years I’ve had the privilege to speak to thousands. Many life stories will stay with me forever.

One of the truths I share with prisoners is that when they leave, they need to walk out with their heads held high and their shoulders back. They have done what the State of Texas required of them. Yet, there are people who will reject them because they are convicted felons. Some will throw their past in their faces and try to keep them down. Those aren’t their people.

There are a lot of good people in the world. You gotta look hard to find them, but they are there.

Be good…

Homebodies

I love going out and being the life of the party. Always have. I have never met a stranger and I can usually find a way to connect with everyone I encounter.

Yet I truly enjoy being home. The inner peace of being home is like no other. With the rapid pace of the holidays upon us, it is getting harder to find peace in the world. We all need peace and quiet in our lives, no matter how outgoing we are.

I encourage you to find a few peaceful moments during your day. Perhaps it’s the very early morning before your day gets moving. Make time for yourself.

Make your home a refuge. Enjoy it…

Fantasyland

The Walt Disney Company is in the business of creating fantasy worlds. They are excellent at their craft. And just think, it all started with a mouse.

People create stories in their heads to cover up pain. They tell themselves (and others) the stories so often that they begin to believe they are real. The reality of our lives won’t change because we wish it away.

We put on masks, creating a facade for the world to see. Inside our heads and hearts we believe if people saw us for who we are, they won’t like us. It may surprise you to know that just the opposite is true. People crave human connection, real connection. Not something based upon superficiality.

I encourage you, let your guard down. Connect. Leave the fantasy world to Disney…

Self Aware

Are you fully in touch with who you are? Knowing ourselves is essential for growth.

There are areas we all need improvement in. And there are things we do well. Don’t forget your wish list! These are the things we wish we could do. Some are achievable, while others are fantasy.

Take inventory of yourself. Be honest. If you are really brave, talk about your strengths and weaknesses with a trusted friend. Be willing to listen to constructive criticism. And give yourself a break when necessary.

I encourage you to take your talents and use them to make a difference. The world needs to hear from you…

Self Pity

There is a character from Winnie the Pooh who constantly looks on the dark side of life. He pities himself that “nobody minds. Nobody cares.” Eeyore is who I’m talking about. He speaks in monotones and doesn’t have an uplifting word for anyone.

We all know people like Eeyore. They wallow in self-pity, always moaning about how things never work out for them. Someone was rude or short with them at work. Perhaps a sales clerk wasn’t as helpful as they wished they had been. These types of people should consider the problem might be themselves. Our attitude comes through in the way we speak and act.

Take a moment to consider which character from Pooh you identify with. For me it’s Tigger. Who is it for you?

Self Assured

Do you approach life with confidence, or do you take on what the day brings with trepidation? Confidence is built in the dark, difficult times. We learn that we get through our hardest battles and we live again. The temptation to quit is always lurking, but we must have the mindset that quitting is not an option.

You are here for a purpose. I’m not suggesting fame and fortune. Those things don’t last. Your legacy will, though. The difference you make in the lives of others will be remembered and talked about for generations.

Never forget this. You are way more important in the grand scheme of things than you realize. God didn’t create anyone to merely be average.

I encourage you to live confidently, even when you aren’t feeling it. Confidence won’t be built in the easy times. Only through darkness can you find the light…

Behind Schedule

Do you feel like you are always behind schedule? I know people who are constantly in “fight or flight” mode, and that’s not healthy. It disrupts clear thinking, keeping people off balance.

The best way to stay on track is to keep working at whatever lies in front of you. Needs to wrap Christmas presents? Wrap for an hour and then take a break. Have a work deadline in front of you? Just go to work on it. You aren’t behind unless you miss the deadline.

Placing too much pressure on ourselves can work against us. We will be our best, and do our best when we apply just the right amount of pressure.

We all fall behind schedule occasionally. Don’t sweat it. Just get after it!

Indecision

Not making a decision is the same as making one. Indecision is a decision.

Why don’t people try and decide things? Perhaps it’s fear of failure. Giving too much thought to failing rather than succeeding has killed many dreams. If failure dominates your thinking, change it.

Indecision keeps us in limbo. Being unable to decide will stifle your happiness and fulfillment.

Change your thoughts. Begin now…

Meetups

There is a reason behind everyone we meet. What I’m suggesting is, there is nothing random in this life. We are here for a greater purpose, and God is guiding our steps. He is putting the people He wants us to know in our path.

Sometimes people are in our lives for just a short period. We create great memories of them, yet we have both moved on. I believe you understand precisely what I mean.

It’s important to remember that we can learn something from everyone. There are valuable lessons in our interactions, whether we are talking to the CEO of a company, or the housekeeper who cleans our hotel room. But we can only learn when we are taking the time to listen. Be willing.

Everyone is equally important in the eyes of The Creator. Let’s treat them as equals…

National Days

Today, December 12th is National Ding-a-Ling Day. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s a day to call people you have lost touch with, or just act a little weird if you like.

There is a day for everything. Literally everything. The only day we don’t have is White Mans Day. That makes sense. Being a white man, I’m told by some that I’m the problem. I’m not.

When I speak in Texas prisons, at least one-third of my audience is black. Another third is Mexican or Latino. No one has ever had a problem with my race or gender, and I’ve spoken to thousands of people. It has never come up.

People will sometimes make assumptions about others based upon baseless evidence. This is wrong. None of us want to be classified by merely our race, gender or politics. We are more than that. So much more.

I encourage you to approach everyone with an open mind. We can learn something from everyone…