John Harrell's Blog, page 36
October 12, 2024
Truth and Consequences
Have you noticed that there are people who want to mislead you out there? Perhaps they are trying to sell you something you don’t need, or a commercial inspires your children to ask you to buy some sugary cereal.
Take the time to think before you buy. Is your child better off eating sugar-filled cereal or fruit and protein in the morning? After all, cereal is quick and easy. Cutting up fruit and preparing bacon takes time, and who’s got the time? Take the time. You are investing in your child’s future health.
Politicians are the worst. “Elect me and I promise” they say. We expect politicians to stretch the truth, so you have to watch their actions closely. What has their history been?
Stay true to what you know is right. Commit to taking the time to investigate. Think things through.
It might be a good idea to slow down a little. Life takes time…
October 11, 2024
Improving
The progression of life is challenging. We are faced with setbacks, frustrations and difficulties. During difficult periods, it’s important to remember that we have overcome every obstacle we have ever encountered. And we will again!
When you are trying to fulfill your true purpose you will want to quit. That’s natural. But don’t quit. Ever. The greater the challenge, the greater the individual becomes. You are a work in progress.
It’s hard to beat a person who refuses to quit…
October 10, 2024
Reset
People are harder on themselves than they need to be sometimes. It’s a good thing to hold ourselves accountable, but that’s not what I’m talking about. Beating yourself up because of a mistake or disappointment is a contributing factor in poor self esteem.
We all make mistakes and we all fall short of our goals sometimes. It happens. Pick yourself up and move on. Have you blown the New Year’s resolutions you promised yourself you would accomplish? Start again! Life is a progression, not an all or none.
Give yourself a break. Challenge yourself but don’t get down on yourself if you fail to meet the challenge. Try once more.
Be kind to others, and remember to be kind to yourself…
October 9, 2024
Arrival
Sometimes in life, we just need to show up. You don’t want to go to work? Go anyway. Does a school event for your kids interfere with a sports game you want to watch? Record the game and show up for your child.
Life is unpredictable. If one of your friends goes through a loss such as a divorce or one of their children dies, show up. Yes, it is uncomfortable, but I encourage you to do it regardless of your discomfort. You don’t have to say anything. Your presence during a horrible time in someone’s life is enough. People need others when the shit hits the fan.
Much of life is about showing up. Make the call you need to make. Reach out to others.
Life itself is a participatory experience. So, participate…
October 8, 2024
In Hiding
How do you define yourself? When you are asked to describe yourself, what is your answer?
Our identity begins with our name. We do not have a choice of our lineage, and I’m glad we aren’t given that privilege. God, in His infinite wisdom and planning, created us uniquely for a purpose. Only through our unique DNA could this have been accomplished.
People try to hide behind facades to cover up their insecurities. Embellishing one’s life is a tell-all that there’s more there than meets the eye.
I encourage you to take an honest inventory of your character traits. What are you good at? Do more of that and allow yourself to grow.
Don’t hide your talents. Use them to benefit others, just as God intended…
October 7, 2024
Karma
Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion states, “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” This might be a scientific explanation for the Hindus or Buddhists believing in karma.
You do good, you receive an equal amount of good in return. The same goes for bad. This certainly makes sense at a topical level, but I don’t believe it holds true in the real world.
It has been my observation that when you are putting good into the world, you get more than you give. Doing good builds momentum. And it hits the area of your brain that produces dopamine, so it encourages you to do more good.
Doing good never goes out of style. So, keep bringing light into the world. Do not concern yourself with getting praise from others.
Everything we do is noticed by God. He doesn’t miss a single thing…
October 6, 2024
Fire!
Did you know that you can yell “Fire” in a crowded theater and not be held liable? Free speech allows this, and I’m glad it does even if it is morally wrong.
Free speech is a treasure, and it has been under attack ever since the First Amendment was passed. Freedom of speech allows you to say something I might not like or agree with, but your right to say it is protected. Without free speech we have government rules about what we can say. Say something the political class doesn’t like and you will be jailed.
Freedom of speech can be lost in a generation. We must protect it at all costs…
October 5, 2024
Prime Time
The word “prime” means the best. We have Prime Rib, prime location, prime example, Coach Prime and many more. Today I want to talk about prime time.
When we think of prime time, our thoughts might go to television. In that sense it means the time most people are watching television. Or we may think of our age. It’s been written that we are in our prime in our 30’s and 40’s. Does this suggest that life goes downhill from there? I don’t believe so.
You are in the prime time of your life right now. The wisdom and strength you have acquired will serve you well in life. And as you age, you continue to learn and grow. This never stops until you breathe your last.
Focus your thoughts on growing and improving. Look for opportunities to learn new things. Then use what you have to influence the world in a positive way…
October 4, 2024
I’m Disappointed
Have you ever experienced disappointment? Of course you have. So have I, and I have disappointed other people.
Disappointment is part of life. The world we live in is imperfect. No matter how hard we try we can’t escape disappointment.
The most important person to not disappoint is yourself. Do your best, always. Pick yourself up when things go awry. Keep going during the good times and the bad.
Stay focused on your goals and dreams. Don’t quit when disappointments happen. You will succeed if you refuse to give up…
October 3, 2024
When Oughta Becomes Shoulda
People say they live their lives with no regrets, but they aren’t telling the truth. Everyone has regrets. Maybe it’s something I said that I wish I could take back. Or something I did. Perhaps I took the easy way out rather than doing what’s right. We are all guilty of this.
When we say “I oughta start exercising or I oughta apologize,” we run the risk of our oughtas becoming shouldas. Someone dies and they pass away with an unresolved conflict between us. Things like this can haunt you for the rest of your life. I should have apologized but now I can’t.
We live in a broken, imperfect world and it always will be. There are some regrets you can head off at the pass. Make the call. Be the bigger person.
Do it today…
