John Harrell's Blog, page 81

Triggers

Trigger’s have meaning beyond being part of a gun. Triggers are something that create an unexpected emotional reaction. They can be events, situations, or even people.

A personal trigger for me is lying. I was lied to as a child, so this one runs deep in me. When I hear a lie, it does something to me I can’t describe. I get angry, disgusted and hurt all at the same time. I get over it, but my ability to trust the person who lied has been compromised.

Think about your own personal triggers. Then commit to understanding where they come from. Be ready, because you will gain insight into yourself…

Respectful

Our world still has kind, decent and respectful people in it. Most people are good, and oftentimes remain silent so the disrespectful, rude and indecent people don’t shout them down. I will not remain silent.

Recording artist Jason Aldean released a new song called, “Try That in a Small Town.” His message is clear. Small town values reflect our sense of community, our respect for the flag, and our placing law enforcement in a place of honor. We don’t condone spitting on police officers, crime (BLM, Antifa), or flag burning. Community means we come together to help each other, regardless of our politics, sexuality, or religion.

Take a listen to the song. I believe you might love the message…

Performances

We are all performers in some ways. We post our happy times on social media, or we embellish our accomplishments to impress others.

Let’s be fearless in showing the world who we are, not who we pretend to be. People will hold us in judgment no matter how hard we try to please. Those attitudes don’t count!

Give your best. Always. There are good people in the world. Those are the ones we need to stay connected with…

Boundaries

Why are boundaries difficult for people to set? Let’s explore this a little.

Setting boundaries begins with a healthy self esteem. You value yourself in the right way, therefore you are careful with your time. This isn’t ego, it’s a way to take care of yourself. Saying yes to everything will burn you out. Too much stress in your system will produce inflammation.

Learn to say no to anything that doesn’t enrich your life. It’s okay…

Music

I love music. I always have. Every waking moment there is a song playing in my head.

Concerts unite us. There are carnivores, vegetarians and vegans sitting next to each other, enjoying the groove. Gun lovers and gun grabbers, too. For a couple of hours the world is right.

Pay attention to the lyrics of the music you love. They speak to your inner spirit…

Tears For Fears

Agendas

One thing I learned from experience is that most people have agendas. They want something from others and then they are through with them.

I’m not being negative or rude, I’m stating an observation. Perhaps you know someone of influence or prestige, and someone else wants access to them. It’s not a crime, but you get to choose whether or not to grant access to the person.

I encourage you to drop any agenda you might have. Meet people where they are, as they are. You will gain so much more in your relationships without agendas…

Too Much Time

We spend too much time worrying about what others think about us. We cannot control their thoughts. They are gonna think what they’re gonna think.

Our focus should be on ourselves. Are we living with integrity and compassion? Our actions will speak to the world what is in our hearts. Bringing light into the lives of others will win every time.

Let go of the fear of judgment. People are judging you anyway. God alone has authority over our lives. Let’s leave the judging to Him…

Business

Have you ever known someone who likes to stick their nose in your business? All of us know those people. They tell you what to do, and then they watch to see if you followed their great advice.

I have found it works out best when I mind my own business. People can usually figure things out for themselves, and it’s better for them that they do.

It’s okay to ask for advice. Listen to what is offered, then use your mind to think it through. God gave you a wonderful marvel known as your brain. It’s there to use 24/7 if you choose to.

All of us have challenges. We grow through the difficult times, not when things are easy. Face your problems head-on, and let others do the same…

Separately

I went to a restaurant the other evening. I love to people watch. Restaurants and airports are a Mecca for me.

A married couple sat down a few booths away. They were probably in their 50’s, attractive and well dressed. After the server took their drink order, the couple hardly made eye contact with each other, choosing to look around the restaurant at other sights rather than their spouse. I felt a slight sense of sadness for a moment. It was as if they were there by themselves.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, I encourage you to try to reconnect. Focus on the good in your relationship. It’s there or you wouldn’t have ever gotten together in the first place. Make it a daily effort. We are better together…

Loneliness

Recently I watched a documentary about a group of men who were trying to connect with men who are in prison. Some of the prisoners were serving life sentences. From where would they find hope?

It struck me as I listened to these men tell stories of their loneliness in isolation, that there was no one who cared about them. One man spoke of his suicidal ideations.

I wonder how many people who aren’t in prison feel the same way. They have no one to check on them or invite them out. They live among us yet we never see them.

Let’s keep this in mind when we interact with strangers. Be kind to them. They might be withdrawn from the world. Your kindness might be their last, best hope…