John Harrell's Blog, page 82
July 12, 2023
Thoughts
Thoughts are things, and our thoughts can manifest if we believe them. This is important to remember.
An occasional negative thought probably won’t turn into reality unless we attach emotional energy to the thought. At the same time the thoughts that excite us can be brought to life if we feel them deeply.
Focus on the things you want while removing the negative from your thoughts. It takes work and it takes practice, but you can do it…
July 11, 2023
Interview with Round Rock Chief of Police Allen Banks
Allen Banks is the Chief of Police for Round Rock, Texas. Chief Banks is one of the best men I know. During our time together, Chief Banks shares his story of growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico in a neighborhood surrounded by gangs. His life’s calling was placed upon him when he was in the third grade, and he never wavered in his pursuit of that calling. Possibly the scariest moment of his life was when he told his mother and his grandmother that he was dropping out of college to enroll in the Albuquerque Police Academy. Hear that story and many others in this inspirational story.
July 10, 2023
Values
What are the values you revere? Truth, integrity and trustworthiness come to mind for me. Those qualities provide a solid framework to build your life around. Something to consider…
July 9, 2023
Equity
Equity is a big buzzword today. You know what I mean. Everyone gets equal treatment and opportunities. But the world doesn’t work that way.
People should be treated fairly. No doubt. Those who choose to work harder and smarter have earned the right to advance, while lazy people get left behind. The amount of effort one puts into their work is an individual choice. We have no birthright to achievement.
Life isn’t fair, and no amount of legislation will make it fair. Let’s leave the pandering to the politicians and let’s get to work!
July 8, 2023
The World is Hotter
I’m a geopolitical junkie. The way the chess pieces move in the world is fascinating to me.
Our world is always a dangerous place. Today we are more dangerous than any time I can remember in recent history. China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia and many other bad actors are making moves and forming alliances. Their motives are not pure. We have made the Chinese Communist Party wealthy at our own peril. Yet we never learn.
Be aware of what is going on in the world. The United States must project strength. Always. This is the only way to make the world safer. Our enemies are watching while we get distracted by the latest, trendy social constructs. Don’t be fooled…
July 7, 2023
Games
When we were children we played games with our friends. The only requirements were to have some fun and maybe learn something. We were taught to play fair, try to win, but don’t win at someone else’s expense.
Adults play games, too, but the stakes are different. Adult life is a higher responsibility than childhood. Cutting corners for a quick victory is a shallow victory. Playing with people’s emotions is a dangerous game. Yet people do it anyway.
Take the rules of game play back to your childhood days. Do your best. Play hard and try to win, but even if you come in second place, maintain your integrity. Always…
July 6, 2023
Get Started!
You have an idea. It’s been brewing in you for a while. You think about it all the time. So what’s next?
Preparation is a good and necessary step. But at some point you have to act. Step off the ledge in an act of faith and put your plan in motion. Expect things to go well, but expect setbacks and challenges, too. They are part of the mix.
Stay focused on where you’re going. Success isn’t easy. Yet if your purpose is good, right and noble, you will succeed. Don’t question yourself. Push through your desire to quit. It’s hard to beat a person who simply refuses to give up…
July 5, 2023
Time Spent
Who do you spend your time with? Are your conversations with them engaging, or are they focused on pointing out problems and filling your life with negativity?
Time is our most valuable commodity. We only have a certain amount of time to make a difference in the world. Our friends should be people who inspire us and bring out the best in us. And we have an obligation to do the same for them.
Be protective of your time spent with others. It’s better to get wrapped up in a great book than to waste your time with the wrong people. They will always be there if you choose to go back…
July 4, 2023
Independence Day
In the 1700’s, King George III sent a letter to the Continental Congress which offered the following:
Peace
Trade
Consent to British forces in the new territory
British aid for debt
American self-rule, but under the Crown
American representation in Parliament
We said HELL NO! And you know the rest of the story…
Happy Independence Day! Freedom can be lost in one generation. Let’s preserve it at any and all costs.
This flag is on display in the United States Smithsonian Museum. It is the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star Spangled Banner.
July 3, 2023
See Your Way Through
What are you afraid of? People’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death! I’m not kidding.
Whatever you fear, I encourage you to face it. It’s something inside of you, somewhere beneath the surface. The fear inside is stopping you from living fully. It takes a brave person to dig in and work through things. But you can do it, and you don’t have to do it alone.
See your way through. There is more life waiting for you on the other side…
