John Harrell's Blog, page 86

Heartfelt

The heart connects us. We listen to those we care about in a deeper way. We listen with our hearts.

Trolls on the internet show the dark side of themselves. They don’t consider how their insults and judgements might harm someone else. They only care about making themselves feel “superior.” How do we deal with them? Here’s a counterintuitive way: pray for them. We cannot change the heart of mankind, but God can. Let Him.

Less is more, especially when we speak from our hearts. People remember how you made them feel…

Obstacles

Life is going to present us with challenges. Some might be as simple as running late due to an accident on the freeway, while others might be life-altering. We are going to be tested.

How we handle life’s obstacles depends upon our attitude. If we have the mindset of going through the challenges no matter how hard, we build resilience and are eventually on the other side of it. Should we decide it’s too hard, we will cave. But it really is up to us.

And our biggest obstacle lies between our ears, not in the challenge itself…

Successful People

Have you heard of people who are called an “overnight success?” Usually those are people in the entertainment business. But there is no success that happens overnight, regardless of the industry.

We see the outcomes, the great achievements. What we don’t see are the lonely times, the failures, the inner doubts and frustrations. Successful people continue trying when things aren’t going well. They simply refuse to accept defeat.

To be successful, you must find what you are meant to do and be willing to work when others aren’t…

Amazing

The word “amazing” comes from the root word amazement. Amazement means great surprise or wonder and awe. Let’s briefly explore this overused word, amazing.

We use amazing in a commoditized way. It seems that everything from ice cream to cheeseburgers are amazing. When overused, the word loses its value. Are we really in awe of those things?

Let’s pull back on our use of the word amazing. Then when something that truly holds us in awe arises, we will be amazed…

Sacrifice

Today is Memorial Day in the United States. We have this day to honor those who lost their lives defending freedom and justice throughout the world.

We must revere those who sacrificed everything for generations of people they would never know. To give your life is the ultimate sacrifice. In the words of Jesus Christ, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Never take for granted the sacrifices others made for us so we may live freely. Let’s #neverforget…

100 Years Ago

Life is hard, no doubt. But let’s assess how far we have come.

In the 1920’s the average U. S. worker made about $30 per month, coffee cost 15 cents a pound, and women washed their hair only once a month! Even more remarkable is the fact that 95% of children were born at home.

One hundred years from now life will still be challenging. People in the year 2123 will look back at our lives today and be amazed we made it!

The United States Flag

A quote about the United States flag from Ronald Reagan to meditate on as we move closer to Memorial Day…

“The colors of our flag signify the qualities of the human spirit we Americans cherish. Red for courage and readiness to sacrifice; white for pure intentions and high ideals; and blue for vigilance and justice.”

Opened Eyes

The United States is close to defaulting on their debt unless a deal to raise the debt ceiling is reached. Let’s open our eyes to a bigger threat: China.

We are so dependent upon China for most of our pharmaceuticals and supply-chain products which fuel our economy it’s sickening. Our “leaders” have learned nothing. We could make massive investments in developing countries to flip this to our favor. Yes it would take time and energy, but maintaining the status quo will cripple us in the future. China is building a naval base in Equatorial New Guinea. This is the first naval base on the Atlantic Ocean to be maintained by an enemy of ours. (The Atlantic is one of our borders). We must take the steps to decouple from China while bringing economic prosperity to other countries.

We won’t default. It’s just political theater we go through every few years. Both sides will claim victory and will vilify the other. Email your Congressmen and Senators demanding we solve our biggest problem, which is China…

The Extra Mile

I have noticed a disturbing trend in customer service, whether in person or on the phone. It has gone downhill and pretty much become an oxymoron.

Extra effort goes a long way. People notice. You stand apart from the crowd.

Test it for yourself. You will always get more than you give…

Ageless

In Austin, Texas, it seems like there is a plastic surgeon’s office on every street corner. People are spending tremendous amounts of money trying to stave off the aging process.

If you truly want to age in reverse, get some exercise 4-5 times per week. Mix it up so it stays interesting. Push yourself, but do not over exert your body. Lift weights and do Pilates. Take a “before” picture and then take another in three months. You will notice a considerable difference…