Calling someone weird is just a way to shame them for not conforming to a generic model. In that case, the "weird" person is just being their own unique self, not some clone. In fact, acting exactly like the established norm is truly what's weird, because it's not natural to act like a copy of … Continue reading Weird
Author: Fox Michaels
Fox Michaels is a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Practitioner from the Academy of Modern Applied Psychology. He is an intuitive leader with more than 15 years experience as a trainer. In his spare time, Fox writes the ongoing blog Like a Fox!, where he shares his fun, joyful approach to life and love, as his own way of contributing to the Human Potential Movement. When not reading from his library full of personal development books, you can find Fox enjoying the cinema perks of being on AMC’s A-List, and also working to make sure that he’s the most stylish man on his own Instagram page. Feel free to check out if he's succeeding with that @foxmichaels.
Visitors
We're all just visitors here. The best way to enjoy your visit is to pay attention and appreciate what you see, because it's only for a short while. And it's best to be respectful of the place, because after all, we're just visitors.
Useful
Anything is useful, it only depends on the user. It's not about the thing, it's always about the person. This world is a school for people, and all of the things in it are useful in the ongoing education.
Truth
Speak your truth, it will set you free. You know best what is your truth, so speak it, let it out, and don't let anyone else step on it. Just have the grace and respect to let others do the same for themselves and their truth.
Struggles
We all have struggles. They're not punishments as much as teachers. Our struggles teach us to grow, get stronger and smarter to overcome them. They also remind us that we need each other. And struggles not only remind us to lean on each other, but they have a way of pointing out who is worth … Continue reading Struggles
Revenge
Revenge is not only ill-advised and dangerous, but it's silly and pointless. They will already get what's coming to them because anything they do to you happens to them as well. We are all in this thing together, there's no way out. So don't worry about revenge, and don't do anything you don't want to … Continue reading Revenge
Possibilities
You've only just scratched the surface of all the possibilities available to you. The possibilities are endless, because that's what they're all about. The only thing you need to do is to start believing this and act accordingly.
Oblivious
It's hard to believe someone could be oblivious to the injustices of the world, until we become aware of how much we don't know ourselves. It's easy to judge another for being ignorant, but we also have blind spots. Rather than judgement, a better way to handle the oblivious is to educate.
New Year
The start of a new year is a chance for you to have a fresh start as well. You can leave behind old bad habits you've outgrown, and look ahead to new and better ways to spend your time. The new year isn't a magic cure-all for your life, but it is a great reminder … Continue reading New Year
Method or Madness
What works for you could be your method or it could be madness, it's all in how you look at it. What could seem like madness to someone else, could just be your specific way of doing something, your process through a unique trial and error. And someone else's personal method for handling a situation … Continue reading Method or Madness
Lists
Lists are good as guidelines, not so much as mandates. Because when they feel like you have to follow them, then they lose their appeal. You're less likely to want to pay attention to them. Lists are meant to be a help not a command.
Knowledge
Knowledge is power, but there's always more to the story. So, don't go throwing your power around without making sure you know as much as you can. Knowledge is power, but it doesn't always stop you from looking like a fool.
Joy
Joy is so special that it sparkles more than any gemstone you can find. When you feel joy, make note of it, and cherish each moment you get with it. Joy is so wonderful that it can brighten a dark day by just remembering when you last felt it. It's not always with you, but … Continue reading Joy
Intuition
Everyone has access to their intuition, their greater knowing beyond thought. It's just that some choose to doubt themselves. It's the ones who believe in their ability that have the easiest access to their intuition. When they believe they help themselves achieve.
Happiness
Happiness is a great thing to want. But it's important to remember that happiness is a journey, not a destination. You don't get happy and then stay that way, you have to keep at it. But do keep at it, because having happiness is so worth it.
Gathering
During the holidays a lot of people come together to celebrate. These gatherings can bring cherished memories and a lot of stress all at once. Some people aren't even that lucky. They don't have anyone else, let alone a gathering to look forward to. It's important to remember our blessings, even if they sometimes bring … Continue reading Gathering
Friends
It's easy to say you have a lot of friends. Finding those that will really stand by you when you need them is a whole lot harder. And you can be friends with the one you're dating, but if you're getting more serious than you would be with someone who's just a friend, and they … Continue reading Friends
Everyone
When you think that everyone is doing or saying something, you don't really mean, everyone-everyone. You're probably just referring to a group in your immediate circle, which is certainly not everyone. We're so caught up in our small circle that we often forget that there are billions of other people out there that we may … Continue reading Everyone
Destiny
Destiny is what you make of it. You determine how your life unfolds by the decisions you make daily. It's true that outside forces create obstacles and setbacks, but it's how we choose to respond that makes the biggest difference. Our destiny is in our own hands.
Christmas
Christmas means different things to different people. Overall, it's a time to gather around your loved ones and celebrate. Sometimes that can be too much pressure on some. And a nightmare to others. For the most part though, it's wonderful. It's also a time of reflection, as it happens right before the end of the … Continue reading Christmas
Build
You get a good life by building a good life, one wise choice after another. You get confidence by building it, one brave choice after another. You get happiness by building a happy outlook, one joy-filled moment after another. The thing about getting these things, is you really build them yourself. And that's a secret … Continue reading Build
Anger
Anger is a way we cope with emotional pain. Anger is hiding a lot of pain and fear underneath the surface. It seems like most of the world is angry. That means most of the world is in pain. Perhaps if we finally addressed the pain and fear, we could collectively learn to release this … Continue reading Anger
Year-End
We've come to another year-end. It's a time to reflect on the past year, and plan for the next. Some memories we'll want to take with us into the new, and some are better off left with the old. It's a good time to celebrate regardless, as this year is closing whether we're ready or … Continue reading Year-End
Weather
Weather changes. When it's good, enjoy it, because it won't last. When it's bad, don't fret, because it won't last. It's in constant change. That's life.
Visitors
Visitors for the holidays are special guests and deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. In turn, visitors should give you their utmost respect when they are guests in your home. The moral of the story is, everyone deserves the utmost respect.
United
We're great when united we stand. We're stronger when united. Perhaps that's why nefarious villains try so hard to pit us against each other. And the most sinister of these are the ones who hide behind, distort, and weaponize religious dogma. Remember, the teachings of kindness and forgiveness have nothing to do with judgement and … Continue reading United
Tests
We are certainly given tests in this life. However, as we are each the owner of our own lives, it's up to us to determine if we pass or fail these tests. The tests are for us. We make of them what we will.
Savings
It's never too early to help your future-self out by starting a savings account. And it's not too late to begin if you hadn't just yet, as long as you do begin. Help yourself out with those inevitable "rainy days' by making sure you have savings.
Redirect
It helps to look at any so-called failure as simply a redirect to something better. Perhaps you were heading for disaster, failing then could be a life-saver. You can also be proactive and if you find yourself heading towards a dead-end, make the choice to redirect yourself before you're forced to. As with anything, it's … Continue reading Redirect
Presents
A huge perk of the holidays is getting presents. One of the best presents you can give is your presence, especially to yourself. Be present in your own life.
Overjoyed
You should expect nothing less than being overjoyed for the life you have. After all, there are people who experience this. So if it exists for some, it can exist for all. Why else are we here?
Nice
Nice isn't as important as kind. But nice is so much better than thoughtless. The world needs more niceness. But more importantly, the world needs more kindness.
Make it Count
Your life is happening right now. There is no dress rehearsal. This is it. Make it count. Make as many moments that you live count, because they're limited edition.
Laughter
When it all shakes out, be sure you still can laugh. Every day should have laughter in it. Life is too hard as it is. Try not to make it even harder. Laugh.
Keep Celebrating
As long as you have days to wake up to, you have a chance to keep celebrating. Otherwise, life can seem just too hard and pointless. Perhaps the point is to find some reason to smile, some reason to be grateful and some reason to celebrate, just simply because you're there to do so. Keep … Continue reading Keep Celebrating
Joy to the World
We certainly could use a little joy brought to the world. The most humble of us all can help add joy to those around them, and to those even worse off. In the famous story it was just a small child born in a manger that brought hope, love and joy to the whole world. … Continue reading Joy to the World
Intelligence
Intelligence. Where has it gone? Why are we so quick to give it up to something artificial? What will people do when/if all of their tasks are done for them by machines? What are we here for then?
Happiness
Happiness is a blessing and it's also a process. It's like cleanliness. You don't get clean once and then that's it, you've got it for good. You'll have to work at it, clean yourself up again when you need to, and then repeat the process each time. The same with happiness.
Gifts
Gifts lose their value when they become expectations and obligations. Maybe we shouldn't let consumerism dictate how we express our love for each other in holiday celebrations. Perhaps the best gifts come from sharing our most precious assets: our time and attention.
Faith
Faith can be misleading. Don't look past alarming facts because you have faith in someone's "potential." And don't wait to take a stand because you have faith that things will turn around for the better. Oftentimes, things don't turn around until someone is brave enough to take a stand for it. Actions have more impact.
Edit
The end of the year is a perfect time to edit. Edit your physical clutter, edit your digital clutter, edit your mental clutter. Drop the excess that has weighed you down all year. You don't want to bring it into the new year, do you? Edit.
December
Saving the best for last, December is the nostalgic, sparkly, celebration-filled end-of-the-year month. It always seems so far off, until all of a sudden it's here, bringing with it cooler temps and shorter days. It's a time to reflect on how the year went, and prepare for the new one to come. Being filled with … Continue reading December
Copies
You're absolutely unique. There's never been anyone exactly like you. You can make of your life what you want. So, with all of that, there's no reason why you should give in to the pressure to just be a copy of what's on trend. Copies are just pale imitations. You're not a copy, you're a … Continue reading Copies
Basic
What's basic for you might not be so for another. And what's basic for them, could be more complex for you. There's really nothing basic at all about the whole thing. Everybody's different. We're all unique just like everyone else.
Accounted For
It's a peaceful feeling when you know all of your loved ones are safe and accounted for. It's just as nice to have someone checking in. Some of us aren't so fortunate. It's important to remember that our situation can change any time, so we should be grateful when it is all accounted for.
Yesterday
The days seem to be turning into yesterday faster and faster now. And yesterday is as over as ancient Rome. Be sure to pay attention to the goodness in today as much as you can, before it turns into yet another yesterday.
Wellness
Your health and wellness are your most treasured assets. No amount of money is worth giving up your wellness, because without your health you can't even enjoy it. Take care of yourself, and really appreciate your good health while you have it.
Viewpoints
Viewpoints are determined by prior experience and the limits of one's knowledge. When either one of those changes, the viewpoints are likely to change as well. So, don't ever count on them being set in stone.
Unwind
You have to unwind at some point and just relax. If not, you'll just keep winding up until you snap. It happens to twine.
Traditions
Traditions are lovely, as long as they're uniting people to their history and to each other. If the tradition has worn out it's relevance, or if it's getting in the way of love and respect among people in the present, then the tradition can be left behind with yesterday's news. What's important is now, and … Continue reading Traditions
Sales
Sales are enticing, especially when it feels like you're getting a great deal. But don't let the deal coerce you into buying something you wouldn't normally buy or don't even need, simply because it's marked down in price. It may be marked down, but you're still spending your hard-earned money.
Relative
In the end, it's all relative to the circumstances as well as to the perspectives. There's a lot of talk about the multiverse, when really we have an infinite amount of relative perspectives here in this same universe. It's all relative in the end.
Prayers
Even if and when we have trouble in believing them, there are prayers still made on our behalf for help and protection. When we believe in them it's nice. But, it's just as nice that they can be sent regardless.
Outsiders
How it works is that we are all outsiders to certain people and organizations. Sometimes we're desperate to be accepted by them so we don't have to be outsiders any longer. It would be wise to remember that if we ever feel the urge to reject another who appears different to us.
Nonsense
People pay attention to nonsense when they want to avoid dealing with something more substantial. The problem is there are some individuals who deliberately create nonsense, knowing they'll have a willing audience ready to pay attention to it as they avoid the real issues.
Manners
Manners count. All it takes is one interaction with someone who has a lack manners to realize how important they are.
Lessons
It's taken me a long time to realize that the lessons aren't there to get through and check off so that you're done. The lessons are there so you can get good at learning. You get skilled at life so that you can have the most rewarding experience. The lessons teach you the skills, and … Continue reading Lessons
Kindness
When kindness becomes the norm instead of a novelty, then we'll be on the right track. Right now, there seems to be so much wrong with the world that it feels like life is only a devastating test of survival. A fundamental reason for it being so wrong is that most people choose cruelty over … Continue reading Kindness
Jokes
Humor is often helpful to alleviate tension in a stressful world. But not all jokes are created equal. In fact, a lot of quote-unquote jokes are really just sloppy covers for cruelty. And that only adds more tension to the world. Forget the mean jokes, and don't be cruel, it's just not funny.
Introvert
In my lifetime, I've noticed a major increase in people who identify themselves as introverts. Could it really be that most everyone is an introvert? Or have we all been given addictive devices that program us to isolate from and distrust each other? Then again, it could just be a coincidence that anxiety, depression and … Continue reading Introvert
Help
Help when you can, because life is uncertain. One day your situation may reverse, and you may be the one who needs help. You'll hope there will be someone out there who knows they should help when they can. We're all in this thing together after all.
Goodness
When you notice that the world is looking bleak and goodness is hard to find, that is a reminder that perhaps you should be the example. Be the reason that others still believe in the goodness of people.
Fleeting
We don't realize how fleeting these moments are until they're already gone. And even after realizing this, we still let the next moments slip on by as well. They're gonna keep flying by faster than you believe, so just try to fill them with as much life as you can. Really live these moments, for … Continue reading Fleeting
Excerpt
When you're going through a rough patch, remember that it's only an excerpt to a much bigger story. There's still plenty of other chapters that could be joyful, fun, and exciting. Don't let one sad, little chapter stop you. It's only an excerpt.
Death
Death is a part of life, it's not an option. So, why do people act like it is, and are so surprised by it? Even worse, why do people act like living is an option? Live until your time is up. None of it is optional, so it might be wise to act accordingly.
Complaints
The thing about complaining is that you can get really good at it, really fast. The more you complain, the more things you'll find to complain about. So, you might think complaining will help to fix things in your world, but really all it does is make the world look more and more disappointing.
Boundaries
Boundaries are important and they're good for you. Sometimes we get walls confused for boundaries. Putting up walls around you can seem like they're helpful like boundaries, but walls also hold you prisoner inside of them.
Access
Access to you is something that you are in charge of. It may not always feel like it, because sometimes we get convinced otherwise. But it's true. You control the access.
Your Day
Your day can end up being great or the worst, it's all in how you decide. It is your day, after all. The circumstances will vary, but it's your opinion in the end that makes the final call. After all, it is your day.
Words
Words can soothe or strike, it depends on how you use them. The words themselves are harmless, no matter which words they are. The intent matters, and the way they're used matter even more.
Visibility
Success and safety are each determined by one thing, visibility. How much or how little visibility you require depends on the circumstances. Just like everything else, it's all relative.
United
United doesn't mean all the same, but rather all together. And when we are united we are the safest, strongest and most successful. It doesn't mean we have to be identical to each other, but we do have to come together.
Tolerance
Your ability for tolerance is tied to your beliefs. You'll tolerate as much as you believe you can. And you won't be able to tolerate what you believe is impossible to accept. Your beliefs dictate your reality.
Sincerity
Sincerity is such a respected quality, because it's so rare in our society. Most people are full of pretense, trying to fit in, or worse shamelessly stand out. They play a character, rather than be themselves. On social media, it's all about showing yourself in only the best light, under filters of course. In all … Continue reading Sincerity
Rest
It seems like we all need more rest, because we're all exhausted. But, perhaps instead of rest, we need more boredom, less stimulation. Our brains don't need to be active and stimulated 24/7, they need time to be calm, be quiet, be bored so that they can refresh. That's what we're looking for when we … Continue reading Rest
Pain
Pain is meant to help, but that's not always the case. Physical pain is the body's ability to alert to trouble, that way you know what needs to be treated. But often, even after the bruises and breaks heal, the emotional pain can linger. That pain can last longer and hurt worse than any physical … Continue reading Pain
Options
Remember you always have options, it's just that some of them are harder to see sometimes. It's your life, and you always get to choose for you. If anyone tells you otherwise, then they may not be the best option for you, at least in this moment.
Never
It's advised to never say never. That's because we just don't know enough to be able to know for sure. And we just won't ever.
Music
Music is a universal language. Why do you think birds sing all the time? They get it. Now, not all music is universally appreciated. But universally, music is appreciated.
Learning
You never stop learning. You may muddle it up whenever you think you've learned it all, but even then you're learning a cautionary tale. The learning doesn't end, so just be cool, and learn to be easy with yourself through the lessons.
Knowledge
Knowledge can be power, it's true. But, knowledge isn't helpful without acting on it. It's the action that is powerful.
Justice
They say there is no peace without justice. And it seems to me that there is no justice until all can experience peace. So, the answer is simple. Let's give peace a chance. And bring justice to the forefront.
Interest
You shouldn't pursue a career unless you have a real interest in the field. Money or any kind of perk will not be enough to make it worthwhile long-term. On the other hand, in order to actually make money in a field of your choice, there has to be a high interest in it from … Continue reading Interest
History
History is filled with events that flawed humans either made the world better or worse, especially if they didn't pay attention to the history before them. You have a chance to create history right now. Will you help make it better or worse for future generations?
Grief
Grief is a powerful emotion. It can can quietly and completely envelope you to where you don't even realize you're looking at the world through grief-stricken eyes. The world just looks less bright, more hopeless. Things might take a dark turn, fast, leaving you wondering how it could all go so wrong. These are things … Continue reading Grief
Finales
In terms of TV shows, only the lucky ones know when they're gonna end. They're the ones that can plan an appropriate finale, where they get to say everything they wanted to say. A lot of shows just end up getting cancelled. So, whatever was their last show serves as the finale, and all they … Continue reading Finales
Emotions
If you ever forget and think that you're actually in control, your emotions will surge up to remind you that you're merely a passenger along for the ride. You see, you can control your thoughts, you can control your movements, but there's no controlling your emotions. At best, you can guide yourself towards a different … Continue reading Emotions
Dread
Dread is not something you should ever choose to experience. Essentially, it's fearfully anticipating something awful. In other words, you're imagining terror. You're terrorizing yourself. Don't do it. Don't anticipate fear. Enjoy life while you can. Face the crappy stuff when it comes, but not any sooner. Because the chance to enjoy the good stuff … Continue reading Dread
Complaints
It may feel constructive, important even to lodge complaints about everything you deem wrong with a situation. And being constructive, doing something important feels great, so complaining must feel great. You'll think complaining is great. That is, until you're on the receiving end of the complaints. That's when you understand nuance, and that there's another … Continue reading Complaints
Blocked
As technology has advanced and allowed more people to have access to connect with each other, it's also increased the need to block access to scammers, parasites and the deranged. It makes you wonder, were there always this many crappy people out there? Or is that also part of the so-called advancement?
Artists
There are people who can make art. They are talented and creative, and they are every single average human. Then there are individuals who are affected, precious and contrived. They call themselves artists and think they're more than just human. Everyone's capable of creativity, and everyone's capable of being obnoxious, it all comes down to … Continue reading Artists
Yesterday’s Horoscope
Assumptions can help you about as much as yesterday's horoscope, they're irrelevant at best. They're also a major waste of your finite brain power. Drop the assumptions, they do you know good. They belong in the waste basket right alongside yesterday's horoscope.
Words
People can be real clever with their words, but often words just fail us. They're a clunky way to communicate, filled with double meanings or not even conveying what we mean at all. But, since we can't read each others' minds, our words are our best bet. As they're supposed to be the expression of … Continue reading Words
Views
Everyone likes to think they have such unique, differing views, and that they're entitled to them. It would be wise to remember that no matter how unique the view, they're still coming from a human mind and heart. We are all still human, and the humanity should be seen before any kind of viewpoint or … Continue reading Views
Under Pressure
When you feel under pressure from commitments with your job and family, it might be wise to remember that you chose them. This is helpful because it means that you can choose differently. You don't have to be under pressure if you don't want to be. Of course, all choices have consequences, so choose wisely.
Trendy
Sacrificing quality for the sake of being trendy is a risk that's never worth it. Quality may take time, and quality may seem old-fashioned, but trendy is ephemeral, and it goes out of style as fast as it came in.
Softly
In a world of harsh language and shrill judgments, speaking softly stands out. Speaking softly isn't weak, it's controlled, thoughtful choice. And it just might be the best way to be heard.
Resistance
What you resist persists, because you're spending all of that energy on it. Drop it. Change directions, and put your energy into its opposite. Focus on creating positive change, rather than resisting negative crap.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins have stellar PR. They basically own the fall, with pumpkin-spiced everything, jack-o'-lanterns decorating all the best places, and pumpkin pie hitting most everyone's Thanksgiving table. But, even though pumpkins are everywhere, there are actually some people who don't like them. You can't win 'em all. So, if an almost universally known staple like a … Continue reading Pumpkins
October
With October we're fully in "Fall" mode. Pumpkins either flavor everything or decorate it. It's also "Spooky" season with Halloween coming up, so whatever isn't decorated with pumpkins gets witches, ghouls and ghosts, black cats and spiders, even elaborate over-sized spider webs. People actually dust away nature-made cobwebs, only to make room for the fake … Continue reading October
Like a Fox! 