The way to persevere is to remain persistent in your quest. And the best way to keep persistent is to go slow and steady. Keep your goals clear in your mind and keep moving in the direction towards them, however small your steps need to be. Keep going. Stay persistent.
Tag: joyful life
Objectivity
The concept of objectivity is tricky. It's about an unbiased truth, free of individual subjectivity. While I believe that there are universal truths, I also believe that everyone has their own unique perspective on them. In other words, while there may be an objective truth, it might be hard to for everyone see it through … Continue reading Objectivity
No time
There really is no time like the present. Nothing else exists. The past and the future only live in the imagination. The present is all we ever have. So, there's no time to waste. Live your life now. Do what you say you want to do now. Because, before long, you'll end up facing the … Continue reading No time
Milestones
Milestones come upon us and they feel so big. But, they're only just moments in our lifetime, like any other. And, that can be great for a couple of reasons. For one, moments aren't so big, we live through moments all the time. And if they are just moments, then we can also choose to … Continue reading Milestones
Life
Life is what is happening right now. So, if there is something you want to do in your life, get to it. There are no guarantees that you'll get more life to live. There is only the fact that what you've lived is already done. What is happening right now is your life. Live it … Continue reading Life
Kindness
Witnessing an act of kindness is like witnessing a miracle. It is a miracle. Kindness is love in action. It brings light to the darkest days. It finds a way to touch even the most guarded hearts. The best part is that every one of us can perform this miracle of kindness. And it's the … Continue reading Kindness
Jokes
Jokes are all fun and games until they're at your expense. It may be a bit naive of me, but I think so-called jokes should follow the golden rule. If you wouldn't want to be the punchline of a particularly pointed joke, then you probably shouldn't put someone else there either.
Ideas
We all have ideas of how we want things to go. We have ideas of how we'd like to be. That's all well and good, truly, but it doesn't help anything if they just stay as ideas up in your head. At some point you need to stop with the ideas, and start with the … Continue reading Ideas
Happiness
We all say we want happiness. But, it seems that we don't all realize what it is. Neale Donald Walsch wrote that: "Happiness is a decision, not an experience." He says that: "You can decide to be happy without what you thought you needed in order to be happy, and you will be." It's a … Continue reading Happiness
Goals
Have goals for yourself. Not because you should be ambitious, but because we all need something to look forward to. It's the secret to life and happiness. When you have something to accomplish, a goal to guide you forward, you're filled with energy to pursue it. It gives you a reason to get out of … Continue reading Goals
Feelings
We can certainly have our feelings hurt, and that can often feel worse than physical pain. But it might be best to remember that feelings come and go through us, much like thoughts. Having our feelings get hurt by another is truly painful, but letting that pain linger involves our part in holding on to … Continue reading Feelings
Endings
The thing about endings, is that they can also be looked at as beginnings. We only move forward, so that's probably the best direction to face anyway. Endings have their place. But they soon get behind you. Keep looking ahead, and get excited for what's new.
Decency
Sometimes it's just a matter of thinking about decency which then inspires one to act decently. Decency is always a welcomed vibe. It's just that people need to be reminded of that in order to bring it back. So, here's the reminder. Let's remember to bring decency to our interactions with each other.
Considerate
Being considerate entails being thoughtful. Yet, all of those busy, cluttered minds out there, also seem to be thoughtless. Being considerate is such a rare thing these days, that it's often equated with a grand gesture of love. It is loving, but it's also completely natural. Or it's supposed to be. Let's make being considerate … Continue reading Considerate
Bravery
Bravery is not a matter of eliminating fear. Fear is not to be eliminated, it's merely an ever-present option. So, bravery isn't eliminating it, but rather choosing to act in love despite fear being present. Love is the other option. Choose love. And choosing love, despite the looming shadow of fear, is a remarkable act … Continue reading Bravery
Attitude
I personally believe that your success depends on a a little bit of talent, brains and contacts and a whole lot of can-do attitude. Your attitude can make or break you. In other words, your perspective on things, and how you react to them. And the fastest way to change a crummy day to a … Continue reading Attitude
Zen
The idea of having perfect peace, or achieving a state of zen seems like such a lofty goal. Actually, achieving zen is really just focusing on awareness of the present moment, and only the present moment. Then you go from there. Moment by moment, stay in the awareness of the present moment and what you … Continue reading Zen
Yakety-Yak
How often do you truly listen to others? Are you really listening to what they're saying? Or does it all sound like so much yakety-yak, because all you're doing is waiting for a pause until you can speak? And really, do you think they're even listening to you when it's your turn, or might you … Continue reading Yakety-Yak
Wisdom
The thing about wisdom, is that you have to go through something in order to gain it. Whether that's trials and tribulations, or simply just time, you have to go through it in order to get wisdom. Put another way: you get wisdom if you have to go through something. So, it's like a perk. … Continue reading Wisdom
Voice
Use your voice to speak your truth and get your point across, even if sometimes the best use of your voice is silence. There can be so much said in silence. And nothing said in a sea of words. There's no set way how to do it, you just have to be sure that you … Continue reading Voice
United
We may seem divided on the surface, but that's just the surface. Looks can be deceiving. The truth is, that no matter how many superficial differences people can concoct, underneath it all we are all united as the same human race. We are all connected and share the same basic human experience. That really should … Continue reading United
Trust
Trust requires faith on one side, and honesty on the other. It can be a long, winding road to build trust, and a split-second fall to lose it. It's a powerful bridge, and yet so fragile that it requires extra special care. Trust is precious gift. Use it in faith. Cherish it. Protect it. Don't … Continue reading Trust
Sleep
One thing is for sure: a good night's sleep can help to pull you away from a bad day, and give you a new start upon awakening. Sleep helps to quiet your overworking conscious mind, and allows your subconscious a chance to do it's thing, for your mind and that body that you may have … Continue reading Sleep
Rest
Rest doesn't need to be thought of as a luxury, or even as a therapy. Rest is vital and should be thought of as a natural necessity. Stop thinking of rest as an afterthought, or as a reward. Start realizing that you need to rest more than you need to tackle your inbox and to-do … Continue reading Rest
Permanent
Nothing lasts forever. That can be a scary thought, or it can be extremely liberating. Whichever perspective you take is your choice. Just know that "permanent" doesn't really exist. It reminds me of when I was a kid, and there was a craze for people to go out and get a "permanent" hairstyle, or what's … Continue reading Permanent
Out
A mind is a wonderful, helpful tool, but it isn't advisable to stay up in there for too long. The longer you stay hidden in your mind, the longer you miss out on living in the world. If you stay too long hidden in your mind, it will scare you into wanting to stay forever. … Continue reading Out
Near Death Experience
There are all kinds of amazing stories from people who have had near death experiences and how now they've learned to appreciate their lives so much more. The thing is, any second is really a near death experience for all of us, because we are only a moment away from death at any given time. … Continue reading Near Death Experience
Mostly
We get into trouble when we pin high expectations on others. Nobody is perfect, yet we expect others to act that way around us. Just as bad, we expect ourselves to be perfect, but we're not. We are human and that's good enough. You can even be an angel most of the time, but that … Continue reading Mostly
Life
Life is a joy and a great responsibility. It's a marker for experience, and it's everything. Life is longer than they say, yet always seems to be cut too short. Life is a gift that should be enjoyed fully and completely lived up.
Knowing
We can know some things about something, but not really know the whole thing. We just don't have access to all of the information, all the time, to fully know the whole story. It might be best to remember this, whenever you find yourself jumping to any conclusions.
Joy
The best way to happiness is to cultivate joy in your everyday life. The best way to cultivate joy is to simply choose it. Choose to be joyful, and choose to bring joy to all the moments in your life. Happiness is sure to follow.
Interesting
The key to being interesting to other people, is to show interest in them first. People bond over a common cause, and the most compelling cause for someone is themselves. Show interest in that, and you'll have them showing real interest in you.
Help Wanted
What if you needed help, and no one seemed to be there? You could feel despair, or you could pivot. What if you figured out a better way to help yourself? What if no-one being there to help turned out to be a great help after all, because you learned how strong and self-reliant you … Continue reading Help Wanted
Greet the Day
If you got the chance to wake up this morning, then you've been given a gift. Sometimes we take that for granted. Often, we take that for granted. We get so wrapped up in our obligations and stresses and troubles, that we assume we'll just keep getting a new day. They aren't unlimited. They are … Continue reading Greet the Day
Fun
Remember when you were younger and all you wanted to do was have fun? Some of us have to remember pretty far back for that, because we had to "grow up" quicker than others. But there was a time even still, when it was instinctual to want to have fun and explore the world around … Continue reading Fun
Everyday
Every day is someone's first. Every day is someone's last. And everyday is everyone's chance at a fresh start. You get that gift every day that you get. So make it count, while you can.
Decisions
Decisions can be intimidating if you believe in lack. If you believe there isn't enough to go around, then any wrong decision you make could cost you dearly. It seems to me that rather than focusing on how to get better at making decisions, you should instead start learning to believe more in abundance. Get … Continue reading Decisions
Certainty
It's good to be confident in what you're doing. It's good to be comfortable in your level of experience and knowledge. However, certainty in any of it is a trap. Milton Glaser says, “Certainty is a closing of the mind.” We just can't know the whole truth, as there are so many perspectives. Confidence is … Continue reading Certainty
Breathe
When you need to focus your mind, just focus on your breath and breathe. Whether you need courage or calm, just breathe. It's fundamental, and it's everything. Breathe. You've got this.
Are We There Yet?
Anyone who has ever been on a family road trip has undoubtedly heard the often repeated question: Are we there yet?! It's impatient at best, and passive aggressive to say the least. Because if you're looking out at nothing but highway and scenery, then you ain't there yet. Asking that question only makes the journey … Continue reading Are We There Yet?
Youth
They say that youth is wasted on the young. I think it's a state of mind. While we can't stay young forever, we can certainly keep a youthful spirit. It simply means to embody the qualities of honesty, staying open, ever excited about what you can learn, a sense of playfulness, and joy. Keep a … Continue reading Youth
Winning
The idea of winning can be a trap. It implies lack. In order for someone to win, everyone else has to lose. It implies that there is not enough for everyone to win. Being obsessed with winning teaches you to be ever aware of this lack. Even when you win, you need to make sure … Continue reading Winning
Vulnerable
We're all afraid to get hurt. And opening yourself up to feel your emotions can leave you wide open to get hurt. But closing yourself off prevents you from living. In order to experience life, and to get past painful experiences, we need to allow ourselves to be vulnerable to lead with an open heart. … Continue reading Vulnerable
Universal
There are so many differences between people, and the divide seems to only get wider. But there are some things that are so universal that we all have them in common, no matter where we're coming from. A smile is the universal language of kindness. Laughter is the universal language of joy. Dance is the … Continue reading Universal
Today
Today is the day you get to live. You'll never experience yesterday live, it will only be as a memory, and an unreliable one at that. You'll never really experience tomorrow, because once you get there, it's today. So, today is the day. Make the most of it. Be in it. And fully live it … Continue reading Today
Say When
Food servers sometimes offer great wisdom. They gain it from dealing directly with people and helping them get what they need. Like offering cracked pepper on a dinner salad. The quick catchphrase they offer when crushing the pepper is, "say when." This lets you know that you get to determine the perfect amount of pepper … Continue reading Say When
Respect
The thing about respect is that it's a whole lot easier to get if you give it first. And the main person you should give respect to is yourself. After all, how can you expect anyone to respect you if you don't even respect yourself?
Prayer
When life has gotten to be too much, I've turned to prayer for guidance. When life is wonderful, I pray in gratitude. Prayer is simply our way of communicating with God. The great thing to remember is that prayer is not just a one-sided conversation. Take care to be open to receive an answer back. … Continue reading Prayer
Order it
If you want your life to change into something more wonderful, you need to be in charge of making it happen. After all, it's your life, and you know best about what would make it great. Be deliberate in what you choose for yourself. Decide on what you want for your life and order it … Continue reading Order it
New Chapter
The great thing about life is it just keeps moving forward. That means every week can be the start of a whole new chapter. Every day could be your chance at a fresh start. In fact, every single moment you can decide to start fresh, to start a brand new chapter, and go forward in … Continue reading New Chapter
Moments
Our lives are simply made up of a collection of moments. Moments are all we really have. And as we live each moment, there is the realization that we'll never get that same moment back. Cherish the moments of your life as you live them.
Loosen Your Grip
As long as you try to control every aspect of your life, you only end up not living it. Life is meant to be experienced live, and unscripted. Loosen your grip and stop trying to control the uncontrollable. You might find that then you can actually enjoy your life.
Kindness
It doesn't cost much to be kind, but it does require that you choose to give it. Everyone appreciates receiving kindness, it just makes your day better. In order for such a wonderful thing as kindness to happen, more people need to be out there giving it. So, do your part. Help make the world … Continue reading Kindness
Just Take the First Step
Just take the first step. Don't get bogged down in worry about how it will all play out. You can't know the exact details anyway. You do need to take action, though. You can't just think about what you want to do. You need to do something about it. So, get started. Just take the … Continue reading Just Take the First Step
Is it True?
You don't have to believe your stressful thoughts. After all, they're only thoughts, and they go out as easily as they come through. Byron Katie has a simple process of staying present and actually questioning your thoughts. She starts with any stressful thought by asking, Is it true? She then goes on to ask, Can … Continue reading Is it True?
Help Someone
It's in fashion these days to notice all the problems of the world and to criticize everyone we can think of to blame for them. All this does is make us feel even worse. So, really, it's in fashion to feel low and work at feeling even lower. The only thing you'll get out of … Continue reading Help Someone
Get On With It
Time only marches forward. There is no pause button. There is no rewind. If you're resisting change, then you're only torturing yourself, because change is inevitable. You might as well get on with it, and learn to enjoy the ride. After all, if you aren't changing and growing, then you're rotting.
Frustration
There are times when you want to give up. There are times when it can be so frustrating you just want to cry or scream or throw something. Frustration is painful, but it's also a great teacher. It's such a strong emotion because it is telling you that you are pushing too hard. The next … Continue reading Frustration
Every Day
Greatness comes from the habits you form to get you there. It comes from the things you do each and every day. You can achieve greatness. It might not happen tomorrow, but if you work at it, you can definitely get yourself there. Every day in every way you can get better and better, until … Continue reading Every Day
Do Something About It
It's such an easy trap to get stuck planning in your head. It can be nice to dream about accomplishing something great, and then to strategize the best way to go after it. But nothing will really happen unless you do something about it. Dreaming and planning are great, but they won't bring you the … Continue reading Do Something About It
Cooperation
The fact is that we need each other to move forward in this life. We need to cooperate with each other, rather than fight against each other. It's like the image of a thread, which isn't very strong on its own, and can break easily. When multiple threads are woven together, they form a strong … Continue reading Cooperation
Bridges
We are all connected in this life. We share the same single planet. We share the same human experience. We are all in this thing called life together. The smart ones realize that we can do so much better when we help each other. The unenlightened ones fear and block others out. The fearful build … Continue reading Bridges
Anticipation
It is absolutely important to stay in the present moment. However there is something to be said for developing the skill of anticipation rather than falling prey to knee-jerk reactions to life. I worked for many years in the food service industry, and I learned to be successful by demonstrating anticipation for what the guests … Continue reading Anticipation
Yourself
The reason you should eat right, and get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water and exercise, is that it will all help you feel good and enjoy your life. The reason why you should practice gratitude, meditate, and take deep calming breaths is to take good care of yourself. You are the reason you … Continue reading Yourself
Verified
You could wait until the path for your life is verified before beginning to live it, but you'll be waiting forever. The thing is that we just don't know all of the variables in life. We can't possible know that, the options are endless. So, the one true path for you simply cannot be verified. … Continue reading Verified
Useful
You could say a lot. You could do a lot. But how much of it is useful? How much of it is just chasing your emotions and whims? We're blessed with these lives of ours, we can do whatever we want with them. But the thing is, our time is limited. Do you really want … Continue reading Useful
Talking
Open, clear communication is vital for a healthy relationship of any kind. But, communication isn't just a matter of talking at each other. There can be a whole lot of talking happening without anything really being said. Actually, talking can end up being just so much noise. Communication involves a dialogue, which means that there … Continue reading Talking
Signs
Sometimes we just need a sign. Sometimes we can get carried away and see signs everywhere that seem to confirm our suspicions. Always we see what we want to see. So, if you're looking for a sign, here it is. See it now? See it now.
Relax
Life can be pretty hectic or rather terrifying, depending on how hard you choose to look at it. There is always something else to do, prepare for, prevent, or insure against. And you'll never get it done. So, truly, the best thing you could do for yourself, is to learn to appreciate all that you … Continue reading Relax
Planning Plans
Plans are great to help organize your dreams, but it's important to remember that they're just plans. If you get so wrapped up in plotting the plan, or sticking to the plan, or getting frustrated because things aren't going according to the plan, then you're not really living your life, let alone your dreams. They … Continue reading Planning Plans
Onward
Life will keep progressing onward. There is no pause button. There is no rewinding option. It's helpful to remember this, especially when you're having a rough time. For me I always remember that phrase, this too shall pass. Yes, life will keep pressing onward, moving past whatever moment you're experiencing now. It's also very important … Continue reading Onward
Nobody’s Judging
It may be hard to believe, but people aren't watching and judging you as much as you think they are. We all tend to think we are the center of the Universe. And in some respects, we are. We are the center of our own Universe. But, so is everyone else, respectively, with their own … Continue reading Nobody’s Judging
Moments
Oftentimes the only way to get through something is to take it moment by moment. This is pretty easy advice to follow, really. Because, actually, we can only take it moment by moment. We may want to try to rush the moments somehow, but they still only move along one by one. Rushing doesn't help … Continue reading Moments
Leave
It took me a long time to learn this lesson, but if you find yourself in a hostile or toxic situation, simply leave. There is no need to fight in such a circumstance, because fighting only increases the hostility. Your peace of mind is worth so much more than that. Leave the toxic situation. Be … Continue reading Leave
Keep Going
Life only moves forward, but sometimes we can stay mentally and emotionally stuck. We can feel paralyzed with fear about how to move on when we've already experienced such intense pain. But holding back and staying stuck is what's continuing the pain. That resistance is likely much more painful than the actual event even was. … Continue reading Keep Going
Justify
It has always seemed pretty clear to me that it is a whole lot easier to do the right thing than it is to try and justify your actions. It's easier to speak up than it is to justify why you allowed amoral behavior. It's easier to tell the truth than it is to justify … Continue reading Justify
Intellect
A strong intellect is a powerful asset, but it's important to remember that people are emotional beings. Oftentimes it's best to honor your heart and pay attention to what your emotions are telling you in dealing with others. If you combine that with a sharply focused intellect, then you just may be unstoppable in your … Continue reading Intellect
Happy and Hungry
The key to living a really wonderful life is to fully appreciate everything you have, and still be eager to achieve more and do even better. It's what author Alan Cohen describes as being happy and hungry. Be happy with your life as-is, cherish it and be grateful for all that you have, but keep … Continue reading Happy and Hungry
Grief
Grief can affect us all in different ways, and it can come back up and return at any time. But grief is not something to be afraid of, or to be ashamed of. Grief isn't something you need to eradicate. You couldn't do that anyway. Grief isn't a weakness, its a powerful reminder. When you … Continue reading Grief
Follow Up
To ensure your own success requires that you are dedicated to the practice of following up. It's usually the follow up you give that proves your level of commitment and respect that you have to offer. It's not always easy to follow up, especially in a difficult situation. But if you don't follow up, then … Continue reading Follow Up
Energy
Everything is run on energy, even us humans. And as we're moved by energy, we have the power to direct the energy flowing through us towards whatever we want to create. Tony Robbins has a great saying for this. He says, energy flows where attention goes. Our attention is a powerful creative force. Are you … Continue reading Energy
Distractions
Distractions are plentiful and they're destructive. They seem to help in avoiding stress, or loneliness, or an overloaded schedule. Distractions start out seeming to help ease those burdens, but unfortunately they soon become a huge burden themselves. It's often better to just close the app, shut off the TV, put the phone down, and face … Continue reading Distractions
Caring
It needs to be cool to care again. The only way to save our collective experience, our home, this planet and life on it, is to care about each other. Personal freedom is important, but it comes with the requirement to ensure that everyone else has access to enjoy their own freedom. It requires caring … Continue reading Caring
Better
The goal shouldn't be perfection, because that's an impossible goal. But better is a worthy goal to strive for. Be better than you were last year. Be better than you were even yesterday. Every day you get a chance to become a better you, a wiser, more skilled you, because of the life you've lived … Continue reading Better
Alignment
When your thoughts and actions are in alignment with your heart's desire, achieving it feels like no effort at all. There's just so many things that are distracting us, or stressing us, or irritating us in the world now, that it's become a struggle to maintain that alignment. But alignment is the key. So it's … Continue reading Alignment
Zero Sum
Life is not a zero sum game, where there is only so much to go around. There is not some finite reservoir of "success" and "health" that gets depleted each time someone else gets a bit of it. So, why do we all get jealous of other's accomplishments as if their achievements take away from … Continue reading Zero Sum
Yesterday’s Dream
Are you moving forward, or are you stuck on still hoping for yesterday's dream to come true? Yesterday's dream is a dream you had for yourself when you were just slightly younger. But if you never did anything to move towards fulfilling that dream, and so it's still just a "dream", could it also just … Continue reading Yesterday’s Dream
Wherever
Wherever you go, there you are. And your problems and issues go along for the ride. Because your problems and issues have to do with you. They stem from you. Running away in an attempt to escape your issues, will only bring them with you to the new place. It's best to face them, see … Continue reading Wherever
Vision
Vision relates to so much more than what you can see. Vision can guide you towards greatness even when your life currently doesn't look like anything great. Vision is what you see with your mind. If you really want to help yourself to success, it's best to create a vision of what that looks like … Continue reading Vision
Underneath
Underneath all of those labels we all pile onto ourselves, lies the same spark of life as everyone else. Underneath the categories of race, gender, nationality, religion, ideology, etc. we are all just people. It's those categories and labels that we use to judge each other with. And yet, none of us want to be … Continue reading Underneath
Teachable
Our society is obsessed with youth and staying young. It's mostly for superficial reasons, and yet the best way to stay youthful is to be mentally present (hence not stuck in the past) and to remain ever teachable. There is always something new to learn as long as you don't believe you know it all … Continue reading Teachable
Safe
Feeling safe is an inherent need. But the truth is, we can't ever know every single danger that could befall us at any given moment. If we focused on all of those potential dangers we would go mad. Some people have gone mad doing it. And some people create prisons for themselves, wrapped in an … Continue reading Safe
Respect
The most effective way to gain someone's respect is to treat them with that very same level of respect. Everyone wants to feel valued and respected. Graciously extending your respect to others is a great way to earn your own from them. It's golden, just like the rule about treating others as you wish to … Continue reading Respect
Persevere
When it feels like you just don't have the strength to go on, remember that a grand act of strength isn't what will get you there, but perseverance will. Perseverance can be quiet and as slow as you need it to be, just as long as you don't give up. Persevere, taking it bit by … Continue reading Persevere
Out There
Out there is full of distractions, dream results, and disappointments. But out there is really only a reflection of what's going on inside. From inside you choose what to focus on, be it a goal or a distraction. From inside you choose what your dreams are and what achieving them looks like. And from inside … Continue reading Out There
Nice
People would prefer you to be nice. Being nice is staying quiet, being polite, and putting in the effort not to ruffle feathers. That's all well and good, but it's not always the best option. Being nice is nice, but it's not the same as being kind. Sometimes being kind means speaking up against bad … Continue reading Nice
Mortality
Mortality is a fact of life. At some point we all give up the ghost. The thing is, we get distracted into worrying about petty things, as if we're going to be living these lives forever, and wasting time is no big deal. It is a big deal if you want to make living worth … Continue reading Mortality
Listen
In order to have effective communication, you have to learn to listen just as effectively as knowing how to express yourself. And listening is not merely staying silent while the other person speaks. If you're busy silently judging or merely thinking of your response, then you're not listening. Drop all of that and listen. That's … Continue reading Listen
Knowing
It's wise to remember that what you know is only one perspective out of billions. What you know is only what you know. It may seem like what you know is what is known by everyone, but even if it is darn near identical to someone you're close to, they still will just know it … Continue reading Knowing
Joy
Life just has so much more meaning and sparkle when it's lived with joy. Joy comes from making choices that are for your highest good. Joy feels light and happy and free. Joy comes from choosing to be joyful. It doesn't just happen to you. You choose joy, and then continue to choose joy, and … Continue reading Joy
