Appreciate the Challenges . . .

No one has had a perfect life. From childhood to adulthood, all have faced their challenges. Some have gone through such ordeals that it makes one wonder how could they survive them . . . maybe we all have, in fact.

Those who do survive and are able to keep going forward are those who learn to use challenges as strengths instead of weaknesses. Everything happens for a reason, and the reason may not be understood at first. However, if we keep our minds and hearts open, the answers will eventually come.

Healing takes time, whether mentally or physically, but only if you choose to allow the healing to take place. Too often, we allow circumstances to control who we are and what we become. This attitude only limits us and can cause serious conditions with both our health and well being. Hanging onto bad experiences will only keep you down, leaving no room for growth. Without growth, the cells in the body will die, and the pain will only become worse.

A positive attitude, however, is able to find a way to overcome the bad and turn it into good. Let go of the past, and look forward to the future, deciding what you want and don't want in to have in your life. This is a major step toward recovery. Knowing that today is a new day, a new beginning, can nourish both the mind and body, giving both room to heal.

Learn to take out the garbage. Use positive energy, and you'll get positive results. Above all, appreciate the challenges as much as the rewards, because without challenges there are no rewards.

Be Careful Whom You Trust . . .

Many of us have heard the saying, "Beware of what you ask for, because you just might get it." One has to be aware of what one accepts and also what one shares. Just because a person expresses that he or she is a friend and can be trusted isn't always the case.

We need to ask ourselves, what is this person's intention for being here in the first place? It is easy to get caught in a trap of thinking that person is there because he's your friend who wants to help, when really that may not be the case at all. Once you accept his offer, he now has something to hold over your head. In the vast majority of cases, an ulterior motive is involved. While it is not always bad to proceed in such a situation, it is necessary to understand what that motive is and whether it is acceptable to you.

The same principle applies to the information you share with others: it can be used against you. The more another knows about you, the more vulnerable you are to that person if that person develops any reason to turn on you.

So it is best never to share your finances and personal issues with just anyone. Most everyone has a special someone with whom to share such things. Trust that person, and do not forget also to take the same form of interest in him or her. If you have no such person, or you need more help than what that person can offer, then consider a professional, a person paid to take interest and to keep your information in confidence. That could be a minister, a counselor, or psychologist.

As the Proverb says, "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles." Just remember to give it some thought before you accept or share. It never hurts to ask questions.

One thing in life . . .

I remember when I was just getting started in my career. I was looking forward to college as a beginning toward my quest in my part of saving lives and improving the world.

My dad had a great part in keeping me grounded at the time. He told me that if I remembered one thing, remember this: If I can make a true difference in only one person's life, my entire career will have been worth it. I will have been successful.

The same goes for our lives in general. The simplest thing can make a difference in one's entire life. A good deed. An encouraging word. We don't necessarily need to know whether we have done that for a specific individual. All we need to know is if we make it a goal to be as kind, patient, and encouraging as we can to everyone we can, then that will be the result..

The way I see it, kindness has a lot to be said for it.

A New Beginning . . .

Well, here I am, in blogland. I have put it off long enough. Now I have to learn all about blogging and how to get all you guys and gals here to read my stuff, for what it's worth.

What will we find in here? Well, maybe sometimes I'll post a little advice - from me or from someone who has my respect. Or maybe I'll present some facts, findings from studies - stuff like that. Or maybe I'll just write down something that pops up in this little mind of mine.

Whatever it is, I'll try my best to make it worth our while - yours and mine. So fasten your seat belts, and let's get started.