Influence

There are a lot of things that influence our lives. Technology, religion, politics, economics, music, and media are all ways our lives are influenced daily. Our news feed on Facebook dictates what we are exposed to in our social circles. Our cell phone notifications alert us to new emails and direct messages. Before we get out of bed, we are already media saturated. Not to mention, the radio programming we listen to during our morning commute, or the billboards we see on the way to work. We are unconsciously being manipulated. We have brand aversions created by subliminal marketing. All these things leave an impression on us. We must be mindful of what we allow to influence us. We must deliberate in what and whom we allow in our sphere of influence. 

Insight

There are certain movies I can watch over and over again. Each time I watch the movie, I notice something I missed the previous time. I gain a better understanding, a different perspective, or deeper meaning about the film. People are like films. You can watch them over and over again and notice something you missed the previous time. I know, first impressions are lasting impressions, but is that always true? Have you every jumped to a conclusion about a person or a situation to later find out that you were wrong? Have you ever taken the opportunity to get to know someone and found out that you really never knew them at all? People are like onions, too. They have layers. It takes time to peel back all those layers and really get to know someone. I'm not saying to ignore your intuition. I am saying take the time to get a better understanding, or a different perspective. Gain some insight!

"The best vision is insight." -Malcolm Forbes
 

Common Ground

If we can be divided by our differences, why can't we be united by our similarities? Maybe it's because our differences are more obvious than our similarities. We can't see the same heart, the same blood, or the same bones. So, we take it for granted. We can't see our humanity, our sisterhood, or our brotherhood. So, we ignore it. I challenge you today to step out of your comfort zone. Look past someone's socioeconomic status. Look past someone's religion. Look past someone's skin color. Look past someone's politics and find common ground.

Help

When did the words, "I need help" become bad? We all need help at some point. The vicissitudes of life happen to us all. When we were children, we needed instruction and assistance to do even the simplest things in life. We did not have any apprehension towards asking for help. However, as we grew older pride and fear prevented us from asking for help. We adopted a solitary mindset. We forgot that we need each other. We don't ask for what we need and choose to suffer in silence. For what? To save face. For who? Open your mouth. Ask for what you need.

Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV) “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Revel

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.- Oprah Winfrey

You made it. You survived. You passed the test. You finished. You accomplished that goal. It's time to celebrate. It's time to relish in your victory. Every victory big or small should be celebrated. Buy yourself something nice. Go out to dinner. Create a memento. Savor the moment. You deserve it. Revel! 

 

Clear Vision

Some people have a vision for their life. They make plans. They set goals. They execute the vision. However, there are some people who have a plan, but never take the time to write it down. Writing is an important part of the vision planning process. There is a part of our brain that is stimulated when we write called the reticular activating system (RAS). It tells our brain to pay attention. Writing also helps us simplify the vision, so that others can help us execute the vision. Our vision is never just for our own personal benefit. It should be beneficial to others. Do you have a million dollar idea? Do you have a business you are waiting to start? Now is the time. 

Habakkuk 2:2(KJV) And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Shift Gears

Anyone who drives a manual car will tell you one of the most important things is knowing when to shift gears. Some will say to think of the gears as speed ranges, others will tell you to listen to the engine. Everyone will tell you not to burn the clutch. The clutch helps you switch gears. Many of us ignore the signs when it is time for us to switch gears in our life. We ignore the clutch of our conscience and move full speed ahead until we hit a guardrail.  Heartbreak, disappointment, and anguish could have been avoided, if we only listened to the voice in our heads. Pay attention to what your inner voice tells you. Don't ignore the signs. Don't burn the clutch. Know when to switch gears.