I had a discussion with some friends recently about prayer and whether or not there’s a point to it. We all agreed that many people misuse prayer for things like getting a good hand at the poker table, winning the lottery or their favorite team winning the Super Bowl. And of course, when it doesn’t work out, they blame whoever or whatever they’re praying to.  Read more... (783 words, 20 images, estimated 3:08 mins reading time)

Life is not fair – it never has been nor will it ever be. Unfortunately, one of the most unfair parts of life is that occasionally, we’re treated unfair by others. Sometimes there’s something bothering them and we’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. Other times, the person is simply mean spirited and inflicts pain on whoever he or she comes into contact with. Whatever the case, the worst thing we can do is allow that pain to hurt us over and over again.

Growing up I was the type of person to carry a grudge. When someone wronged me, I wanted revenge – with interest. Yes, it wasn’t enough to simply clear my name or collect my damages, I felt the need to destroy the other person. As soon as someone did something bad to me, I’d start plotting my revenge. It would consume me to the point where I’d be so angry, the mere mention of the person I was angry with would result in a verbal diatribe that could only be described as hateful. I became a miserable person to be around.  Read more... (493 words, 20 images, estimated 1:58 mins reading time)

I recently came across a piece of advice that I’ve seen a lot of folks recommending (and they of course claim to implement it themselves). The piece of advice is simple – each night before you go to bed, forgive those who have wronged you that day. It’s a zen-like attitude to clear your mind and conscience so that you can rest well and be more focused the next day. But does it really work?  Read more... (642 words, 20 images, estimated 2:34 mins reading time)

I’ve heard the phrase “Life is Too Short” a number of times throughout the years. Sometimes it refers to a person’s reaction to someone else’s behavior (Life is too short to hate your sister) and other times it’s just a general statement (Life is too short – there’s so much to do). The other day, I was thinking about some of these phrases I’ve heard as well some that I’ve thought to myself and thought it would be a good topic for a post. So here’s some that I’d like to share:

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• Life is too short to hate your life.

If you’ve ever had a bad habit or some type of behavior you’ve wanted to change, you know that it’s not easy. But what I’ve found from both personal experience and from talking to others is that making the change isn’t the hardest part – it’s convincing the people around you that you’re trying to change and blocking out their negative feedback.  Read more... (374 words, 20 images, estimated 1:30 mins reading time)

Today is one of my favorite holidays here in the United States – a day we celebrate our independence. Rwanda and the Philippines also celebrate their independence today and a number of nations have similar holidays throughout July.

Although most people in the US will spend today at barbeques and possibly check out parades and fireworks, it’s a great time to take a look at your life and think about freedom. Do you appreciate the freedom that you do have? Do you lack some of the freedom you desire? In addition to tyrannical governments, there are other things out there that can eat away at our freedom. A bad employer or boss from hell can certainly make you feel like a prisoner. As can an unhealthy relationship whether it be a spouse, significant other or family member. Even certain friendships can rob you of freedom.  Read more... (290 words, 19 images, estimated 1:10 mins reading time)

Have you ever wished you could go back in time and do things differently? Sure, most of us do. I recently came across a cereal box that had list on the back of “18 things to do before you turn 18.” This list got me thinking for two reasons. First, most of the suggestions (bungee jumping, create a new word, go backstage at concert) were useless in terms of helping people get the most out of life at that age. Second, I thought about what I would tell myself if I could go back in time.  Read more... (1515 words, 20 images, estimated 6:04 mins reading time)