The ancient Chinese philosopher, Laozi, said, “Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.” The truth he spoke centuries ago holds true today. It’s important to listen to other people to learn and evaluate what they say; yet, when we let their thought and opinions determine our actions we become their puppet and they pull our strings. Walk to the beat of your drummer. It’s your life, dare to live it fully.
Power Thought
Today’s Power Thought ~ It’s Only a Minute
I have a one-minute rule. It works like this: when I face an uncomfortable task, I challenge myself to give the task one full concentrated minute. I find that after one concentrated minute, I get into the task and take it through to completion. It has made a big difference for me. Have a great day.
Today’s Power Thought ~ Be Well Suited for the Future
What we perceive as the truth today may not be the truth tomorrow. Things change. New knowledge is learned. When we approach life with an open mind and eyes willing to see, we can adapt to evolving situations. Don’t fear change or new knowledge. Adapt to it and you’ll be well suited for the future.
Today’s Power Thought ~ There are Consequences
“How you make your bed will determine how well you’ll sleep (Polish proverb).” There are consequences to all our actions. When we think about it this way, we become aware of the affect of our actions on others. The recent actions by a professional basketball player (US) provides a clear example. He made a public anti-semitic statement . It wasn’t until he was suspended for five days that he finally issued an apology. If he thought about the consequences of his actions, hopefully, he would have made a better choice. Actions have consequences, good or bad. Here’s hoping all your actions result in positive consequences.
Today’s Power Thought ~ Creating an Environment for Dialogue
Most people shut down when we tell them what to do. When we ask, would you like some help? We inform them that our door is open and they’re invited in. Once they walk through the door, we can say, ‘have you thought about this? The opportunity suddenly appears for a dialogue around the central issue.
Today’s Power Thought ~ Who Are Your Friends?
Who we hang out with, is who we become. A Bulgarian proverb says, “Tell me who your friends are, so I can tell you who you are.” Choose your friends wisely. Choose friends who inspire you. Choose friends who encourage you. Choose friends who lift you up when you are down. Do the same for them.
Power Thought ~ Taking Control
When we toss a ball against a wall, the ball strikes the wall and bounces back to us. When we react without thinking to what others say to us, we are like a ball tossed against the wall. The moment, we stop reacting and take control of our emotions, the person speaking to us no longer can toss us against the wall. We’ve shown that we can choose how and when we want to respond.
Today’s Power Thought ~ Take the First Step
Do you have a dream? Is it time to stop dreaming and start walking toward that dream? Take the first step toward the dream. No matter how small the step, it is the beginning of the journey. Each step forward unlocks a new door and the path you’re to take will unfold before you. It’s all waiting for you to take the first step.
Today’s Power Thought ~ Making the Impossible Possible
There is an Australian proverb, “None are so deaf as those who would not hear.” I’ve been around these kinds of folks. If possible, get away from them as soon as possible. They’re toxic and they will drag you into the pit. When we associate with people with an open mind who are willing to engage in a dialogue the impossible quickly becomes the possible.
Today’s Power Thought ~ What Paths are You Creating?
An African proverb reads, “A path is made by walking.” We create our paths by the work we consistently do each day. We wear them down until they are well worn. When you look back on the paths you’ve made, are they the paths you’re happy with? If not, today’s a new day and you have the power to begin creating a new path.
