tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44816198519778147862024-02-18T23:00:01.009-08:00#GetInspired Get Inspired! A mix of Politics & inspiration.Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-5183050729175746442023-08-09T04:41:00.000-07:002023-08-09T04:41:31.407-07:00Cultivating Gratitude! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Hello!
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It's a beautiful day in Sacramento California and I hope it is a beautiful day where you are. And it is - you know why? Because you're here, you're alive, you're breathing, that means God is still at work! And for that, we should be thankful.
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My favorite and most useful tool in my toolbox has to GRATITUDE! Of all the virtues, gratitude seems to be the least expressed. How often do people go out of their way to thank you? How often do you receive a thank you note when you give a gift? More important, how often do you extend your thanks to others? In our culture of plenty, where everyone feels entitled, we tend to take things for granted.
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Being grateful is both a state of mind and perspective. One person’s idea of expressing gratitude may completely contradict another.
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Make Gratitude a habit by retraining your brain to think about all there is to be grateful for, in good times or bad, can be life-changing. One of the ways to do this is by viewing each day as a gift. Before the day begins is an excellent time to reflect on all there is to be grateful for. This starts the day with feelings of hope, peace and happiness. You can simply say thank you for the day as soon as you wake up. This puts us right first thing in the morning and starts our day on a good note instead of starting the day out with negative thoughts.
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You can also write a gratitude journal, when you jot things down, as opposed to just thinking about them, you are truly taking in each and every one. You aren’t just aware of them, you are acknowledging them. You are pausing and remembering the positives of your day and in your life. You are focusing on a moment in time that you truly appreciated and you are allowing it to sink into your heart and soul. Posting pictures and writing about the things you feel grateful for each day. Gratitude can lead to feelings of love, appreciation, generosity, and compassion, which further open our hearts and help rewire our brains to fire in more positive ways.
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Instagram is a perfect tool to remind you of how blessed you are by simply reflecting on your post and friends post.
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When we learn to give thanks, we are learning to concentrate not on the bad things, but on the good things in our lives." Says Amy Vanderbilt. Thinking about the good things helps us to be grateful. Remaining grateful helps us to have a positive attitude prompts us to thank about the good rather than the bad. It's a positive cycle that helps fuel itself. If you operate out gratitude you will have no time to be angry. Gratitude is the cure.
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Experiencing and expressing gratitude is an important part of any spiritual practice. It opens the heart and activates a new way of thinking.Don’t just think your thanks, show it! Don’t let the kindness of others go unnoticed. Sometimes it’s easy to take for granted the people who are closest to us, but those are the people we should thank the most. Your family, your friends, the ones who love and support you are the ones who should feel your thankfulness the most.
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"Thank you, always say thank you; it's the greatest gift you can give someone; because thank you is what you give to God." - Maya Angealou
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List five things you are grateful for today.Show your gratitude. Who can you thank today, and how will you show your appreciation? Take a step of faith today and begin to show your thankfulness to those around you. When you feel least thankful, you are most in need of what gratitude can give you: perspective. If you're having a bad day, what is the smallest thing you can be grateful for? If you can think of nothing else, think of your breath. Let it overflow! Sow seeds of gratitude and blessing so you can reap an abundant harvest of blessing in return! </div>
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Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-72909180355220517662015-12-12T17:45:00.001-08:002015-12-12T17:45:20.457-08:0030 Reasons I'm Grateful! <p dir="ltr">So many things go wrong in life and we can easily get lost in thought, focusing on nothing but what’s not right with our lives. So, I thought, wouldn’t it be nice if at least once a year, on your birthday, you focused instead on what went right and that's what I'm going to do. <br>
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It’s a scientifically proven fact that keeping a gratitude journal makes you feel happier. <br>
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I am grateful that my creator blessed me with one more day and chance. <br>
I am grateful for the love and support of my family and friends. <br>
I am grateful my health. <br>
I am grateful that I was able to finally see the dentist. <br>
I am grateful that I was able to be apart of my granny's 85th birthday. <br>
I am grateful that I have a job and place to stay. <br>
I am grateful for Yolanda and Rodger. <br>
I am grateful for uber. <br>
I am grateful an awesome palm springs with my bros Luie & Bryon. <br>
I am grateful to be apart of the St. John Gospel mass choir. <br>
I am grateful for the relationship with my nephew Maurice. <br>
I am grateful for music by Jessica Simpson and Foxy Brown. <br>
I am grateful for my church and pastor. <br>
I am grateful for Oprah's Lifeclass and Super Soul Sunday. <br>
I am grateful for the fun in Vegas for Booker's 50th birthday. <br>
I am grateful for the ice cream the neighbor gave me. <br>
I am grateful for Netflix and shoebox. <br>
I am grateful to be an uncle to the most amazing kids. <br>
I am grateful to be the youth coordinator at church. <br>
I am grateful for this summer vacation in North California. <br>
I am grateful for sangria. <br>
I am grateful for Greg Wilson and his inspiring book. <br>
I am grateful to be apart of the ReacLA family. <br>
I am grateful for my lightskins Jessica and Ryan. <br>
I am grateful for fast food and the microwave. <br>
I am grateful for Booker Neal and all that he does. <br>
I am grateful to still be friends with Bryon and Luie. <br>
I am grateful uplifting and inspiring messages from social media. <br>
I am grateful for my legs to walk. <br>
I am grateful for this blog. <br>
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That’s a lot to be grateful for. I’ll bet you have a lot to be grateful for too. On your next birthday make a list. When your done, you’ll realize how blessed and how special your life really is. Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes. I’m living the dream!</p>
Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-35579154131569056662015-07-27T12:21:00.000-07:002015-07-27T12:26:21.576-07:00Journey to Freedom <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
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It's a beautiful day in San Francisco California and I hope it is a beautiful day where you are. And it is - you know why? Because you're here, you're alive, you're breathing, that means God is still at work! And for that, we should be thankful<b><i>.
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"Every addiction arises from an unconscious refusal to face and move through your own pain. Every addiction starts with pain and ends with pain. Whatever the substance you are addicted to - alcohol, food, legal or illegal drugs, or a person - you are using something or somebody to cover up your pain."
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- Eckhart Tolle
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I've confessed to being a hot mess in the past. My suicide attempt, my battles with depression and anxiety, and I'm sure much more with you already.
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I'm on a Journey to Freedom from all that's holding me back and I invite you to join me. That's what this blog is all about. At 29 Im more mature and a little stronger. I think that’s something believers strive for everyday; to get more strength. But when you ask God for more strength, he just doesn’t magically give you more muscles. Your strength comes from the tests that you can pass. I’m excited about my growth.
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No, I didn’t lose faith. I probably stopped caring, which almost could have been a good thing or a bad thing. ‘Cause I was always putting people first and feeling bad if I didn’t, then I just stopped caring one day. I began to say “no” to even family members. It was liberating.
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I had some amazing therapy, because see, sometimes what we do is we also isolate ourselves from people that do love us. It was like getting back connected with people that honestly love me. That’s what really strengthened me again.
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Taking accountability for my actions. When you’re down in the dump, we blame other people. There are other people and elements that can contribute, but they say if you know better, do better. I do struggle with putting other people first. I’m still learning that it’s OK to put me first. Call it selfish if you want to, but I have to do what’s going to be best for me and my future family.
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And, there are times where we have brought people into our lives to teach us to trust ourselves. They way that they do this is my betraying our trust. Yes, you have spiritual contracts with people who are sent to betray you. Not as punishment, but as a part of your Divine curriculum to come home to your soul.
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The purpose of a crisis is to shed what no longer serves our growth.
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When we focus to much to what "someone did to us" without learning or becoming aware of the greater lesson, we stay stuck in a kind of self-created purgatory of blame, victimizing ourselves and not expressing our true purpose in the world.
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You cannot live your purpose when you are blaming others for your life.
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You cannot live your purpose when you are attached to finding out why someone did what they did - because you will never truly know.
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We must take a wiser perspective on life, one that has the spiritual maturity to recognize that life is happening for us, rather than to us. And while we need not blame ourselves for what happened, we must learn the lesson and break free.
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It's about coming home to yourself and trusting yourself again.
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The first step is through forgiveness. So, in today's blog, I'm including a powerful guided meditation for forgiveness.
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All of life is conspiring in your best interest. What seems like a crisis is Grace working it's way into your life. Focus on the gift, the lesson and choose to believe that what's coming next is a greater understanding and embodiment of living your life's true purpose.
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<i><b>"When you know better, you do better and when you choose to do better we rise unto our best selves". </b></i>
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When you let go and admit it, accept that you have moments of being a mess and than you share that feeling of feeling unworthy at times with the rest of us, then you can step into a larger, freer life.
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<b>"A real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken a new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided." - Tony Robbins
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And when we make that kind of choice, our bodies feel different. Our nervous system responds. Our adrenaline glands begin to fire.
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Some part of us know that the choice we’ve just made has truly, fully and unequivocally put our butts on the line.
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When we’ve made that choice that deep down we know we should have made a thousands times before, but we chickened out. That choice that comes deep from the belly of our soul, that no matter what the outside worlds says, does or think, we know inside that it’s the right choice.
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A choice that produces a high level of uncertainty, anxiety and excitement (all at once).
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This choice will bring us to the edge of our faith. Test our ability to believe in ourselves and make us think from time to time we were crazy.
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But in the end, we will see that this choice was a choice for freedom. The truth will set you free and when we look back on this choice at the end of our lives, we will be happy that we made it.
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I’m still on the journey. It’s a journey of leaving the past and moving forward and being free from anything that’s going to keep me from being my absolute best. Sometimes you’re scared of letting go of your comfort zone. You might be scared of letting go of familiar territory. On the road to greatness or success there is a season where you have to be alone and you have to get free from those worries and those doubts.
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As always be honest with yourself. And remember you can't get to courage without going through vulnerability.
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Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-62284238884216132782015-07-03T14:57:00.001-07:002015-07-03T15:22:06.787-07:00Jordan / Rustin Pride!<div dir="ltr">
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It is still so surreal! I can not believe that the United States Supreme Court has affirmed the right to marry for same-sex couples. In countless election cycles LGBT communities were demonized, degraded and used as political pawns in electoral games. Mostly from my political party the Republicans but Democrats were hating too.</div>
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Makes me feel accomplished and proud of the work we did at the Jordan / Rustin Coalition. Even though I only worked there for one year back in 2011. It was was and still one of the best experiences of my life. There were definitely times I wanted to give up. And thankfully that Oprah episode with the Freedom Riders inspired me not to give up. This Gay Republican Christian had fun! </div>
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At the Jordan / Rustin Coalition I worked as a community organizer. Did door to door canvassing in South Los Angeles having conversations to open the hearts and minds of all Californians, including those in the Black community, on the question of marriage for same-sex couples. And work on the fair education act.</div>
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The Barbara Jordan/Bayard Rustin Coalition, a Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) political organization was dedicated to winning equality in the aftermath of California’s Proposition 8 ballot measure campaign. a civil rights and social justice organization that existed to eradicate racism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and sexism in all forms. The Jordan/Rustin Coalition's mission was to build the political power of the Black LGBT community and our allies in the Greater Los Angeles Area through grassroots organizing, political advocacy, public education and community empowerment. JRC advocated for full equality, including marriage, and complete societal acceptance of all persons with regard to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression.</div>
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Today, the United States is still struggling with many of the issues Bayard Rustin sought to change during his long, illustrious career. His focus on civil and economic rights and his belief in peace, human rights and the dignity of all people remain as relevant today as they were in the 1950s and 60s. Despite our political differences Bayard Rustin is my political hero for his courage live his truth.</div>
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As we continue to celebrate this historic victory of progress, it is imperative that we remember that the fight for justice is not over and discrimination is still alive and well in America. We must continue to pray. There is still much work to be done moving forward in the pursuit of racial justice, full equality and an equitable country for all people. For those that live at the intersection of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith and many other identities, critical issues like violence against our community, access to employment and housing, stigma and hate crimes, the HIV epidemic, immigrant rights--or simply being accepted by family, houses of worship, and your community--are present barriers that prevent many in the Black LGBT community from living their most open and authentic lives. Lifting up these issues that impact the most marginalized in our communities is the unfinished business for full equality in our nation.</div>
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#GetInspired #Gratitude #grateful #Thankyou </div>
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<br />Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-9657122373607474522015-07-02T14:07:00.001-07:002015-07-02T14:33:05.017-07:00Sunny California!<div>
<b><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concerate on what you don't have, you will never have enough." - Oprah </span></i></b><br>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's a beautiful day in California and I hope it is a beautiful day where you are. And it is - you know why? Because you're here, you're alive, you're breathing, that means God is still at work! And for that, we should be thankful. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; text-align: -webkit-center;">Choose today to let the peace of God rule in your heart. Have an attitude of gratitude. Even if you have things that are upsetting you, take a step of faith and thank God for His goodness in your life. Thank Him for working behind the scenes on your behalf. Choose to be thankful and embrace the peace and blessing God has for you!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It doesn’t matter where you are physically or what’s going on around you, you can access the joy that’s inside of you at anytime, day or night.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Do you need more peace in your life? Call on the Prince of Peace. Give Him your burdens and cares. The Bible says that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. When we are working and living the way God intends—full of peace and joy—we are carrying His “light” burden. We are working with His “easy” yoke. Don’t carry the worries and stresses of this life! Call on the Prince of Peace, and He’ll take you places that you’ve never dreamed. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We have to believe that God is working behind the scenes right now. Faith is simply believing that God is a good and faithful God—that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Can you believe that God wants to move in your life, today? Do you believe He can provide for you need, today? Do you believe He can heal your relationships, today? Do you believe He can give you that promotion, today?</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Whatever you are hoping for, open your heart and expect that God is working on your behalf. All of life is conspiring in your best interest. What seems like a crisis is Grace working it's way into your life. Focus on the gift, the lesson and choose to believe that what's coming next is a greater understanding and embodiment of living your life's true purpose.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Experiencing and expressing gratitude is an important part of any spiritual practice. It opens the heart and activates a new way of thinking.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">List five things you are grateful for today.Show your gratitude. Who can you thank today, and how will you show your appreciation?When you feel least thankful, you are most in need of what gratitude can give you: perspective. If you're having a bad day, what is the smallest thing you can be grateful for? If you can think of nothing else, think of your breath.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCuUwBrJsvTHo5sMqvRz6TrC43p4iQZVbwiqiIoa4FvWD27lMLG0a4y6VBe9ewMVL6MOuXO9ivIn4HGv8ufivp31kyI5E0oVjnO2Irsx1jBDrOfHJAVBC2Hs9gnsYWEzdloR7szqXOUU/s640/blogger-image--211254431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCuUwBrJsvTHo5sMqvRz6TrC43p4iQZVbwiqiIoa4FvWD27lMLG0a4y6VBe9ewMVL6MOuXO9ivIn4HGv8ufivp31kyI5E0oVjnO2Irsx1jBDrOfHJAVBC2Hs9gnsYWEzdloR7szqXOUU/s640/blogger-image--211254431.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">#GetInspired #Gratitude</div><br></span></div>
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Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-15288868410250690232015-05-23T11:17:00.000-07:002015-05-23T11:17:22.351-07:00Thankful for Amusement Parks!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="scripture">Happy Saturday! Grateful to see another day! I'm super excited!!! Today I'm heading to Six Flags Magic Mountain to ride </span></span></i></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto-Regular, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 27.296875px; max-height: 999999px;">Twisted Colossus</span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto-Regular, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.296875px;"> </span></b></span><i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="scripture">roller coaster. I'm in a state of gratitude with feelings of joy and excitement. so I want to pay it forward and share some gratitude tips to shift your state of being if just for a moment.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="scripture"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbLG_J9ZKA0wR0N7E4hCcH07dDWN2KTLLOcl1hOqVHKvz1TqkMXXxP4vWnZ_0ZNy0k6lC8AanLIl88dNc0YMj39lii13iWUHwQyhMmsT7MnaelnvdvWm5xanwkvPfjOp2zo4RUZx6-x0/s640/blogger-image-849122545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbLG_J9ZKA0wR0N7E4hCcH07dDWN2KTLLOcl1hOqVHKvz1TqkMXXxP4vWnZ_0ZNy0k6lC8AanLIl88dNc0YMj39lii13iWUHwQyhMmsT7MnaelnvdvWm5xanwkvPfjOp2zo4RUZx6-x0/s640/blogger-image-849122545.jpg" /></a></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="scripture"><span style="font-size: small;">Make Gratitude a habit by retraining your brain to think about all there is to be grateful for, in good times or bad, can be life-changing. One of the ways to do this is by viewing each day as a gift. Before the day begins is an excellent time to reflect on all there is to be grateful for. This starts the day with feelings of hope, peace and happiness. You can simply say thank you for the day as soon as you wake up. This puts us right first thing in the morning and starts our day on a good note instead of starting the day out with negative thoughts.</span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="scripture"><span style="font-size: small;">You can also write a gratitude journal, when you jot things down, as opposed to just thinking about them, you are truly taking in each and every one. You aren’t just aware of them, you are acknowledging them. You are pausing and remembering the positives of your day and in your life. You are focusing on a moment in time that you truly appreciated and you are allowing it to sink into your heart and soul. Posting pictures and writing about the things you feel grateful for each day. Gratitude can lead to feelings of love, appreciation, generosity, and compassion, which further open our hearts and help rewire our brains to fire in more positive ways.</span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">When we learn to give thanks, we are learning to concentrate not on the bad things, but on the good things in our lives." Says Amy Vanderbilt. Thinking about the good things helps us to be grateful. Remaining grateful helps us to have a positive attitude prompts us to thank about the good rather than the bad. It's a positive cycle that helps fuel itself. If you operate out gratitude you will have no time to be angry. Gratitude is the cure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>Experiencing and expressing gratitude is an important part of any spiritual practice. It opens the heart and activates a new way of thinking.Don’t just think your thanks, show it! Don’t let the kindness of others go unnoticed. Sometimes it’s easy to take for granted the people who are closest to us, but those are the people we should thank the most. Your family, your friends, the ones who love and support you are the ones who should feel your thankfulness the most.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><b><i>"Thank you, always say thank you; it's the greatest gift you can give someone; because thank you is what you give to God." - Maya Angealou </i></b></span></span></div>
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<i><b>List five things you are grateful for today.Show your gratitude. Who can you thank today, and how will you show your appreciation? Take a step of faith today and begin to show your thankfulness to those around you. When you feel least thankful, you are most in need of what gratitude can give you: perspective. If you're having a bad day, what is the smallest thing you can be grateful for? If you can think of nothing else, think of your breath. Let it overflow! Sow seeds of gratitude and blessing so you can reap an abundant harvest of blessing in return!</b> </i></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">1. Thankful to see another day!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">2. Thankful to be going to six flags.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">3. Thankful to Booker for buying my season pass.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">4. Thankful for my friends & family!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">5. Thankful for my super duper workout this morning. </span></span></span></div>
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#Gratitude #thankyou #getinspired</div>
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Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-53280240223462744592015-05-22T15:01:00.001-07:002015-05-22T15:17:34.051-07:00Happy Memorial Day weekend!<p dir="ltr"><i><b>In honor of Memorial Day I would like to take this time to thank the troops past and present for their dedication and sacrifice for this great country. And thank their families for the sacrifice that they make. Their heroism and courage allows for freedom and democracy to spread. so that one day all people may be free from tyranny and oppression. I continue to ask God to bless this great country that I love so much and to watch over the troops and their families. - Bryon</b></i><br>
</p><h1 class="title" style="font: -apple-system-headline; font-weight: normal; -webkit-hyphens: manual; max-width: 100%;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Richard Nixon: Proclamation 3912 - Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 1969</span></font></h1><center style="max-width: 100%;"><div style="text-align: start;"><i style="max-width: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">By the President of the United States Of America</i></div><b style="max-width: 100%;"><div style="text-align: start;"><b style="max-width: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A Proclamation</b></div></b></center><p style="max-width: 100%;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On Memorial Day it is customary for Americans to honor the memory of their fellow countrymen who have died in the defense of freedom. Meditating on their sacrifices, we honor not only their memory but also the principles of justice and freedom for which they gave their lives.</span></p><p style="max-width: 100%;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Yet honor is not enough. Although we cannot change the pattern of the past, we must do all we can to create a pattern of justice and peace for the future.</span></p><p style="max-width: 100%;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Congress, by a joint resolution of May 11, 1950 (64 Stat. 158), has requested the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period during such day when the people of the United States might unite in such supplication.</span></p><p style="max-width: 100%;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i style="max-width: 100%;">Now, Therefore, I, Richard Nixon,</i>President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Memorial Day, Friday, May 30, 1969, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11 o'clock in the morning of that day as a time to unite in such prayer.</span></p><p style="max-width: 100%;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I urge the press, radio, television, and all other information media to cooperate in this observance.</span></p><p style="max-width: 100%;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I urge also that on this consecrated day, all the people of America offer their prayers to the Almighty to make reason and good will prevail so that peace can once again bless our nation.</span></p><p style="max-width: 100%;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As a special mark of respect for those Americans who have given their lives in the tragic struggle in Vietnam, I direct that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff all day on Memorial Day, instead of during the customary forenoon period, on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels of the Federal Government throughout the United States and all areas under its jurisdiction and control.</span></p><p style="max-width: 100%;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I also request the Governors of the States and of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the appropriate officials of all local units of government to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on all public buildings during that entire day, and request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the same period.</span></p><p style="max-width: 100%;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i style="max-width: 100%;">In Witness Whereof,</i> I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sixty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and ninety-third.</span></p><p style="max-width: 100%;"><img src="http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/images/signatures/37.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">RICHARD NIXON</span></p><hr noshade="noshade" size="1" style="height: 1px; border: 0px; max-width: 100%;"><hr noshade="noshade" size="1" style="height: 1px; border: 0px; max-width: 100%;"><p dir="ltr"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="max-width: 100%;"><i style="max-width: 100%;"></i></span><span style="max-width: 100%;"><strong style="max-width: 100%;">Citation: </strong></span><span style="max-width: 100%;">Richard Nixon: </span><span style="max-width: 100%;">"Proclamation 3912 - Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 1969," May 16, 1969. </span><span style="max-width: 100%;">Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, <i style="max-width: 100%;">The American Presidency Project</i>. http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=105927.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr"><br>
#Grateful #Thankyou #GetInspired</p>
<p dir="ltr">https://youtu.be/jA3YGORZP9A</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p>
Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-35243422424435065892015-04-26T21:14:00.001-07:002015-04-27T16:41:10.343-07:00"Personal Privacy Protection Act" Say What Now?<p style="margin: 0px 0px 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">am writing you today regarding the introduction of the Personal Privacy Protection Act ballot initiative. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Earlier this month the Pacific Justice Institute, filed paperwork for a statewide ballot initiative that would require Californians to "prove" their gender before using the restroom. </span></p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This act would make it illegal for people to use gendered facilities in government buildings that are not consistent with their “biological sex”—including those in public schools and universities—and would allow people to file lawsuits against trans individuals who they “catch” using the wrong facility for at least $4,000 in damages.</span></p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 14px;">Requiring individuals to prove their gender in order to use restrooms in government buildings is not only outrageous and offensive, but would seem to require restroom inspectors to enforce it. Can you imagine restroom inspectors evaluating you and your appearance before using the restroom? <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">How else would one be able to catch people in the “wrong” restroom except by forcing them to show their government identification, their birth certificate, or their genitals before entering, or while they are already in, the restroom ? It should not have to be pointed out to you that such practices would be profoundly humiliating and legitimately dehumanizing.</span></p><div><p><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It's clear that the proposed measure would require unlawful discrimination in violation of federal laws like Title VII and Title IX, and the constitutional guarantee of equal protection. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">California is relatively unique as a state because it already has progressive laws on the books ensuring transgender students’ rights to use all facilities and participate in all activities that are in accordance with their gender identity. Not everyone agrees with these protections, however I believe everyone should be treated equal under the law.</span></p></div><div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">One of my favorite quotes by Bayard Rustin is this: “When an individual is protesting society’s refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him.” </span><br></p></div>Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-2165828834066954622015-04-26T19:40:00.001-07:002015-04-26T19:45:39.714-07:00Let's talk suicide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My heartbroke this afternoon after spending time with a 10yr old boy who recently attempted suicide this past week. Very sad to see so much pain in the eyes of such a young boy. Visiting him in the hospital brought back memories from when I was in the hospital 5 yrs ago after I attempted suicide.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What drives so many individuals to take their own lives? To those not in the grips of suicidal depression and despair, it's difficult to understand what drives so many individuals to take their own lives. Speaking from my own personal experience a suicidal person is in so much pain that he or she can see no other option. A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean that help isn't wanted. We don't want to burden others with our problems. We already feel guilt and shame for having such thoughts. People who commit suicide don't want to die—they just want to stop hurting. Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. Blinded by feelings of self-loathing, hopelessness, and isolation, a suicidal person can't see any way of finding relief except through death. But despite the desire for the pain to stop, most suicidal people are deeply conflicted about ending their own lives. They wish there was an alternative to committing suicide, but they just can't see one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid to bring up the subject. But talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. One of the most common misconceptions about talking with someone contemplating suicide is that bringing up the subject may make things worse. This is not true. Bringing up the question of suicide and discussing it without showing shock or disapproval is one of the most helpful things you can do. Communicate with him or her openly and frequently. Show empathy, not sympathy. Make it clear that you care, stress your willingness to listen. This openness shows that you are seriously and responding to the severity of his or her situation. Don’t assume that people who talk about killing themselves won’t really do it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>And for those that are contemplating suicide KEEP GOING. EACH STEP MAY GET HARDER, BUT DON'T STOP. THE VIEW AT THE TOP IS BEAUTIFUL. BUT YOU FIRST KNOW THAT YOU ARE LOVED, THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE AROUND YOU RIGHT NOW THAT NEED YOU AND CARE FOR YOU EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW IT. I CAN TELL YOU THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT GOD WAS IN MY LIFE OR TIMES WHEN I DIDN'T THINK I'D EVER BE SUCCESSFUL AND THESE WERE THE TIMES WHEN DEPRESSION SET IN THE MOST THE WAY YOU REVERSE THE GRAVITY OF DEPRESSION IS TO TALK ACKNOWLEDGE IT, DON’T BE IN DENIAL ABOUT HOW YOU FEEL AND ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT'S TEMPORARY. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGHs548-YJmUPIZxpUbxR2SrKlMJrHwX0-uQnHEY_9yVMNOETUsXgQGpDr3az1xz0RsyLi35OW0wy4BRz2i6oTVeHaeoLYickFo7vO4tcIZSpSKxFy6ORO5bQs20GBold4D4Ek-ahm3k/s640/blogger-image-858747707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGHs548-YJmUPIZxpUbxR2SrKlMJrHwX0-uQnHEY_9yVMNOETUsXgQGpDr3az1xz0RsyLi35OW0wy4BRz2i6oTVeHaeoLYickFo7vO4tcIZSpSKxFy6ORO5bQs20GBold4D4Ek-ahm3k/s640/blogger-image-858747707.jpg"></a></div>STORMS COME AND GO AND THIS WILL TOO. WHEN YOU COME OUT OF THE STORM YOU WON'T BE THE SAME PERSON THAT WALKED IN. THAT'S WHAT THE STORM IS ALL ABOUT. NO STORM CAN LAST FOREVER. IT WILL NEVER RAIN 365 CONSECUTIVELY. KE<i>EP </i><i>IN </i><i>MIND </i>THAT TROUB<i>LE COMES </i>TO PASS, NOT TO STAY. DON’T WORRY! NO ST<i>ORM</i>, NOT E<i>VEN </i>THE ONE IN YOUR LI<i>FE</i><i>, CAN LAST </i><i>FOREVER</i>. DON’T BE ASHAM<i>ED </i>OF YOUR STORY IT WILL INSPIRE OT<i>HERS.</i> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yg2DudTwzzsj-7NqN4NLH5AoeJDYka-kHoJ4XrB7MiSefJEmGRM0s6ZyfkOHmTrJpuUjxR3WgKS452IRM1YUps9bDAzrBrEgsFW_B9IHI7qQ18_jWElHc6t7nBQO5PPixQUISh_F-AI/s640/blogger-image--929412269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yg2DudTwzzsj-7NqN4NLH5AoeJDYka-kHoJ4XrB7MiSefJEmGRM0s6ZyfkOHmTrJpuUjxR3WgKS452IRM1YUps9bDAzrBrEgsFW_B9IHI7qQ18_jWElHc6t7nBQO5PPixQUISh_F-AI/s640/blogger-image--929412269.jpg"></a></div></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>AS A<i>LWAYS </i><i>BE </i><i>HONEST </i>WITH YOURSELF A<i>ND </i><i>REMEMBER </i><i>YOU </i><i>CAN'T </i><i>GET </i><i>TO </i><i>COURAGE </i><i>WITHOUT </i><i>GOING </i><i>THROUGH </i><i>VULNERABILITY</i><i>.</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i><br></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU5mcH3f8fiM3cZXcQX4hY1KOEosCoCwMHULAdta3RcmCJCm7iHQ5p96LyG2qIYQVA3MjJCD3oOoIMSuXWYtqYXxW9QfcIL5pkavsi-e_1ZVU8d94-H71cqrhy76lzNA9NkDGgnf0bQM/s640/blogger-image--1537999686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU5mcH3f8fiM3cZXcQX4hY1KOEosCoCwMHULAdta3RcmCJCm7iHQ5p96LyG2qIYQVA3MjJCD3oOoIMSuXWYtqYXxW9QfcIL5pkavsi-e_1ZVU8d94-H71cqrhy76lzNA9NkDGgnf0bQM/s640/blogger-image--1537999686.jpg"></a></div><br></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A few nice words can help a person a lot more than you think. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, act of caring, a sincere prayer all which have the potential to turn a life around.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGURT3DMCrw6UKjJgnV9Ox0aN7BTjQwhB-k0puFkEOmuCIccAzMKGtKnmUP5KwdGS9cWOaELXvxtrZ_wgOgVWXoJjYIjdNHhmg80aZEkVZmpVzrQIj4Ytl77RPh-h8BKaDBiQlizhSIQ/s640/blogger-image--399695432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGURT3DMCrw6UKjJgnV9Ox0aN7BTjQwhB-k0puFkEOmuCIccAzMKGtKnmUP5KwdGS9cWOaELXvxtrZ_wgOgVWXoJjYIjdNHhmg80aZEkVZmpVzrQIj4Ytl77RPh-h8BKaDBiQlizhSIQ/s640/blogger-image--399695432.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
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Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-10315197368425805002015-04-21T09:38:00.002-07:002015-04-21T10:24:43.888-07:00#GetInspired It's All About Service <div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“The best way to find </span>to<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> is to lose yourself in the service of others.” </span></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <i><b>– Mahatma Gandhi </b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”</span></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">- Muhammad Ali</span></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy. ” </span></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Rabindranath Tagore</span></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. "-</span></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> - Elizabeth Andrew </span></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Instead of wondering what you can get out of every experience, relationship, encounter or opportunity, ask what you can give. How can you be of service to others? How can you support, love or uplift someone else? How can you create a better conversation or community? Being of service serves everyone involved, especially YOU.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It is your spiritual responsibility - as a human being - to bring your skills and abilities to as many people as you possibly can. It is your spiritual responsibility to serve at the highest possible level, helping people, teaching people, inspiring people, at every opportunity. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There is always a way to serve. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains & is immortal." - Albert Pire</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">#GetInspired </span><br />
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Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-51912948093136004902015-04-15T22:57:00.001-07:002015-04-15T22:57:38.437-07:00#GetInspired<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;">“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works</span><span style="font-style: italic;">.” –Matthew 16:24-27</span></span>Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-24913758913219607682015-03-09T19:46:00.001-07:002015-03-09T21:08:13.726-07:00I Heard a Word<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: x-small;">A few years ago I was diagnosed with serve depression and anxiety after I tried to commit suicide. Depression almost had me but I believe God still has me here for a purpose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: x-small;">My grandparents always would say that life wouldn't be easy or a bed of roses. As I write I can here my grandfather saying that "Jesus came to give life and give life more abundantly". That I don't have time to attend the pity party here and to get ready for my reward in heaven where there are "many mansions".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: x-small;">Yesterday my grandparents celebrated 33 years of service as Pastor & Wife at our church. Even in the midst of such a happy occasion the storms of life were raging all around in my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: x-small;"> I have always had a hard time asking others for help or allow myself to vent to others. Sometimes I give so much of myself that I begin to neglect myself. People come to me for help all the time. That's my job. My purpose is to listen. Ego most times gets in the way in the form of pride by building walls to try protect myself from feeling less than. Disappointing loved ones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">The biggest lie we tell daily is "I'm ok". When someone asks "How are you doing? " automatically we respond with "I'm ok".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">I'm so happy that I am now in a place where I can talk those who I love like my family and friends about what's really going on. Everything that I share in this blog has helped me over the years to survive and overcome. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><u>Yes the practice of gratitude helps with changing your perspective on life. </u></i></b></span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><u><br /><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yes Journaling is an awesome way to release. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yes affirmations and the power of "I AM " totally work. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yes I believe that prayer and mediation are the two most powerful tools inthe tool box but can be hard to practice when you're dealing with a mental illness.</span></u></i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">My support system includes my grandparents. They show up! They listen! They encourage, never tear down. They tell the truth. And today after my anxiety attack I knew who to call. And they knew who to call. They called on GOD through Christ Jesus!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">All of the things I write about and try to practice are my spiritual practices that connects me to the Devine. The ego (edging God out) interferes with my connection when I allow it to sneak in unconsciously. Today I was able to depend on my Support system. First I had to accept that I needed help. Second I had to surrender and allow myself to depend on someone other than myself for help. Third I took action by calling. Fourth I had to humble myself by asking</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: xx-small;"> GOD</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"> to to forgive, give me a clean heart and renew the right spirit. During our conversation I able to vent my frustrations and we had prayer. Not some long prayer either. A prayer of thanksgiving. Praise and worship is the ultimate expression of Gratitude. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: x-small;">In the end they left me with words of encouragement not their words but the word of God. Spiritually reconnecting to the Devine when just a few hours earlier that seemed impossible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br />Thankfully,I have many different spiritual practices that keeps me connected to the Universe, to the Devine, to God, whatever you want to call it . In the words of Maya Angelo I'm connected back to "All".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br />Are you Spiritually disconnected? Or in the words of my grandfather are you "spiritually malnourished? Don't let ego mess up your connection to the devine. As always be honest with yourself and remember you can't get to courage without going through vulnerability. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br />What are your spiritual practices? And are these practices working? The more practices the better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br />Here are some words my grandparents shared with me and now I want to pay it forward. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br /><b><i>Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. And all your ways he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (my grannys favorite scripture)<br />Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.<br /> They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint. <br />Isaiah 40:3</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39</i></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1yAZ2pgQCFS_XoKUu-cNuTC_h5o5DKMhUEcRkbTD-DhQrgGPc4k9oFe29JlAcDQGvLblXP-JyREKJEuY_Baev9fuwekAqzjeeUPIYLmIiMdofG9et1XSVRp2RG1W2O5DzOQldawKuzI/s1600/textgram_1425950133.png"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1yAZ2pgQCFS_XoKUu-cNuTC_h5o5DKMhUEcRkbTD-DhQrgGPc4k9oFe29JlAcDQGvLblXP-JyREKJEuY_Baev9fuwekAqzjeeUPIYLmIiMdofG9et1XSVRp2RG1W2O5DzOQldawKuzI/s640/textgram_1425950133.png" /> </a> </span></div>
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addiction arises from an unconscious refusal to face and move through your own
pain. Every addiction starts with pain and ends with pain. Whatever the
substance you are addicted to - alcohol, food, legal or illegal drugs, or a
person - you are using something or somebody to cover up your pain."-
Eckhart Tolle</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;">Are you
free? A pretty simple question right? Do feel stuck in some area of your life?
Do feel like you’re being held hostage by your thoughts, feelings, someone, or
something (relationships, family, friends, job, addiction, etc.). Do you feel
shame and guilt often?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;">As always
be honest with yourself and remember you can't get to courage without going
through vulnerability.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;">The truth
is we all at sometimes have felt like hostages or prisoners to someone or
something in our lives.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;">The first
step to moving forward is to accept where and who you are now. And to remember
we are more than our circumstances.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;">The second
step is forgiveness. The only thing that makes you feel more vulnerable than
being hurt is forgiving. But it's not a bad thing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;">Vulnerability
makes us step outside of our comfort zone and accept that we are not
unbreakable.<span> </span>It makes us accept that we
aren’t as strong as we might think.<span> </span>It
makes us looks past people mistakes and faults. Accept their broken selves
because we're broken too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;">Vulnerability
makes us depend on our higher power to pick us up and soften our hearts to
forgive.</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLx-Q4_Mue5dNbt3NKiOJ87bK08khsw2tHD67On4UOCNKsXHv99Rs3AYHWDAmAXhJeEiMrQOo4Yq8F1bIZjujy0Hnuz5DBZvf3Eo-5vyLe7GzLFniTeSpXcaGYf0H7vxanjICjeClsuIM/s640/blogger-image--1234449963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLx-Q4_Mue5dNbt3NKiOJ87bK08khsw2tHD67On4UOCNKsXHv99Rs3AYHWDAmAXhJeEiMrQOo4Yq8F1bIZjujy0Hnuz5DBZvf3Eo-5vyLe7GzLFniTeSpXcaGYf0H7vxanjICjeClsuIM/s640/blogger-image--1234449963.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;">The third
step is Surrender to your higher power. Surrender through Praise and worship.
Praise & worship is the expression of our GRATITUDE to the most awesome The
Creator the Universe.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;">In the Book
of ACTS Verse 25 says, But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing
hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. - I don’t believe Paul
and Silas were worshiping begging God to do something, I believe they were
worshiping Him out of a place of gratitude that they could partake in His
sufferings. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of
the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and
everyone’s chains were loosed. - When you create a landing pad for His presence
to settle down, captivity cannot exist. In any way at all, ‘where the Spirit of
the Lord is there is freedom’.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking
from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled,
drew his sword and was about to kill himself. - It is not biblical for us to
fear in the presence of darkness, it is biblical that darkness fears in our
presence. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm,
for we are all here.” 29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down
trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs,
what must I do to be saved?” – The guards calling for light was much more than
a calling for light in the natural, he was desperate for the light of Christ in
his life. Because he desired the freedom that was in the atmosphere, the
freedom in Christ. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><span> </span>31
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and
your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who
were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed
their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. – Worship
not only brings us more freedom, it brings the people around us more freedom.
34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he
rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household. (NKJV)</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;">The keys to
freedom are practicing gratitude on a daily. Take what resonates and leave the
rest. </span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;"><br></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; line-height: 115%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UJ4d6XbPaFtAY8a9pcJ52wGCL3-BKYYtMfRVoC9h6mKmxLUygN9vIof2WxSTjlsYYSAk14ZnBFUA3w0frVnob04LVSBhzEQc6njef5xcvctAmp8X1R7CA6l6BqnWL5iAXh60-kbgMgw/s640/blogger-image--260465449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UJ4d6XbPaFtAY8a9pcJ52wGCL3-BKYYtMfRVoC9h6mKmxLUygN9vIof2WxSTjlsYYSAk14ZnBFUA3w0frVnob04LVSBhzEQc6njef5xcvctAmp8X1R7CA6l6BqnWL5iAXh60-kbgMgw/s640/blogger-image--260465449.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></div>
Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-43819380492315994632014-05-03T11:39:00.001-07:002014-05-03T12:29:54.334-07:00Unlocking Freedom<div><em style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Every addiction arises from an unconscious refusal to face and move through your own pain. Every addiction starts with pain and ends with pain. Whatever the substance you are addicted to - alcohol, food, legal or illegal drugs, or a person - you are using something or somebody to cover up your pain."</em></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>- Eckhart Tolle</strong> </span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b><br></b></i></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b style="font-style: italic;">Confession - </b>I am a mess sometimes. Through my mess - there is a message. But here’s what’s so cool – when you let those parts out, things can change.</span></div><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><strong style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That shame can turn into beauty and self-love.</strong></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"<i><b>When you know better, you do better and when you choose to do better we rise unto our best selves". </b></i></span></p><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b><br></b></i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When you let go and admit it, accept that you have moments of being a mess and than you share that feeling of feeling unworthy at times with the rest of us, then you can step into a larger, freer life.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b><br></b></i></span></div><div><div><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"A real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken a new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided." </em><strong style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Tony Robbins </strong></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b><br></b></i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And when we make </span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">that </i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">kind of choice, our bodies feel different. Our nervous system responds. Our adrenaline glands begin to fire.</span></div><div><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Some part of us know that the choice we’ve just made has truly, fully and unequivocally put our butts on the line.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When we’ve made that choice that deep down we know we should have made a thousands times before, but we chickened out. That choice that comes deep from the belly of our soul, that no matter what the outside worlds says, does or think, we know inside that it’s the right choice.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br clear="none">A choice that produces a high level of uncertainty, anxiety and excitement (all at once).</span></p></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b><br></b></i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This choice will bring us to the edge of our faith. Test our ability to believe in ourselves and make us think from time to time we were crazy.</span></div><div><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But in the end, we will see that this choice was a choice for freedom. The truth will set you free and when we look back on this choice at the end of our lives, we will be happy that we made it.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As always be honest with yourself. And remember you can't get to courage without going through vulnerability. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlkQG3Vzf3mBOxLxu2PLxwVJraSyrqvQKNjhvPgxKnnm4-Rs4hQ4wsaCEzeWPGECJ95kFXYoxoq2XkV1NsYqjWeWtR1NLFDOck9zs-LLn0tzpr2thbi9T4LbtID1G4DoUkWoh30NAA8U/s640/blogger-image--367105568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlkQG3Vzf3mBOxLxu2PLxwVJraSyrqvQKNjhvPgxKnnm4-Rs4hQ4wsaCEzeWPGECJ95kFXYoxoq2XkV1NsYqjWeWtR1NLFDOck9zs-LLn0tzpr2thbi9T4LbtID1G4DoUkWoh30NAA8U/s640/blogger-image--367105568.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p></div>Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-72970226800420163582014-03-17T13:14:00.001-07:002014-03-17T13:25:29.087-07:00Living Fearlessly<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_FvPaxxJbql3EVMojMEabblHZp1KFP8jBv1HobmivIxlRTuEgHb5aPemVGcK2lOJcapal0U6c9aBztNdYQeCwKLQHCTbcJigf2XryO1uP7l9-ToTbALBdbqbUR4mAQiyNH0FLjyKTaI/s640/blogger-image-1406738133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_FvPaxxJbql3EVMojMEabblHZp1KFP8jBv1HobmivIxlRTuEgHb5aPemVGcK2lOJcapal0U6c9aBztNdYQeCwKLQHCTbcJigf2XryO1uP7l9-ToTbALBdbqbUR4mAQiyNH0FLjyKTaI/s640/blogger-image-1406738133.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p dir="ltr">Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. And a lot of us are operating out of insanity aka "fear".<br>
Fear stops us from taking action and I believe that gratitude is the antidote. You can not be grateful and fearful simultaneously. Gratitude is really the reset button, the cleanser of the soul. Wnen your grateful its no longer about me or you it's about giving thanks; and when you give thanks, youn disappear and connect to the Devine.</p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4M63d7G-s72ynS-uzcU-ocDZTyFqxqg8UMfY8JRUsHLHBN-wuQq0FIH3QE69GycdGQamQ0QOMpNjPZrY3vo3XOJk4P7occHms1dD12jPgkUq41aloKuny7SfjAEjngWg8xORuFcEmh4/s640/blogger-image--2127821778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4M63d7G-s72ynS-uzcU-ocDZTyFqxqg8UMfY8JRUsHLHBN-wuQq0FIH3QE69GycdGQamQ0QOMpNjPZrY3vo3XOJk4P7occHms1dD12jPgkUq41aloKuny7SfjAEjngWg8xORuFcEmh4/s640/blogger-image--2127821778.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p>
<p dir="ltr">Gratitude is the spiritual practice that strengthens are faith. I'm talking about a powerful faith in God's unconditional, unlimited, unwavering, perfect love for us. Faith is the knowledge and continual expression of gratitude.</p>
<p dir="ltr">First John 4:18 teaches that understanding God's love for us will deliver us from our fears. Now this doesn't mean we won't ever feel fear, but faith in God and His love will enable us to 'do it afraid' if we have to. <br>
God wants you to know that He is with you. He will lead and guide you, so you can put your confidence and faith in Him! </p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH3sVClmqarXloGjWZSeNuNoGZd3Fw_5XnfMkW9D6XciMXL07fe9DspjFY5rFnqAQ9GclV7gPd95gufwe2qTR1oD57tagWBzu5lWBE_r3isl2Xkfi_i8jmRn3WqN27l3TO7QB_Q9CGGQ/s640/blogger-image-2107986202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH3sVClmqarXloGjWZSeNuNoGZd3Fw_5XnfMkW9D6XciMXL07fe9DspjFY5rFnqAQ9GclV7gPd95gufwe2qTR1oD57tagWBzu5lWBE_r3isl2Xkfi_i8jmRn3WqN27l3TO7QB_Q9CGGQ/s640/blogger-image-2107986202.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p dir="ltr">Remember, His love is perfect, even when we aren't. He isn't going to love us any more or less because of our mistakes. Isn't it good to know that God loves you right where you are? Doesn't that thought just kind of boost your faith and take your fear down a notch?</p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0FUVaHZntrIM5KUks4xrOuoE6cVupWezpH331dLqVxAys2Ip9JUGEBl8wTAyhOza8sg6fOJseBRLsux25IWJioSY4puYi50mrquRlProl1G4cTV6-pAltOeugmRjIj5dSb3TuXXHM9Q/s640/blogger-image-119544647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0FUVaHZntrIM5KUks4xrOuoE6cVupWezpH331dLqVxAys2Ip9JUGEBl8wTAyhOza8sg6fOJseBRLsux25IWJioSY4puYi50mrquRlProl1G4cTV6-pAltOeugmRjIj5dSb3TuXXHM9Q/s640/blogger-image-119544647.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mistakes are our greatest teachers in life. In each mistake that we make there is a lesson to learn. Be grateful for the mistakes. As Maya Angealou says "when you know better you do better; And when you choose to do better we rise unto our best selves". We shouldn't still not be making the same mistakes that we made in our thirties that we made in our twenties. Each day that given is new opportunity to try something new. When you are comfortable that means you are not growing and operating out fear.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">Ask yourself the following questions.</p>
<p dir="ltr">1. What is the story you are telling yourself right now? What self-limiting beliefs(like, "im not good with money" or "im not creative")?</p>
<p dir="ltr">2. Write about a recent happy moment. </p>
<p dir="ltr">3. Write down three things that you are grateful for. </p>
<p dir="ltr">4. How do you define success? </p>
<p dir="ltr">5 . Where in your life do you feel stuck? What is the small action you can take to change? Then what massive action-an exponentially bigger step-can you take?</p>
<p dir="ltr">6. How many times today did you say, "I can't? How many times did you say "Sure! I can do that!" Or "I don't see why not!"?</p>
<p dir="ltr">7. Think of something you've always wanted to do, and break it down into the teeny tiniest little steps you can imagine. Thenn cut those in half. Write the steps down. Then take one. And another...... </p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyeqyvkzjCO9JhaeL4-rxDzU3CLolus_Pvip6oVOKo_2aeiRR5AljNmPztH-H5hbzpcODhDsZordtYQNpLY40SmApYayIkJ_Qalc7MUBjVwo_9AzWBJkgzcFFprWswwx1wPTKzjq2Szk/s640/blogger-image--94471701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyeqyvkzjCO9JhaeL4-rxDzU3CLolus_Pvip6oVOKo_2aeiRR5AljNmPztH-H5hbzpcODhDsZordtYQNpLY40SmApYayIkJ_Qalc7MUBjVwo_9AzWBJkgzcFFprWswwx1wPTKzjq2Szk/s640/blogger-image--94471701.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p>
<p dir="ltr">As always be honest with yourself and remember you can't get to courage without going through vulnerability.</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVtBTMAlHraETI7JVOJiO_ugBO3GYfM0do3gWZ0MErxVdABeDhOnA66fble3NUAEEy9dOS0MuQG5GjyOtpjrjMuEFxfpmxyxwsfYiAOVYHZk8X4AhZfZAbA-cGkaVNklhRPCx2Tsg9KA/s640/blogger-image-981635754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVtBTMAlHraETI7JVOJiO_ugBO3GYfM0do3gWZ0MErxVdABeDhOnA66fble3NUAEEy9dOS0MuQG5GjyOtpjrjMuEFxfpmxyxwsfYiAOVYHZk8X4AhZfZAbA-cGkaVNklhRPCx2Tsg9KA/s640/blogger-image-981635754.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> #getinspired #gratitude </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><p></p>
Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-39839744420674363422014-03-13T10:41:00.001-07:002014-03-13T10:43:46.281-07:00Courage through vulnerability<p dir="ltr">“<b><i>We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness and affection.</i></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b><i>Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between two people when it exists within each one of them – we can only love others as much as we love ourselves.</i></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b><i>Shame, blame, disrespect, betrayal, and the withholding of affection damage the roots from which love grows. Love can only survive these injuries if they are acknowledged, healed and rare.”<br>
― Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are</i></b></p>
<p dir="ltr">You can't get to courage without being vulnerable..... Allow yourself to be vulnerable why? Because we put up walls to protect ourselves from hurt but these same walls prevent us from healing. These walls come in many different forms such as being a workaholic, sex, drugs, alcohol, partying, overeating, etc.</p>
<p dir="ltr">These walls prevent us from connecting to the Devine and forming connections with people that can help us through the healing process. In the words of President Reagan "Tear this wall down".</p>
<p dir="ltr">Throughout our lives, many of us will face circumstances that seem unfair, painful and traumatic. And, in the moment, that is true. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>WE MUST LEARN TO LOVE TRUTH</b>! </p>
<p dir="ltr">Otherwise we leave the door of deception open for the enemy to take what is meant to be yours. Some people have a difficult time facing the truth and reality. They prefer to live in a make believe world, pretending that certain things aren't happening. But we cannot deny the existence of problems or act as they are not real. Life is real, people are real, and pain is real. </p>
<p dir="ltr">And from what I have learned from church, Oprah's lifeclass, the word of God, therapy, and from just being a counselor is that we must allow ourselves to feel the pain. Then deal and then we can begin to heal. In order to feel we must accept and be honest with ourselves.</p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWmN4nvbgR3jxDiuhOj3rvECWG0hxlnsBRotk90mdg510zrMalTLsGp3V-keM_rRtJkzY6cqFRBwHYaeEoclOoCKAfF4HEjqEO-VIXb9QwMd0iozTFTH3wqf_pIqfURpLQxvyuMk5Qqo/s640/blogger-image--440620112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWmN4nvbgR3jxDiuhOj3rvECWG0hxlnsBRotk90mdg510zrMalTLsGp3V-keM_rRtJkzY6cqFRBwHYaeEoclOoCKAfF4HEjqEO-VIXb9QwMd0iozTFTH3wqf_pIqfURpLQxvyuMk5Qqo/s640/blogger-image--440620112.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p>
<p dir="ltr">Acceptance is something that you do. It is an active process that involves a willingness to experience thoughts, feelings, and emotions without denial or evasion. This is the vulnerability I am talking about. </p>
<p dir="ltr">A lack of self acceptance involves a willingness to experience these thoughts,feelings,and emotions thereby leading to a rejection of the self. Self acceptance therefore means to honestly accept the facts of your reality, rather than trying to deny, disown, or repress the things you don't like about yourself or your life.</p>
<p dir="ltr">A person who lacks who lacks self acceptance would automatically try to you repress, deny those feelings disassociating themselves from the reality of how they feel. And the consequence this would most likely Manafest itself in the form of anger tension frustration self doubts substance abuse depression and other problem. Self acceptance don't mean necessarily liking are enjoying but rather it means accepting the true reality of the situation.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Be real with yourself! Choose vulnerability. </p>
<p dir="ltr">If you can acknowledge and accept what you are feeling, you can then take the necessary and appropriate action to move forward. And once you begin to deal and problem solve you can start the healing process. The Healing process may not be instant for some. It takes time for a wound to heal. just like it takes time to recover from heart surgery. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The first step to moving forward is to accept where and who you are now. And to remember we are more than our circumstances.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The second step is forgivness. The only thing that makes you feel more vulnerable than being hurt is forgiving. But it's not a bad thing. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Vulnerability makes us step outside of our comfort zone and accept that we are not unbreakable. It makes us accept that we aren’t as strong as we might think. It makes us looks past people mistakes and faults. Accept their broken selves because we're broken too.<br>
Vulnerability makes us depend on our higher power to pick us up and soften our hearts to forgive. </p>
<p dir="ltr">But as we grow and evolve, we get to see that once we accept what happened, we now have the power of choice to be able to redefine the meaning of the event.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Was it GRACE or was it a disaster? Was is the worst thing that happened to you or was it an amazing lesson?</p>
<p dir="ltr">Was it a tragedy or an opportunity for you to be able to see how Loving You can be?</p>
<p dir="ltr">Was it a dark chapter in your life or was it that the events had to happen in order for you to discover your Light?</p>
<p dir="ltr">We can accept and eventually rise above our circumstances because we realize at our essence we are a Soul that is unlimited and that we have the power to CHOOSE how we are going to respond, interpret and live our lives.</p>
<p dir="ltr">What meanings are you giving the events of your life and what are you choosing to create? And what would you like to change? Are you allowing yourself to be vulnerable with those around you? </p>
<p dir="ltr">The key to transforming vulnerability into courage is learning how recognize it, feel it and ultimately make the choice to simply be there, with that horrible tangle of uncertainty and risk. When you know what you're feeling and why, you can slow down, breathe, pray, ask for support -- and make choices that reflect who you are and what you believe.<br><br></p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wprP3j4Tg-NNQ7r1N-ha5OXjlT_WHl1BQ-I8MMa16RxuJiWgf1zPsdZ1qzqftioWRv5cvpr2MZwpaiPz0pX8Ym1p4cGLuq2nxRnIUAw4coyWegAIyaNd7IUrnLB4EcYn593H57NtGHQ/s640/blogger-image--1357307234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wprP3j4Tg-NNQ7r1N-ha5OXjlT_WHl1BQ-I8MMa16RxuJiWgf1zPsdZ1qzqftioWRv5cvpr2MZwpaiPz0pX8Ym1p4cGLuq2nxRnIUAw4coyWegAIyaNd7IUrnLB4EcYn593H57NtGHQ/s640/blogger-image--1357307234.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p>
<p dir="ltr">#getinspired</p>
Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-5296511616763608812014-02-13T23:26:00.001-08:002014-02-14T12:41:32.297-08:00Practice Gratitude<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx_iT1DKVdBcimAoXx-mSFQjBgSwSBiF6vBMXRGiaLLFJmhfiK0CPxH2JzOfLOGDdjNguWxyk2-CQ2ydWwXr7W9nirQvt2CIxWAhQAbazmVOyEd-b8o6UEhTTkkyDe14VvF_6rdr4j_Y/s640/blogger-image--918708342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx_iT1DKVdBcimAoXx-mSFQjBgSwSBiF6vBMXRGiaLLFJmhfiK0CPxH2JzOfLOGDdjNguWxyk2-CQ2ydWwXr7W9nirQvt2CIxWAhQAbazmVOyEd-b8o6UEhTTkkyDe14VvF_6rdr4j_Y/s640/blogger-image--918708342.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p dir="ltr">People with a strong sense of gratitude, love and appreciation don't necessarily have more than others; they aren't luckier or the luckiest. They simply recognize and see more beauty in their lives. People who count their blessings are generally happier and healthier than people who don't. If you ever feel as if anything in your life isn't "enough" , try practicing an attitude of thankfulness. Which means operating in a state of gratitude. </p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEo8C1UpWKy6tr2Ofz5pdFE9Sv6yKeqx0G8bNKGB6TmK7qK2QEcOQry2CmozF3jj_wlC_fNqOKSg6c1Km4Ady_lJ4rXMeJV1QVQulUUJkTYTd2ZY75MerbZ2DNgWoFJpYvoqMl_U63hg/s640/blogger-image-1114174682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEo8C1UpWKy6tr2Ofz5pdFE9Sv6yKeqx0G8bNKGB6TmK7qK2QEcOQry2CmozF3jj_wlC_fNqOKSg6c1Km4Ady_lJ4rXMeJV1QVQulUUJkTYTd2ZY75MerbZ2DNgWoFJpYvoqMl_U63hg/s640/blogger-image-1114174682.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p>
<p dir="ltr">To begin bringing gratitude into your life, you can deliberately meditate on all the things in your own life that help you or make you smile. You can also write a gratitude journal, posting pictures and writing about the things you feel grateful for each day. Gratitude can lead to feelings of love, appreciation, generosity, and compassion, which further open our hearts and help rewire our brains to fire in more positive ways.</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CA0oZTlsnbghGJ7wVz-W6mYrrQaEF8kUL_h_QJ9UR4xzwU-o5S6hif3hmTd_wEeAmAlpBq2QrNXOHDmRDQz3r8pS8Jqr8Kz0fQ5rXys9WERWCD_ek3KnulzJA3mhHpzCs_ux7aEJOIo/s640/blogger-image-193212703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CA0oZTlsnbghGJ7wVz-W6mYrrQaEF8kUL_h_QJ9UR4xzwU-o5S6hif3hmTd_wEeAmAlpBq2QrNXOHDmRDQz3r8pS8Jqr8Kz0fQ5rXys9WERWCD_ek3KnulzJA3mhHpzCs_ux7aEJOIo/s640/blogger-image-193212703.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p>
<p dir="ltr">When we learn to give thanks, we are learning to concentrate not on the bad things, but on the good things in our lives." Says Amy Vanderbilt. Thinking about the good things helps us to be grateful. Remaining grateful helps us to have a positive attitude prompts us to thank about the good rather than the bad. It's a positive cycle that helps fuel itself. If you operate out gratitude you will have no time to be angry. Gratitude is the cure.</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdN00P3SSfv6SQ11u72jFzLVZ8VicU71qd43SWzFSosZXzHmUQKBWeKwmr363NlOBvqv97rtjW8bwnxS4s47dGYCdXjWHqgmfJyUufWGyiKICnK1bviP2n47nYI8FiMIIPfmGkDsrWZGs/s640/blogger-image--1143103262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdN00P3SSfv6SQ11u72jFzLVZ8VicU71qd43SWzFSosZXzHmUQKBWeKwmr363NlOBvqv97rtjW8bwnxS4s47dGYCdXjWHqgmfJyUufWGyiKICnK1bviP2n47nYI8FiMIIPfmGkDsrWZGs/s640/blogger-image--1143103262.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p>
<p dir="ltr">Experiencing and expressing gratitude is an important part of any spiritual practice. It opens the heart and activates a new way of thinking.</p>
<p dir="ltr">List five things you are grateful for today.Show your gratitude. Who can you thank today, and how will you show your appreciation? When you feel least thankful, you are most in need of what gratitude can give you: perspective. If you're having a bad day, what is the smallest thing you can be grateful for? If you can think of nothing else, think of your breath.</p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9Odu_0GcrDTTin9L4PYAex6yUZ87gNK_LSTdzmVAB0RxoDi-DiCKM61w2wp42_ICjxejUbYZOgMZzSylZiq_vxkERk_5KNWIXv4g2k7_uORMDRx4FT6VR0Jtrh74qq2IS2yf-XovVjw/s640/blogger-image--1902228216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9Odu_0GcrDTTin9L4PYAex6yUZ87gNK_LSTdzmVAB0RxoDi-DiCKM61w2wp42_ICjxejUbYZOgMZzSylZiq_vxkERk_5KNWIXv4g2k7_uORMDRx4FT6VR0Jtrh74qq2IS2yf-XovVjw/s640/blogger-image--1902228216.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p>
<p dir="ltr">"Thank you, always say thank you; it's the greatest gift you can give someone; because thank you is what you give to God." - Maya Angealou <br>
</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3q6BjTLAI6f0ChuGDrAj3_etF5bj3OXOibpe94E8kEjlki7PF5henScC7SwIoHD59kKYZSLjouYbHmHZTzSA0tXqCP5zEGRHt4hlKNFdab8yrk2wR5pbghH6Fke7BdnVFf-XLtUb3XK4/s640/blogger-image-84190754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3q6BjTLAI6f0ChuGDrAj3_etF5bj3OXOibpe94E8kEjlki7PF5henScC7SwIoHD59kKYZSLjouYbHmHZTzSA0tXqCP5zEGRHt4hlKNFdab8yrk2wR5pbghH6Fke7BdnVFf-XLtUb3XK4/s640/blogger-image-84190754.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> #Gratitude #thankyou #getinspired</div><br><p></p>
Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-85708644295750403642014-02-13T00:05:00.001-08:002014-02-13T13:18:18.749-08:00When People Show You Who They Are, Believe Them"<b><i>When people show who they are, believe them" - Maya Angelou </i></b><div><br></div><div>What's the purpose of complaing about that friend who only called when he or she needed something? We all one of these friends right? We help them when they need it, we attend the parties they plan, we stop over when they feel lonely, and listen to them when they need to vent. But what about when we need something?</div><div><br></div><div>Even with all of the life she's learned, not even Oprah is immune to having a bad relationship. Many years ago, she was talking to Maya Angelou about a one sided relationship where she was putting more of herself into the relationship than the other person. </div><div><br></div><div>Maya Angelou response became one of Oprahs and myself favorite life lessons. The lesson?<i> "When people show who they are, believe them".</i></div><div><br></div><div>It's a sad conclusion when you realize you're friends or in a relationship with someone who is more concerned about themselves than you. It doesn't mean they are doing this maliciously. Some people are just clueless. They want friends and want to be in relationships, but they don't realize they need to be a friend, too. </div><div><br></div><div>Maya Angelou says <i>"Why are you blaming the other person? He showed you who he was." </i>Oprah remembers that Maya Angelou also asked her,<i> "My dear, why must you be shown 29 times before you can see who they really are? Why can't you get it the first time?"</i></div><div><br></div><div>Often when a person does not show you the exact problem or issue, you get little whispers, little messages, little problems- something is a little off. <b><i>STOP! Pay attention. </i></b>People know themselves much better than we do. So don't expect them to be something other than who they are.</div><div><br></div><div>How should you deal with this? Ask yourself the following questions. </div><div><br></div><div>1. Who's in your life based purley on "Potential"? </div><div><br></div><div>2. Where are you doing the same thing over and over expecting others to react or behave differently?</div><div><br></div><div>3. Are you getting negative feedback about someone in your life from several unconnected third parties?</div><div><br></div><div>4. Where can you free yourself from a bad relationship to leave space for a better one?</div><div><br></div><div>Pay attention to red flags and don't settle for someone you need to fix. As Iyanla says <i>"If you see crazy coming, cross the street!"</i></div><div><br></div><div><i>So when people show you who they are believe them the <b>first time! </b></i><br><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToKCt7kUevAzRIGQjriRzV5BWhotpB1_x3mi4q_9jHtdROxG7Ei5Su-rQKHTlseXMOLOzIArkiNxVp28YL-HNqjtmN8Lo3kL1nZs4PZ5BK-npSDZWivNHt5S3QdaIpMlQlmSJwx1_xw8/s640/blogger-image--1869390233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToKCt7kUevAzRIGQjriRzV5BWhotpB1_x3mi4q_9jHtdROxG7Ei5Su-rQKHTlseXMOLOzIArkiNxVp28YL-HNqjtmN8Lo3kL1nZs4PZ5BK-npSDZWivNHt5S3QdaIpMlQlmSJwx1_xw8/s640/blogger-image--1869390233.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> #Getinspired #Lifeclass</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blog inspired by Oprahs Lifeclass lesson "When People Show You Who They Are Believe Them"</div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-89641205364064294882014-02-10T13:45:00.001-08:002014-02-10T13:52:54.837-08:00How to Bring Gratitude into Your Life<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluM9-jJfoK2JYyQtjxg7zalULcPYz1jnYTR8l6dgRrNs-ogMT5cOPLfbfXuWnOoEbAGO9Ubw-1zWna_2ZBD7uBI3gN2-EJVK-BiVbkL_u9uceIWoM3O1XdJT5DZ2eEzD9yvI2r9eIscg/s640/blogger-image-558778475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluM9-jJfoK2JYyQtjxg7zalULcPYz1jnYTR8l6dgRrNs-ogMT5cOPLfbfXuWnOoEbAGO9Ubw-1zWna_2ZBD7uBI3gN2-EJVK-BiVbkL_u9uceIWoM3O1XdJT5DZ2eEzD9yvI2r9eIscg/s640/blogger-image-558778475.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <b><i> "He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." - Epictetus </i></b></div><div><br></div>To begin bringing gratitude into your life, you can deliberately meditate on all the things in your own life that help you or make you smile. You can also write a gratitude journal, posting pictures and writing about the things you feel grateful for each day. Gratitude can lead to feelings of love, appreciation, generosity, and compassion, which further open our hearts and help rewire our brains to fire in more positive ways.<p dir="ltr">When we learn to give thanks, we are learning to concentrate not on the bad things, but on the good things in our lives." Says Amy Vanderbilt. Thinking about the good things helps us to be grateful. Remaining grateful helps us to have a positive attitude prompts us to thank about the good rather than the bad. It's a positive cycle that helps fuel itself. If you operate out gratitude you will have no time to be angry. Gratitude is the cure.<br></p><p dir="ltr">Experiencing and expressing gratitude is an important part of any spiritual practice. It opens the heart and activates a new way of thinking.</p><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i> "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concerate on what you don't have, you will never have enough." - Oprah </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">List five things you are grateful for today.Show your gratitude. Who can you thank today, and how will you show your appreciation?When you feel least thankful, you are most in need of what gratitude can give you: perspective. If you're having a bad day, what is the smallest thing you can be grateful for? If you can think of nothing else, think of your breath.</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtviVNxqqXZxBjZ-cvCw36gcPEyU1fSNE7gySbPA089yC0V2Ql_GHtp7ZepaHGagmQV99NYshyphenhyphen7FJPhOc_N0AwFHOF2rcIk-29ofTtFV44QPn05g_oSfLijpE23YukVmoNniGfN_A__yQ/s640/blogger-image-640204026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtviVNxqqXZxBjZ-cvCw36gcPEyU1fSNE7gySbPA089yC0V2Ql_GHtp7ZepaHGagmQV99NYshyphenhyphen7FJPhOc_N0AwFHOF2rcIk-29ofTtFV44QPn05g_oSfLijpE23YukVmoNniGfN_A__yQ/s640/blogger-image-640204026.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> #gratitude #getinspired</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-1909194742495467462014-02-06T16:55:00.001-08:002014-02-06T17:50:24.237-08:00Growing Beyond Guilt and Shame<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>"We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness and affection. Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between two people when it exists within each one of them – we can only love others as much as we love ourselves. Shame, blame, disrespect, betrayal, and the withholding of affection damage the roots from which love grows. Love can only survive these injuries if they are acknowledged, healed and rare.” <br></i></b></div><b><i>
- Brené Brown</i></b><div><br></div><div><br><p></p>
<p dir="ltr">This past weekend I was having a conversation with some guys I had just met and the recurring theme was guilt and shame. And as one of the gentleman was speaking I could see how the guilt and shame was holding him hostage and preventing him from moving forward in life. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As the young man continued to share his story. I became to understand that he was comfortable with the story that he was telling himself and was not ready to face his reality. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_144sVhgwZrzxatvFO2xV0BsEU6MefKiZhKAjyGdMI01CUuuzntNSDON_zK8wDIeKq5GIslwUsntG5rDMwfdBV-8TewckQwAYoftrqffVOTxYSjGPL8lFls9EbpVn7NOMjcKxvAMeYs/s640/blogger-image--1651056505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_144sVhgwZrzxatvFO2xV0BsEU6MefKiZhKAjyGdMI01CUuuzntNSDON_zK8wDIeKq5GIslwUsntG5rDMwfdBV-8TewckQwAYoftrqffVOTxYSjGPL8lFls9EbpVn7NOMjcKxvAMeYs/s640/blogger-image--1651056505.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p dir="ltr"><i>THE 3 REASONS WHY PEOPLE FEEL GUILTY</i></p><p dir="ltr"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">1. You knew better</i></p><p dir="ltr"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">2. You caused hurt, harm, or danger</i></p><p dir="ltr"><i>3. You disappointed someone</i></p><p dir="ltr"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl6MEwEU4kzUtVwkbmatcTg1cqXG1eluQEGfaZJsQQbDf8jasgKPqJTyIxF-kIIYiSpbsDiweCD7LJqfj4B34aJZrX8-wIb5uPkJJqydEnM9BhkUskYvPBP3rS1N7dnjx5nR_pE8xGt8/s640/blogger-image--49063622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl6MEwEU4kzUtVwkbmatcTg1cqXG1eluQEGfaZJsQQbDf8jasgKPqJTyIxF-kIIYiSpbsDiweCD7LJqfj4B34aJZrX8-wIb5uPkJJqydEnM9BhkUskYvPBP3rS1N7dnjx5nR_pE8xGt8/s640/blogger-image--49063622.jpg"></a></i></div><i><br></i><p></p><p dir="ltr"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">What is guilt?</b></p><p dir="ltr"><i>Guilt says there is something wrong with what I have done or with what I am doing. </i></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr"><b>What is shame?</b><br></p><p dir="ltr"><i>Shame says something is wrong with who I am. </i></p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYsBYxkg9xCboyKW_5CZMoezLCbUGfHkLnYY1v2SIBQhhzE6Y8sl9VhbKbMcv6RGzkLG5cpMjBFfSIK2vEl_NPmDG_Xgk6AQ4lUGBQ4IyiiG9Qm6_dWXHUm9guJ2annBJ6BTkkQB1gpE/s640/blogger-image-243548196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYsBYxkg9xCboyKW_5CZMoezLCbUGfHkLnYY1v2SIBQhhzE6Y8sl9VhbKbMcv6RGzkLG5cpMjBFfSIK2vEl_NPmDG_Xgk6AQ4lUGBQ4IyiiG9Qm6_dWXHUm9guJ2annBJ6BTkkQB1gpE/s640/blogger-image-243548196.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Here are some useful tips on how to grow beyond the guilt and shame. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPJei3-C013I-nDm-oxSUgIE6SAKD_VJHsrBZfj6WupmAuZl9h4XzVa73J8nTYQkXLmPBDvDJGWN8Qrr7pJZM5t9P0xUOnvR0fANuzQi3eKP36semWY3Lg3QWNgrKeZgZdgw9UaQMSHQ/s640/blogger-image--1816737858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPJei3-C013I-nDm-oxSUgIE6SAKD_VJHsrBZfj6WupmAuZl9h4XzVa73J8nTYQkXLmPBDvDJGWN8Qrr7pJZM5t9P0xUOnvR0fANuzQi3eKP36semWY3Lg3QWNgrKeZgZdgw9UaQMSHQ/s640/blogger-image--1816737858.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><b>1. Own Your Story</b> </div><div>can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running. telling the truth pepople say the truth will set you free but first piss you off but I don't think that's true. I think first telling the truth will terrify you. We could be so scared of what we've been through or what's been done to us.You can't change it if you don't get real with yourself about what happened so go for it own your story.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98-MtzxPZjxhczfwYAuXTcxCFyGQFyaylv3l9QhbJ0RMHibmUkbfvaC2Ri6cW7U4lZqe29RhriGzVus3t14VEBCZvVrNLxOKpICp7HWEfgPXDiY08E1pDf-JAtUoMYZwGs77b6RarMYo/s640/blogger-image-1476863738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98-MtzxPZjxhczfwYAuXTcxCFyGQFyaylv3l9QhbJ0RMHibmUkbfvaC2Ri6cW7U4lZqe29RhriGzVus3t14VEBCZvVrNLxOKpICp7HWEfgPXDiY08E1pDf-JAtUoMYZwGs77b6RarMYo/s640/blogger-image-1476863738.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b> 2. Find A Peer Group</b></div><div>one powerful way to help heal is the surround yourself with a group of people have been through the same thing as you.it can be so powerful to know that you are not alone. This might be going to a 12-step group or finding a support group. Dont isolate. isolation can be very dangerous and won't help you heal. Get around people who can relate through empathy and love. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWKAqfPSP4HSkkC6tuR8mEat-Lythkk9V7f2xM2oVbquFe592Ql-JO2DVIWIuFLJdsAmFxjr6CQWH70Xi3FzJQxQSDgVebE19WnqUkdsG53US1b-C9I587GdTmGYSZ1iB9uvp_F-UeTk/s640/blogger-image--126854918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWKAqfPSP4HSkkC6tuR8mEat-Lythkk9V7f2xM2oVbquFe592Ql-JO2DVIWIuFLJdsAmFxjr6CQWH70Xi3FzJQxQSDgVebE19WnqUkdsG53US1b-C9I587GdTmGYSZ1iB9uvp_F-UeTk/s640/blogger-image--126854918.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>3. Share Your Story</b></div><div> I know this might sound crazy, scary, a little nuts but trust me sharing your story is so powerful. By sharing your story you take back your power. People won't judge you for what you've been through in fact you're more ikely to help ssomeone else overcome just simply by sharing your story. Its our faults our wounds, and our truth that connects us.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuweYG0Wwmhxw7C0pJVUz0s6VsUEEvxUJyXGpbQhhtcCn3FI4eYi24am3BL6cmlFDz0K65SVediV320aNNoVtcK4EJY0rTINNrjaR6vgyT0FH4DMDPQNBZBNcetPCi4x5zm9Cg4J_Wws/s640/blogger-image-626015669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuweYG0Wwmhxw7C0pJVUz0s6VsUEEvxUJyXGpbQhhtcCn3FI4eYi24am3BL6cmlFDz0K65SVediV320aNNoVtcK4EJY0rTINNrjaR6vgyT0FH4DMDPQNBZBNcetPCi4x5zm9Cg4J_Wws/s640/blogger-image-626015669.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>4. Help Someone Else - Be of Service</b></div><div> Helping someone else is one of the fastest ways to grow out of the shame and guilt. I can tell you that in my own life I've had the privilege of coaching/counseling people. in each one of them has inspired me by their truth and how they show up. Get outside of yourself and help someone else. This is a game changer.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilU2gJGwRLCDh9IG9IW1iaSYpel1xrfDfI3_DnnIguaNCPiPSFERAXIeBtrraZbc72RgKALWCKq0tPPaC3jmg8UffANX1fkMtA0qYV6nNwSGEcbf7DgZiH0nFMQGLey__CDg6F3XbmGOM/s640/blogger-image-334138278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilU2gJGwRLCDh9IG9IW1iaSYpel1xrfDfI3_DnnIguaNCPiPSFERAXIeBtrraZbc72RgKALWCKq0tPPaC3jmg8UffANX1fkMtA0qYV6nNwSGEcbf7DgZiH0nFMQGLey__CDg6F3XbmGOM/s640/blogger-image-334138278.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ANSWER TRUTH FULLY</span></div><div><p dir="ltr">1. Why do you feel like you have done or are doing something wrong? Do you feel that there's truth to why you should feel guilty or asashamed? you been telling yourself the same "guilty" story for a long time?<br></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. Is there a theme to the guilt/shame that you feel? (For example, maybe you feel like you're not a good daughter, mother, wife, friend.)</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. What would it take for you to stop feeling guilty Or asashamed? Are you looking for acceptance, for people to love you? What do you need to let go of (or say to someone or yourself) to move forward?</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. Do you feel guilty in most situations—as if you should always be somewhere else, doing more? Right now, choose to be in the present moment. How does it feel? And if you don't like that choice, why?</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. Is your guilt related to a bad decision you made? What did you do? How can you find a way to forgive yourself for what you did or failed to do?</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6.Do you feel guilty about not sticking to a diet? Or avoiding the gym? How can shifting your outlook change the way you feel (say, choosing not to deprive yourself but instead eating healthfully)? Would that get rid of the guilt?</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">7.Are you always taking care of others because you feel guilty putting yourself first? In other words, are you a people pleaser? When was the last time you said yes but you really wanted to say no?</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">8.Next time you're in a similar situation, say no. How does it feel?</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">9.Take a step back from your feelings for a moment: Do you make others feel guilty? Whom will you stop treating in this way?</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvEM-QfH7hQ4sx2r2-3ylIkuksLGNL6rQr29g2J-zpjj9tq_XkxXOmpuIMnHZxlTxWDd5I0PlWPZuMFux2LmidIVZwyHW6P7IdDoQcU6xCngWY5Wgv0JKAf1xlRWbitLuW0EzCCBtryc/s640/blogger-image--549908568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvEM-QfH7hQ4sx2r2-3ylIkuksLGNL6rQr29g2J-zpjj9tq_XkxXOmpuIMnHZxlTxWDd5I0PlWPZuMFux2LmidIVZwyHW6P7IdDoQcU6xCngWY5Wgv0JKAf1xlRWbitLuW0EzCCBtryc/s640/blogger-image--549908568.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br><p></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><i>Guilt and shame are wasted emtitions and it is ungodly to. Take responsibility and start making conscious choices. Start by telling the TRUTH because you cannot heal a lie. Give yourself permission to be OKAY. Replace</i></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><i> the guilt & shame with TRUTH and aaccepting responsibility by forgiving yourself and making amends.</i></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><i> </i></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQozOb6LR6kS8tpZlUlwMXah5Lmm8kGskDKym96gMmV4mMZUwoiZS9X7vuv_i9t8uOzQ4DAqji7PVfq3-lvjapFAURaPVdonBO9Tno1BVoHm01MaeYbU3Yz_xQLUpac1cZgA3ToZBmUFY/s640/blogger-image-271821352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQozOb6LR6kS8tpZlUlwMXah5Lmm8kGskDKym96gMmV4mMZUwoiZS9X7vuv_i9t8uOzQ4DAqji7PVfq3-lvjapFAURaPVdonBO9Tno1BVoHm01MaeYbU3Yz_xQLUpac1cZgA3ToZBmUFY/s640/blogger-image-271821352.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y60GpwwFXGtQNHzOkcf7j0_vTPt8WRYa779Qq7AzGVtaRHTTooV49Nx_SkqnXWQUADQ0cV0DDLF0NuRbUgaD539gX6BSVsz_vPm9qUj7-VbAT2xlGAhrDLxDOEUufmsAndS28dqxYjY/s640/blogger-image--89191481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y60GpwwFXGtQNHzOkcf7j0_vTPt8WRYa779Qq7AzGVtaRHTTooV49Nx_SkqnXWQUADQ0cV0DDLF0NuRbUgaD539gX6BSVsz_vPm9qUj7-VbAT2xlGAhrDLxDOEUufmsAndS28dqxYjY/s640/blogger-image--89191481.jpg"></a></div> #Getinspired</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><p></p>
</div></div>Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-28757384637271669832014-01-23T12:57:00.001-08:002014-01-24T14:55:32.687-08:00Being of service<p dir="ltr"><b><i>"Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr</i></b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Believe it or not, being available for others is something that does not come natural to me. I have to work at it! What is ironic is that I use to think that I was of service to others. The reality was that I would make myself available if I wanted to, it was convenient or if it was going to be recognized for my service. If it didn’t meet one of the criteria; I had excuses abound as to why I wasn’t available.</p><p dir="ltr">So I sometimes wonder if I’m in this coaching/writing thing for the wrong reasons. Do I do this just to fuel my ego and because I want to feel good about myself?</p>
<p dir="ltr">So what does being of service to others mean to me? There is volunteer work; but what I’m mostly referring to is being physically and emotionally there for those that I know and people I don't know. It means taking time to listen to a friend who may be going through a tough time and missing a favorite TV show to do so. I don’t even necessarily need to offer up advice; just listening and being there for them can be enough. Being of service is an integral part of the journey toward finding fulfillment and staying spiritually connected. Being of service requires alignment with your values. </p><p dir="ltr">Being of service to something — a person, a group, a community, a cause or a belief — means that you’ve chosen to engage without expectation of reciprocation</p>
<p dir="ltr">My greatest fear is not living up to my fullest potential and fully utilizing the gifts God chose to instill in me. I am gifted in certain areas, so as not to make me rich with material things, but to bless those who need my talents the most. There are lives in this world I am suppose to change just by my serving them. It’s so easy to get caught up in our own lives. Our families, friends and our work are naturally our priority and sometimes we feel we have nothing left to give. We stress over things that others pray was their only challenge. If we aren’t careful, we can take for granted the blessings all around us. We should all be grateful for the gifts and get busy serving. </p><p dir="ltr">But also taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It is a requirement needed in order to serve. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">You have to have some level of self-focus and self-care in order to be able to have enough to give away. If your choice to be of service is costing you more than you can afford (financial, emotional, physical, spiritual) you need to make a new choice. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47H5w2-OGAVPmeG8PglEQkAHqI7r8IBfRDlP6n_qTfu6X0wZOut-6ALLEYzKQdLHVZGu6FPXjAu2ccbipJszGk2dDw4fxlFWqilTT5cDtFXv6ni_HLJngp8Pfbo8yeqZpRg3a-fnAm5s/s640/blogger-image--247142874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47H5w2-OGAVPmeG8PglEQkAHqI7r8IBfRDlP6n_qTfu6X0wZOut-6ALLEYzKQdLHVZGu6FPXjAu2ccbipJszGk2dDw4fxlFWqilTT5cDtFXv6ni_HLJngp8Pfbo8yeqZpRg3a-fnAm5s/s640/blogger-image--247142874.jpg"></a></div><p></p>
<p dir="ltr">We want you around to live your purpose and give your gift for a long time. If you are so worn out that you end up resenting those you are helping, what good is that to you or them?</p>
<p dir="ltr">An openness to learning about being of service begins a most illuminating journey to self discovery and to keep you spiritually connected. </p>
<p dir="ltr"> 1) What does it mean to be of service to yourself? </p>
<p dir="ltr">2) What does it mean to be of service to others? </p>
<p dir="ltr">3) What does it mean to be of service to others and not lose yourself in the process?<br><br></p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx5UcSk2SMJ1NCSOEKbOQpvg6IfSdUMwLdye3TE9Yf8-zH2qh04hP3F2Y-s_Coh-A8pGhbv7SonNkniCy1vF08KdYvB6OsTEIA0R0H89U4IUeMU5iEQClQbNHKESVILz0SMcP9wSc_Vc/s640/blogger-image-2061844637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx5UcSk2SMJ1NCSOEKbOQpvg6IfSdUMwLdye3TE9Yf8-zH2qh04hP3F2Y-s_Coh-A8pGhbv7SonNkniCy1vF08KdYvB6OsTEIA0R0H89U4IUeMU5iEQClQbNHKESVILz0SMcP9wSc_Vc/s640/blogger-image-2061844637.jpg"></a></div> <p></p>
<div> #Getinspired</div>Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-12495247230574480952014-01-15T23:38:00.001-08:002014-01-16T10:27:34.888-08:00Acceptance is key!<p dir="ltr">Throughout our lives, many of us will face circumstances that seem unfair, painful and traumatic. And, in the moment, that is true. </p>
<p dir="ltr">WE MUST LEARN TO LOVE TRUTH!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Otherwise we leave the door of deception open for the enemy to take what is meant to be yours. Some people have a difficult time facing the truth and reality. They prefer to live in a make believe world, pretending that certain things aren't happening. But we cannot deny the existence of problems or act as they are not real. Life is real, people are real, and pain is real. </p>
<p dir="ltr">And from what I have learned from church, Oprah's lifeclass, the word of God, therapy, and from just being a counselor is that we must allow ourselves to feel the pain. Then deal and then we can begin to heal. In order to feel we must accept and be honest with ourselves. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Acceptance is something that you do. It is an active process that involves a willingness to experience thoughts, feelings, and emotions without denial or evasion. </p>
<p dir="ltr">A lack of self acceptance involves a willingness to experience these thoughts,feelings,and emotions thereby leading to a rejection of the self. Self acceptance therefore means to honestly accept the facts of your reality, rather than trying to deny, disown, or repress the things you don't like yourself or your life. </p>
<p dir="ltr">A person who lacks who lacks self acceptance would automatically try to you repress, deny those feelings disassociating themselves from the reality of how they feel. And the consequence this would most likely Manafest itself in the form of anger tension frustration self doubts substance abuse depression and other problem. Self acceptance don't mean necessarily liking are enjoying but rather it means accepting the true reality of the situation. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Be real with yourself!</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you can acknowledge and accept what you are feeling, you can then take the necessary and appropriate action to move forward. And once you begin to deal and problem solve you can start the healing process. The Healing process may not be instant for some. It takes time for a wound to heal. Ways to heal may be to let go and move on. Use memories don't let memories use you. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The first step to moving forward is to accept where and who you are now. And to remember we are more than our circumstances. </p>
<p dir="ltr">But as we grow and evolve, we get to see that once we accept what happened, we now have the power of choice to be able to redefine the meaning of the event. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Was it GRACE or was it a disaster? Was is the worst thing that happened to you or was it an amazing lesson? </p>
<p dir="ltr">Was it a tragedy or an opportunity for you to be able to see how Loving You can be? </p>
<p dir="ltr">Was it a dark chapter in your life or was it that the events had to happen in order for you to discover your Light? </p>
<p dir="ltr">We can accept and eventually rise above our circumstances because we realize at our essence we are a Soul that is unlimited and that we have the power to CHOOSE how we are going to respond, interpret and live our lives. </p>
<p dir="ltr">What meanings are you giving the events of your life and what are you choosing to create? And what would you like to change? </p>
<p dir="ltr">Are you living in truth or in fantasy? </p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9ePx3vqvJbjeCTHNLO41t8sdQniZujrYhVQzz_E6-g2uFmPDnNEhLKotjX4mw8RzMs84X7nL1Hgk3fR2yH9D0JnPDkgRj_cLXW7MDyOwczVh8OVGIbgOHdUau1FFrV2ICkL5DkHutUo/s640/blogger-image--1533464180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9ePx3vqvJbjeCTHNLO41t8sdQniZujrYhVQzz_E6-g2uFmPDnNEhLKotjX4mw8RzMs84X7nL1Hgk3fR2yH9D0JnPDkgRj_cLXW7MDyOwczVh8OVGIbgOHdUau1FFrV2ICkL5DkHutUo/s640/blogger-image--1533464180.jpg"></a></div>#getinspired<p></p>
Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-3284401219038306142014-01-02T15:33:00.001-08:002014-01-02T15:36:50.212-08:00Dream Big!,<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bet7zCBYPnOPE-MB_4i-qwtBP8H_LHbRL2EqfwWHDTLvYUy7-BiubWDDEUgXrbE0EGTWT1IdtukFUhneK3Yx03MD_vioRm-e1ZXqF6HR99HNIQQx7SjlaX_PzZPvlR_M-RvvZ7y1HI0/s640/blogger-image-496267446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bet7zCBYPnOPE-MB_4i-qwtBP8H_LHbRL2EqfwWHDTLvYUy7-BiubWDDEUgXrbE0EGTWT1IdtukFUhneK3Yx03MD_vioRm-e1ZXqF6HR99HNIQQx7SjlaX_PzZPvlR_M-RvvZ7y1HI0/s640/blogger-image-496267446.jpg"></a></div>Happy New Year!! I'm back!!<p></p>
<p dir="ltr">"When you create a vision for your life, doors will open. If it's not hard, you're not dreaming big enough. " - Oprah<br>
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Believe Big, Pray Bold. Dreams are never too big, God can dream bigger for you. Be able to live in the space of that dream for you. </p>
<p dir="ltr">If you need to know how things will play out in the end before you start, you will never start. And if you do, it will not be full of power and creativity.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Time and time again I’ve seen friends, clients and even myself – try to weigh options, figuring out what is the best path – instead of trusting themselves trusting God, taking action and course correcting as they come.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But when it comes to making your dreams come true, DELIBERATE and CONSISTENT ACTION is the cure-all. And most of important of all is FAITH. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Massive action is what it takes to make our dreams come true. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Our goal is to learn and get better through the action that we take. When we sit back, analyze and try to create the best plan first, we waste precious time that we could be learning on the field.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have mentors. I learn from others. I look ahead and plan. But most of the wisdom in my life has come from failure.<br>
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One of the most important questions you can ask yourself on the path to your dreams is this: “Am I willing to risk being nothing in order to become something?”</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you can be cool with being nothing, then and only then can you have the freedom to take the risks that are necessary to make your dreams come true.</p>
<p dir="ltr">There are no certain outcomes. You can’t get it wrong. The only thing that prevents your dreams from coming true is when you stop and try to anal-lyze everything to death, while taking no action and living out everything in your head.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This is a dream killer.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Everybody has their own lane to their dream....don't do anyone else's dreams-do your OWN! </p>
<p dir="ltr">Don't think about how far you have to go, think about how far you have come. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Again Happy New Year!</p><p dir="ltr"> #Getinspired #Gratitude</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifc7y5eSxhyphenhyphen_e9g3sVIyRzRFW8UqA_H371P9_cZpn8n1o86fcXiE2s4Y9LMw1WPHafy0iuKoDqyexlYwkDV3fUdwimBMemkJLuQn4w_Uwi0_5cTES5o4kVZ2s2CTPxLuMZ16QZ4_orivk/s640/blogger-image--793419732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifc7y5eSxhyphenhyphen_e9g3sVIyRzRFW8UqA_H371P9_cZpn8n1o86fcXiE2s4Y9LMw1WPHafy0iuKoDqyexlYwkDV3fUdwimBMemkJLuQn4w_Uwi0_5cTES5o4kVZ2s2CTPxLuMZ16QZ4_orivk/s640/blogger-image--793419732.jpg"></a></div><p></p>
Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4481619851977814786.post-2887487008320494252013-10-07T00:13:00.000-07:002013-10-07T00:13:56.280-07:00The Importance of Having Patience <div style="text-align: center;">
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One of the hardest skills to learn and master is patience. People have a tendency
to want things when they want them, me included. I used to think that having patience meant just simply waiting. I've come to learn that having patience is just simply not waiting but how you act while waiting. Which means our thoughts and actions have to be in alignment with each other.</div>
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We can literally create from the inside out any type of experience we
wish to choose. It is when our desires, our thoughts and our actions are
in alignment that this kind of life begins to emerge.The seed of a desire for something greater lives within all of us, but
our lack of action(PATIENCE) prevents that kind of life from unfolding.</div>
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Imagine if a farmer had seeds and land to plant his seeds, but
doubted that the seeds would grow if he planted them. So if this doubt
were strong enough, the seeds would never get planted. Or, they get
planted, but then the farmer can be too impatient and dig up the seeds
the next day or the next week because the crop hasn’t come yet.</div>
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The farmer still has no harvest. Then a second farmer comes by at
harvest time with a full crop of harvest, and the first farmer gets
jealous and angry at the second farmer for having abundance. The first
farmer may blame The universe or say, “People like me aren’t supposed
to have this harvest”, but in reality, it is the farmers own doubt and
impatience that prevents him from reaping his harvest.</div>
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In James 5:7 we read - "Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's
coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop
and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains." In Galatians
6:9 we read - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper
time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.</div>
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In a world that offers quick solutions and instant results, the timeless
virtue of patience is all but forgotten but, patience is truly a godly
attribute. Margaret Thatcher once said, “I am extraordinarily patient
provided I get my own way in the end.” When everything is going your
way, patience is easy to demonstrate. The true test of patience comes
when our rights are violated—when another car cuts us off in traffic;
when we are treated unfairly; when our finds or family say something negatieve about us, when we can not have what we want right now!. Some people
think they have a right to get upset in the face of these delays,
irritations and trials. Impatience seems like "righteous" anger but it
is from the devil himself. The Bible, praises patience as a fruit of the
Spirit (Galatians 5:22) which should be produced for all followers of
Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Patience reveals our faith in GODS
timing, omnipotence, and love.</div>
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It’s about planting seed,
after seed, after seed. Knowing that some will not make it and others
will. And not giving up – but rather patiently allowing the seed to come
to fruition.</div>
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If weeds of doubt creep in, we must clear them out. And in perfect time we will be able to harvest the fruit of our faith. Get your desires, thoughts and actions in alignment and then let your
patience and faith shower down on the fertile soil of your actions.</div>
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#GetInspired </div>
Bryon Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05444907119783096395noreply@blogger.com0