Month: April 2019

Facing Reality

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Sometimes people try to escape their reality by changing jobs, moving to a new city, or even changing partners. These measures may be necessary at times, but escapism is only a temporary solution.

If you are not willing to face the source of your problems, running away only makes solving them more difficult. Moreover, you will find yourself experiencing similar challenges down the road.

We also fall into the trap of blaming others when we’re part of the problem. Our problems don’t go away with a change of scenery. Often, it requires a change of heart and an adjustment of our ego.

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Never Say Never

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There is a saying that everyone has a price. Even the most upstanding citizens have fallen prey to making foolish decisions when money is involved.

We hear about bribes given to judges, police officers, and witnesses for the sake of overlooking the truth, but bribes only hurt the victims more.

Our obsession with money is often responsible for the mistreatment of others. It may not appear so on the surface, but it happens in subtle ways. For example, you decide to dine out for the evening without making a reservation, and upon arriving at the restaurant, the host/hostess tells you it will be a 30-minute wait and adds you to the waiting list.

After waiting a while, another patron enters the restaurant. They also don’t have a reservation, have inquired about the wait time, and have the same number of people in their party. Next thing you know, they are being seated before you.

More than likely, money exchanged hands. The host/hostess accepted the money to his/her benefit, the patron used it to his/her advantage, and the restaurant stands to lose a displeased customer (and get a bad review) for the actions of its staff member.

These types of transactions happen frequently. We don’t think we are doing any significant harm, but in reality, someone is experiencing the impact.

When You Look For Trouble, It Will Rear Its Head

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Sometimes curiosity can cause us to stumble. There are times when we dig for answers to only discover our suspicions were unfounded. The lack of trust revealed by taking such measures creates a divide that isn’t easily repairable.

No one likes to be accused of wrongdoing when they’re making every effort to do what’s right. Our past experiences or guilty conscience can cause us to be overly suspicious of others – questioning every move and second-guessing motives. While we should be cautious and wise in our dealings, we should not assume that every action is ill-intended.

On the other hand, you may have one thing in mind that you are searching for and happen upon other things not meant for you to see. Ultimately, you have to deal with the consequences of your actions.

Self-Control

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Self-control may be limiting, but it is often necessary. We may flirt with temptation, rationalizing that we are technically refraining from the act itself. But, when you become so preoccupied with something that affects your perspective of anything else, you have moved from restraint to recklessness. It’s wise to identify your weak spots to avoid these temptations versus falling victim to them.

Message in the Music

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Music

Music evokes emotion and conveys messages in various ways. Many people have a song they can relate to that inspires them, makes them sad, brings back memories, relaxes them, and sometimes annoys them.

You can listen to the same song at different times and have a different experience depending on what you are going through at that moment.

Whatever your pleasure, there’s music to fit the occasion. Think about:

  • The way teachers use music to teach their students.
  • How companies brand their product or service with jingles or popular songs.
  • How lyrical references in songs can inspire change, influence what we buy, and how we treat each other.
  • How incorporating the element of music into a film helps the audience emotionally connect.
  • How rhythmic chanting invites cultural healing.
  • How music elevates your mood when working out.
  • How music uplifts you spiritually.
  • The therapeutic benefit of music for those with physical disabilities and the list goes on.

Now imagine a world without music.

What Would You Do

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After leaving the gym this morning, I stopped by a nearby Kroger to pick up a few items. I arrived at the store around 7 am. During this timeframe, the only lanes open are self-checkout.

I was the first one in the self-checkout lane and opted to use the register in the very back. After I started scanning my items, two men with separate transactions proceeded to the self-checkout kiosks near the front – which were across the aisle from each other.

During the time this was taking place, the attendant on duty was having a lively discussion with someone within several feet from where I stood.
After I finished scanning my items, I selected the option for entering a coupon that triggered an alert for the attendant to assist me.

Shortly after my register triggered an alert, the other two check-out kiosks triggered an alert. We all turned in the direction of the attendant to get his attention. When he turned around, he had a surprised look on his face and exclaimed, Oh! Everyone needs help!

At that precise moment, I could tell he was processing who to help first. As a recap, my register signaled the alert first. The attendant would also have to walk past me to assist the other two gentlemen.

He decided to help the gentleman then backtrack to help me.

Could this have been a result of him being an older white gentleman and the other two gentlemen were also white?

Could this have been because they were men and I was a woman?

Could this be because they were at the front and I was at the rear?

Could it be that he felt he would get pushback from the gentlemen if he helped me first?

Could this be because I was in gym attire and they weren’t – which gave an impression that I didn’t have any place to be?

I patiently waited for him to assist the other two gentlemen, paid for my transaction, and kept it moving.

What would you have done if you were the attendant?

Having Prejudices Limits You

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Prejudice

Prejudice grows out of personal pride when one considers himself to be better than the other and refuses to look beyond ill-conceived stereotypes.

We are all on different paths and have different levels of understanding, but that does not make any one of us less human.

It is destructive to hate, so don’t let your prejudices get in the way of those you are to set an example for, nor those that are in positions of leadership.

The Importance of Organization

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Organization in the workplace helps keep systems operating smoothly. It also helps people work together in harmony to achieve their goals.

Disorganization, on the other hand, kills productivity and fuels missed opportunities – which results in money down the drain.

Disorganization starts from the top. If the leader is disorganized, the staff will be disorganized because talented people will not stay around a disorganized leader.

In the highly competitive business world, a disorganized company, shortage of talented staff, and upset consumers lends itself to a non-profitable company.

Get to Know You

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Working on self is an ongoing process, and your needs will change throughout your lifetime. One of the easiest ways to get to know you is by spending time alone. This period of reflection will help reveal your behaviors, your outlook on life, what makes you happy, and what needs improvement.

It’s challenging to discover who you are searching outside of yourself. When you search for yourself through the eyes of others, it increases the odds of losing your perspective and adopting theirs.

If you are unclear of what you stand for, how can you expect others to know?