No One Is Perfect

Every time you point a finger at someone, there will always be three pointing back at you.

~ Author unknown

How often do we find ourselves pointing fingers or scoffing at someone's mishaps or failures? We might even do it without realizing it.

We all have days when nothing seems to go right. There are times when we feel like our best effort just isn't good enough. On these days, a kind gesture goes a long way. A smile, a helping hand, or a kind word of encouragement works better in lifting our spirits than does criticism or ridicule. No one wants to be kicked when they're down.

When we find ourselves on the criticizing end, remember that no one is perfect ~ NO ONE. Even those who always look happy on the outside and seem to have life figured out have challenges and trials. No one is exempt. If we could keep this in mind, there would be a lot less contention and judging among family, friends, and neighbors. It would keep us on more of an equal ground, open up doors of communication, and bring us closer to those around us.

The next time we find ourselves criticizing someone, remember that we all have moments when we'd like to bury our head in the sand. Instead of judging, stop and ask, "How would I feel if it was me?" We might find ourselves responding with more compassion and less criticism.

Finger Pointing

Finding the Courage to Try

Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, "I'll try again tomorrow."

~ Mary Anne Radmacher

* Quote Correction: As it's hard to verify exactly where quotes originate, when I first found this quote online, it was attributed to Thomas S. Monson (he used it in a General Conference talk). My apologies to Mary for any mis-representation.

Running a marathon. Writing a book. Taking the Bar exam. Starting a business. Traveling the world. We all have something on our bucket list, something we want to accomplish, or something we are working towards. And often times, we don't succeed the first time. It takes courage to continue trying when we fail at something. It takes courage to try again when others tell us we can't. It takes courage to make our dreams come true.

There are always going to be oppositions in life. That won't change. How we deal with those oppositions will determine the outcome of our goals. If we give in to the challenges that will undoubtedly come our way, our goals and dreams get put on hold. Sometimes our self-esteem suffers. We might start doubting our abilities and our focus changes, unless we find the courage within us to try again.

Take on oppositions as a challenge. Take them on with courage and you will feel a new zest for achieving your goals. Don't listen to anyone who tells you it can't be done or that you will fail. The truth is, you might fail. But if you do, brush yourself off and try again. And again. And again..

Remember that anything is possible, especially in this day and age. Opportunity is at everyone's fingertips. The ingredient that is often missing is courage. It's scary to put yourself out there, to make things happen. But finding the courage to try and accomplish what you've set out to do can be empowering. And your success might rub off on someone else. Start with a small thought of ~ "I Can Do This!"~ and watch what happens.

Don't let anything get in your way. Don't let anyone get you down. And don't stop trying.

Courage To Try

Resolve To Get Organized

Most of us make New Year's resolutions that end up being broken, forgotten, and therefore, unresolved by the end of January.  

This is the time to change that. Start with a simple step ~ get a calendar! Buy one, print one, draw one, download one. Just get one. Once you have a calendar, take just 10 minutes to sit down (perhaps with a phone nearby to call for help) and write down birthdays, appointments, trips, science-fair projects, basketball games, dance recitals ~ whatever it is that you know you have coming up this year. A few minutes of organization now will save time later.

Place your calendar somewhere you will see it everyday. If your calendar is on paper, highlight the birthdays in one color, appointments in another color, and games in another. If you are using a digital form, attach a chime or reminder tone to these important dates. Give yourself some kind of reminder to send a birthday card, make a phone call, or get in your car so you don't miss what's on your schedule.

By taking a few minutes to do this now, you will start the year off feeling (and looking) more organized and focused on what's important in your life. Being organized on paper, or digitally, will help you achieve any other resolutions you make right now or in the future.

Organization