Feelings

Each person is responsible for their own pain. You may not have caused the pain, but you certainly can choose how you feel and what you do about it. When others are in pain, feel with them, not for them. Everyone has to go through their own pain, in their own time and fashion. Be a caregiver, not a cure-giver. If people are not allowed to feel their pain, they will not get over what has happened. See, hear, and hold others through their pain, not feel it for them. Do not say, "You shouldn't feel that way," or "Why don't you just_____." If someone hears this enough they will start to doubt themselves and not trust that they can handle things themselves. All feelings are ok and valid, it's what we do about them that makes the difference.

Reaching out to others does not mean allowing their mood to ruin your day. Nothing external can have any power over you unless you permit it. Your time is too precious to be sacrificed in wasted days combating hate, jealousy and envy. Guard your life carefully.

You can't build a pyramid in twenty-four hours. Be patient. Never allow your day to become so cluttered that you forget to be the best you can. Take time to connect with others. Rest satisfied (no matter what anyone else says) with what you have accomplished in this one day. It is your hopes and dreams that make a day a success.

"I have come in order that you might have life - life in all its fullness." John 10:10