Example and encouragement go a long way. 

You don’t need to scold, discipline, or correct if your example and encouragement are strong enough. 

People don’t resist change. 

They resist the unknown. 

They resist wasted effort. 

They resist fear.  

They resist risk. 

 

The only way to know what is coming next is to understand those around you. It comes down to understanding what they want and need, no matter what actually gets said. It is understanding the truth behind the facade. Focusing on their goals and commitment to those goals will help you predict their actions. 

The less you “focus” on, the better you perform. True focus is dedicated concentration combined with deliberate effort. Do less, to BE more. 

The best reaction to a misguided label, characterization, or insult is to not take offense, but rather to thank them for sharing their personal perspective. When someone shares with you who they really are, believe them. Now you know how to approach and treat them because they showed you how they really feel. 

Do not let others tell you what is in your heart. They cannot tell you what your actions mean about your intentions or your character. They can tell you how your actions affected them, how they chose to feel about your actions, and what it means to them. But, never let anyone tell you who you are. 

The more you help others feel their own value, the less the need they will feel to be wanted. 

Compassion is easy when connected. 

Compassion is hard when you feel they are others, when they are outside of you. 

That is when compassion is most needed. 

Reality is what feels or seems real. 

Reality is based on perception. 

Truth is not based on perception. 

Truth is real, but might not be reality. 

 

 

Pain is real. Hiding pain makes it worse. Dealing with it makes it more bearable. Sometimes it means sharing, other times it means avoiding, and other times it means embracing.