Day 22: Open Your Mind...

The biggest mistake that many of us make is in believing that our way is the only way to get something done.

Sure, it's wholly possible that you have devised the most efficient, effective, and effortless way to do a particular thing, but that doesn't mean that is the best way for everyone else.

Each of us makes our own way in this world via a path that we set, using the method that's most comfortable for us.

We might take cues from different schools of thought on how we might best accomplish our desired goal but, in the end, we still have to make our own way—and we do.

That said, you have to be willing to allow others to do the same.

Don't force your views, beliefs, or philosophy on another just because you feel they are incapable of being successful without the,—that's not only arrogant, but short-sighted on your part. Be respectful of the process each person needs in order to reach their maximum potential—not yours.

In the end, I'm simply advocating acceptance.

Accept the fact that your way isn't the only way. Allow yourself the opportunity to see things from another perspective, and allow that perspective to be an additional feather in your cap as you continue to evolve, learn, and grow.

Day 21: Testing Your Patience...

Sometimes the person you love the most can get under your skin. It's a privilege they have, born of the simple fact that they either a) have known you for a long time or b) are connected to you by blood.

In either case, they know where to hit you where it hurts when they get good and ready and, despite your best attempts, their daggers are difficult to ignore.

Understanding this point, you begin to realize that there will be situations where you cannot handle things diplomatically and you'll have to find your own way to fight back against the emotional and psychological conflict.

But how do you accomplish such a feat? What can you do that can be equally as effective, and nerve-wrecking as what they are doing to you?...Say nothing.

Be silent. Be Patient. Be still.

Now, I know what you're thinking. It immediately occurs to you that some things need to be addressed, and you are right—they do. However, choose to address them calmly. Don't yell, don't scream, don't trade barbs. Just correct what is wrong, and return to your silent meditation. By doing so, the person loses their target and the conflict loses it's luster.

No one wants to fight alone.

Become a temporary island where irrationality, bitterness, and contempt are not allowed to drop anchor—redirect those things, along with their carriers, to another location. Tell them to return only when they can be more intelligent with what they have to say and, in the meantime, say nothing.

Be silent. Be patient. Be still.

Day 20: What's The Common Denominator?...

There are often situations where you feel like you are being picked on. You don't necessarily understand or know why people are doing it, but you know they are and you don't like it very much. The usual response to such a feeling is to turn tail and run—as far away as possible.

But, what happens when you find yourself in a similar situation again...and again...and again? At what point do you stop looking for the external factors in exchange for turning your sights internally?

None of us are destined to be perfect, but it is important to recognize the serial imperfections that you place upon the doorstep of the world. In other words, are you arrogant? Unapproachable? Unyielding when it comes to the actions or opinions of others? Are you...awkward?

Believe it or not, it all matters, and it is a strong possibility that your inability yo remain settled in multiple situations is less about the people you're complaining about, than it is about you.

You are the common denominator in every situation...just make sure you're not the problem.

Day 19: Are You Listening?...

It's easy to talk. I, personally, am a great talker when amongst friends and family. However, the art of listening is one that many of us have forgotten how to use.

This world has become soaked in voices—most of which are trying hard to be the loudest, most recognized, and influential voices in the world. No one wants to actually hear anything anymore, they just want to talk about how bad something is and incite us towards action because, "it's the right thing to do".

Well, here's the problem with that theory, it only works for the person who is listening the most intently with both ears, an open heart, and a clear intention to be more than just a face in the crowd because, quite honestly, most of us are a lot less interested in what the voice has to say than we are with the person saying it.


In other words, we choose sides based on arbitrary factors: political affiliation, religious leanings, race, ethnicity, gender, etc. We no longer truly can hear what the message is because we are too caught up in the messenger.

The result is a society that has forgotten the value of independent thinking in exchange for being a part of the most popular group of "listeners" this world has to offer.

It's time that we all start listening better, and challenging the voices within ourselves to make themselves heard. Not because we want to become the center of attention but, more importantly, because there is room for more than one voice to be heard—start making one of them be your own.