CASTING STONES

OPIPHANY #27: It's easy to play the blame game for it is absent of any accountability. Some even take joy in exposing others inadequacies because it makes them feel momentarily better about themselves. There is no honor in such a coward and tasteless act. It's easy to point the flawed obvious, but it requires a man of ingenuity to deliver a solution..to offer assistance..to present a suggestion that will help propel things forward. True leaders don't cast stones, they create strong forts with them. 

CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY

OPIPHANY #26: It's easy to be bogged down by the madness of the world and our misfortunes. It's even easier to allow it to consume us to a state of depression or pessimism. The easiest combat of this offender is to simply count your blessings..literally one by one. It's hard to be down when you're busy looking up! Be grateful for everything and you will always find happiness. Happiness is not only an emotion, but a choice.

THE LEARNING CURVE

OPIPHANY #25: There are three types of people. The ones that learn from instruction, the ones who learn by observation, and the rest of them who have to touch the fire to learn its hot. Everyone learns and come into the realizations of certain things through methods that better register and resonates with them. As much as a person might want to spare a loved one or friend from wasted time and efforts or possible hurt and turmoil, sometimes they must simply understand that particular method won't be met with the best reception. Learn to know when to let things be. Don't become an interruption to someone's learning process or yourself for that matter. A person's method of learning is what enables them to retain a lesson and reach a place of enlightenment.

SEEING WITH EARS

OPIPHANY #24: It's a scientific fact that light travels faster than sound. It might also be why people sometimes appear brighter than they are until you hear them speak. It pays to think twice before opening your mouth. A little bit of thought never hurt anyone. Speak your mind, but learn to mind what you speak and how it's said. It makes the world of difference in how the world perceives and receives you. You can't control what people think of you, but you do have some control on how they gather those thoughts. Statements made become representations of oneself. Think of it as an ambassador of an individual. Actions ultimately weigh heavier than words, but often times people never even make it that far. One might miss out on the opportunity to demonstrate who they are because their words or how they spoke dismissed that possibility. On the reverse side don't be fooled by good con artists.  When first getting acquainted with someone, don't get so wrapped up in what you see. It only makes up for a quarter of who they are or might be. Remember most people are misunderstood because others didn't take the time to simply listen. Enhance your vision through better listening.

THE FREEDOM OF FORGIVENESS

OPIPHANY #23: The best strategy in forgiving others isn't to try to forget about the wrong committed to you for the mind has a wonderful way of remembering things when it wants to. Rather than to focus on forgetting, learn to simply not hold their offense against them. There's usually more good in people then there is bad. One blemish on the carpet of a gorgeous house doesn't diminish it's value or property value. Many things are repairable and can be restored if one takes the initiative to work on them. If you choose to keep a relationship with someone, you owe it to yourself to drop the burden of always factoring in the past. Especially when they have made a stellar effort in creating a better present with you. You will never see the full beauty of a house or experience the immense joy a home brings if you keep staring at the blemish. Forgiveness cannot be achieved if you dwell on the offense made. To move forward from the offense grants one the gift of liberation that forgiveness gives. Set yourself free.