NAVIGATING LIFE

It's not hard to get confused trying to navigate through life. There seem to be so many different directions any individual is allowed to take. We often have many choices. We take off on paths that appear appealing and right for us. We follow the guidance and directions of those with know-how and experience. We think we see something clearly and we go that way. We launch forth in life with good plans, strategies, proof, and sometimes plain old hunches, that we believe will land us where we should be.

How many of you are shaking your heads right now, thinking all of that sounds about right but life just hasn't turned out to be all that I had hoped for, prayed for, and dreamed about? Well, one thing is for sure: if you feel that way, you are among many members of the same club, the ones who may be scratching their heads wondering what happened to my life? I thought this was the way. I thought that this bring about a good result. I did the right things. I took the correct paths. I followed the plan. I used intelligence. I used my skills. I followed my hunch. I took good risks. What happened that things did not work out for the best? What happened to my "happily ever after" I did all the things?

Such good questions, right? They certainly are! But, here's the thing: God gives us navigating skills, but the roads we take don't always look like the ones we imagined in our heads. We didn't plan for roadblocks. We didn't see the detours. We didn't calculate poor terrain. We didn't anticipate problems with traffic, slow downs, or accidents. Unfortunately, getting through life can feel like that. Navigating through it all is where the real work happens. Paving the way when we must. Finding out where we need to exit onto another road. Knowing if we need to map things out diffently. Do a U-turn. Stop and start at the next rest stop. Looking for the next gas station when we are running low on mental and emotional fuel. 

Folks, that's navigating life. It's a journey on any given day. You can't anticipate what traffic will be like. Will today be congested with issues and problems? Will I ge stuck in today's traffic while trying to get through to my goals for today? Did I need to get off of this road and go another way instead? These, and many other questions, big and small, face us on our daily journeys. What must we do to stay grounded, focused, and keep our eyes on the ahead?

There is only one real "trick" to it: NAVIGATE IT. To navigate means steering a vehicle, like a car, ship or aircraft, physically finding your way through a space, moving through digital interfaces, or conceptually maneuvering through complex situations. (Merriam-Webster).

Plans don't always work. Navigating does. Situations may go differently that you expected. Navigate the new direction, or turn around, or do what makes sense at the time, in the issues, in the scenario. The key is to remember that you can always NAVIGATE. Take hold of the "steering". Even if you've found yourself in a "wreck" in life. the same principle applies: You can survive. Get patched up. Evaluate and analyze how to get back on track, and navigate another area, and perhaps a new direction of your journey, your tasks, your plans. Often we want to give up when even the smallest of things aren't working out, but don't. 

Everything that happens along life's journey isn't your fault, but it is your responsibility to keep going, to keep navigating. Keep your eyes on YOUR ROAD. Fasten your hands to YOUR STEERING WHEEL. Anticipate the best, and be wise enough and smart enough to know that you may very well have to flexible when it comes to the rough and tough spots in the road. Life it not just a journey. It's also a real road trip. - S.R.F.

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FOXOLOGY with Host Silver Rae fox

Take Each Day As It Comes

I've got a little Bible for you today, and some amazing principles along with it. Jesus said in Mark 6:34: "Take no thought for tomorrow: for tomorrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." 

That sounds deep and heavy, huh? Do you wonder what He meant? Of course, you do. Let's try breaking it down into some thought-sized bites that very well could change the way you think about a day, any day, going forward.

I'm someone who has learned that life takes a lot of navigating. No two days are alike. We have similarities in our day-to-day rountines and circumstances, but many days will have lots of variables, and many of those variables are unexpected and out of our control. I believe that's what Jesus meant when He said that tomorrow will take thought for the things of itself: all the stuff that can and will happen in the day ahead.

Most days are rock and roll.You get off to a rough start for one reason or another. Traveling to and from work, appointments, assignments,meetings, errands, etc., can be upsetting. Overall planning of the day may have easily gotten off track. Encounters of the worst kind hit you in the face. Frustrations over sudden change and challenges has your mind spinning. Confusion over what just happened has you scratching your head. Shake-ups you could not see coming make you feel like giving up. Whirlwinds of activity without actual progress has you questioning yourself , your life and your worth. This list goes on and on, and you have to admit that those are the kinds of happenings that have you feeling your worst. Evil stuff.

Now, I don't mean "evil" in the sense of darkness, wickedness and other-wordly stuff, although it surely can feel like it. However, I'm speaking of all the "troubling" stuff that can and does occur on any given day, how it feels, and how it impacts our day. 

One of the most intelligent things I've learned about life is when stuff happens we have to put on our heavy boots to walk through it. We have to put on our finest "thinking caps" to process a lot of it. And, we have to get real good at navigating the elements of the day, throughout the day. Yes, it's work of the thought-processing kind. It's powerful, and it works.

We just can't travel through the day mindless of what seems ordinary or run-of-mill. Solutions, resolve, best practices and being our best selves is required, ALL DAY. 

There are many theories and principles that truly do help us with handling our days better, practices that can make a real difference regardless of where your lane in life is.

Here are a few tips for your consideration that may help you navigate smarter:

1. You can't always have control of things, but you can take charge in the way you will handle those things. If you take a minute to think what would be a successful outcome regarding a situation, you may be quite surprised to see what that positive resolve looks like. Think about what will work for the best, and try to avoid reactions and responses that bring out the worst in you, and that potentially create greater confusion and chaos.

2. Navigate each day, thoughtfully. You know the things you have to do, so approach them with wisdom and insight. The right decisions and choices can make or break your day. Take enough pause to avoid mistakes and mishaps with family, friends, co-workers and the person that's driving the car in front of you that you want to cuss out. If your style is "honking" at everybody for everything, it's always going to be a tough road for you and your navigating style. You're at the steering wheel of your thoughts and actions. The pedal doesn't always have to be to the metal to get through the day. Slow your roll and make conscious decisions about what you do and say. You'll feel better, less stressed, and more confident in your lane.

3. While life truly has it's ups and downs, highs and lows, mountains, valleys and lowlights, there are also many, many highlights. I wouldn't dare leave you hanging with all of the crisis and combustion that goes on without assuring you that there is still so much good to be had, even in the very troubling times we face right now. So, keep your head up and try to look and live above the fray and frustration.Trust the "windshield wipers" in your life. Stuff is going to be right there in our faces whether we like it or not. Keep the windshield wipers on so you can see cleary. and, don't bite into the evil stuff, for it surely can change the pace and trajectory how the day will go. Instead, take on the day in sweeter bite-sized pieces whenever and wherever you can. Choose to do so. Choose happy over crappy.

Like Jesus said, don't worry about it as if you can really control it, because all the evil crap will come. When you really come to understand this, you will be able to take each day as it comes, more sensibly, more strategically and with the ability to steer yourself into many better days ahead. ~ S.R.F.

Enjoy 

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IT'S OKAY. KEEP TRYING.

It's February, and you didn't get those goals in flight like you thought they would? You were excited that you took the time to map it all out, but the plan turned out to have some detours and distractions? In fact, you feel like you have completely stalled and you're asking yourself, "what just happened?"

Life happened, probably. There is such an unpredictability about our days that we cannot know about until we get to it. It's wonderful if things work out on the first try, but you are probably no rookie at trying things and you already know that putting in the time, work and effort is an ongoing focus. This is not the time to say you are tired of trying, even though it's been a few weeks since the start of the New Year. 

But, you say, it's not just a few weeks in your case? It's been months? It's been try, try, try? It's been years of hoping, praying and planning? Well, join the club. Ask the achievers and they will tell you that a key to success is in not giving up. That's not breaking news, but perhaps you needed the reminder.

Keep trying. It really is the key. You keep unlocking more motivation. You keep unlocking more determination. You keep unlocking more faith. You keep unlocking doors one by one. It's the formula. It's the process. There is no skipping over the thing that connects to the next thing, and the next, and the next. If that is what you thought, keep that brilliant plan and idea in the forefront of your thinking, but today needs to be the day you decide to take the key and unlock a new perspective: that new perspective sees the finish line. 

That new perspective says it is worth your time and effort to keep your thing moving forward. That new perspective says hold on to the dream until it becomes a reality. That new perspective says you can do it. It's okay if you feel disappointed for a time. It's okay if you have to take some time off the track to reassess and restore. It's okay if you think it was the wrong goal in the first place and you have to design a new one. Whatever may have you feeling stumped, stymied and tired, it's all okay. If you know you really, really, really want it though, keep trying. Finish what you started. ~ S.R.F.

It's 2026: Wipe the Lens Clean

Did you already notice that I didn't say wipe the "slate" clean? It's an often used phrase for moving forward or moving past something, or choosing to go in a different direction, however, in any of those choices you may find yourself in exactly the same place as you started if you don't also have a change in your perspective: you must also wipe the lens clean as well. What does that even mean, you ask?

Have you ever had on a pair of glasses that you realized were pretty blurry because they needed to have the smudges wiped off so you could see things clearly? Sometimes in life we have to take time to evaluate how we are looking at our present and our futures. Unfortunately, we may be looking at much of what is going on with us through "smudges". Those SMUDGES may be our failures, smudges from things that just didn't work out, smudges of hurt, disappointment, grief and other reasons for feelings sadness, hopelessness and despair. These things are reality, and these things smudge our vision and how we choose to live, move and have our being in more ways than one.

Is this your year to make a decision to wipe the lens clean? Is this your year to be determined to find clarity and direction? Is this your year to wipe off the smudges of regret, fear and hesitancy, among other obstacles, blockages and distractions? Is this your year to finally say "Yes, I am going to have a new perspective, a positive view of what's ahead for me"? This absolutely can be the year that you take a clearer look at all of the potential that's ahead! Indeed, perhaps it's time for a lens check.

Dare to wipe off every smudge that has gotten in your way and dare to make some new moves. Dare to wipe off every tear that splashed onto your lens and caused you to stop believing in yourself and in the power you possess to make your future better than ever. Dare to do it! 

Slates cannot always be wiped clean, but the smudges certainly can. We have to take what we have experienced, both good and bad with us; those experiences very often matter when we go forward. Experiences are great teachers, but we don't have to carry every bit of residue, negativity, pain, hurt,  and smudge about those things into our new places in life and into our new way of thinking.

Look at your lens today as you begin this New Year, and make a decision to wipe off all the smudges that try to prevent you from the best that's to come. Wipe gently in some cases, wipe harder in others. Either way, keep wiping until you can see clearly and confidently toward better things for yourself and for your life. ~ S.R.F.

What A Difference This Day Makes!

In ancient times, this time of year Pagans (Paganism was centered around worship of nature, and in heathenistic practices) celebrated the return of the SUN, daylight; a time that we recognize as SOLTICE, marking the longest night and shortest day in our calendars, between December 20 – 23. This occurred on December 21st at 9:03AM. Now, daylight will get a few minutes longer each day.

Because of their beliefs, Pagans celebrated this as an god-EVENT, worshipping various deities that they credited for various functions of nature. The long nights would be over, and now there would be more sun; brought about, they believed, would come from their pagan god.

Christmas was purposely designed and created, if you will, as December 25^th by the Roman church a long, long time ago, particularly and intentionally to positively impact, correctly identify and emphatically counter and replace  the pagan rituals happening at the same time. It was established as the day to give recognition and worship to the one and only TRUE GOD, JESUS. This is the reason we celebrate JESUS’ birth at this time, in this month.

Isn’t it interesting that pagans were celebrating the change from darkness to light? That they were celebrating the coming in of the SUN, day breaking thru the darkest, longest night? The language-ing sounds amazing just to say it.

When we celebrate on December 25th, we celebrate birth of Jesus as the One Who came as the LIGHT OF THE WORLD; the One, GOD’S SON, Who brought us out of darkness into the MARVELOUS LIGHT! (1Peter 2:9). The language contrast is truly interesting: their worship of their sun god, and our worship of the Son of God.

As I look at the prophecy: “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), the assignment was clear, and those Names given to Jesus, are a strengthening reminder to us that no matter how out of control all of the government leaders and entities are, we are still under one Ruler. They may have power to rule the people, but they do not have the power to rule over God. 

You know this, I'm sure:“In God We Trust” was put on American currency years ago by the government. Here's what I believe, it was done as a powerful reminder to them and to us, of who is really in charge. It was like saying don’t get it twisted, there is a higher authority than us, and we know it.

Well, we know that government is capable of getting out of hand based on its leadership, but it is critical for us to hold on to what we know. And, that is above all rule, God exists and rules; and He sent Jesus as a reminder for us, as our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, to help us get through this life and on to another. No matter how things look from the ground, God is still in the Heavens and still the Master of our Universe. 

We celebrate Christmas this month on December 25th. What a difference this day makes for all! Merry Christmas! - S.R.F.

Thinking About Being Thankful?

It's November, and one of the most dominant thoughts on everyone's mind is that we're headed into the Thanksgiving holiday. And, the very conscience-minded are thinking of all the things to be thankful for. It's what we do, right? What are you thankful for? Let's ponder together for a few minutes and let's see if anything is new, different, or worth some additional "thankfulness" pondering:

Time? It gets away doesn't it? And, seemingly way too fast. Ponder for a moment the good TIMES, even if it has been a rough year, a rough time, a rough life. Count the blessings, and be thankful that there are one, two, or a few things that are truly thankful worthy. Big or small, count them all.

Being Happy? Happiness gets a bad wrap. Most think it comes it big houses, fancy cars, phenomenal success, lots of money, etc.,etc., etc., and indeed those things can make a soul feel "happy". The unfortunate thing is that too much of life is spent grabbing for that kind of gigantic happiness, and never quite achieving that level. Many have found that happiness comes in a lot of small efforts in life, small packages of success, meeting small degrees of success. Don't measure happiness by its size in things. Measure it by the things that bring joy to your heart, and be truly thankful for those things.

Living? How are you doing? Just about every time I ask someone that question, they tell me all the very bad and very terrible things they can think of at the time, without pause. Believe me, I know that life is a challenge on any given day for almost everyone. I've got a lot of receipts to prove it, too. There is something I've learned to do, and that is to keep my complaints minimal. Complaining has no real value, but it is good at keeping a person filled with negativity, and in a negative place in life.

On the other hand, when we can teach ourselves and tell ourselves that there really is a joy in looking at life from a positive perspective, a different evaluation surfaces. That perspective may not change things immediately, although it sometimes does. Seeing problems, predicaments, perils with possibility-thinking, and with your purpose and your perspective geared toward getting past those junctures in life sets a different tone and direction to head in. It's worth every effort you can put into it. 

I encourage you to give it a shot. You will get some amazing results. And, speaking of being thankful, some time down the road you'll remember these words, and I believe you'll be thankful someone cared enough to write them. ~ S.R.F.

LIVE IT UP

You probably thought this was going to be one of those "throw caution to the wind" kinds of chats that encourages you to go get your freedom at any cost. Reel yourself in. While that may sound like a great idea to some, depending on who you are, that's not where I'm going with this.

No, I'm talking about truly living life UP. I'm talking about living with an UPward way of thinking. I'm talking about keeping your head UP when life tries to bring you down. I'm talking about picking yourself UP when you have fallen on your face. I'm talking about getting UP after you've been knocked down. I'm talking about keeping your spirits UP when your smile is turned upside down. I'm talking about looking UP instead of staring doom and gloom in the face.

How do I do that, you ask? I'm glad you asked. Here are a few LIVE IT UP pointers:

1. The worst things in life do happen. You are NOT the only one that stuff is happening to. Life has a lot of hard parts and tough experiences. It can take a lot of time to manage and maneuver through the messes of life, but you must always know that there is a way out of the maze of difficulty. Looking down on yourself and being mad and bitter is not the best point of view. Work on all of the positivity you can MUSTER UP.

2. We have the ability to get past almost anything. We have to LOOK UP, though. You have to see and believe in the possibilities. As soon as you can get a grip on yourself and regain some strength, see the potential. Believe in yourself and believe that there are good things UP AHEAD.

3. You play the leading role in your life. You are the decision-maker. You are the one who is writing the script of choices. You are the one who is in the driver's seat of your thoughts and actions. You are responsible for the stage you set to star in. What does this mean? It means you have to SHOW UP for yourself. Be braver. Be bolder. Fight your fears. Do all the things that help you reach your potential and the things that help you feel good about yourself.

4. If you make great choices, the fruit will bear itself. If you make poor choices, yes, the results can be rotten fruit. But, that happens to all of us. We don't always get things right. In fact, we get the majority of things wrong, we just don't admit it. This is when we have the opportunity to LEVEL UP, take inventory of ourselves and determine to be intentional about getting the best out of life. Bigger thinking. Better goals. Deliberate actions that we know will improve the quality of our lives.

5. Be proactively positive. Be optimistic, not in the "pie in the sky" kind of optimistic approach to life. Have the kind of optimism that keeps you focused on LIVING UP and above the fray, frustrations and faultiness of life. It's all attitude, and it's in your power to choose your attitude. You can live in a funk, or you can choose a LIVE IT UP attitude.

It takes practice, a lot and often, but that mindset will help you more times that not. Is it a perfect remedy? No, it's not. Life will keep "Life-ing" nonetheless, but here's the thing: You'll be UP for each and every challenge it brings. ~ S.R.F.

Do It With Excellence

Most of us are in pursuit of something. Some goal, perhaps, that has your passion on fire? Some desire that was triggered by a childhood dream? Some idea that you can't shake because you can see it so clearly? Some kind of itch that you need to scratch because it feels like you were born to do it?

Fall into any of those categories? Yes? Maybe? Probably? Have you learned an important element in achieving your goals? If you're like the true movers and shakers, like the big ballers and shot callers, you have to know that whatever it is that you want to do, or whatever you are doing, should shine brightly with excellence.

We are living in times when we want everything in a real big hurry. It doesn't matter if it's done "right" or if all of the details were perfected. We just think "here it is" the thing, looking all bold and beautiful. But, here's a critical question, can it deliver? Can it do the bold and beautiful dynamics of what is pictured or promised? Can what others see or expect go beyond the surface and expose excellence in your product, service or personhood? That's a heavy question, I know, but it's a valuable one to consider.

When we're out here dealing with people and businesses as much as we do, as consumers we want excellence. We expect it. When we don't get it, chances are we are done with our experience with you.

I had used a drycleaner for many years up until recently. I enjoyed and appreciated their service because they always did a great job with my clothes. They added some new staff recently and during my last few visits I had more complaints than I had ever had before. My favorite winter coat got ruined because it wasn't treated with the proper dry cleaning process, and the same thing happened with one of my favorite sweaters. On my third and last visit, which left me disappointed as well, I explained that I was done doing business with them. I haven't been back since. The new staff was not being as conscientious of the process or services that should be provided.

Doing things with excellence is important, regardless of how small or insignificant a task may be. We should take pride in our work, which can be a challenge if you feel unappreciated, but do it because of how it reflects on you as someone who does take pride in work well done. Let that be your mindset regardless of how sloppy or unfazed another individual may be about how they do things. Keep your mind on the leveling up that type of thinking sets you up for. 

Doing things with excellence shows. Doing things with excellence shines. Doing things with excellence sets you ahead of the rest. Doing things with excellence puts you at an advantage in your personal and professional life. Be intentional about everything you want to achieve, but don't do it with short cuts. Don't do it half-a$$ed. Don't do it without pride in a job well done. Don't do it because it makes you look perfect, whatever that means. Do it right. People see it. You get noticed. And, maybe most importantly, you can hold your head up and smile about your own sense of excellence and shine. 

Goals don't get reached without excellent plans. Dreams don't happen with taking some excellent steps in the direction of your plans. Your work doesn't shine unless you polish it with excellence. Don't settle for the okey-doke measures of trying to accomplish something. Mediocracy is way too common. Is that who you want to be? Is that where you want to land? Of course not.  ~ S.R.F.

Turn Things Around

I recently spoke to a couple of people who were experiencing some heavy difficulties in life. These were the kinds of issues that tear at your spirit and also weigh hard on your heart. We've all been there, I'm sure. We want a remedy. We want change. We want it to disappear. We want out. We want it to be over. Of course, easier said than done in so many cases.

Way too many crises to describe here, but I have endured difficult and challenging times in my life, the kind that steals time, the kind that takes the breath right out of your body, the kind that shatters your heart and your life for a while. If I could turn back the hands of time and have a re-do, I would. Since I can't, I always have to find a perspective that will help me go face-forward on with life, and some way, somehow, turn things around.

How do you turn things around that are failures, that have devastated you, nearly killed you, left you broken and broke? I have an abiding faith in God first and foremost, but there are other things that I knew I had to do to keep from sinking into the depths of despair.

1. No pity parties. Living in pity isn't living. It's like sitting in mud. There is nothing pretty or satisfying about it. I've felt a lot of emotional hurt, but I've never had a pity party and never invited anyone I know to one. I read "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale very early in my life and those words of his sunk deeply into my heart and head. They say what comes from the heart reaches the heart. That was true for me about his book. I decided that being stuck in the mud was worthless. 

To turn things around to the best of my ability, I would always have to try to have a positive perspective and outlook. I live that principle out day-to-day to this day. My friends and family have no idea about some of the things I've faced because I didn't have a pity party, and didn't send out any invitations to come into my issues. I made that choice. Pity parties don't help, they make you hurt worse. However, please don't avoid seeking help and support when you need it, but avoid having a funeral for yourself while you're still alive, and while you still have so much to live for.

2. No negativity. It can be difficult to avoid all negativity, but there are things you can control. I don't gossip with people, and really don't want to hear negative perspectives on other people's personal lives and problems, unless there is something I can contribute to help. I don't watch or listen to stuff that has weird content. I like to laugh, so I entertain myself with healthier stuff. I'm not stuffy and critical about what choices other people make, but it's my choice to avoid negative conversations, content, and craziness. I may have opinions, but I not opting in. No way. We have the opportunity to decide. Will negativity keep you from turning your life around? For sure it can, and it will. Listen, don't go backwards.

3. No folding in fear. Don't let fear stop you. When you're facing the hard things, fear can enter your heart. You wonder. You worry. You get weary. Going forward in a maze or into darkness is a great big challenge, but if you want to turn things around in your life, you have to move forward afraid. Give yourself time to heal. Give yourself time to restore. Give yourself time to reflect. Give yourself time to grieve. Give yourself time to strengthen, and once you get your breath back and your bearings, make your move. 

You may feel afraid, but be deliberate. Be bold. Be faith-filled, and be determined. Faith is the bridge over fear. Believe in God, and believe in yourself. Make up your mind. Make the effort. Take the necessary steps. You're worth it. Your life is worth it. You can turn things around.- S.R.F.

Get Your Head Right

It seems that everyday that I venture out into these streets, I am sure to see something baffling. It doesn't take me long to realize that people are running on impatience and energy drinks, and that's a bad combination. Twice this week I was almost hit, one driver speeding through a stop sign, and the other ignoring the red light. Y'all do know that these are for our safety, the signals that say STOP? There is no second guessing, these signs mean just what they mean. I believe I was only saved by angels. I shook my head, and thanked God.

I know what it's like to be in a hurry. I get it. I know what it feels like when we're tied to life stuff that has little room for adjustments, especially at a slow pace. We get impatient. But, let me ask you something, how is that going for you? I can imagine your answers.

I'm going to share some pointers on how to handle that stuff. A few insights come to mind. Here goes:

1. You have time, you just have to RE-THINK how you are using it. My greatest flex in life is being FLEXIBLE. If I'm running late for something, I'm definitely not considering running red lights and stop signs, regardless of the situation or issue. I'm pre-thinking about what I need to do or say when I get where I'm going, or maybe even contact someone with the news that I'm running late. That's just one scenario. I know you're saying "Well, that's common sense." Well, EXACTLY! Get your head right and use it, or risk causing an accident or possibly killing yourself and possibly others in your fierce attempt to move faster. Come on, now. Just stop it, so you can stop for those traffic signs, and put a stop to any other abusive or bad behavior created by impatience. 

2. You have choices, you just have to RE-THINK what they are. What about all that yelling, screaming, blaming, hating, chaos and craziness that is showing up in your life? Is it "them", or is it you? Oh, it's them??? I've always loved this quote "don't start nothin' won't be nothin'". And, you know what? I remind myself often of this when the customer service I receive sucks, when a levels of agitation from others spill into the day from almost anywhere, when people are deliberate about their hate and anger toward you, when any number of almost idiotic encounters occur. You feel like cussing and knocking somebody out, but don't do that.

Well, you live and you learn, right? I see way too many fights and disturbances on social media and I scratch my head, seriously I do. You want to smack down and even kill people who just crossed your path, people that you met a few seconds ago? Really? Seriously? Get your head right. It will cost you nothing to say nothing in response to their lack of people skills. It will cost you nothing to walk away with your confidence and emotional intelligence in tact. 

It will cost you nothing if you chose to win with doing nothing, a win by default effort. It's just not worth it to risk something, and possibly everything in a baseless encounter, whether it's with family, friends, co-workers, or some random situations. Regardless of how it started, you can be the one to end it. You must make a choice to do that, because you can if you think first.

3. You can learn patience, you just have to RE-THINK how you handle things. If you have the mindset that conditions you to think that every little mishap is meant to destroy you or destroy your day, let me say this with well-meaning love: get your head right. Stuff is always happening that could catapult you into negativity. You spill your coffee. Your kids have asked you something ten times, and they don't understand while all you do is huff and yell. Work and the people at work exhaust you. Your spouse is annoying. Traffic. Bills. Health. School. Lack of rest. Other people's problems that are now yours, too. Life. Strife. No light at the end of the tunnel. These, and so many more daily aggravations are about to drive you crazy, huh?

You have heard many gurus tell you to stay in the moment, respond with sensibility, take deep breaths, hide for a few minutes, stay focused? They are not lying to you. Techniques absolutely work, but techniques only work with a lot of practice. The key is to make being patient a practice with every opportunity, all of them. Yes, you practice constantly with every perceived negative issue that comes your way and across your path. Constant practice won't really make things perfect, but I guarantee you that you will not only experience a new level of patience, you will experience a new level of peace and perspective. Try it and you will amaze yourself. You will make better decisions. You will feel happier. Your outlook will be better, and so will your "inner" look, the part of yourself that needed to see and treat things differently. It's a game changer. 

Emotional intelligence is a real thing. It's something that can save the day. It's something that can save a marriage. It's something that can save you. When you practice getting your head right, which is what emotional intelligence really is, you can save yourself and everyone in your own little world. People, that's important. ~ S.R.F.

What Are You Thinking?

I think about thinking all day. You know why? Because that brain of ours is so efficient at doing what it is supposed to do: Taking in, guiding, and feeding our thoughts. It's a whole mental dance.

I can remember how this particular quote impacted me when I first heard it: "Your life will go in the direction of your most dominant thoughts." And, here is another one that will make you THINK: "Wherever you are in life, your thoughts took you there." Wow, right?! That second quote is debatable, though. Where we land is not always our fault, but I do agree that very intentional thinking can guide you to levels of peace, comfort and success.

You've heard about "stinkin'-thinkin'" carrying a toll on your everyday stuff? Certainly you have. It's true that negative thinking will bring poor results, poor resolve, sabotage and failure. This is when and where you have to give some credence to the fact that "your thoughts brought you" there. If you are a negative thinker, you know it's true. Positive thinking does not make every move you make successful and glorious, however, a positive perspective will most often keep you level-headed, optimistic in the midst of setbacks, and powering toward your next move, eventually. Positive thinkers are often happier, too. They believe there is potentially a "better" beyond the worst of things. Is that true? Like I've been saying, it's what you think that matters.

What are you thinking? Good thoughts? Bad thoughts? Are you feeling engulfed in helpless, hopeless thoughts? I know for sure that you are thinking something, so analyze the sad thoughts and the self-destructive thoughts. You are not alone with that type of thinking, but there is a way to help save yourself from further grief, agony and negativity. That first step is to try to release yourself from it. Cry. Shout. Scream. Holler. Get all of the negative energy out to make room for your thoughts to refresh. Get some good therapy. Read some good material. Over time the thoughts minimize if you keep at it. Keep reminding yourself that the negative thoughts will never take you to a positive place and space internally or externally. Write a poster-sized message about that and place it in an area where you see it often. YOU CAN break those stinkin'- thinkin' cycles.

Challenge yourself to get the best out of that incredible brain of yours. You wanna be happy? What are you thinking? You want more peace? What are you thinking? You want better? What are you thinking? THINK about that, and then see where the happy, peaceful and best thoughts take you. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Here's some food for THOUGHT: You can fuss, cuss, and complain about the rain, or you can dance in it. - S.R.F.

LET'S GET IT! LET'S GO!

Let's get it! Let's go! Yes, Sir! Yes, Ma'am! I am talking to YOU!

What is the thing that you have been putting off for forever and a day? What is it that you put on the back burner long ago that's about to burn up?! What was it that you said is a definite 2025 resolution, for sure goal and an absolute plan, that hasn't gained any ground yet or has yet to bear any fruit? What is it, Sis? What is that thing, Bro? Time to make some headway?

If you needed a wake-up call, this could be it. It's, perhaps, the alarm you needed to shake you from your complacency and get re-motivated. Don't hit "dismiss" if you know this is it. You already know that the plan you have could be life-changing, so keep your eyes open to the possibility and the vision.

If you had pretty much forgotten about what you said you were going to do, then this is likely your reminder to refresh the game plan, focus on intention, and see yourself with the WIN. This time, play hard with intentionality, and remember you cannot score if you are not in the game. Get back in.

If you have lost your motivation, may these words inspire you with the jump-start fuel you need. You will always need more fueling along the journey, but today can be a day that you get yourself moving again. You know what they say, "you only lose if you quit." It's also been said, "don't allow quitting to be an option." Motivation can easily be restored. Remember that idea that once illuminated your thoughts, and you were certain it would light your pathway? It still can. Fire up those thoughts once again!

Plans can get shifted. You can get thrown off track for a time by any number of things. Put your game-face on! Curve balls get thrown at you, but this is the moment, RIGHT NOW, when you say to yourself "I'm in it to win it! C'mon Self, let's get this, LET'S GO!  - S.R.F.