The Powerful Impact of Kindness

Simple human kindness is one of the greatest gifts of this life.  It is a powerful, transformational process that can move the hardest heart.  Kindness has no negativity; it uplifts, creates smiles, offers new perspectives, and always brings comfort.  True and powerful kindness does not seek selfish reward.

It enhances the well-being of all involved.  Scientific research has shown that serotonin levels are increased for both the giver and the receiver of kindness.  Acts of kindness also raise the serotonin levels of those who witness the act of kindness.  Serotonin is a natural chemical in the body that leads to increased happiness and the ability to react well to stress.  The effect of subtle, gentle kindness has far reaching, rippling effects.

The Secret to an Extraordinary Life

Much of our anxiety and inner conflict comes from living in a world that drives us to perform for attention.  The value is on what we do, what we accomplish not on the essence of what matters.

We are encouraged and often applauded for our achievements.  We are focused too much on getting attention when the secret to a peaceful and fulfilling life is on giving attention.

Most recently, our schools, teachers, and students are told they are only of value when they perform well on standardized tests.  In our schools and work, we are conditioned to believe that to be a success, we must be special, score the highest, be the best, be number one.  The reality is the secret to an extraordinary life is revealed when we devote ourselves to giving attention to others, not getting it.

All of life comes alive with intrinsic value when we see and recognize that everything and everyone is special.

The more we focus on getting attention rather than giving it, our unhappiness grows.  It leaves us in a world of dissatisfaction and need.  We are always dreaming of a future greatness.  We always need someone else's approval.  Our unity is in seeing the grace in all life.

The media sells us on fame.  We are all looking for our fifteen minutes of fame.  We all want to be born a celebrity.  When we see and give love, we touch the joy of spirituality.  We are healthy and whole in celebrating all life.

Give attention through service.  Build your identity on finding beauty in all life.  Find peace in celebrating life.

Claim Your Worth

You are unique in all the world.  You are the only you that will ever be in this life.  Your calling is to be you, your authentic self.  Your inner self, your greater self, your spirit is calling you to your authenticity.  The world needs you.  The world needs your greatness.  Your identity, your self is much bigger than your ego.  You are a part of the infinite universe.  As Marianne Williamson said, "Your playing small does not serve the world."  Let go of the small needs of your ego and be aware of your place in the greatness of the universe.

When you authentic self shines forth, you are one with Divinity.  You are one with infinite kindness, love, patience, creativity, empathy, joy, and compassion.  You have great value in this life.  Move forward into your greatness.  Claim your worth.

Perhaps You Are A Leader...

Leadership is rare because it demands so much of us.  Leadership means we will be unpopular and we will be uncomfortable. 

When we speak our truth, someone will object.  Someone will criticize.  Someone will even create lies about you. 

If you dare to lead, stand tall in your truth.  This may be publicly uncomfortable and daunting.  Often, the place of our discomfort and fear is the exact place we need to be standing in order to lead most effectively. 

If you are uncomfortable, perhaps it is because you are a leader.

The Beacon That Lights Our Way...

When our inner core beliefs are in concert with our outer behaviors, we have reached Integrity.  Integrity is our inner strength shining through as resilience.  As we relate to the world around us, integrity is “the still, small voice” inside, that does not change.  It is the beacon that lights our way through life. 

Finding Educational Excellence

It is all too common to blame teachers and education for everything we perceive as wrong or difficult in our world.  Most of the criticism comes from people who have never spent a full day in a classroom.  Education has become our political scapegoat.  We have abused the best teachers and schools with new politically-driven, fear-based tests.  For how long can our profession withstand the effects of assessments that are not developmentally sound?  We have broken the hearts of the finest teachers in the world.  Many have left the profession in tears.  It is these master teachers we need to help us find our way to a healthy and successful life.

Educational excellence will not be found in a new standardized test.  It will not be found in the new teacher evaluation.  It will not be found in the Common Core alone.

Educational excellence will only be found in supporting courageous teachers committed to the cognitive, social, and emotional needs and success of their students. 

We must stop the harassment of education.  We must take the shackles of oppression from our teachers and invite them to participate in academic decision-making.  Our only hope of transforming education is to challenge and care for the human heart.  The transformation of education will be accomplished when we join in dialogue built on Integrity, Authenticity, and Vulnerability.

You Are Essential

Please remember you are here for a purpose.  You are an essential part of the puzzle that is this life.  There would be a missing piece without you here.  The puzzle of life is not complete without you. 

Be gentle with yourself. 

Be kind to yourself.

Be grateful that you are on this journey called life.

Many of us have lived inspiring lives and we still question our value.  You are enough.  You are perfect just the way you are.  The world is complete.  You are here.  Acknowledge your achievements.  Appreciate all you have learned.

You are amazing. 

You are a gift.

You are a child of God.

Be gentle and kind to yourself.

Claim the Gift

I am your friend.  My love, respect and appreciation for you goes deep.  Although I have attempted to give you all that I have, I am aware there is nothing I can give which you do not already possess.

There is very much, however, that you can claim.  The peace of heaven can come to us when we find peace in the smallest gift in our day.  Claim the peace.

            The negativity and judgment of the world is a shadow.  Behind the shadow within our reach is joy.  In every challenge, there is a gift.  Claim the gift.

            Life gives abundantly.  We judge the gifts and ignore or cast them away.  Open the gift; rejoice in the splendor woven by God’s love, wisdom and power.

            Claim it, grasp it, and you touch the Holy Spirit that brings it to you.  Everything we call a trial, sorrow or duty spirit’s hand is still there.

            Life is bursting with meaning and purpose - full of beauty.  What we refer to as reality, cloaks the true reality.  The reality of heaven on earth.

            Courage to claim it is all that is required.  Courage you have.  It is your spiritual birthright.

            We are pilgrims together.  Brothers and sisters finding our way home.

            So, at this moment, I greet you.  I acknowledge you, not quite as the world greets you but with profound esteem, respect and love.  I acknowledge you daily in prayer.  I greet you now and forever as the daybreaks and the first light of morning sends rays of spirit to banish the night.