FIGHTING OTHER FOLK'S BATTLES

By Vernalee

Lend a helpful hand when it’s deserving, but be selective on the battles that you elect to fight. Hopefully, by now you have realized that you cannot always fight other folks‘ battles and go out on the limb for them. Good person you are; fool you are not! For goodness sake, stop fighting battles for unworthy folks, particularly when they gracefully stand on the sidelines. Can they not fight for themselves? Once again, they continue to benefit from the fruitage of your labor and energies! It begs to ask a few simple questions: Who is tired and worn out from being on the battlefield? – You!

Who is benefiting from your victories and is well rested? – Them!

Get the point! Photo credit: pininterest

ARE YOU A GOOD FRIEND?

By Vernalee

In 1984, hip hop group, Whodini had an amazing hit. It was called “Friends/How many of you have them?” The lyrics are quite deep. I invite you to listen. In this journey of friendships, we meet many people that we befriend. Some become actual friends; true stand by your side friends. Some fall by the wayside.

Time and actions never fail to identify who’s who. The statement. "the more the merrier" does not necessarily apply to friendship. It’s not the number; it's the sincerity. It is wise to be choosy. Being a good friend isn’t always easy, but taking the time to nurture a lasting friendship is worth every ounce of the effort. Of course, to have a good friend, you must be one! I believe that you often attract who you are. I am blessed to have a few true friends; many of which have been around for years. They care; I care. I love them; they love me. We have laughed together, cried together, shared secrets that can never be told, and have been there for each other. Geography may in some cases separate us, but our souls remain close. Making/keeping friends is no easy task. It’s a lot of work! We all fall short and need regular tune-ups.

Let’s take a look: Being Trustworthy: 1. Keep your promises. 2. Apologize when you’ve made a mistake. 3. Be honest. 4. Don’t use people. 5. Be loyal. 6. Be respectful. Being Supportive: 1. Be selfless. 2. Be a good listener. 3. Help your friends deal with their struggles. 4. Be there in a time of crisis. 5. Give thoughtful advice. 6. Give your friend some space when he/she needs it. Making your friendship last: 1. Learn to forgive. 2. Accept your friend for who he/she is. 3. Go beyond. 4. Stay in touch no matter what. 5. Let your friendship evolve. So that our friendships not suffer when we are busy, we can do the following: 1. Make a date. Get on their calendar. 2. Your phone is always with you. Use it to stay in touch - call, email, and text. 3. Make the most of your time. Get together. 4. Practice random acts of kindness. 5. Use Social media. Since friendships take work, add these tidbits to your list. 1. Make sure they’re okay the moment you sense something wrong. … 2. Know when to be serious and when to be goofy. … 3. Go the extra mile when they ask for help. … 4. Don’t give up on them during their darkest hours. … 5. Make them feel wanted. … 6. Tell them, “I got your back,” at least once (and mean it.) Are you a good friend? Are you there for your friends? Do you care for them and love them? Are you respectful of them and their time? Are you envious and jealous of their accomplishments or happy and delighted that they succeed? What’s the answer? Don’t ask me! Ask your friends! Photo credit: www.pininterest.com; Source: www.wikihow.com; www.selfstairway.com; www.fastcompany.com

DO YOU STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD?

By Vernalee

To be obvious or unusual form the basis for Standing Out From The Crowd. Our actions, behavior, leadership … determine where we stand. Certainly, our attitude and aptitude determine the altitude to how high we rise. If you want to be more than the “average bear” and not just blend in, mediocrity has no place in your world. It has been said, “Normalcy is what makes you part of the crowd. Character is what makes you stand out from the crowd. But principle is what makes you rise above the crowd.” With that being said, how will you make your way through the maze?

Here are ways to stand out and rise above the crowd. 1. Take Initiative. 2. Have a positive mental attitude (PMA). 3. Have Goals. 4. Be open to take risks and keep an open mind. 5. Be a Go Getter. We have to stay “charged up,” stay motivated, take the challenge, execute, deliver, and display positivity in our actions and leadership. Never forget that your actions are always seen by someone. Yes, we are constantly watched. When we deliver our best and don’t short-step on quality, who we are don’t matter as much as what we produce! Photo credit: www.business2community.com; Source: Kenneth Cloutier, Get Motivated for Success.