Not everyone will understand your journey. That’s fine. It’s not their journey to make sense of. It’s yours.
Author | Photographer | CG Artist | Filmmaker
Authenticity doesn’t take nearly as much effort as some people who are trying to appear authentic make it seem.
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You’re not always right. And those who oppose you are not always wrong.
The world isn’t black & white. Sometimes both parties can be “right” (even if they share different views). And sometimes both parties can be wrong.
It’s frequently far more valuable to consider where you want things to go — and the problems you want to solve — than it is trying to prove who’s right and who’s wrong.
The fact is, a lot of people do a lot of good things that they don’t ever get credit for. That’s life. It happens to everyone.
Do good things anyway.
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There’s nothing difficult about finding faults, flaws, and things to disagree with — which is why so many people seemingly make a sport of it.
When you find yourself with a predominantly negative view of people (or life in general), it can help to change your focus from fault-finding to appreciation-seeking.
“What can I appreciate about this person, this moment, or this thing?” is a question that will often leave one feeling far better for having asked it than simply focusing on all the things one doesn’t like.
It’s better to have the courage to be different than be the type of person who makes fun of people for having the courage to be different.
One reflects strength & bravery, the other reflects weakness & fear.
If you’re different, be proud of that shit.
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Remember that time you lost something and didn’t think anyone would return it… But they did.
And you were so grateful for that.
Perhaps it gave you a bit more faith in humanity?
Be that person the next time you find something that isn’t yours and it’s possible to return it to the rightful owner (or to someone who can).
Because if you do take something that isn’t yours and claim it as your own, what you’re essentially saying is that you’re fine with other people taking your stuff when you misplace it.
Integrity isn’t only for when life is easy. It’s for when life is hard. It’s for when you face temptation or your values are challenged.
“A person’s true nature is revealed at times of the greatest adversity.” — Daisaku Ikeda
Integrity doesn’t take advantage of another person’s misfortune for one’s personal benefit. Integrity lends a hand.
What you do and how you act when you are challenged and put to the test says a lot more about you and your true character than what you say or do when life is easy.
Find something that isn’t yours? Maintain your integrity, show your true character, and do the right thing.
“Your decision to think right, choose right, & do right will rarely if ever be the easiest course to follow.” — Thomas S. Monson
Originally published Mar 25, 2015
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Being a do-gooder does not mean you have to be some lame watered down version of yourself. It doesn’t mean you can’t have an edge or act boldly. And it doesn’t mean you have to do all the same conventional good things as everyone else.
People who want to donate to charity can do that. People who want to volunteer for causes or join groups can do that, too. And there’s nothing wrong with any of these things.
People who do these things are awesome. And the world can always use more people doing them. But there’s also nothing wrong with finding your own unique ways to make a positive difference. Making someone’s day better for having been a part of it, that’s what matters.
Making someone laugh or smile. Giving someone a funny story to tell. Providing encouragement when it’s needed. Appreciation. Gratitude. Friendship. And providing not just a voice to those who need it, but a listening ear as well. These things matter. And are as equally needed in the world.
Being a do-gooder is about having a positive impact on the world around you and making people feel good.
It doesn’t matter how you decide to do it, just do it.
And when you make a positive difference, you won’t just see it, you’ll feel it, too. Because one of the fastest ways to feel good about yourself is to be genuinely good for someone else.
And there’s nothing lame or uncool about that.
So do your good in your own way. You never know when whatever good you offer in whatever way you offer it, is exactly what someone needed.
Originally published on: Jul 20, 2014
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Imagine if everywhere you went you felt the love of those who were grateful for your existence. Imagine if, with everything you tried, you felt the support of those who want you to succeed.
Would it change how you act? Would it change what you strive for?
While we can’t control others, we can control ourselves. We can be someone who actively encourages people with love, appreciation, and gratitude. We can help combat the criticism and negative judgments that those who are just trying to live fulfilling lives are frequently forced to face.
While we can’t change the world in an instant, the time it takes to lend our support, encouragement, and positive energy to people who can use it can change not just a person’s day, but their life. And while it’s not always easy to change someone’s life for the better, it’s something worth striving for.
