An important decision made at the risk of your life

At certain moments in life, we face grave decisions that have immense impact on not only ourselves, but our families, society, and even the nation and world. Whether we recognize them or not, these decision come upon us irregardless and in that moment it is up to us how we will respond.

What is important is our attitude in these crucial moments. Do we feel the gravity of the situation and the great responsibility endowed on us and make ample time and space to humble ourselves in prayer for guidance, or rather do we pass the moment along whimsically and deny the weight on our shoulders?

Although the weight can honestly be heavy, those who make righteous decisions in such moments almost always take on that burden through a sincere attitude and making time for prayer and reflection.

Setting such conditions habitually will allow us to be people that are trustworthy and that have integrity even when faced with rough times.

Olympic Coast, WA - Feb. 27, 2013

The outset determines the outcome

What goals we set when we begin something will determine what we achieve. If we don't set big goals, we won't achieve big results. And if we don't believe in our goals, we also won't achieve them.

Love leads to concern

When you love someone, it naturally leads to your being concerned about their situation and that they can find happiness. However, the way this concern should be expressed is often in the form of judgement, which can put the recipient in a  position of uncertainty of whether there is love behind the judgement.

It is a valid concern because people can easily judge others without a genuine concern for that person's well-being, rather it could be merely an unpleasant mood that wants to lash out at others and point out their faults.

But the other motivation is to free someone that is trapped in a dungeon of their own creation by honestly pointing out what they are doing wrong so they have the opportunity to find greater happiness and fulfillment.

So when we give judgement, we should always check that we are motivated by a genuine love, and if we receive judgement, we should take the opportunity to check ourselves and see if there is some way we can improve, yet not get too concerned if our conscience clearly knows we stand on solid moral ground.

Olympic Coast, WA - Feb. 27, 2013

Don't go the easy way

 The path of righteousness requires significant effort and hardships to overcome the challenges of a world lacking a clear ethical standard.

However, this path is not only the principled way to go, but it is also the path of happiness. We cannot ultimately feel fulfilled without living a life in alignment with our conscience.

Olympic Coast, WA - Feb. 27, 2013

A Precedent Embalms a Principle

"A precedent embalms a principle." -Benjamin Disraeli, Speech in the House of Commons (February 22nd,  1848)

There are many spoken ideals that are spread through religious texts, inspirational speakers, and facebook posts. Yet there are not so many examples of these ideals being put into practice.

In many cases, no one has successfully lived up to an ideal or principle and so it remains as a spoken aspiration with no real-life implementation. In such a case, someone must be the first to fulfill the principle in action, and this is called 'setting a precedent'.

Setting a precedent is challenging because you walk an untrodden path with no guidelines or past experience to give you confidence. Yet without it, the great teachings and principles we cherish will be nothing more than dust in the wind.

And when you have set the precedent, you can offer that living example for others to follow and support them.

Olympic Coast, WA - Feb. 27, 2013

Gratitude

Why should we make effort to be grateful even when we don't feel grateful?

Simply, it is because that is the way we give our lives meaning.

When we offer our sincere heart of gratitude we are living a life of purpose to benefit others. Conversely, when we fall into the trap of self pity, we lose our sense of purpose and abandon that which gives us dignity.

How to be realistic

A common saying when setting goals is that 'you have to be realistic'.

Usually when people say this, they are inferring that your goals should not be too far-fetched and rather should be based on what is practical considering the current circumstances.

However, this approach tends to dismiss the significance of each individual's influence over the current circumstances.

Who decides what is far-fetched and what is attainable? We decide that assessment based on our own perception of a situation. If our mindset is pessimistic, everything can seem unattainable, and as a result, everything WILL be unattainable.

So how can you truly be realistic? By recognizing that to a large extent you define reality based on your outlook and level of conviction.

Deception Pass - May 2013