Thick skin

We all have feelings, but they must not rule us. There are those who have nothing better to do than trample on them. The more thin the skin, the easier it is to draw blood.

If something is said to be mean, it has no other meaning. And so, it can be summarily dismissed. Wipe your hands of the vicious, and cleanse your heart of their filth.

But if you simply do not like what was said, train yourself to listen anyway. There are many lessons in life, and few are easy. One must demolish the old to build anew.

Here is the distinction: was the intent to build up or merely to tear down? If the motive was destruction, they will have nothing to offer. If it was construction, they will offer of themselves.

Be leery of those who are quick with advice. They are often slow to provide any meaningful assistance. You will do the work, while they take the credit.

With thick skin and good humor, one can deflect even the nastiest of blows. Do not take yourself too seriously, but do not allow yourself to be abused. They cannot keep you down, when you have risen up.

Sticks and stones

If man speaks from the abundance of the heart, some hearts must be wicked indeed. There are those who joy in making others miserable. If I could understand such depravity, insanity would follow.

When a person does well, they are treated poorly. Jealousy is always sticking its fingers where they do not belong. And it never learns, though it may draw back a nub.

Those who suffer are pitied, as if they would wish for others to know their sorry state. To be sure, they often encourage people to feel this way. If life is hard, false tears will do nothing to soften it.

Words can be used to help or harm. They can be instructive or destructive. A life lived tearing others down, will swiftly to ruin lead.

They, whose tongues are sharp, cannot cry foul when cut by another. Their very words will come back on their heads. Perhaps they should be granted the mercy they have shown…

Sticks and stones may break one’s bones, but words will wound the heart. Everything without could remain intact. But who can survive a spirit crushed?  

The noise of life

There are so many distractions, but sometimes we need to put our toys away. Too often, they become our lives. And we die for them just a little inside.

If what you make does not turn out well, the tools are not to blame. So, when things do not satisfy, they are not at fault. Satisfaction can only come from within.

To do nothing, is to be nothing. Even the ground we walk on has a purpose. It is a sad state of affairs when dirt is more useful than a person.

Action is required to overcome distraction. Busying oneself is the cure for boredom. Creation reverses stagnation.

Focus until the noise of life dies down. Push the chaos out, and concentrate solely on what you are doing. Clear your mind and the path will be seen.

Let the heart be your driving force. Know the joy of making instead of taking. It is better to stand than sit; better to walk than talk; and when you are living, there is no time to waste.  

Bells and whistles

If you give people what they want, they will not be happy. If you do not give them what they want, they will go somewhere else. A good salesman convinces you of what you did not know you wanted.

In our society, we can have anything our hearts desire. But people are always searching for more. Things do not satisfy, yet human beings fill their lives with such.

It is not enough to do something well: you must persuade others you have done well. The majority of the struggle is in overcoming their apathy. I believe quality will win in the end, but that may be a long way off.

There are many tricks that can be employed to gain attention. I suggest using whatever works. Focus solely on quality and you will perish in obscurity.

Many are dazzled by bright lights and pretty colors: that is the hook to draw them in. And in they will plunge: hook, line and sinker. It was not the product but the packaging that mattered.

So, be sure to make it appealing. Take the time to give them what they want, or they will find someone else who will. If the outward appearance is not pleasing, they will not bother to look inside.