Out of control

Human beings are obsessed with control. Yet, from the beginning of our lives to the end, the real decisions are out of our hands. Existence goes where it will, and we are just along for the ride.

The desire for control is a desperate attempt at self-determination. It will suffocate our every endeavor. Life flows in one direction, and swimming against the current only leads to exhaustion.

Individuals are naturally different, so control is inherently artificial. Deciding something is real does not make it so. Any more than believing you can fly makes it safe to jump off a cliff.

Good things happen when you let go and let them grow. That which you control is dead on arrival. Just because it is moving, does not mean there is any life in it.

Some surprises are pleasant ones. Do not let determination stifle real achievement. Whether it was part of the plan or not, beauty is found where you least expect it.

The world turns without us, but we are the ones who give it meaning. If you have anything in a stranglehold, it cannot breathe freely. Burst the dam, and let it flow.

The perfect gift

Christmas is a time for giving. We give of our time and resources to make the season bright. Let us not focus on the gift, but rather on the thought behind what was given.

First you must discern what a person wants, and what they do not yet possess. If you know them, you probably know what they like. The real question is whether they already have it.

Once you have determined the perfect gift, the task is to go about obtaining it. Finding a place that carries said item can be difficult. Thankfully, we have plenty of options for making our purchase.

Often, the gift will need to be shipped. This requires waiting for it to show up, and hoping it will be received in good condition. The earlier you begin the process, the less chances of disappointment.

Presents tend to require wrapping of some kind. So, you will need to obtain the appropriate supplies. Regardless of your skills, you need merely cover the gift to maintain the surprise.

It all comes down to the care you put in for the ones you care about. Giving is not about the price or the popularity of the item. The simplest offering can show the greatest consideration.

Beyond the ordinary

People float aimlessly through life, not knowing where they are going. How many set out on the journey only to lose themselves along the way? If you cannot take care of yourself, you cannot help anyone else.

It is easy to merely subsist, and just let the currents take you where they may. You might want to find your place in the machine, but it is cold and lifeless. How unnatural it is for the living to power what is not...

Being a person, means transcending the mere numbers. What makes you stand out from the crowd? If you care, the distinction will be made clear and your actions will prove it.

Humans are the least and the greatest of creatures. Since they can do better, the shame of failure rests squarely on them. We cannot escape the one staring back at us in the mirror.

To improve, one must take a long hard look. Do not shy away, or you will learn nothing. Honesty means confronting our demons, even when the face they wear is our own.

We have so much, and yet there is so much more we can do. This requires focusing on the task at hand, and setting out to achieve something beyond the ordinary. Do not drift about, set a course and determine to reach your destination.

Perseverance

     Life is full of obstacles and we must overcome them. If things are going good, be wary: the storms will be coming. We do not prove ourselves when times are easy, but rather when they are hard. Sometimes the hardest thing is to just keep going.

     Perseverance is not the same as stubbornness. The latter would bang its head against a wall, while the former just finds another way. Real progress is not a straight line, for the terrain prevents such notions. Do what gets you closer to the goal with the least number of deviations.

     Losing everything is a real possibility. Nothing is guaranteed, so you must fight for what you have. But if your goal is to amass things, you are already on the wrong path.

     If the object is flawed, the journey is wasted. Many stumble along, obstinately pursuing the attainment of riches. When left unsatisfied, they fall into despair.

     Likewise, people seek adoration. To be sure, if someone adores you they expect to get something from it. Those who know you will not follow you around. The ones who love you will accept you with no thought of gain.

     Sometimes, the goal changes on the outside. The dream career turns out to be a nightmare and you need to start over. It will not be easy to get back on track. Failure is an option, and many will choose it. This is because beginning anew costs time and money. It will tax you physically and mentally. If you can be content, do so.

     Inside, things have not changed. The goal is always a means to an end. A better job means more money to do what you love. Status opens doors to reach a larger audience. You may need to do unpleasant things, but you should never do that which is violating. What does it profit to gain success at the loss of one's dignity?

     Life is best when we are doing what we love. We all have responsibilities, and we must live up to them. Sacrificing others for what you want is a violation of the highest order.

     Time is too precious to be wasted. Ask yourself if what you are doing is productive. If not, find something that is. When nothing good comes from it, then it is not worth doing.

     Inspiration comes in many forms, so do not be quick to dismiss anything. If it leads to action, you are not being idle. Books provoke ideas, and movies capture a feel. Games challenge, and music evokes emotion. When one is still, thoughts are clear; and sleep calms the frenzied mind.

     Maintain a steady pace, without being in a hurry. Haste will lay waste to all your hopes and dreams. Sloth brings everything to a screeching halt. Rush up a hill, and you will collapse from exhaustion. Lag behind and be left in the dust.

     To be better, we must do better. What a person says is not as important as what they do. Actions are life in motion. If you stop, then all is lost.

     In the end, blood, sweat and tears may be required. Climbing to the highest places is exhausting. Those spiritually weak need not apply. Stay on the ground where it is safer.

     If you cannot give up, you will either make it or perish in the trying. It is not shameful to fail if there is no way to win. Others might be inspired by your valiant attempt. No one may know your name, but your impact will be felt.

     Spiritual endeavors leave an indelible mark. Like a lighthouse, they show the way. Our lives might end in dust and ashes, but the spirit lives forever. What we do here, makes us who we are and what we always will be.

Flight or fight

Sometimes, life is a monster chasing you down. No matter how hard you run, you cannot get away. The mistake is to flee when it is time to fight.

It is natural to be afraid, but we must never let our fears rule us. They are tyrants out to crush all your hopes and dreams. Knock them down and continue on.

Do, and you will not have time to worry. The battle will require all of your focus. Failure can happen, so fight to ensure it does not.

There is no guarantee of victory, but do nothing and the outcome is assured. The most sure way to fail is to never try. It is much harder to hit a moving target.

Life takes advantage of the weak, but flees from the strong. The indomitable ones can turn the tables. Suddenly, the hunter becomes the hunted.

Pursue life with all haste. It may run, but there is nowhere to hide. And when it falls in an exhausted heap, your fears will be there with it.

Running on fumes

Sometimes, you just need to keep going. Stopping is not an option, though you are running on fumes. It is in these moments you find out how resilient you really are.

Tapping into such reserves should not be taken lightly. You should only do so when it is truly needed. They must be available in case of emergency.

Be strong when it is necessary. Take a stand until you collapse. Running from adversity only means it will eventually find you in a weaker state.

If you care, you will do what is not easy. When the enemy is all around, you still will fight. This is not vanity, for there are hearts and souls at stake.

You fight for those that depend on you. Since they are in peril, you cannot back down. Spirit can overcome the weakness of flesh.

Only when the danger passes will you be able to rest. Take all the time you need to recover. The next threat is coming, and you must be ready.