Inner Strength-Part 4

When I talk about “Inner Strength” I am referring to a combination of mental, emotional and spiritual strength. Each of these play such an integral part of making up how we feel, the decisions we make and the outcomes we achieve. These strengths are developed and strengthened based on our values. To define values in a simple way, they are those beliefs that guide our thoughts and actions. They define who we are and what we stand for. Understanding our values at the core of developing Inner Strength.

The key is to find values that you believe in and know that no matter what, you can maintain through any situation.

  • Values are one of the most important things that we carry with us throughout our life. They are what truly define us. The best part about values is that each person defines them for themselves. The problem comes when people allow for their values to be influenced in a negative way. We have seen many examples of what happens when people, leaders and organizations let their values slip.
  • Defining your values will be one of the most important things you will ever do. You need to take a deep look into your inner self to know what it is you stand for. Then, you must be sure that those values are immovable. You must stay true to them no matter what the situation is. This can be hard and there are going to be times when your values are challenged. Inner strength comes when you overcome the temptation to put your values aside. You become stronger each time you keep your values intact. Whether you know it or not, people are watching to see who you are based on your decisions. It won’t really matter what you say if are not true to who you are.
  • Don’t let the world define your values. This may sound like common sense but look at how much social media influences you, me and all those around us. Are you clicking the “Like” button because others who are popular clicked it? Are you posting things you have no interest in but know it will cause contention, pain and other negative emotions? How would people define you based on your social media presence? When you have defined your values, then live them. This is especially true when using technology. Let others see this and not some fake or “other you.” You control this and it starts with knowing your values.
  • So don’t compromise, be strong, be true. When you have strong values, you can provide true value and that is when you will see noticeable improvement in your Inner Strength.

    You are a hero!

    How are you going to develop values that can withstand any storm?

    Give Thanks Invitation

     

    What is one of the mpbs-givethanksost awesome, powerful and rewarding gifts you could give someone? Simple, gratitude.

    That’s right, giving thanks is something that can turns someone’s day around, it can make brighten the spirit of someone, it can be an answer to a prayer, it can literally change a life.

    See when you give thanks, I mean a heartfelt, genuine and thoughtful gratitude to someone, you are giving something that money cannot buy. You are allowing yourself to connect with that person in a very special way. You are opening up an opportunity for that person a window to hope.

    During this week of Thanksgiving it can become easy and almost repetitious to show our love and gratitude for family and friends which is awesome. However, I want to invite you to do something a little different this year. your invited

    Take some quite time to ponder or mediate about those outside your everyday circle. Maybe its an old classmate or co-worker, maybe its a neighbor, maybe’s a teacher, coach or church leader, maybe it is a family member who you have not had much communication with for a while.

    As you think about them, think about how you might show your gratitude to them. In many cases it will be an email, text or phone call. No matter what the form of communication might be, jot down what you feel impressed to share with them.

    Now, go ahead and reach out to them. Share with them your heartfelt gratitude and be specific. Let them not only hear your words but feel them. The truth is, you may be an answer to their prayers or even the prayers of that persons family and friends. As you do this, there will be a warmth and peace that comes upon you. You won’t get worldly recognition but more importantly, you will receive internal and personal confirmation of your own goodness. Interesting, one more thing to be thankful for.

    Leaders, the best leaders know how to give thanks. They know that without the support and efforts of others, they would not be successful. Ironically, heroes receive tons of thanks and gratitude but more often than not feel uncomfortable with the publicity. Yet, if you listen to them they give thanks for things like, being prepared, being at the right place at the right time, being raised with strong values, having faith in a higher power, etc. It seems they are never at a loss for showing their gratitude. We can all learn from true heroes and great leaders but showing our real gratitude.

    lighten the load

     

    I hope you will join me during this time of Thanksgiving and lighten the load of someone by giving your thanks and gratitude to them.