ARE YOU ON A SINKING SHIP?

By Vernalee

Remember the Titanic? It was considered unsinkable. Figuratively speaking, a sinking ship could be a bad relationship, a dead end job, a drowning marriage, a wayward child, or any circumstance in life that may take you down. A downward path may encompass an emotional or a physical descent. If you are on or navigating a sinking ship, you basically have 3 viable survival options: You can either get off – before it hits, when it hits, or after it hits, but before it sinks. Sometimes, we are optimists and feel that we can coast and ride out the storms in our lives; life jackets or not! Our success rate sometimes cannot be predetermined or accurately predicted. When we are confronted with obstacle courses, and when and if there are opportunities to make wise decisions, we must do so! Don’t procrastinate! Time does not wait on no one and time may not be on your side! Invariably, our decisions determine our destiny. Never forget that on April 15, 1912, despite its sophistication, the RMS Titanic, on its maiden voyage from the UK to NYC sank when it collided with an iceberg! “SOS;” Don’t underestimate the reality of a situation. As the old folks say, “Be safe, not sorry; sink or swim!” Your life may depend upon it! Photo credit: The RMS Titanic courtesy of www.en.wikipedia.org

WARNING - DON'T JUST LET ANYONE INSIDE YOUR MIND

By Vernalee

This quote – though plain and simple - could not have been said better! Protect your mind from unhealthy external influences! Don't allow access to just anyone to speak to your spirit. Bad associations spoil useful habits and infiltrate unwholesome thoughts into your head. Stop letting others put their dirty trash into your cognitive processes. Controlling entry is pivotal. If an unhealthy entry is permitted, an exit is imminent. Stay on guard for what flows through your spirit. It is an “inside, out” flow, however what gets in may be hard to get out! Your words, behaviors, and actions imitate/reflect what you think! Keep on your suit of armor to protect yourself from what can ultimately destroy the goodness that you have worked years to cultivate. Stay on guard! Photo reprint: www.pininterest.com

EXTENDING AN OLIVE BRANCH

By Vernalee To extend an olive branch is to make an “offer of peace or to approach a foe in the spirit of conciliation. Biblical in origin, the phrase is derived from the story of Noah, where a dove delivers Noah an olive branch as a sign that the flood waters were receding. Historically and interestingly, olive branches were symbolic of peace as well as victory. At some point in our lives, we may consider extending an olive branch to settle a dispute or resolve an issue. Some people believe that it takes an immense amount of courage to take this action, as it often comes with an admission of wrongdoing and regret. Therefore, the offer of an olive branch would suggest that someone is tired of of fighting, whether it is an actual real life battle or a falling out between friends. If you’ve ever seen an olive branch, it’s not very strong. It’s actually quite delicate. It’s so light that a dove could fly with it with ease. It’s interesting that something so fragile carries the weight of one of humanity’s powerful gift: forgiveness. To forgive someone is an essential element of peace. How can you be at peace with someone against whom you hold a grudge? Forgiveness is also part of the golden rule. We all long to be forgiven when we’ve messed up. We all want a fresh start. It only makes sense to give the thing that we want the most of from other people.” It’s critical and indeed healthy that we move on. Forgiving and being forgiven are integral parts of that process. Saying, “I’m sorry” goes a long way. Apologies are golden. It’s essential that we make peace offerings. Why continue to be miserable? Bury the hatchet and the grudge. Don’t allow the anger, anxiety, or misstep that caused the problem and the frustration build up in your heart and take a seat in your soul. Shake if off. How else will the sprinkles of rain stop falling in your life? Be the bigger person. Extend the olive branch! You have everything to gain; little or nothing to lose. Be at peace with yourself … and others! Photo credit: www.how-to-cope.com; Source: www.grammarist.com; www.wisegeek.org; www.beliefnet.com