Yes, you will be tested. If you are looking for immunity against deep despair in this world, those five words may provide it. Mind you, the immunity is not against pain and suffering. It is against throwing in the towel. It is against believing all is lost. It is against believing that you have been […]
Whether you believe God is in charge (as I do) or the Universe is in charge, you have a purpose in this world. God or the universe will see to it that you walk through a very complex labyrinth of events in your life—including victories and defeats and lots of soul-searching—before your purpose is made […]
So many of us think we should cover up the trying times we have lived through, the challenges we have encountered and the weaknesses or foibles that we possess. We try to wear metaphorical armor that makes us seem invincible—but, in doing so, we risk being perceived as weak. Why, others wonder, if only unconsciously, […]
We human beings have an instinctive, God-given ability to recognize quality in all things. Yes, in all things. When we see something as simple as a shirt or a sweater, most of us can determine, with just a glance or a simple touch, whether it is of good quality or not. When we drive by […]
It’s very tempting not to engage with those who attempt to label you as less than what you truly are. After all, sidestepping conflict often seems less painful. When people question your character or your courage, why not just ignore them? When people try to swindle you, why not simply move on, without taking any […]
Regardless of one’s politics, it should be clear that recent posts on social networks hoping for President Trump to die are inappropriate. Some call them inexplicable. But they can be explained. Those who wish death on others are modern-day vampires. They thirst for the blood of others because they are themselves the walking dead—devoid of […]
Solve Et Coagula was the ancient maxim of the Alchemists, known, of course, for turning base metal into gold. It means, essentially, to break something down into its most basic elements (solve) and to then have them come together (coagula) in a different form. This was accomplished—according to Alchemists—when the energy holding the elements together […]
The essence of real leadership is being open to the truth. Pain-2-Power for Leaders is based on that principle. Why? Because someone willing to dig deeply enough and listen attentively enough and test possibilities vigorously enough will find firm footing to move forward toward any goal. There is no quicksand waiting for those who are […]
Here’s a secret about human beings: In most situations they don’t share everything they believe or know or worry over, regardless of the topic. They dip metaphorical toes in the water to gauge how their opinions or perspectives will be received. In this sense, most of us are politicians of a sort, polling our audiences […]
If I were to gift you one insight that might empower you most of all it would be this: The idea that you must hide the trouble you have lived through in life is the ultimate paper tiger. In fact, the fear of self-disclosure may be the most damaging psychological scourge there is. I say […]
