Be kind. Because everyone you meet is going through some sort of battle. Someone recently said "relationships are becoming harder these days because conversations have become texts, arguments become emails and feelings become status tweets". I think one of the biggest problems today is that people talk at others, not to them. In life, we are given many opportunities to use thoughtfulness and consideration as we interact with each other. When conversations become loud arg

What is the difference between joy and happiness? Happiness pertains to conditions or your surroundings. JOY IS FROM WITHIN! We all want to find ways to be happy. But happiness is a temporary emotion that will come and go depending on your circumstances. Joy is not a simple emotion — it’s eternal and remains no matter what you go through. Happiness or Joy? Your Choice! Happiness is an emotional roller coaster. Happiness  happens to us. But it is fleeting! And misleading

It's good business sense to look for the least expensive merchandise or service. But it's not always the best 'heart-sense'. Others have to make a living too. We need to balance compassion with our purchasing power, and find ways to help each other. A friend of mine would go out of his way to buy simple goods from poor people at high prices, even though he did not need them. When somebody asked him why he does it, he says: “It is a charity wrapped with dignity.” "Charity

It’s all about me! A young man went on a date with a beautiful girl. He was so eager to impress her, he couldn't stop talking about himself. Finally he said, "Enough about me. What do you think about me?" The term "Me Generation" started in the 1970's to describe the Baby Boomers, and was noted for its emphasis on self-focus and personal gratification . Today's social media has added gas to that flame! Overnight, the cell phone became the world's new mirror and mega

“ Your attitude reflects your past, describes your present and predicts your future.” After completing his sales training class, the sales manager typically sends his top student on a sales call. However, he first informs them that this individual was once a sales manager and likes to challenge young salespeople. He can sometimes be quite rude and difficult to sell, but it's crucial to be persistent in addressing all his objections with respect. But he will always end up pla

You can only understand people if you see yourself in them . If we turn our heads the other way, we may have missed an opportunity to benefit from the blessings of deepening our sense of compassion. It's important to get close enough to the situation to see ourselves in their position. It's all about empathy! Showing empathy taxes your emotions, costs time, money and requires energy. But the heart-felt payoffs are unlimited. 'Empathy is a "muscle" that can be strengthe

. . . but, Sunday is Coming! Happy Easter Charlie Brown

This is the little house our family grew up in. It was located in Siler City, N.C. If you’re old enough to remember The Andy Griffith Show, you might have heard our little town frequently mentioned. After retiring from Hollywood, Aunt Bea, one of the main characters on the show moved to Siler City! I always say jokingly that Aunt Bea and I are the only two famous people that have ever lived in Siler City! Siler City was very near University of North Carolina and Duke. S

Laughter is the best medicine! This time-honored phrase dates back to biblical times, but it’s as applicable today as ever! Laughter is healing! It can drive stress away, relax your whole body, release endorphins, increase your heart-health and some say it may even help you live longer ! Laughter has many physical and mental benefits. Because laughter is the great equalizer ; It brings people together; It simply feels good to laugh. Studies show that people who use humor an

The upside of low self-esteem is that it takes the sting out of most insults. Discouragement can have a big effect on the way we see ourselves. But it's always important to remember your value! A bottle of Coca-Cola cost $1 at the store, $2 at the gym, $4 at the airport, $7 at a concert! Same bottle, different location, different value! The next time you feel undervalued don't question what you're worth, question where you are. You're probably asking: "But Charlie

"Talk to everybody. One person could change your life, or you might even change theirs." Being a car-crazy high school senior with very little career direction, I thought my future was to be an automobile mechanic. That all changed in one night after I went to dinner at a friend's house and talked to her boyfriend who was in Barber School at the time. He said that barbers could make $100 a week and never get their hands dirty. Bingo! . . . . . you don't have to te

A young man looking out from the train’s window shouted… "Dad, look at the trees racing by" His Dad smiled. A young couple sitting nearby, noticed the young man's childish behavior, with pity. Then, suddenly the young man exclaimed, ‘Dad, look at all the beautiful clouds. They are moving with us!’ The couple couldn’t resist and said to the old man, ‘Why don’t you take your son to a good doctor?’ The old man smiled and said, "I did ! And we are just coming from the hospit

World Book Encyclopedias, circa 1954 When I was a child, a traveling salesman knocked on the front door of our house. Nobody EVER came to our front door unless it was the Preacher or a Salesman! This Salesman was offering a set of these wonderful books: The World Book Encyclopedias! Mom and dad thought my sister and I deserved the best education they could afford and hoped these books might be helpful . So, they gave the salesman a down payment of two-dollars and he ag

Charlie the Barber, circa 1964 When I started my barbering career, I never saw myself winning any major awards -- especially after the time I snipped that guys ear during a haircut. The blood droplets from his ear and the memories of the facial expressions on those in the waiting room, have been a continuing memory and might have inspired me to reevaluate my career choice! When I transitioned to sales at The Quaker Oats Company, I never thought later in my life I would

As I get older, I find myself thinking more and more about my legacy. Studies have shown that most people cannot tell you much about their great-grandfather. What will people remember about me when I'm gone? Or . . . will I be remembered at all? I've always tried to live a life that reflects my Christian values, and I want that to be part of my legacy as well. And even though many times, "I wandered in the wilderness," God always had His hand on me!

When you look at this -- what do you see? The majority of us see a black dot. You find in life what you look for! What are you focusing on this year? Will you be focusing on the black dot in the center of the blank page which represents our challenges , negativities, disappointments and difficulties -- or will you focus on the vast white space around the dot where you find opportunities, friendships and blessings? The possibilities here are endless. Our lives are lik

A father and his two young sons were fishing in a very large lake, when suddenly a terrible storm came up and capsized their boat. They feared for their lives, struggled to upright the boat, and finally were able to climb back in it. As they rowed back to the shoreline, the man saw his wife running toward the boat. Sobbing she said, "During that terrible storm, lightning struck our house and burned it to the ground. Everything we have worked for for thirt y-years has gone

We met one another as strangers eating breakfast at the counter of our favorite country cookin' restaurant. Two elderly men and a younger fellow exchanged stories and memories of our adventures, quickly forming a friendship. We are all set in our ways, have many quirks and idiosyncrasies which usually result in everyone laughing. Talk about diversity! One of us was in 'Special Forces' and two of us weren't . One of us still uses a flip phone and drinks his warm coffee th

An elderly gentleman's wife had been in a memory care facility for over 4 years. Not a day went by that he did not go visit her, even though she never recognized him or ever knew why he came . One day after all these years, he just couldn't stand it anymore, and he got down on his knees, looked into her eyes and said, "Honey do you know who I am?" She paused, looked up at him and replied, "I don't know who you are, but I can tell that you are someone who loves me very m

Intelligence without ambition is like a bird without wings. -Salvator Dali What is your New Year's Resolution? Sometimes we all need a little inspiration to remind us to reach for the stars. Or at least try to reach the top shelf in the pantry without using a step stool. Whether your goal is to become the world's best pickleball player or to invent a self-stirring coffee mug, pursue it with the enthusiasm of a mosquito at a nudist colony. Ambition doesn't just happen. Y