Category: grains of sand

Behind Courage Is Fear

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Everyone has fears. They act as roadblocks, and you can either let them stop you or find another way forward. Fear is natural—it’s a part of being human—but it doesn’t have to control you. Instead, embrace it as an open door leading to new journeys and opportunities. Bravery is born through fear. Be brave.

The power lies in your perspective.

There’s a poem by Erin Hanson:

“There is freedom waiting for you,

On the breezes of the sky,

And you ask, ‘What if I fall?’

Oh but my darling,

What if you fly?”

At first glance, it’s a simple poem you might have heard before, but sometimes the meaning doesn’t fully sink in until the right moment. These words remind us that fear often speaks louder than possibility, yet it’s possibility that holds the key to our growth.

Let’s say you want to try something new. Before you even begin, you’re already anticipating the worst. “What if it’s a waste of time? What if I fail?” That mindset keeps you frozen in place, holding you back from something that could change your life. But what if it isn’t? What if you take the leap and find yourself soaring? You’ll never know unless you try.

Not long ago, I was talking to my mom, and I asked her, “Mom, how are you so brave?” Motherhood scared me at the time—the responsibility, the unknown, the fear of not being enough. Her response surprised me. She laughed and said, “That’s the same question I asked my mom.” It reminded me that courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear. It means moving forward despite it.

The truth is, we’re all afraid sometimes, but we each have the power to strengthen our courage muscle. And we can’t give up on it because bravery isn’t just about us—it’s about the light we create for others. I believe that when we choose courage, everything around us begins to glow in a way. We become a light in someone else’s darkness, and that light can make all the difference.

So the next time fear whispers, “What if I fall?”—ask yourself instead, “What if I fly?” Take the leap. Be the light. And watch how the world around you begins to glow.

Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy

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Albert Einstein once said, “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” How often do we judge ourselves—or others—by the wrong standards?

How often do we believe we should climb a tree when we’re meant to swim?

See yourself for who you truly are. Explore the journey of self-discovery. How else do we grow?

The truth is, each of us is our own. You can’t compare your growth to someone else’s. You are not meant to be them, and they are not meant to be you. Some people thrive in the spotlight, sharing their lives boldly for all to see, while others find their strength in private moments, nurturing their growth quietly. Neither is wrong. Both are necessary.

It’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game, measuring ourselves against someone else’s timeline, achievements, or personality. But just as every flower blooms in its own time and place, so do we. The garden of life is vibrant because of its variety, not its uniformity.

If we think about flowers for a moment: some stretch tall toward the sun, like sunflowers basking boldly in the light. Others bloom quietly in the shade, like lilies of the valley, hidden yet exquisite in their own way. And then there are flowers like the rare corpse flower, which might take years—sometimes decades—before it reveals its unique bloom.

Instead of judging or comparing yourself, embrace who you are and the unique way you are growing. Your purpose isn’t to mimic another person’s path but to walk your own with authenticity. Trust that you are exactly where you need to be, and that your growth is unfolding as it should.

And remember: the same applies to others. Just as you wouldn’t expect a fish to climb a tree, don’t hold others to impossible or unfair expectations.

The world doesn’t need you to be like anyone else. It just needs you to be fully, beautifully, and unapologetically you.

The Freedom Of Forgiveness

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Whatever is holding you back—whatever skeleton hides in your closet, guilty moment haunts you, or mistake chains you down—it’s time to let it go and forgive yourself. Whether it’s from 20 years ago, 5 years ago, or even just last week, release it. You are evolving every single day.

A butterfly doesn’t regret its mistakes as a caterpillar. It doesn’t dwell on what it could have done differently. Instead, it embraces its transformation and spreads its wings. The past no longer matters—it’s the now that counts. You’re not the same person you were then, so forgive yourself. Stop beating yourself up and move forward. Imperfection is part of being human, and mistakes are often our greatest teachers. Be thankful for those lessons, because they shape who you are today.

One of the biggest reasons you suffer is because you haven’t yet forgiven. You’re anchored to your past, and it’s time to cut the rope. The past cannot change, but you can. Take the pain you’ve carried for so long and turn it into something meaningful. Learn from it. Use it to grow. When you let go, you’re not just setting others free—you’re setting yourself free.

Forgiving yourself also opens the door to rekindling relationships, both with yourself and others. Nobody is perfect. What even is perfection? We can’t expect forgiveness from others if we’re not willing to forgive ourselves. Embrace where you are now. You’ve come so far, and you’re still growing.

Try this: Write down what you need to forgive yourself for. Acknowledge the lessons it taught you, then let it go. Write a letter of forgiveness to yourself or someone else, even if you never send it. Let those burdens leave your heart and make room for love and gratitude.

You are a miracle in progress. The past doesn’t define you; your actions now do. So step into the person you’re becoming—a person who forgives, grows, and shines brighter each day.

The Map and the Compass: A Journey of the Heart

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When was the last time you admired a map—a tangible one? People don’t really use them anymore. We all rely on GPS. But if you have a physical map in your hands right now, you might feel a little overwhelmed.

Maps are wonderful tools, especially if you know where you’re going or what you want to find. But if you’re holding a map without a destination in mind, it can feel confusing, overwhelming, even useless. You might think, What’s the point of even having this map?

When you’re feeling lost, though, you pull out the compass. The compass doesn’t overwhelm you with details—it simply points you in the right direction. It guides you toward where you need to go.

To me, spiritual practices, traditions, and teachings are like maps. They can be rich with guidance and knowledge, and when you know where you’re going, they’re incredibly helpful. But if you’re unsure of your destination or disconnected from your inner truth, even these maps can leave you feeling lost, frustrated, or stuck.

The compass, though—that’s your heart. Just as a compass directs you toward your path, your heart provides the internal guidance you need. When you follow your heart, it always leads you to where you’re meant to be. Once you begin using the compass within, the maps of spiritual teachings—no matter their origin—start to make more sense. They show you landmarks to notice, lessons to embrace, and beauty to recognize along your journey.

Without your inner compass, you risk wandering aimlessly, hoping the map alone will solve everything. But when you tune into your heart, every map you encounter becomes a tool for growth. You start to see that all maps, in their own way, can teach you something valuable.

Maps no longer feel useless or overwhelming. They become companions on your journey, and you find gratitude for the paths they reveal.

Because the truth is, the compass and the map aren’t in competition—they’re partners. The compass gives you direction, and the map provides context. The heart points you toward your truth, and the wisdom from spiritual practices offers insights along the way. Together, they create a journey that’s both meaningful and uniquely yours.

So, next time you feel lost, remember to check in with your compass—your heart. It will guide you, and the maps you follow will become clearer and more meaningful.

Reading Is Power

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“Powerful writings are burned like a brand into the collective consciousness of a culture, even if very few people take the time to read those writings.” – Burke Hedges

Reading is transformative. It has been said, “reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body,” and I couldn’t agree more. There’s something magical about seeing someone engrossed in a book or having a conversation with someone who loves to read.

Books have shaped me in countless ways, and I often wonder who I would be without them. I’m endlessly grateful for the courage of writers who share their stories, perspectives, journeys, imaginations, and philosophies with the world. Through their words, we gain insight into the beauty and complexity of being human.

What strikes me most about reading is how it bridges our differences. While we all have unique experiences, books reveal how deeply connected we are. They remind us that, at our core, we share the same struggles, joys, and desires. Reading doesn’t just expand our knowledge—it strengthens our empathy and helps us see ourselves in one another.

So, pick up a book. Let it challenge you, inspire you, or simply comfort you. Reading is more than a pastime; it’s a gateway to understanding and connection.

Time to Break the Spells That Have Been Placed on You

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You are your own worst critic, but it’s time to break the spells that others have placed on you—the ones that make you doubt your worth or silence your voice.

Let me remind you: you are beautiful.

Your soul radiates with beauty and light. You have the power to do incredible things. Don’t give up on yourself, because you are capable, you are loved, and you make a difference every single day.

Too often, we let insecurities hold us hostage, convincing us to shrink and hide our true selves. But here’s the truth: every single one of us is unique, brimming with gifts that are meant to be shared. The world is waiting for your gifts, for your voice, for your authenticity.

When you start to see yourself as the miracle you are—and yes, you are a miracle—you’ll begin to recognize the beauty that already lives inside you. You’ll stop comparing yourself to others because nobody can be you, and nobody ever will.

So, embrace the life you’ve been given. Release the doubts, silence the negative voices, and step into the incredible person you are meant to be. The world needs you.

Skip The Short Cut, Take The Long Drive

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You notice with age we seem to always be in a rush. And for what? Why are us grown-ups always rushing? It’s like we think something catastrophic will happen if we’re “not on time.” We’re so consumed with getting to the next thing that we barely savor where we are.

For a while, I kept catching myself saying, “real fast.”

“Let me do the dishes real fast.”

“I gotta go to the bathroom real fast.”

“Let me make this call real fast.”

“Let me eat this real fast.”

Why? Why am I rushing everything “real fast” all the time? It’s like I was stuck in a loop—accomplish one task, move to the next, repeat. We have so much to do, but are we really living while we do it?

The truth is, we lack patience. How do you truly embrace and enjoy the ending of a book, a movie, or a show if you just skipped through the whole thing? Life is the same way. It’s an experience meant to be lived fully, not hurried through. The so-called “boring parts” or long highways of life are what make the destination that much sweeter.

So take your time. Let the journey unfold naturally. It’s not about how quickly you get there; it’s about how much of the road you let yourself feel along the way.

Most People Are More Concerned About Themselves Than They Are About You

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In other words, stop worrying so much about what others think. Truthfully, they don’t care nearly as much as you imagine.

How often do we hold ourselves back because we’re afraid of others’ perceptions? Too often.

But here’s the thing: people are busy living their own lives. They’re caught up in their own thoughts, insecurities, and struggles. They don’t have the time or energy to analyze every little thing you do. So why let the fear of their judgment hold you back?

Try, fail, learn, and grow. That’s the cycle of life. And if you’re constantly worrying about what others might think, you’ll never move forward. You’ll stay stuck, and that fear will steal your potential.

Remember this: your life is yours to live. The opinions of others are fleeting, but the opportunities you seize—or let pass—will define your journey. Stop holding back. Trust yourself and take the leap.

Give More Compliments

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Sometimes people just need to hear something kind. And that compliment you give might influence them in ways you can’t even imagine.

My mom is the perfect example of this. She compliments everyone, everywhere we go. Whether it’s the cashier at the grocery store, a stranger in the elevator, or the waiter at a restaurant, she always finds something to acknowledge. One day I asked her, “Do you always compliment people?” and she said, “Yes, it makes them smile.” And she’s right—her words light up their faces every time.

Think about how you feel when you receive a compliment. The way it lifts your spirits or leaves a warm impression long after it’s been said. Maybe you even remember a compliment you received years ago, one that made you feel truly seen or appreciated. That’s the power of kind words—they stick with us.

We often think nice things about others but keep them to ourselves. Why not share them? Tell someone they’re doing a great job. Compliment their outfit, their smile, or their energy. Recognize the effort they put into something, even if it’s small. You never know what someone might be going through or how much your words could mean to them.

The beauty of compliments is that they cost nothing, but their value is immeasurable. So, give them freely and often. You might just make someone’s day—or even their week.

Sometimes You Gotta Get Through Your Fear To See The Beauty On The Other Side

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This quote came from the movie, The Good Dinosaur. I was watching it with my children when I heard this line from the Father Dinosaur and I just thought, how profound!

Fear can feel like a towering wall, separating us from the joy, peace, or growth that lies on the other side. It whispers that we’re not strong enough, that we’ll fail, or that the unknown isn’t worth the risk. But the truth is, fear is often the guardian of the most beautiful experiences.

Think about the times you’ve been afraid—whether it was starting something new, facing an unexpected challenge, or stepping out of your comfort zone. Once you pushed through the fear, didn’t you find something valuable on the other side? Maybe it was a lesson, a deeper sense of self, or even a breathtaking moment you would have missed if you hadn’t been brave enough to try.

Fear isn’t the enemy; it’s a signal that you’re growing, stretching, and evolving. So the next time you’re faced with something scary, remember this: the beauty on the other side is worth it. Take a deep breath, gather your courage, and keep going. You’ll be amazed at what’s waiting for you when you push through.