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God has blessed us with a new year and a fresh start. How I shape this year will depend on the choices I make. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize there were times I could have done better. Now, I’ve been given another chance.   It’s easy to look forward with anticipation to all the good things a new year might bring. Yet, I know challenges will come too, things that may not be so pleasant. My prayer is to stay grounded in faith, no matter the circumstances.   Right now, things feel positive. After the joy of Christmas celebrations and wonderful moments with family, I feel hopeful as I look ahead to what this year may unfold.   Specifically, I plan to focus on continued learning, maintaining good health, and fostering new friendships. I want to share more smiles than I can count and face each day with love in my heart, ready to give it freely whenever I can.   For instance, just this morning at the pet store, I had a small but impactful moment. As I walked in, I noticed a man coming out, carrying a large bag and looking tired. I thought, here’s a chance to share kindness.  I greeted him with a cheerful “Good morning!”  At first, he seemed startled, but then his face lit up with a big, welcoming smile. It was a simple interaction, but it reminded me how powerful kindness can be—and how much joy it brings.   This year, I’ll give my best effort again. Some results will be great, while others may fall short. Regardless, I’ll remind myself: Good job, keep going.   I also want to take a moment to thank all of you. Your likes, loves, shares, and comments on my posts mean so much. While I may not always reply, I hope my words find their way to you, making a difference in your lives.   As we step into this new year, I wish you peace, hope, grace, and abundant love. May you be equipped to face whatever the year brings and may God’s blessings walk with you every step of the way.   Love you all, Jerry

It's easy to notice differences in myself and others. We are all different. Others think differently, act, and value things that might not align with my beliefs or preferences. Does that make me better or worse than them? No.  It simply makes me different.   I love Will Rogers's quote, "A stranger is a friend you ain't met yet."   I find it easy to compare myself to others, but this often leads to judgment. If someone's choices or opinions don't mirror mine, I might be tempted to think they're wrong or that I am. But this kind of thinking misses the bigger picture. Differences aren't about better or worse; they're about how God made each of us differently.   When I judge others for being different from me, I shut out understanding and connection—and even question God's creation. It's easy to criticize what I don't understand, but doing so stops me from growing. Judgment creates walls; curiosity builds bridges.   Instead of seeing differences as a challenge, what if I viewed them as opportunities? When I encounter someone whose life experience is unlike mine, I have a chance to learn. Their perspective might reveal blind spots  in my own thinking or open my eyes to new possibilities. Their struggles might teach me empathy, and their strengths could inspire me to grow in ways I hadn't considered.   When I choose to embrace differences, I discover that they don't threaten my identity; they expand it. I become more compassionate, understanding, and open-minded. I learned that a person's value isn't determined by how similar they are to me but by their intrinsic worth as a human being.   So, no, people being different doesn't make me better or worse, nor does it give me the right to judge. It gives me a chance to grow. If I'm willing to look beyond the surface, I'll find that our differences are the very thing that makes us all valuable.   How about you? Do you judge, or are you curious?   Watch for the blind spots.   Get a copy of Blind Spots in Relationships. Discover the hidden behavior that could be holding you back. http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

I vividly remember a pivotal moment during my counseling journey. As I allowed the process to work within me, I heard God’s gentle voice: “Jerry, take care of my people, and I will take care of you.”  It was a message that resonated deeply, stirring something within me. Around that same time, I found myself singing “Here I Am, Lord”  at church, feeling an undeniable conviction to answer His call.   Since stepping into the role of counselor, I’ve discovered an extraordinary truth: the nicest, most courageous people walk through my door.  It is an incredible honor to be invited into their lives and to walk beside them during their most chaotic and troubled times. I  quickly discovered that the work was deeply rewarding. The people who sought counsel were often the kindest souls, brave enough to admit they needed help. Their trust humbles me, and their resilience inspires me. Every session reminds me of the sacred nature of this work and the privilege of being part of someone’s journey toward healing. Truly, it is a blessing to answer this call and to know that it is serving others.   I noticed a pattern: mean-spirited individuals rarely came unless dragged in by a spouse or family member. In contrast, those who came willingly never fail to amaze me with their courage and humility.   There is something sacred about their trust in me. They opened up about their lives, wounds, and dreams humbly. Each session felt like stepping onto holy ground, where transformation could begin.   For me, counseling isn’t a profession with an expiration date; it is a calling that could last a lifetime.  Every day offers an opportunity to help someone find clarity, healing, or hope.   Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded of that small voice that echoes in my mind— God’s promise has proven true; as I care for His people, I am thoroughly cared for.                 How about you?  Have you answered your call? Is your work purposeful and satisfying?   Watch for the blind spots.   Start seeing the bigger picture and transform your relationships for the better, get Blind Spots in Relationships today.   http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

It was Christmas Eve, 1966, and we were on an operation at a small place called Khe Sanh. A ceasefire was in effect, offering a rare sense of relative safety. We lived in foxholes and shelter halves, the comforts of home far out of reach. We had nothing to represent the Christmas Season, but one of the guys had received a 4-track tape recorder from home. The catch?  He only had one tape, a collection of songs by The Righteous Brothers, not a single Christmas carol on it. He turned the volume up late that night, and their soulful voices filled the night air. We listened to: Unchained Melody You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (You’re My) Soul and Inspiration Ebb Tide Georgia on My Mind ...and a few others, over and over again.   You may not be familiar with these songs, but they are sad songs about love and relationships. Hidden tears flowed like streams, and no one talked.   That Christmas Eve, thousands of miles from home, those songs became the soundtrack of our lives, a bittersweet reminder of where we were and the lives we’d left behind. It was my first Christmas away, and my mind was filled with thoughts of my family celebrating back home, mixed with concern for me being so far away.   Memories of past Christmases came flooding back—the fun, the laughter, the warmth of being together. I felt a deep sadness, but I didn’t want my family to feel the same.   Mom and Dad relied on Walter Cronkite’s news reports about the war, adding to their unease. Not knowing when to worry meant they worried all the time.   Today, many servicemen and women are away from home on this special day. These are the folks ensuring the safety and protection of this great nation.   Many of their loved ones think of them with hopeful thoughts of their joy and safety, so reaching out to families with a loved one in the service would be honorable. Reaching out to any serviceman or woman would be a true gift to them.   How about you? Are there people you could reach out to this special Christmas but haven’t yet?   Watch for the blind spots.   Start seeing the bigger picture and transform your relationships for the better get Blind Spots in Relationships today.   http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Today's sermon emphasized the importance of recognizing that “I matter”,  and so do others, encouraging inclusivity not just during Christmas but every day.   During this season, many feel alone, sad, and unworthy. Who will not be at my table because I didn't reach out and let them know they are important to me?  The ones I overlook may need to be reminded that they matter.   Recognizing that I matter is personal acceptance of my worth, not based on achievements or others' opinions, but simply because I exist. It’s a reminder that my presence matters, my actions, thoughts, and feelings have impact, even in unseen ways. By valuing myself through self-care, setting boundaries, and pursuing joy, I not only prioritize my well-being but also enhance my ability to contribute positively to the world.   Acknowledging my worth also serves as an invitation to others. When I believe in my values, I inspire others to see their own. My confidence and self-respect create a ripple effect, demonstrating that everyone deserves love, respect, and care. This authenticity fosters deeper, more meaningful connections.   Knowing I matter means understanding my voice deserves to be heard—whether speaking up for myself, sharing my beliefs, or expressing my emotions. By doing so, I inspire others to value their voices too.   Ultimately, embracing “I matter”  is about belonging. It's the recognition that I have a place where my existence contributes to the greater whole. Embracing this truth allows me to approach others with compassion, acknowledging that they, too, matter profoundly.   Living with the understanding that you and I matter creates a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected. It begins with embracing this truth for ourselves and extending it outward, one interaction at a time.   How about you? Does recognizing that you matter impact how others see themselves?   Watch for the blind spots.   Get your copy of Blind Spots in Relationships and start seeing the bigger picture, transform your relationships for the better.   http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

It's been a long time since I've been in a place where echoes were noticeable. As a child, I remember visiting places where we would yell to hear the reverberations. This was endlessly fascinating for a boy from West Texas, where echoes were rare.   Recently, I found myself reflecting on the word "echo " and realized that, in a way, I am surrounded by echoes. My words and actions may not be labeled as such, but they behave similarly. They bounce around, influencing those around me, and inevitably return to me in one form or another.   My words and actions are never isolated events; they ripple outward, shaping the world around me. Like the reverberating sound of an echo, their effects can return to me amplified, sometimes in ways I least expect. Whether good or bad, these echoes travel through my family and community, influencing the lives of others and creating waves that persist far beyond the moment.   Positive words or experiences, such as love, encouragement, or gratitude, uplift and inspire. A kind word can brighten someone's day, instill confidence in a child, or strengthen community bonds. These moments may seem small, but their impact often outlives the speaker, as those who receive kindness are more likely to pass it along. Over time, these echoes weave a fabric of connection, trust, and resilience that benefits everyone.   Conversely, negative words and actions leave a different kind of legacy. A harsh remark, a thoughtless action, or persistent criticism can sow seeds of doubt, resentment, or discord. These echoes often linger longer than I realize, fracturing relationships and eroding trust. Worse, they can propagate through generations, as the hurt caused by one person is unintentionally passed down to others.   Understanding the lasting impact of my behavior offers a profound opportunity. By choosing my words carefully and acting with intention, I can send out echoes of hope, healing, and unity. I may never fully see the reach of these positive ripples, but rest assured, they exist.   How about you? Are your echoes building bridges or walls?   Watch for the blind spots.     Start seeing the bigger picture and transform your relationships for the better. http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Today, encouragement is one of my favorite things to do. It is the fuel that sustains ambition, connection, and perseverance. When it is missing, workplace and personal relationships become stagnant, tense, or uninspired.   Encouragement is not merely praise; it is a purposeful expression of belief in someone's capability to succeed or overcome obstacles.   Reflecting on my 30-year career in telecommunications, I realize encouragement was often absent. My role demanded control over many areas, and when something fell short, whether it was budgets, customer perception, or work quality, my superiors held me accountable. Instead of shielding my employees from the harsh criticism I received, I regrettably passed it down.   If I could go back, I would approach things differently. I now understand that without encouragement, collaboration weakens, and a culture of competition or apathy can emerge, eroding trust and relationships. When my employees felt unacknowledged, their motivation dwindled, making it harder to achieve the productivity I was striving to improve. Fear of criticism or indifference silences creativity, leaving valuable ideas and potential unrealized. Ouch!   In my personal relationships, a lack of affirmation or encouragement can lead to feelings of neglect and resentment, resulting in misunderstandings and weakened bonds. Encouragement plays a vital role in nudging others toward new experiences or risks. Without it, they may remain stuck in their comfort zones, missing opportunities to grow and evolve.   Encouragement fuels ambition, strengthens connections, and fosters perseverance. When it's absent, my personal relationships can become stagnant, tense, and uninspired. This underscores the importance of offering and seeking encouragement to create environments where the ones I love feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.   As I grow older, I increasingly realize how I could have done things differently. I wish I had encouraged my employees more, as well as the people I love most. While life doesn't offer do-overs, I've learned an important lesson: looking ahead, I have the power to encourage others to see their potential and become more than they believe they can be.   How about you? Can you make a more significant difference if you encourage more?   Watch for the blind spots.     🎄✨   Don’t Let Blind Spots Steal the Magic of the Season! 🎁✨Start seeing the bigger picture and transform your relationships for the better.   http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Not long ago, I spoke with an older man (Ralph) wrestling with whether to retire. He described his indecision as "sitting on the fence."  This phrase captures a common struggle, being undecided or neutral about a choice. It often reflects an attempt to avoid conflict or uncertainty.   This man had spent so long analyzing his options —charts of future income, pros and cons lists— that his indecision left him even more confused and paralyzed.   Often, delays in making choices result in missed opportunities. When I avoid taking a stance, I also risk losing control, leaving others or external circumstances to decide for me. Over time, this pattern can erode my self-confidence, making it harder to trust my ability to make decisions in the future.   Being seen as noncommittal can damage my credibility, particularly in leadership or collaborative settings where decisiveness is valued.   Getting off the fence starts with managing anxiety and focusing on facts. The more precise my thinking, the easier it becomes to take a stance.   I have talked before about how heightened anxiety can diminish clear thinking. When anxiety is high, intellect is low. To help reduce Ralph's anxiety and bring clarity, I shared a simple strategy to use in any of life's dilemmas. Here are four questions that helped him organize his thoughts:   What do I know about retirement?   What do I not know about retirement?   What can I do about it?   What can I not do about it?   Writing down answers to these questions might seem simple, but it helped him gather facts, regain perspective, and arrive at a decision.   The process becomes much more effective when I thoughtfully engage with these questions. The more I write, the better this process works. As I write, my dilemma becomes clearer, shifting from anxiety to intellect helps me regain control, reduce stress, and build confidence to tackle life’s challenges.   How about you? Are you sitting on the fence in some arenas in your life?   Watch for the blind spots.   🎄✨  Don’t Let Blind Spots Steal the Magic of the Season! 🎁✨Start seeing the bigger picture and transform your relationships for the better.   http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

I must have been ingesting some truth serum lately because I am willing to admit my drive to build a better me has become complacent. Yep, my excuses are more potent than my discipline. What an embarrassing thing to confess when I am constantly encouraging others to be their best.   It may be the season when eating and celebrating are in vogue. That sounds like a good excuse for me. Oh, but how deceptive my circumstances are. The following things are leaving my focus: reading, journaling, continuing education, exercise, nutrition (plenty of time and opportunities for cake and ice cream), research, and many more.   I find myself in the trap of complacency, the silent thief. It sneaks in when life feels comfortable, and routines run smoothly. At first, it looks like contentment, but over time, it saps my motivation, stunts my growth, and closes my eyes to opportunities for improvement.   The danger of complacency lies in its subtlety. I tell myself that I am doing "well enough" or that there's no need to fix what isn't broken. In truth, complacency can leave me stagnant, unaware of how the world is changing or how much more I can achieve. This mindset often leads to missed chances, unrealized potential, and, eventually, regret.   Now, the good news is that complacency isn't permanent. I must assess my mood, productivity, and self-talk to realize I am on that slippery slope. It shows up as an unwillingness to challenge myself, a resistance to feedback, or the habit of settling for the status quo. It might feel like coasting through life, devoid of excitement or curiosity. The risk is most significant when I stop tracking goals or celebrating small wins.   I already have my strategy in writing. I get to review what I have set out to accomplish and recommit. I get to share my weaknesses at this time with others who will encouragingly challenge my willingness to get back on track and do the things that truly make me feel great about myself.   How about you? Is complacency eroding your ability to be your best?   Watch for the blind spots. 🎄✨  Don’t Let Blind Spots Steal the Magic of the Season! 🎁✨Start seeing the bigger picture and transform your relationships for the better. Get your copy print or ebook here:   http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

The holidays often bring mixed emotions. I meet many families who struggle during this time, burdened by regrets and unresolved conflicts from the past. For some, gathering to laugh, share memories, and create new ones feels impossible. It reminds me that in relationships, we only get half a vote. One person's decision to opt out can end the connection, while a vote to stay in doesn't guarantee reconciliation. This reality can feel heartbreaking, especially when relationships are fractured. Pain and bitterness, unfortunately, often perpetuate more of the same.   My family, consisting of my two brothers, three sisters, their spouses and all our children, has faced its share of challenges. Yet, we are a loving, giving, and respectful family at our core. When we gather, we share stories, laugh, and remind each other of long-forgotten moments from our past. It's a gift to reconnect in this way.   The bittersweet truth, however, is that time changes everything. Although our family has grown, we have lost too many precious members. Time feels fleeting, and it is tempting to believe we'll have endless opportunities to be together. But reality tells a different story.   I've learned to focus on living fully in the present, knowing tomorrow is never guaranteed. Living without regrets means investing in relationships, building a better today, and preparing for a brighter tomorrow for myself and those around me. Healthy relationships are vital, but I've also accepted that I can't control whether others stay or walk away. I focus on being the best version of myself and staying true to my values and those I care about.   The holidays illuminate both the joy and the struggles within families. For some of us, it's a time of celebration; for others, it highlights loss or brokenness. Wherever I find myself this season, I will approach it with grace, gratitude, and compassion for myself and others. Moments of peace and connection can be found, even in the smallest acts of kindness.   I choose to vote in.   How about you?  Do you need to mend any relationships? Is it possible to surrender in relationships and win?   Watch for the blind spots. 🎄✨  Don’t Let Blind Spots Steal the Magic of the Season! 🎁✨ Start seeing the bigger picture and transform your relationships for the better.   http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

I meet with about 30 veterans each week. They are a remarkable group, diverse in age, military experience, and current circumstances. Despite their differences, they share a common challenge: difficulty sharing their stories, which often leaves them feeling stuck, alone, and silent. Yet, when one veteran opens up, it sparks a ripple effect, encouraging others to share their experiences.   These conversations range from funny boot camp stories to the horrors of battle, struggles with suicide, job loss, addiction, marriage, and veteran's benefits. Sharing these burdens not only lightens the load for the speaker but also helps others feel understood and supported. It's true: a shared burden is halved, while one carried alone can feel overwhelming.   This group is a powerful reminder that we all carry burdens. Some are heavier and more damaging, while others are lighter but still significant. It's easy to put on a brave face and say, "I'm fine,"  but some burdens require a safe, confidential space to be shared and released.   Think of a traveler with an overpacked suitcase struggling to move forward. Life can feel like that when we cling to unresolved burdens. What's in your suitcase? For veterans, it might be military experiences, guilt, regret, or fear of failure. For others, it could be self-doubt, toxic relationships, or unmet goals. Identifying and unpacking these "items"  is the first step toward lightening the load.   Everyone around us carries invisible baggage. A smile may mask deep pain, and silence can echo insecurity. Recognizing this shared humanity fosters compassion for ourselves and others. Like the veterans in my group, we can all learn to share the load and cut the burden in half.   I can't control the weight I begin with, but I can choose how to handle it. Keeping it bottled up only adds to the struggle, while sharing opens the door to hope and freedom.   How about you? Are you holding onto burdens from the past that weigh you down today?     Watch for the blind spots.   🎄✨  This Christmas, Unwrap Clarity in Relationships!   Make this season one to remember! 🎁✨   http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Toward the end of my telecommunications career, I faced a significant challenge. As a third-line manager, I found myself caught in a major downsizing. My role shifted dramatically; I became an individual contributor focused on reviewing reports and helping others resolve problems.   At first, I was furious. How could this happen to me?  I felt undervalued and defeated, spending weeks feeling sorry for myself and questioning my worth. It felt like I’d been knocked down, and I struggled to move past the disappointment for a while.   But over time, clarity set in. My salary remained the same, my responsibilities decreased, and the relentless demands of management disappeared. What initially felt like a demotion was an opportunity for a fresh perspective.   Was it easy?  Not at all. But after a month, I stopped dwelling on the loss and started focusing on the positives. I looked up, and with that, I found the strength to get up and move forward. That experience taught me that even when life takes an unexpected turn, there’s always a way to rise again.   As in this example, life has knocked me down, and moments of heartbreak, failure, and disappointment have tested my strength. During these times, Les Brown’s words, “If you can look up, you can get up,”  inspired hope. They reminded me that I can keep moving forward by lifting my eyes and seeing the path ahead.   Looking up is more than a physical act; it’s a mental shift. It’s about choosing to see past obstacles and believing in brighter days. From that belief, the strength to rise becomes possible. Challenges are not the end; they’re chapters in my story.   When life feels heavy, I look up, get up, and carry on. I’ve overcome things, and my story isn’t over; it’s just beginning. When tough circumstances appear, I plan to keep going; I am far from finished.   What about you? When life knocks you down, can you look up and get up?   Watch for the blind spots.   🎄✨  This Christmas, Unwrap Clarity in Relationships!  Make this season one to remember!🎁✨   http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp