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I often feel trapped in worry, overwhelmed by situations beyond my control. My mind locks onto the problem, cycling through every possible scenario. In those moments, it feels impossible to see beyond the storm. Uncertainty makes it hard to imagine what might lie on the other side of my challenges. I'm not accustomed to thinking beyond my worries or picturing relief from struggles that haven't yet occurred.   That's where God's words of assurance, "joy comes in the morning,"  bring comfort and hope. This phrase from Psalm 30:5 says: "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." It reminds me that difficult seasons are temporary. Just as night eventually gives way to day, sorrow and hardship will make room for joy and renewal.   This message isn't about two opposing emotions, grief, and joy, coexisting. Instead, it reflects a natural progression: one emotion giving way to another. Even in the darkest times, there is always the promise that joy will return. The challenges I face, no matter how overwhelming, are not the end of the story. Relief will come.   Persevering through tough moments is hard, but this phrase encourages me to hold on, knowing that brighter days lie ahead. Every season of hardship, no matter how long or painful, will eventually pass. Like the morning light bringing a new day, life offers me opportunities to begin again, no matter what I've been through.   The phrase "joy comes in the morning"  also calls me to shift my perspective. It challenges me to trust that every difficult night will end, and hope has a chance to bloom with each new morning. The struggles I experience today don't define my future. If I hold on just a little longer, joy will meet me on the other side.   This scripture is not easy for me to understand or hold on to, but it holds the promise I seek.   So, the next time worry feels overwhelming, I will remind myself that joy always comes in the morning.   How about you? Can you hold onto that promise?   Watch for the blind spots.     Get a copy of Blind Spots in Relationships. Discover the hidden behavior that could be holding you back from the relationships you desire. http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

My mind is where thoughts, worries, fears, dreams, and tasks ricochet constantly. When these thoughts build up, it becomes hard to focus on essential matters. I’ve noticed that when anxiety takes over, my ability to think clearly and engage with intellectual or spiritual pursuits diminishes. It feels like anxiety rises at the expense of deeper reflection or problem-solving, an inverse relationship between worry and clear thinking.   I often think of clutter as a physical mess, piles of papers, unwashed laundry, or a chaotic workspace. But mental clutter is the hidden kind, the thoughts, and unresolved tasks we carry daily, quietly affecting how we function. Just like a messy environment makes relaxing hard, a cluttered mind disrupts inner peace and productivity.   Focusing on the present becomes difficult when my mind is full of unfinished tasks and unresolved emotions. I have found myself trying to read a book, only to find my mind drifting to errands or incomplete chores. That’s mental clutter in action, distracting me from being fully engaged. It drains focus and encourages procrastination, leading to poor performance in simple tasks.   Too many competing thoughts also make decision-making exhausting. Even small decisions like choosing what to do first can feel burdensome when my brain is overwhelmed. As a result, I may delay important choices or make hasty ones simply because my mental capacity is overloaded.   For me, mental clutter often includes unresolved emotions that linger in the background, like past regrets or future anxieties. Carrying these thoughts over time drains emotional energy, leaving me stressed, irritable, and disconnected from others. The more unresolved thoughts I carry, the harder it becomes to be present with others or enjoy life’s small moments.   I find journaling or writing my thoughts helpful for offloading my mental noise. Prayer and mental solitude also assist me in quieting the clutter. Looking at my priorities and focusing on them helps me let go of unnecessary commitments.   Mental clutter is unfinished business. Like a tidy home, I must declutter my mind to restore clarity and peace.   How about you? Do you suffer from a cluttered mind?   Watch for the blind spots.     Get a copy of Blind Spots in Relationships. Discover the hidden behavior that could be holding you back from the relationships you desire. http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Do you ever get reminders from your phone or computer to look back at old photos?  Or you could pull out an old album and flip through pictures from years gone by. What a wonderful surprise they can be! Those memories transport us back to times we sometimes forget, revealing moments that once brought us joy and connection.   Looking at those old photographs of ourselves, our children, family, and friends can be like taking a beautiful trip down memory lane. Whether it's a dusty photo album, digital pictures on your phone, or a memory jar filled with little notes, these keepsakes flood emotions. Without them, many memories would slip away, lost to time.   Think about the old black-and-white photos of loved ones or even old slides that show moments with people who've been gone for decades. They're far too important to forget, aren't they?  These pictures tell stories that could fade if we don't try to preserve them.   Cherished memories serve as a mirror, reflecting who we are, where we've been, and what truly matters. They tether us to the past and illuminate the path to our future.   Preserving memories isn't just about holding onto things—it's about keeping the feelings alive. Whether it's the love shared across generations, the laughter around a dinner table, or a quiet walk under a favorite tree, these moments shape who we are. And sometimes, a simple photo can tell an entire story without using a single word.   That's why I believe in building memories every day. The little moments I take for granted will be priceless treasures in the days and years ahead.   I cherish my moments now and find a way to preserve them through photos, letters, or storytelling. Years from now, I'll find that the memories I've kept aren't just pieces of the past. They're living, breathing parts of my heart, always reminding me of life's most precious moments.   How about you? Are you intentionally building memories?   Watch for the blind spots.     Get a copy of Blind Spots in Relationships. Discover the hidden behavior that could be holding you back from the relationships you desire. http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Being a therapist is, without a doubt, the most outstanding work I could ever do. Every day, I meet wonderful people, individuals searching for something better, striving to change their lives. And honestly,  even those who come in begrudgingly dragged in by others often start to change.   I bring enthusiasm to every session because I believe wholeheartedly in what I do. Years ago, during my struggles in my personal counseling, I distinctly remember hearing God's voice saying, "Take care of my people, and I will take care of you." I had gained so much insight into things I needed to change. This was my challenge to change careers. That moment gave me hope and a sense of purpose, and now I bring that energy to each client because I know it makes a difference.   For me, enthusiasm isn't just excitement; it's a deep passion that fuels everything I do. Enthusiasm, my secret weapon, the burst of positive energy that comes from genuinely caring and being fully engaged. I want my clients to feel that spark because enthusiasm is contagious!  My role is to assist them in identifying opportunities in the face of chaos and igniting that inner fire, so they start believing in themselves.   I enjoy watching people heal, not through something magical, but through their brave actions toward change. It takes real courage to face hard truths and look inward instead of blaming others.   When I see a spark of change in my clients, it's like watching a flower bloom. I get enthusiastic when people realize they can change  and start moving forward.   Every story holds the potential for transformation, and every breakthrough, big or small, is a victory. Setbacks?  That's no problem; they give us more insight into the next step.   Enthusiasm is the heartbeat of what I do, and when my clients start feeling it, that's when the magic happens.   I pray you are enthusiastic about your work and life. It is an essential ingredient in your success.   Watch for the blind spots. Get a copy of Blind Spots in Relationships. Discover the hidden behavior that could be holding you back from the relationships you desire. http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

At my age, it's common to follow the usual retirement plan—traveling, golfing, fishing, and simply enjoying life. I genuinely like that idea but realize it can lead to giving up.   It's easy to stop challenging my mind, body, or other important aspects for maintaining good health. I remember a college debate about the existence of heaven. One person said, "The proof is in the older, wiser men and women who focus on their spiritual life." Someone else responded, "Yeah, they're just cramming for finals."   Maybe that's true for some, but I strongly desire to spend the next 20 years moving forward and making a difference. I've decided that my education isn't over, and the more I engage in learning, the better I become. Over the past two years, I've taken classes to build emotional, financial, spiritual, and social strength. These classes have inspired me to take on new challenges in life. I've also increased my physical exercise and improved my diet, positively impacting my outlook.   Don't get me wrong; I may have lost some speed and agility, but I'm committed to improving my mobility to stay active and keep moving forward.   My Drill Instructor told me in Bootcamp that I should be able to run half a mile— "straight up." I'm still working on that.   Whether some see it as cramming for finals or focusing on spiritual growth, I rely on the wisdom of scripture: "Teach us to number our days so that we may truly live and achieve wisdom. Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish the work of our hands—yes, establish the work of our hands." (Psalm 90:12, 17)   I often feel tempted to rest and take the easy way out. The challenge is that my body will age, but I stay young in heart and spirit.   How about you? How old do you want to appear in your thoughts, feelings, and actions?   Watch for the blind spots.   Get a copy of Blind Spots in Relationships. Discover the hidden behavior that could be holding you back from the relationships you desire. http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

I used to pride myself on my strong moral compass and a keen eye for spotting mistakes. When I was a Project Coordinator in Brownwood, I worked with a colleague who frequently arrived late and took long breaks. I considered reporting him to our manager.   A few days later, I realized I needed to catch up on a project I procrastinated on. I had spent time chatting it up with friends during work hours, unaware it was affecting my productivity. When my manager confronted me, I got defensive and made excuses.   Later, while complaining about my manager and colleague's behavior to a great friend, he reminded me of my recent conversation with my manager. It took a great friend to point this out so I could see and appreciate it. He shared this biblical reference: "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye" (Matthew 7:5). This made me realize I was upset with my colleague because I was seeing my behavior reflected in him.   I began to see how I often projected my faults onto others to avoid taking responsibility for my shortcomings. Criticizing my colleague's lateness was easier than addressing my own slackness and judging my colleagues' messy habits was simpler than organizing my space. This pattern shielded me from looking inward.  [Blind Spot]   My friend's honesty and compassion made me realize I needed to change.   From that moment on, whenever I felt the urge to criticize, I paused and asked myself, "Is there something in my life I need to address first?" This shift transformed my perspective. I learned that when I see faults in others, it often reflects something within myself. True growth begins when I focus on removing the plank from my eye before worrying about the speck in someone else's.   This pivoting point was the beginning of building a better me. This is embarrassing to admit, yet it's true and I must be mindful every day to check myself before condemning others.   How about you? Can you see the plank in your eye?   Watch for the blind spots.   Get a copy of Blind Spots in Relationships. Discover the hidden behavior that could be holding you back from the relationships you desire. http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Public speaking has never come naturally to me. In high school, I barely made it through a speech class. After a short stint in college, I joined the Marines. In the military, I accomplished things I never thought possible. I earned the title of Honor Man of my boot camp platoon and became a leader in every situation. Despite moments of fear in Vietnam, my training kicked in, and I knew what to do. I was fortunate to return home safely after 13 months of service.   Once back home, I returned to college and found myself in freshman English. When it was my turn to give a book report, I felt as anxious as I was in combat. My adrenaline surged as if I were engaged in a firefight or being shelled. Standing at the lectern, my hands shook, and my voice quivered. It was a disaster. Worse yet, my older brother's friend was in the class, and I was sure he would report my failure. I was so nervous that the audience appeared to see me as about to "tump"  over. I was shaking like a stop sign in a hurricane, and so were they. After what seemed like hours of stumbling through this ordeal, trying to put a few coherent words together, I sat down, covered with sweat and overwhelmed by the experience. Words pale to describe that encounter.   For years, every time I was asked to speak, I would relive that dreadful moment, and the adrenaline would return. But about a year ago, I joined Toastmasters, which changed my life.   Every Friday, I meet with around 20 "Friday Friends,"  a fantastic group dedicated to improving our public speaking skills. The encouragement and constructive feedback I receive inspire me to participate eagerly, whether I'm speaking or taking on other Toastmasters roles. It has become a highlight of my week, pushing me to confront my fears and continue growing, even at this stage of my life.   How about you? Are there fears you're holding onto that need to be faced? It's not too late.   Watch for the blind spots.   Get a copy of Blind Spots in Relationships. Discover the hidden behavior that could be holding you back from the relationships you desire. http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Have you ever watched a slow walker or runner and thought they weren’t getting anywhere, only to look back later and realize how far they’ve gone?  It’s a great reminder that small intentional steps can lead to significant results, even if it doesn’t feel like much is happening initially.   When I have a big goal in mind, the best way to start is by breaking it down into small, manageable goals. By setting these mini-goals, I can create a clear path toward my ultimate destination, making the journey more precise and less overwhelming.   The old saying, “Rome was not built in a day,”  is excellent logic. It perfectly illustrates how small consistent efforts can add to monumental achievements over time. Whether working on personal development, tackling a fitness goal, or advancing my career, the magic happens in those small day-to-day actions.   Take it from the slow walker example: initially, progress seems to have yet to be made. But when I zoom out and see the bigger picture, I am amazed at how much ground has been covered. The trick is to stay consistent, even when progress feels invisible.   By focusing on small steps, I also avoid burnout. Big goals can feel intimidating, but they become much more achievable when I break them into bite-sized tasks—like writing 200 words daily, meditating for five minutes, or taking a short daily walk. Over time, those small habits start to compound, and before I know it, I’ve accomplished something huge.   Remember the key is consistency.  It’s not about massive leaps; it’s about letting each small action build upon the last. With patience and persistence, those little steps will carry me to even my biggest goals.   How about you? Do you focus on the end or establish small intentional steps that lead to the end?   Watch for the blind spots.   Get a copy of Blind Spots in Relationships. Discover the hidden behavior that could be holding you back from the relationships you desire. http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Before I speak or ask a question, I must understand why I am doing so. This reflection is key to ensuring that my communication is effective and meaningful. From both the speaker's and the listener's perspectives, having a clear purpose improves the quality of the interaction.   How come I am about to ask this question or make this statement ?   From the speaker's perspective , knowing the reason behind my statement or question helps focus my message. When I ask myself, “ What is my goal here?”  Am I seeking to gather information, offer a suggestion, or spark a conversation? For example, if I ask a colleague, "What do you think about this project?" I could be seeking their insights, encouraging collaboration, or requesting feedback. However, without clear intent, the question might come off as vague, leading to ambiguous answers. A better version of that question might be, "What changes do you see that could improve this project?"  This question directly targets the feedback I'm seeking. By making my intentions more specific, my questions become more precise.   Having purpose-driven communication also shapes how I deliver my message. When I know why I am speaking, I can present my ideas in a relevant and meaningful way to the listener. This fosters better engagement and avoids unnecessary confusion or misunderstandings, making the conversation more productive.   From the listener's perspective , understanding the speaker's intent allows for more thoughtful responses because knowing the reason behind a statement or question, they can engage more deeply and respond more effectively. For example, if I ask, "How did you feel about the meeting?"  the listener might not know if I'm looking for feedback or just making small talk. Instead, I can guide the response towards what I need, asking, "What insights do you have that could enhance our meetings?"  This way, the listener understands that I'm seeking constructive feedback, making their response more targeted and helpful.   Purpose-driven communication enhances clarity, fosters better engagement, and ensures that both parties engage with a clearer understanding.   How about you? Would it be meaningful for your listener to know why you are speaking?   Watch for the blind spots.   Get a copy of Blind Spots in Relationships. Discover the hidden behavior that could be holding you back from the relationships you desire. http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Who’s really in charge of my mood?  It’s easy to let other people or situations sway it— too easy, in fact.  You ever have those days where you just dread going home, or maybe you’re dreading when someone else comes home? It’s like setting yourself up for disaster before anything even happens. We’ve all been there. Sure, riding a good mood feels effortless, but the second things take a turn, it’s like flipping a switch to irritation, sadness, or anger. And who’s the first person we usually blame? Someone else.   But the truth is, it’s not their fault.   We often let circumstances— or people —pull us down like we’re on puppet strings. But if you really think about it, no one else holds the strings but us. My mood?   My responsibility.  I can sing when things get tough, laugh when things don’t go my way, or, at the very least, choose not to let the bad stuff eat me alive. Sounds simple, but it’s far from easy.   Look at Paul, in the book of Acts, who talked about finding joy even while sitting in a prison cell. Can you imagine?     Joy in a prison cell.     The man’s in jail, and he’s talking about joy. To many of us, that sounds impossible. And yet, it’s a reminder that no matter how grim things seem, our attitude is still something we control —if we choose.   Circumstances or people will always have the ability  to affect our mood, but they don’t have the final say. I do. I’m the one who gets to decide whether I let a rough day ruin my peace or if I’ll choose joy anyway. It’s not always easy, but it’s empowering to remember whose mood it really is. Choose wisely— because, in the end, the choice is yours.   How about you? Are you in charge of your mood?   Watch for the blind spots.   Get a copy of Blind Spots in Relationships. Discover the hidden behavior that could be holding you back from the relationships you desire. http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

After 20 years of marriage, Carl and Emily stood in their oldest son Jake’s room, staring at the half-packed suitcase. Emily sniffled, wiping a tear from her cheek. “I can’t believe it’s time already. Our baby is going to college.”   Carl put his arm around her, nodding solemnly. “Yeah... I mean, who’s going to empty the dishwasher now?” She elbowed him, though a tiny smile broke through. “You’re impossible.”   Jake, oblivious to the drama, bounced into the room. “I’m going to be late for orientation!”  he shouted, grabbing his gaming console before anything practical like extra socks.   As the car pulled out of the driveway, Emily sighed heavily. “The house is going to feel so empty without him.”   Carl raised an eyebrow. “Empty? Or quiet?”  His eyes sparkled mischievously. “ Remember that trip to Italy we talked about?”   Emily’s mood shifted like flipping a light switch. “And no more piles of sweaty gym clothes everywhere,”  she added.   “That’s right. We’re free! For now...”  Carl glanced at their other two sons lounging on the couch. “Two more to go.”   Fast-forward to later that night. Jake was Facetiming from his dorm while Carl, Emily, and the younger boys clinked glasses of sparkling cider. The sadness had melted away, replaced with excitement for what was to come.   “I’ll miss you guys,”  Jake said, though the background noise of his new college friends told a different story.   Carl leaned in. “Oh, don’t worry, son. You’ll be back soon. We’ve already signed you up for dishwasher and lawn-mowing duty over Christmas break.”   This story is so familiar this time of year. The struggle to let them fly seems so hard at this time. What did we not teach him? Will he eat okay? How will he handle his money? What kinds of friends will he gravitate towards?   Our job as parents is to prepare and launch our children. I call this a celebration with a touch of sadness. What an exciting time to send them off to become their true selves.   This does not happen easily without lots of planning, discipline, and training. Parenting can feel contradictory, as balancing love and discipline can be tricky.   Watch for the blind spots.     Get a copy of Blind Spots in Relationships. Discover the hidden behavior that could be holding you back from the relationships you desire. http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Not long ago, I listened to John's story:   He told me he sat in his back yard,  his phone vibrating in his pocket, but he didn't reach for it. He knew who it was he'd been dodging that call for weeks.   Years ago, he'd let pride stand between him and his brother. A silly argument about something long forgotten had stretched into silence, silence that echoed louder with every passing day.   Now, his brother was in the hospital. The doctors weren't sure how much time was left, and John wasn't sure if he could fix the years he'd wasted.   He wanted to call, to say the words that had been lodged in his throat for years. But instead, he sat, his regret weighing heavy. He wondered if he'd ever have the courage to break the silence.   Then just like that, the phone stopped vibrating.   Regret is a funny thing. It's not just a passing thought or an occasional "what if?" — it's more like an ache deep in our bones. That heavy feeling of knowing I can't go back, can't fix it, can't say what I should've said. It's a constant reminder that something's missing or I took a wrong turn somewhere. It doesn't fade away with time, either. Instead, it settles in, making itself at home in my chest, limbs, and even how I carry myself.   It's like a shadow that clings to me, an invisible weight that tugs at my every step. Some days, it's quieter, just a faint whisper in the background. On other days, it's loud and sharp, as if the memory is fresh like I made the mistake yesterday. Regret stays with me no matter what. It seems to never quite let go, never fully giving me peace. And that's the hardest part, the ache that never really stops.   I can either live life regretting my past actions and decisions, or I can choose to embrace today with a fresh mindset and step confidently into a future free of regrets.   How about you? Are there things you are putting off that you may regret tomorrow?   Watch for the blind spots.   Get a copy of Blind Spots in Relationships. Discover the hidden behavior that could be holding you back from the relationships you desire. http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp