Just how important is being able to read or comprehend what you read to our lives? I would say PRICELESS! Something many of us take for granted.
Imagine if you couldn't read or understand prescription instructions or be able to fill out a job application! How do you think your life would be affected then?
There is a literacy problem and we have the solution!
Help someone learn to read or increase their level of comprehension today and change a life forever!
Donate and share often!
Thank you!
https://www.gofundme.com/learntoreadnow
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Friday, July 29, 2016
Monday, July 25, 2016
Heart Intelligence
Heart Intelligence – Tapping the Power of the Heart
I do my best to bring forth new ways to help us all live a more fulfilled and balanced life. While reading “Super Achiever Mindsets” by BJ Dohrmann, I came to the section about Heart Intelligence and this wonderful meditation/breathing exercise, one can do to bring their heart intelligence into their decision making process.
Here are the steps:
1. Shut your eyes, place your dominant hand over your heart and allow it to rest there. (You can use both hands if you prefer) and simply repeat, “My mommy and I are one”, while focusing on your breathing. It sounds strange but it works.
2. Complete ten rounds of measured breathing and place your calmer thoughts on the single focus of the decision of the moment.
3. As you consider your decision, move from your head totally into your heart under your hands and simply suggest, “So, what do you think?”
4. Be quiet and repeat in spaced intervals, “Tell me” and relax and let your mind go blank.
5. The answer does not always come right away, so complete the process by saying, “So, tell me when you are ready.” and let it go.
The rule of the heart is that the answer always WILL come and it won’t take long. The more frequently you involve “whole being decision making”, the less time the answers take to reach the CPU mainframe (the brain). The CPU mainframe recognizes the heart answer as WOW.
6. When the answer comes, remember to touch your heart area and sincerely say “Thank you.”
You’ll begin to feel the power of this new behavior as you apply it.
So, there you go, another way to bring your entire being into play in support of your life. You can learn more about Heart Intelligence and the research being done on this subject at http://www.heartmath.com.
Let me know how this works for you.
May you be blessed always and in all ways!
Harry
Friday, July 8, 2016
Who Is Harry Shade? Shameless Self Promotion
I am a Master Life and Business Coach and Inspirational Speaker
Now, what exactly does that mean?
It means I have both coached and trained people to be coaches.
Now, what exactly does that mean?
It means I have both coached and trained people to be coaches.
It means I have a lot of life experience to share.
It means I understand that I need to continue to work on myself, while I help others.
It means that while I will be empathetic to your situation, since I do the work myself, I will expect you to be committed to your own growth and evolution.
It means, I do my very best to help people find the inspiration and answers that lie deep within. It means, I love life and love to share my enthusiasm for it!
Interested to know more? I offer both group and individual coaching programs and am willing to speak to groups large and small!
Contact me either via FB message or email @ harryeshade@gmail.com!
It means I understand that I need to continue to work on myself, while I help others.
It means that while I will be empathetic to your situation, since I do the work myself, I will expect you to be committed to your own growth and evolution.
It means, I do my very best to help people find the inspiration and answers that lie deep within. It means, I love life and love to share my enthusiasm for it!
Interested to know more? I offer both group and individual coaching programs and am willing to speak to groups large and small!
Contact me either via FB message or email @ harryeshade@gmail.com!
My website is currently under construction, so in the meantime, if you want to learn more about me than you probably would ever want to know, simply Google, "Harry Shade".
Harry Shade
Saturday, July 2, 2016
How Are You Handling Adversity?
Let's face it, at one time or another we have all faced adversity in our lives. Sometimes I have handled it well, others times, not so much.
I do have to say that as I have matured, I have done a better job of it. I allow myself to get into a funk, less and less and when I do get down there, I find it tends to last less amount of time, is less intense and I tend to bounce back quicker.
And quite often, the very thing I need to help me get out of it, comes to me from the Universe in the form of a video, quote, article, song, etc.
So, when faced with adversity, these are some of the questions I ask myself, right after I scream and yell at the Universe.....lol ;-)
What can I learn from this?
How can this help me grow and evolve?
What are the blessings?
What are the opportunities?
How am I feeling right at this moment?
How can I use faith and courage to overcome the fear?
May you be blessed always and in all ways!
Harry Shade
#raresense #harryshade #baldguynamedharry
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
The Five Elements of H.A.P.P.Y. People
Are You H.A.P.P.Y.?
The Five Elements of
H.A.P.P.Y. People
Healthy
Appreciative
Prosperous
Peaceful
Youthful
Some ???? To Ponder On
Which of these five elements do you possess?
Which ones need strengthening?
Which ones need nurturing?
Would you like to be more happy?
What can you commit to doing to strengthen your happiness?
H is for Healthy!
Happy people also tend to be healthy people. They stay away from illness for the most part
and when they do get sick, seem to recover faster than others who are not
happy. They also tend to be healthy in
mind, body and spirit and do what they can to maintain that. Now I am not
saying the you cannot be happy if you are facing some challenges health wise, I
know several people who have had to deal with chronic pain and sickness and yet
do their best to be happy through it all. However, it is harder to be happy
when you have constant pain, are dealing with an untreated mental illness, drug
addiction or trauma. Happy people do all
they can to be healthy because they realize that is important to their
happiness.
A is for Appreciative
Let’s face it! People
who are appreciative are simply more happy. Yes, they have an attitude of
gratitude and spend more time counting their blessings than worrying about
things they cannot control or complaining about life. When we have an appreciation for the
experiences of life and can count all of them as blessings, our happiness
quotient goes through the roof. All of
us face challenges and yet those of us who can do so with a smile on our face
and appreciation in our heart, will find solutions quicker, tap into our
creativity and bounce back from them much faster than those who take the
opposite approach. They choose being
appreciative because happiness is increased exponentially when you are
grateful.
P is for Prosperous
Yes, happy people are prosperous but before you think it is
all about money, that is simply not true.
Many people who are happy do make a nice income but I am talking about a
different prosperity. The prosperity of
a joyful heart; close connections with friends and families; peace of mind that
the bills are paid and that they have a steady income; opportunities to be of
service; spending time in nature; enjoying a hobby; expanding their minds;
exercising their bodies and being in love!
Happy people know being prosperous has a direct link to their happiness.
P is for Peaceful
Happy people tend to be at peace with themselves, the world
around them and in their heart and souls.
They do not seek confrontation but rather reconciliation. They tend to be quicker to forgive because
they know that this will bring them more peace of mind. They seek opportunities for peaceful and
creative resolutions of the challenges they face. Being at peace is an important to them as
breathing and something they spend a lifetime cultivating because they know it
is an important element of happiness.
Y is for Youthful
Did you ever notice that happy people tend to have a twinkle
in their eyes? They tend to be the life
of the party, seeking more ways to simply have fun. Their childlike qualities
of wonder, curiosity, awe and the never
ending possibilities of life can be contagious.
Their youthful heart and soul is often on display and they do their best
to spread as much love, peace and harmony as the possibly can. Many of them even look much younger than
people of their same age. They exude the
joy and love of a child because they choose to tap into that side of themselves
for they know and understand that it is a vital component of happiness.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Ego vs. Soul
Before I get too deep into this, I will say that both the EGO and SOUL have a purpose or they would not exist. So, utilize each to help you grow and evolve, just understand it is preferable to utilize the soul energy more than you do ego energy. Ego energy is useful should we feel the need to protect ourselves or perhaps exert our authority when necessary.
Anytime time your approach something or someone from your soul, you automatically lead with the energy of love. Especially, if it appears that it will be a challenging situation. That love energy will do wonders in diffusing and uplifting the interaction. Now, of course, we do not control the actions of others, however, we certainly can use that energy to help ourselves be more calm and peaceful, in the middle of it. Remember, it takes two to tango, so if one projects loving energy, it just might help the other as well.
If we come from our egos, then a challenging situation can even escalate further because we are more concerned with not being hurt and what we can get out of the encounter and often how we can prove we are right and they are wrong. It is a much more confrontational type of energy and so does not allow us to see beyond ourselves.
For me EGO = Eliminating Gods Oneness, where SOUL = Seeing Oneness & Undying Love.
Harry Shade
Anytime time your approach something or someone from your soul, you automatically lead with the energy of love. Especially, if it appears that it will be a challenging situation. That love energy will do wonders in diffusing and uplifting the interaction. Now, of course, we do not control the actions of others, however, we certainly can use that energy to help ourselves be more calm and peaceful, in the middle of it. Remember, it takes two to tango, so if one projects loving energy, it just might help the other as well.If we come from our egos, then a challenging situation can even escalate further because we are more concerned with not being hurt and what we can get out of the encounter and often how we can prove we are right and they are wrong. It is a much more confrontational type of energy and so does not allow us to see beyond ourselves.
For me EGO = Eliminating Gods Oneness, where SOUL = Seeing Oneness & Undying Love.
Harry Shade
Friday, June 17, 2016
Right vs.Wrong Is Based Upon Time & Location
What is the main fundamental challenge for all religions? IMHO, humans!
Not every person will read a religious writing and come away with the same interpretation or meaning because we all have our own perspectives. And some will do what they can to distort the truth to serve their own agenda. Most will see and hear and understand that it is about love. And the few that don't will justify killing through their own perspective.
Who or what actions are right or wrong is also a personal perspective based on time and location. Many things that were considered wrong many years ago, are considered right for some today. What is considered wrong in some parts of the world is perfectly alright in others. This dichotomy exists even today, all over the world. Time and location are the main influences of right and wrong around the world. Always has been, always will be.
A wonderful, deeper explanation of this can be find in Conversations With God by Neale Donald Walsch. There are three volumes and I do not recall which one contains it, however, I highly recommend you read or better yet, listen to them all for a potentially new perspective on all this and more.
Like many other things, we tend to lay the blame elsewhere, like religion, when the truth is we are still responsible for our words, thoughts and actions. Using religion as an excuse is simply an attempt to escape personal responsibility, similar to "the devil made me do it."
Having said that, people will use anything to justify their actions both good or bad. Keep in mind, that what we think or believe to be right or wrong or good or bad is once again based upon time and location. Sure, we have other influencers (upbringing, beliefs, religion, etc) but none more powerful than time and location.
I truly don't believe there are too many people out there who do not believe that love is a wonderful thing, however, how it is expressed is as different as the people who show it. It may be hard for many of you to believe but even terrorists have somebody they love, many have families they love deeply and yet they are able to commit horrific acts of violence because of some of what they believe. Perhaps they believe they are doing this for their families, to protect them and they feel that the only way is to rid the world of the infidels.
It can be a challenge to balance that against the love they feel for their friends and families.
And so back to time and location. Location wise, these terrorists live n a place where their activities are condoned by some. They also live in a time where this is true as well. Back in the day, we burned witches at the stake because during that time, it was perfectly acceptable in that location.
Even today many people still discriminate against gender, the elderly, the LBGT community, other nationalities, race, religion, etc. All once again based upon time and location.
Truly the only way to combat any of this is to do the best we can to get rid of the ignorance that causes intolerant and unacceptable behavior and replace it with knowledge, which lads to understanding and creates the space for love, peace and harmony to dwell. And we do this by being ready, willing and able to engage with people who are different from us and experience and learn from one another.
May you be blessed always and in all ways!
Harry Shade
Not every person will read a religious writing and come away with the same interpretation or meaning because we all have our own perspectives. And some will do what they can to distort the truth to serve their own agenda. Most will see and hear and understand that it is about love. And the few that don't will justify killing through their own perspective.
Who or what actions are right or wrong is also a personal perspective based on time and location. Many things that were considered wrong many years ago, are considered right for some today. What is considered wrong in some parts of the world is perfectly alright in others. This dichotomy exists even today, all over the world. Time and location are the main influences of right and wrong around the world. Always has been, always will be.
A wonderful, deeper explanation of this can be find in Conversations With God by Neale Donald Walsch. There are three volumes and I do not recall which one contains it, however, I highly recommend you read or better yet, listen to them all for a potentially new perspective on all this and more.
Like many other things, we tend to lay the blame elsewhere, like religion, when the truth is we are still responsible for our words, thoughts and actions. Using religion as an excuse is simply an attempt to escape personal responsibility, similar to "the devil made me do it."
Having said that, people will use anything to justify their actions both good or bad. Keep in mind, that what we think or believe to be right or wrong or good or bad is once again based upon time and location. Sure, we have other influencers (upbringing, beliefs, religion, etc) but none more powerful than time and location.
I truly don't believe there are too many people out there who do not believe that love is a wonderful thing, however, how it is expressed is as different as the people who show it. It may be hard for many of you to believe but even terrorists have somebody they love, many have families they love deeply and yet they are able to commit horrific acts of violence because of some of what they believe. Perhaps they believe they are doing this for their families, to protect them and they feel that the only way is to rid the world of the infidels.
It can be a challenge to balance that against the love they feel for their friends and families.
And so back to time and location. Location wise, these terrorists live n a place where their activities are condoned by some. They also live in a time where this is true as well. Back in the day, we burned witches at the stake because during that time, it was perfectly acceptable in that location.
Even today many people still discriminate against gender, the elderly, the LBGT community, other nationalities, race, religion, etc. All once again based upon time and location.
Truly the only way to combat any of this is to do the best we can to get rid of the ignorance that causes intolerant and unacceptable behavior and replace it with knowledge, which lads to understanding and creates the space for love, peace and harmony to dwell. And we do this by being ready, willing and able to engage with people who are different from us and experience and learn from one another.
May you be blessed always and in all ways!
Harry Shade
www.harryshade.com
Friday, June 10, 2016
The Three Simple Steps to Dealing With Adversity
There are times when life throws us a curve ball, which some label as adversity. It is at these times that we can either deal with the situation in a positive forward moving way or wallow in the negativity of it and then wonder why we cannot find a solution.
Well, as you know, I love to help others with things that have worked for me and today is more of the same. I have a simple, three step process that allows me to quickly, easily and efficiently create a solution for any adversity I may have tossed my way. It is evaluate, illuminate and execute.
I am going to share that process but first some things to be aware of and avoid at all costs, so that you can use this simple, effective process.
WORRY – Do not give in to worry. Worry has never resolved anything; in fact, it only compounds the issue at hand by increasing stress and decreasing our capacity to think clearly. Worry does not lead to a solution; rather it is an adversity multiplier. And do not tell me that it is easier said than done. It is simply a choice like any other.
PARALYSIS BY ANALYSIS (PBA) – This sticks us between steps one and two (evaluate & illuminate) and does not allow us to ever get to step three (execute). People who are in a constant state of analysis are looking for the perfect solution, not just a solution. It is fear, anxiety, low confidence and pessimism that keeps them stuck. The best way to break the bond of PBA is to come up with a solution that resolves the issue and then just executing it right away.
PROCRASTINATION – It will absolutely do you no good at all, if you complete steps one and two and then allow procrastination to not allow your solution to be implemented. The only thing that procrastination will do is immediately stop any and all forward momentum that was created from completing the first two steps and lead to frustration. Stop procrastination by deciding that you will do it NOW and procrastinate later.
OK, now what you have all been waiting for, the promise of a simple, effective process, so let’s begin, well at the beginning.
Step 1: Evaluate
The first thing I do is take a moment to center myself by taking some deep breaths. This actually serves two purposes. By breathing deeply I am calming my body down, because adversity tends to bring about that adrenaline surge and I am also getting more oxygen to my brain which will help with clear thinking and creativity. I have always preferred this to the “slap me back into reality” method.
Then I quickly evaluate the situation by asking some simple questions starting with, “Is this a life & death situation?”
Those that can remain calm and think clearly have a much better chance of avoiding death, I might add.
Then some other questions I ask myself,
“What resources do I have to resolve this?”
“Am I the solution to the situation or do I know someone who can resolve this?”
“What does the situation call for in resolving it? Time? Effort? Money?
Those are just some examples of questions. I am sure you get the picture. So, let’s move on to step two.
Step 2: Illuminate
I used the word illuminate here because to illuminate is to cast light onto something and in this case I mean “light” in a couple ways. First of all, it is the light of the Universe that I am talking about and that light comes in the help and guidance I ask for; the light of me being positive and the light of creativity that is generated to help resolve the issue.
And so by illuminating the situation in body (relaxed and alert); mind (clear thinking) and spirit (connecting with my higher self to access guidance and help), I can come up with an effective solution.
And now we have arrived at the final step in the process.
Step 3: Execute
The first two steps are only effective if you execute the solution that was created in the second step. Remember as shared earlier, avoiding worry and Paralysis By Analysis (PBA) is the only way to get to this step.
Now that you have a solution, execute it! It is that simple really. The biggest thing that will kill it here is procrastination, as we discussed in the earlier, so the quicker you execute the solution, the less chance for procrastination.
That’s it! Three simple, yet effective and efficient steps to resolving any adversity. Remember, if it is simple, you are more likely to do it! And the more you do it, the easier and more effortless it becomes for you.
Harry E. Shade
Well, as you know, I love to help others with things that have worked for me and today is more of the same. I have a simple, three step process that allows me to quickly, easily and efficiently create a solution for any adversity I may have tossed my way. It is evaluate, illuminate and execute.
I am going to share that process but first some things to be aware of and avoid at all costs, so that you can use this simple, effective process.
WORRY – Do not give in to worry. Worry has never resolved anything; in fact, it only compounds the issue at hand by increasing stress and decreasing our capacity to think clearly. Worry does not lead to a solution; rather it is an adversity multiplier. And do not tell me that it is easier said than done. It is simply a choice like any other.
PARALYSIS BY ANALYSIS (PBA) – This sticks us between steps one and two (evaluate & illuminate) and does not allow us to ever get to step three (execute). People who are in a constant state of analysis are looking for the perfect solution, not just a solution. It is fear, anxiety, low confidence and pessimism that keeps them stuck. The best way to break the bond of PBA is to come up with a solution that resolves the issue and then just executing it right away.
PROCRASTINATION – It will absolutely do you no good at all, if you complete steps one and two and then allow procrastination to not allow your solution to be implemented. The only thing that procrastination will do is immediately stop any and all forward momentum that was created from completing the first two steps and lead to frustration. Stop procrastination by deciding that you will do it NOW and procrastinate later.
OK, now what you have all been waiting for, the promise of a simple, effective process, so let’s begin, well at the beginning.
Step 1: Evaluate
The first thing I do is take a moment to center myself by taking some deep breaths. This actually serves two purposes. By breathing deeply I am calming my body down, because adversity tends to bring about that adrenaline surge and I am also getting more oxygen to my brain which will help with clear thinking and creativity. I have always preferred this to the “slap me back into reality” method.
Then I quickly evaluate the situation by asking some simple questions starting with, “Is this a life & death situation?”
Those that can remain calm and think clearly have a much better chance of avoiding death, I might add.
Then some other questions I ask myself,
“What resources do I have to resolve this?”
“Am I the solution to the situation or do I know someone who can resolve this?”
“What does the situation call for in resolving it? Time? Effort? Money?
Those are just some examples of questions. I am sure you get the picture. So, let’s move on to step two.
Step 2: Illuminate
I used the word illuminate here because to illuminate is to cast light onto something and in this case I mean “light” in a couple ways. First of all, it is the light of the Universe that I am talking about and that light comes in the help and guidance I ask for; the light of me being positive and the light of creativity that is generated to help resolve the issue.
And so by illuminating the situation in body (relaxed and alert); mind (clear thinking) and spirit (connecting with my higher self to access guidance and help), I can come up with an effective solution.
And now we have arrived at the final step in the process.
Step 3: Execute
The first two steps are only effective if you execute the solution that was created in the second step. Remember as shared earlier, avoiding worry and Paralysis By Analysis (PBA) is the only way to get to this step.
Now that you have a solution, execute it! It is that simple really. The biggest thing that will kill it here is procrastination, as we discussed in the earlier, so the quicker you execute the solution, the less chance for procrastination.
That’s it! Three simple, yet effective and efficient steps to resolving any adversity. Remember, if it is simple, you are more likely to do it! And the more you do it, the easier and more effortless it becomes for you.
Harry E. Shade
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Results Require Effort
At times, I am still a bit surprised by people who come to
me seeking coaching. I explain early on in our initial consultation that this
will require their time, effort, sacrifice and resources. That both our time is
valuable and sacred. That I will be there
with them every step of the way, providing support, tools and guidance. And, that they are responsible for the
results.
Here is part of a phone consultation with a potential
coaching client (PC) from a couple days ago.
PC - "Do you guarantee your results?"
Me - "I guarantee I will give you all the support and
tools to reach and most likely exceed your goals. I cannot guarantee that you
will do your part, the work involved, but if you do, yes, I guarantee my
work."
PC - "That's not much of a guarantee. Seems like most
of it is dependent on me."
Me - "Quite frankly it is. So, are saying that you
expect me to do a majority of the work and be responsible if you do not
succeed?"
PC - Well, I just figured you would have a money back
guarantee that would guarantee that I will see results.
Me - I do guarantee you will see results if you follow the
system and do the work."
PC - "So, you do not really have any guarantee
then."
Me - "Oh, now I understand. I'm sorry. I am totally out
of magic beans!" (Sometimes I can get a little sarcastic!) LOL
End of conversation!
If you want to get in shape, it requires you to move your
body. If you want to change a habit, you
need to do the work required. A
coach, trainer, therapist,
doctor, nutritionist are all
there to give you the tools, guidance and support.
Want results, YOU AND ONLY YOU MUST DO THE WORK!
Harry E. Shade
#coaching #realitycheck #raresense #harryshade
#baldguynamedharry
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
We Are Our Own Worst Obstacles To Happiness
"No power on earth can impede your progress as surely and implacably as you can." - Colin Turner
When it comes to achieving things in life, in fulfilling our dreams, in having what we say we want in life, we sometimes need to ask some really deep, probing questions of ourselves. Because anything we want to be, do or have comes directly out of our words thoughts and actions.
Unfortunately, too many of us play the blame game, not understanding that the one truly to "blame", the one truly responsible is staring back at us from the mirror. Sure, it is much easier to play the "blame game", however, it does not deliver anything but the same results.
Going deep into our own self is much more challenging because we have nowhere to hide and no one to blame. Like anything else, the more you do it, the easier it becomes and the less we even have any desire to play the "blame game". This is where true freedom and power lie. This is where we are more joyous, more peaceful, more harmonious, more attracting of the positive things in life.
Some simple things to do right now to help on this journey.
1. Be more grateful, especially for those things we all take for granted.
2. Be more forgiving, as this sets us free.
3. Be more loving, for love is the most powerful force in the Universe.
4. Be more happy, for happiness starts within.
5. Be more aware that everything is a blessing.
Finally, here are some questions to get you started on your new journey towards true freedom!
What am I doing to inhibit my growth?
What am I doing to keep myself from moving forward?
What am I doing to sabotage my dreams?
What am I thinking to inhibit my growth?
What am I thinking to inhibit my growth?
What am I thinking to keep myself from moving forward?
What am I thinking to sabotage my dreams?
What actions am I taking to inhibit my growth?
What actions am I taking to inhibit my growth?
What actions am I taking to keep myself from moving forward?
What actions am I taking to sabotage my dreams?
And not only what, but why?
Why am I inhibiting my own growth?
Why am I keeping myself from moving forward?
Why am I sabotaging my dreams?
We say we want a better life, more money, a new career, more education, a relationship, to be married and on and on and on. And yet it is not happening. Why?
Well first of all, just saying it will not make it come to pass.
A lot of people bash the Law if Attraction because they say things like:
"Well, I prayed and prayed for that new job but nothing happened! "
OK, did you do more than just pray? Did you actually apply for a new job? And what was your mind set when you applied? Was it, I am going to get this job or was it I don't know why I am doing this? I'll never get this job? Now, that's your conscious thoughts but what was going on in your subconscious? How do you really feel about you? Do you think you are worthy?
We all have work to do to be a better version of ourselves than we were yesterday, if that is what we choose. Growth and evolution are an ongoing process, leading to higher truths and more freedom. Leading to unconditional love for ourselves and others. And, if we want to be, do and have all that we can, a necessary journey.
Otherwise, we simply become stagnant and slowly fade away.
I don't know about you but for me, when I leave this body and transition, I want to do so with no regrets, knowing I gave my all and grew and evolved to the highest level.
#raresense #harryshade #baldguynamedharry
We all have work to do to be a better version of ourselves than we were yesterday, if that is what we choose. Growth and evolution are an ongoing process, leading to higher truths and more freedom. Leading to unconditional love for ourselves and others. And, if we want to be, do and have all that we can, a necessary journey.
Otherwise, we simply become stagnant and slowly fade away.
I don't know about you but for me, when I leave this body and transition, I want to do so with no regrets, knowing I gave my all and grew and evolved to the highest level.
#raresense #harryshade #baldguynamedharry
Thursday, May 19, 2016
The "Negative" Side Of Life Has a Purpose.
I was sitting around pondering how we talk about balance and harmony in our lives and that perfection is not what we should be seeking but yet (and I have been guilty of this myself) we tell ourselves and others to not have any negative thoughts or avoid negative people. While I will acknowledge that keeping these experiences down to a minimum is desirable, if we are truly living they cannot and should not be avoided.
I have come to realize that those things we call "negative" actually have a place and a purpose in our lives. We live in a world full of dichotomies: up/down; left/right; happy/sad, and positive/negative. And if we are truly living in harmony and balance, both the positive and negative are part of the whole. What I have come to learn is really important, and that is to embrace it all for it all is part of life. And of course this quote just happened to show up in my email today:
"Someone once asked Norman Vincent
Peale, 'Don't you think life would be better if we had fewer problems?' Peale
said, 'I'll be happy to take you to Woodlawn Cemetery, because the only people
I know who don't have any problems are dead.' The point is we can't avoid
problems, so we might as well expect them and embrace them as opportunities to
learn and grow." ~ Mac Anderson, author, Charging the Human Battery http://www.macanderson.com/
So truly, we should not be seeking a life with no problems, challenges and/or negative experiences for they also help us on our path. We should not however dwell in that space but rather learn from all our experiences and move onward and upward.
So truly, we should not be seeking a life with no problems, challenges and/or negative experiences for they also help us on our path. We should not however dwell in that space but rather learn from all our experiences and move onward and upward.
In her book, The Dark Side of the Light Chasers, Debbie Ford makes
the truly valid point for acknowledging and embracing the "dark" side
of ourselves because we all have it. Some call it our shadow side and while we
do not want that dark side to be at the forefront of who we are, it does in
fact serve a purpose, if for no other reason than to remind us of who we truly
are and what we want to show the world. http://www.debbieford.com/
Negative things happen to us all but if we look at them as another way to learn and grow as Mac Anderson suggested, then are they truly "negative"? I say no, for anything that helps us with our growth must be positive.
So, allow yourself to experience those so called "negative" events. Just recognize what they are and how they can help us. Do not dwell in that space but do not ignore it either for it is part and parcel of who we are as humans. And especially we need not feel guilty or ashamed if we have negative thoughts about anything. We do however, want to acknowledge those thoughts and discover why we are having them. What do we need to work on? How can we learn and grow from them?
I am blessed to have you read my blog and I truly hope I have provided you with some food for thought. Please share your comments, thoughts and suggestions.
May you be blessed always and in all ways!
Harry
Author - Rare Sense, One Day It Will be Common: A Practical Guide to a Fulfilled and Balanced Life
harry@harryshade.com
http://www.harryshade.com/
Negative things happen to us all but if we look at them as another way to learn and grow as Mac Anderson suggested, then are they truly "negative"? I say no, for anything that helps us with our growth must be positive.
So, allow yourself to experience those so called "negative" events. Just recognize what they are and how they can help us. Do not dwell in that space but do not ignore it either for it is part and parcel of who we are as humans. And especially we need not feel guilty or ashamed if we have negative thoughts about anything. We do however, want to acknowledge those thoughts and discover why we are having them. What do we need to work on? How can we learn and grow from them?
I am blessed to have you read my blog and I truly hope I have provided you with some food for thought. Please share your comments, thoughts and suggestions.
May you be blessed always and in all ways!
Harry
Author - Rare Sense, One Day It Will be Common: A Practical Guide to a Fulfilled and Balanced Life
harry@harryshade.com
http://www.harryshade.com/
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
I Choose To Be Positive
I often get asked, you
are always so positive has anything really bad ever happened in your life?
My answer, of course it has; I have been divorced twice, I have been and currently am not financially sound , my father passed away suddenly several years ago, I have witnessed the worst that human beings can do to each other in my law enforcement career; I have had a baby die in my arms as the result of a drunk driver and if not for the kindness and compassion of friends, I could even have been homeless.
Now, I am not "always" positive but that is what I choose to put out in the world. I have my moments when I am angry, frustrated or sad. I do not ignore such feelings nor bury them, I feel them and allow them to come.
One difference between me and others who perhaps do not see the positivity in things is that I choose to be positive and see the positive. I also choose not to put judgement on things, like this was a "bad" and that was a "good". Or that was "right" and that was "wrong". Or that was a "mistake".
I do my best to be humble and grateful. I do my best to be kind, caring and compassionate. I do my best to use that which does not serve me to continue to discover what does.
I have grown and evolved to the point where those type of judgements simply do not serve me or allow me to live a life of joy. So, I see all things as blessings because they all have both laid the foundation for my life and continue to allow me to grow and evolve.
Do I consider myself better than anyone else? No!
I do however strive to be a better version of myself than I was the day before. I continue to do my best to take personal responsibility for everything because even though I do not control everything everyone else does, I have control over how I react to it and what actions I will take because of it.
Did all this happen overnight? Not so much! :-)
I am who I am today because of many years of experience and I am not done growing and evolving yet. I still have much work to do on me. I can still be stubborn or obstinate, and yet even that serves me, if I allow it to do so. If in no other way than to remind me that I have more work to do. Of course one could always look on the "positive" side and say that I am actually persistent and determined. ;-)
One thing that I do know, is that I have the power of choice and like any power, it comes with personal responsibility. And so, while "bad" things do happen, I have done much deep personal work that allows me to choose to see the positive in them.
I choose to continue to project that positivity to the world for two reasons. First and foremost because that is the energy and space I love to live in and secondly, because if by doing so, I can brighten up or help even one person be better themselves in that moment, then I feel I am contributing in a positive way.
When I look back on my life, it brings a huge smile to my face because there have definitely been a gazillion more positive things that have happened in my life than negative and even the negative has had a profoundly positive impact.I know that if you chose to look at your life, I dare say that for a majority of you, you can say the same.
So, just because I project positivity in every moment I can, it does not mean that "negativity" has not touched my life. It just means, I have chosen to see the "positivity" in it.
May you be blessed always and in all ways!
My answer, of course it has; I have been divorced twice, I have been and currently am not financially sound , my father passed away suddenly several years ago, I have witnessed the worst that human beings can do to each other in my law enforcement career; I have had a baby die in my arms as the result of a drunk driver and if not for the kindness and compassion of friends, I could even have been homeless.
Now, I am not "always" positive but that is what I choose to put out in the world. I have my moments when I am angry, frustrated or sad. I do not ignore such feelings nor bury them, I feel them and allow them to come.
One difference between me and others who perhaps do not see the positivity in things is that I choose to be positive and see the positive. I also choose not to put judgement on things, like this was a "bad" and that was a "good". Or that was "right" and that was "wrong". Or that was a "mistake".
I do my best to be humble and grateful. I do my best to be kind, caring and compassionate. I do my best to use that which does not serve me to continue to discover what does.
I have grown and evolved to the point where those type of judgements simply do not serve me or allow me to live a life of joy. So, I see all things as blessings because they all have both laid the foundation for my life and continue to allow me to grow and evolve.
Do I consider myself better than anyone else? No!
I do however strive to be a better version of myself than I was the day before. I continue to do my best to take personal responsibility for everything because even though I do not control everything everyone else does, I have control over how I react to it and what actions I will take because of it.
Did all this happen overnight? Not so much! :-)
I am who I am today because of many years of experience and I am not done growing and evolving yet. I still have much work to do on me. I can still be stubborn or obstinate, and yet even that serves me, if I allow it to do so. If in no other way than to remind me that I have more work to do. Of course one could always look on the "positive" side and say that I am actually persistent and determined. ;-)
One thing that I do know, is that I have the power of choice and like any power, it comes with personal responsibility. And so, while "bad" things do happen, I have done much deep personal work that allows me to choose to see the positive in them.
I choose to continue to project that positivity to the world for two reasons. First and foremost because that is the energy and space I love to live in and secondly, because if by doing so, I can brighten up or help even one person be better themselves in that moment, then I feel I am contributing in a positive way.
When I look back on my life, it brings a huge smile to my face because there have definitely been a gazillion more positive things that have happened in my life than negative and even the negative has had a profoundly positive impact.I know that if you chose to look at your life, I dare say that for a majority of you, you can say the same.
So, just because I project positivity in every moment I can, it does not mean that "negativity" has not touched my life. It just means, I have chosen to see the "positivity" in it.
May you be blessed always and in all ways!
Harry
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
My View of America Today
Given all that is happening with this 2016 presidential
election cycle, I put my thoughts together on my view of America.
I do not agree that we have to make America
great again. I will agree that this great experiment needs some nurturing and
that we can do better.
As a military veteran, who comes from a long line of
military veterans, I know it is a place worth defending because we live in a
country that is the envy of many, given the freedom and opportunities that are
available to everyone who lives here.
I know it is a place of hope as many thousands of people still risk it all to come here. I know
it is a place of beauty and grandeur as reflected not only in the American
people but also in our natural resources, our spirits, our smiles and our
willingness to help one another.
I know it is a place of dreams, where one can not only dream
of a new future but actually attain it with support, dedication, drive,
determination and desire. The means and
resources to take those dreams and make them into reality are available if one
is willing to do the work, sacrifice and seek them out.
I know it is a place of wonder, awe and discovery, where
everyone is encouraged to create a life of peace, harmony, and security for
themselves and their families.
I know that it is a place of diversity, as the “melting pot”
of the world, we have the most diverse population on the globe, which is one of
our strengths because from diversity comes tolerance, acceptance, inclusion,
strength and compassion.
Finally, I know it is a place of community and love, as we
dedicate our lives to service to humanity.
As Americans, we know it is our
responsibility to ensure that the ideals that helped birth this great nation
are not only preserved here, but also shared with the world to assist with the
growth and evolution of us as a species.
Some might say that I have a romantic and perhaps even
unrealistic notion of what America is and to that I say, America is more than a
country. It is a promise of a better
life. It is an idea forged through
courage, sacrifice and will. And, while
things in America are not perfect, it still is and will always be a beacon of
light to the world, because of the people, their dreams, ideas, and the
freedoms we enjoy.
May you be blessed always and in all ways!
Harry E. Shade
Monday, May 2, 2016
Friday, April 1, 2016
I SEE YOU!
I SEE YOU!
While I know that those words have been spoken before, they have taken on a new meaning and perhaps even more importance ever since they were uttered on the big screen in Avatar and I was reminded how powerful those words are when I watched the movie again here recently.
I SEE YOU!
It is those things that we see as different that separates us and thus can cause conflict. I know one way we can resolve our issues and that is to approach each other from the basic level that we all share together and that is as human beings. If we simply start and end there, then nothing else will really matter.
I SEE YOU!
For me, when I look at another person, I see no race, creed, nationality, religion or sex, rather simply another human being.
I SEE YOU!
By taking that approach to life, we can heal this world and it's conflicts. We will no longer tolerate any human being starving to death, being tortured or denied the basic necessities of life.
I SEE YOU!
By truly seeing each other we will naturally progress to live in peace and harmony with each other and the world around us. Which means it will no longer be acceptable to treat our home, Mother Earth, with the disdain and disrespect that we do.
I SEE YOU!
What do these words mean to you? Do you see me? To me, it means the end of separation, fear, war, hunger and pain and the dawning of a new world of love, peace, joy, harmony and prosperity for all!
I SEE YOU!
May you be blessed always and in all ways!
Love and light,
Harry
While I know that those words have been spoken before, they have taken on a new meaning and perhaps even more importance ever since they were uttered on the big screen in Avatar and I was reminded how powerful those words are when I watched the movie again here recently.
I SEE YOU!
I SEE YOU!
For me, when I look at another person, I see no race, creed, nationality, religion or sex, rather simply another human being.
I SEE YOU!
By taking that approach to life, we can heal this world and it's conflicts. We will no longer tolerate any human being starving to death, being tortured or denied the basic necessities of life.
I SEE YOU!
By truly seeing each other we will naturally progress to live in peace and harmony with each other and the world around us. Which means it will no longer be acceptable to treat our home, Mother Earth, with the disdain and disrespect that we do.
I SEE YOU!
What do these words mean to you? Do you see me? To me, it means the end of separation, fear, war, hunger and pain and the dawning of a new world of love, peace, joy, harmony and prosperity for all!
May you be blessed always and in all ways!
Love and light,
Harry
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
