Wishing all of my family and friends all the best for Christmas, or whatever holiday you celebrate.
If I have only one thing for Christmas, it's faith. Let me be clear, I am talking about my internal faith--the faith that guides me to be the man I am.
My faith is a deep-seated, firm belief that...
- People for the most part try to do the right thing, and are good. I truly have faith in mankind, despite the media attention to those who do bad things.
- You get back much more than you give -- so give of yourself and reap rich rewards.
- Money isn't everything. It is perfectly okay to be frugal, live within your means, and not have to keep up with the Joneses with the latest toys, gadgets, luxury cars, and so forth.
- There is life -- a good one -- without being tethered to the internet 24/7. Turn off your i-thingie, take a walk, talk with your spouse.
- There are others who look to you to lead by example. It could be a child, a co-worker, a fellow motorcyclist, or even a perfect stranger. Always have faith in yourself in believing that you are a leader, and you will be that leader.
- Some people have less fortune, education, and/or a difficult life. You don't have to give handouts to lend a helping hand. Repair something, listen and pay attention to dispel loneliness, give of your time and talents. Have faith that your efforts to "pay it forward" will be paid back.
- You don't 'get' unless you ask, so ask for what you want within reason. You may be very surprised that you often will get what you ask for.
- You attract more bees with honey than with vinegar -- applying that age-old phrase to today -- people who are civil, kind, and pleasant are often the ones who succeed in life. Think about it.
- You don't have to have proof that something exists for that something to be real -- be it God or the simple matter of believing that your soulmate will recover from his long-term infection and be healthy once again.
My faith abides, and guides my soul. It guides my very existence, and direction in the decisions that I make in life. I pay tribute to my Mom and Dad for instilling my faith in me, as they did what I said above: led by example.
Today as an extra Christmas gift for a loved-one, think of something you can do for her or him. You don't even have to be in the same place -- give a call, connect via Skype, or write a letter and mail it! Do it, then smile in knowing that you have the power to show your faith through simple deeds and actions.
It is the collection of your deeds and actions that define you.
Life is short: show those you love how you love them, and define yourself through application of faith in yourself and your fellow man/woman.
