Tag Archives: wisdom

Relationships: Grow- Together or Apart.

Relationships are like plants—you either water them, or you let them shrivel up like that sad grocery store plant you swore you’d keep alive. People either grow together or grow apart, and fighting it is like arguing with gravity. Instead of stressing over where things are headed, focus on giving room for growth and staying loyal where it counts.

Give Room to Grow

One of the biggest mistakes in relationships is trapping people in their past—as if they’re frozen in time like an embarrassing yearbook photo. But people change, evolve, and—shockingly—mature (well, most of us).

Strong relationships require space for growth. Let people:

  • Explore new interests—even if it means listening to them talk about competitive duck herding. (Google it)
  • Chase their dreams without guilt-tripping them for “changing.”
  • Respond in their own time instead of expecting instant replies.

People aren’t museum exhibits; they’re works in progress. Friendships thrive when they allow growth instead of resisting it.

The Myth of a Million Friends (Quality Over Quantity, Always)

Social media suggests that a massive friend list equals success, but let’s be honest—real friendship isn’t about numbers, it’s about depth. If you can count a few ride-or-die friends by the time you’re old and wrinkly, you’ve won the friendship lottery.

Deep friendships stand out because:

  • They don’t judge you for eating nachos at 10 a.m.
  • They embrace your quirks instead of pretending not to know you.
  • They stick around even when life gets complicated.

Having a crowd around you means nothing if none of them truly know you. The best relationships prioritize quality over quantity.

The Secret Sauce: Loyalty (Because Flaky Friends Are for Breakfast, Not Life)

If relationships are like plants, loyalty is the fertilizer. Loyalty doesn’t require constant agreement or attachment at the hip—it simply means showing up when it matters.

Loyal friends:

  • Speak well of you, even when you’re not in the room.
  • Stand by you during tough times, not just when life is fun.
  • Give grace when you make mistakes (because we all do).

Loyalty isn’t about tolerating toxic relationships. Instead, it means caring consistently, even when life gets busy.

Final Thought: Relationships Should Breathe, Not Suffocate

At the end of the day, relationships work best when they breathe instead of suffocate. Some stretch, some fade, and a few last a lifetime. The key is to give people space to grow, stay loyal where it counts, and never expect relationships to stay the same forever.

So, water the good ones, let go of the ones that wither, and be the kind of friend who sticks around—even when life gets messy.

Because if you have a handful of real friends who love you despite your quirks, bad jokes, and occasional life crises, you’re doing better than most.

And that, my friend, is relationship success. Go ahead and text your friend!

Ordinary Rosa

Rightfully so, we honor Rosa Parks with words like hero, revolutionary, icon, legend, and trailblazer. And she was all of these—no doubt. But here’s the part we often overlook: Rosa Parks was also ordinary.

Before December 1, 1955, before the Montgomery bus, before history etched her name into the pages of change, Rosa lived a life that looked a lot like ours. She went to school but had to leave early to care for her family. She worked regular jobs—cleaning houses, caring for others, sewing as a seamstress, and later as an office assistant. She enjoyed simple things: going to church, spending time with family and friends, and living quietly with a calm, steady spirit.

Why does this matter?

Because as author Parker Palmer wisely said,
“We can put her up on a pedestal and praise her, world without end, never finding ourselves challenged by her life.”

When we elevate Rosa to superhuman status, we risk missing the most powerful part of her story: her humanity. We create distance, convincing ourselves that she was “special,” “different,” or “extraordinary”—as if courage belongs only to the chosen few. But the truth is, she was ordinary—just like you, just like me.

And that’s exactly what makes her story so powerful.

Rosa Parks was an ordinary woman who took a simple stand—one that seemed small in the moment but changed history forever.

I don’t think she didn’t set out to become a legend. She simply refused to give up her seat because she was tired—not just physically, but tired of a system that was broken, unjust, and dehumanizing. Her quiet “no” became a resounding “yes” to justice, equality, and hope.

So, what does that mean for us?

It means your ordinary life can impact a broken system.
It means you don’t have to be famous, fearless, or flawless to make a difference.
It means the small stand you take today—the simple “no” to injustice, the quiet “yes” to kindness—can ripple into something far greater than you ever imagined.

Let Rosa Parks’ ordinary inspire your ordinary.
Because sometimes, the most extraordinary change begins with the courage to do something simple.

Sharing Well: Why It’s More Than Just a Childhood Lesson

Remember when we were kids, and every adult in our lives constantly reminded us to share?
“Share your toys.”
“Share your snack.”
“Share with your little brother—yes, even when he just licked it.”

Sharing was a basic expectation, a fundamental rule of playground diplomacy. But then something weird happens when we grow up: Nobody reminds us to share anymore. And, as a result, many of us stop doing it—or at least, we do it a whole lot less.

But here’s the thing: Maybe sharing isn’t just some childhood obligation. Maybe it’s something we need more as adults. Maybe, just maybe, we actually have more to share than ever before.

The Science of Sharing: Why It’s Actually Good for You

Let’s get a few things straight: Sharing isn’t just for kids, and it’s not just about being polite. It turns out that generosity is deeply wired into who we are as human beings. Here’s why sharing matters:

1. Sharing Creates the “Helper’s High”

Yes, this is a real thing! Studies show that when we give to others—whether it’s time, resources, or even just kindness—our brain releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. It’s basically nature’s way of rewarding generosity. So if you’ve ever felt a little boost after helping someone out, that’s not a coincidence—that’s science.

2. Sharing Fosters Connection

Let’s face it: We are social creatures. We thrive on connection, and sharing is one of the easiest ways to build relationships. Whether it’s sharing a meal, a laugh, or even just a moment of understanding, these little acts of generosity create bonds that make life richer.

3. Sharing is Good for Your Mental Health

Multiple studies have shown that when we engage in acts of kindness—like volunteering, donating, or simply being generous—it reduces stress, lowers depression, and increases life satisfaction. In short, giving doesn’t just help others; it makes your life better too.


So… Do We Really Need to Be Told to Share?

Maybe not. Maybe it’s just something we need to choose to do. And the best part? Sharing doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t have to donate thousands of dollars (you can if you got it like that) or give away all your belongings to make a difference. Sometimes, the simplest things mean the most.

Here are a few things we can all share easily:

✅ A kind word (cost: $0, impact: huge)
✅ A smile (scientifically proven to be contagious)
✅ A meal (because food always brings people together)
✅ A shoulder (for those days when life gets heavy)
✅ A helping hand (because everybody needs somebody)

Of course, money and resources can be shared too, but generosity isn’t just about what’s in your wallet—it’s about what’s in your heart.

Share Well Today

At Sharing Well Inc., we believe that sharing is more than just an action—it’s a lifestyle. Our mission is simple: ur mission is to empower the underserved by sharing transformative experiences and valuable resources. We strive to broaden horizons and inspire new possibilities, enabling someone to dream beyond their current circumstances.
We believe that when people share well, communities thrive.

So, what will you share today? Because the world doesn’t just need more things—it needs more people who share well.

Let’s make generosity a way of life. Let’s Share Well.

Lean On Me (And Maybe a Few Others, Too)

Once upon a time, in a world where neighbors actually knew each other’s names and didn’t just recognize them from Amazon package labels, people leaned on their communities. Whether it was borrowing a cup of sugar (or a lawnmower) or getting advice from someone who had “been there, done that,” community was the secret sauce of success and well-being.

Nowadays, we have Wi-Fi, social media, and enough digital connections to make a robot blush—but somehow, we’re lonelier than ever. That’s why we need to get back to what actually works: real community.

I once heard someone say, “You’ll never be your best self by yourself.” And honestly, they nailed it. So, let’s talk about why community matters and how to build one that actually makes life better.


1. You Need Community. (Yes, Even You, Lone Ranger.)

A strong community is like a good cup of coffee—warm, energizing, and way better when shared. Whether it’s a church, a gym, a book club, your work family, or just a group of people who share the same oddly specific hobby (synchronized dog walking, anyone?), you need people around you.

Reality check: No community is perfect. There will be drama, strong opinions, and probably someone who always forgets to Venmo you back. But a good community? It’s worth its weight in gold.


2. Can’t Find a Community? Build One!

If you’re struggling to find your people, congratulations! You’ve just been elected the founder of a brand-new community. (No pressure.) It could start with a coffee meetup, a Facebook group, or just inviting a couple of friends over for a game night. Small sparks create big fires.


3. Invest In Your Community.

Great communities don’t just happen—they’re built. And that takes time, patience, and showing up (even when Netflix is calling your name).

Here’s the secret: The best communities are not built on what you get but on what you give. Be the one who encourages, checks in, and brings extra snacks. Give your time, energy, and resources, and watch how it comes back tenfold.


4. Ditch the Perfection Act. (We See Through It Anyway.)

Listen, nobody relates to perfection. If you’ve built an imaginary Instagram-filtered wall around your life, it’s time to tear that thing down. Real relationships grow in honesty, not in perfectly curated highlight reels. Be real, be vulnerable, and let people in. You’ll be surprised how much stronger your community becomes when you stop pretending you have it all together. (Spoiler alert: none of us do.)


5. Conflict Happens. Handle It Like a Pro.

Every community—no matter how amazing—will have conflict. That’s just humans being human. But here’s a pro tip: Conflict gets worse when you ignore it and shrinks when you address it with humility.

Instead of avoiding it, bring it to the table. Literally. Grab coffee, hash it out, and prioritize the relationship over the argument. Healthy communities aren’t built on perfect agreement—they’re built on people willing to work through their differences.


Let’s Build Something That Lasts.

Bottom line? We are better together. We were designed for community—created to lift each other up, challenge each other, and be there when life gets hard.

So, let’s embrace the messiness of real relationships.
Let’s invest in the people around us.
Let’s choose community over isolation.

Because at the end of the day, success isn’t about going solo—it’s about who you’re walking with.

So, who’s in?

Are you Inspired?

Inspiration! 

Most people, when encountered with something great someone else has built, walk away inspired. 

Honest people say maybe I can do it too. 

And they walk away feeling encouraged. 

But watch out! 

Some look at what you have built and say I want it. 

I want what you have, And I will do whatever it takes to take it away from you!

They don’t want to do the hard work of building. They want to reap your rewards.  

When my reality is your dream how do you respond? 

When my dream is your reality, I will honor you and be inspired.  

Who inspires you?  

Ideas we are taking into 2021

4 ideas we are taking into 2021. 

I know we are excited to see 2021. And that’s because 2020 was CRAZY. Hopes for a new year and new you quickly turned to hoarding toilet paper. Toilet Paper! Do we know yet what the need for hoarding toilet paper was all about? Crazy moments help us welcome new days. So, we welcome 2021 and say adios to 2020. 

“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” ― Rafiki

Here are 4 ideas that we learned in 2020 that we will be taking into 2021. 

Everybody needs somebody. When something is taken away, we then see it’s importance. 2020 has taught us the importance of community. We need each other! We will strive to be givers of grace in all our communities and continue to build healthy relationships. 

A rested you is a better you. Our frantic pace of life can outpace God. It was interesting to see how beautiful our world is without all the hustle during the lockdowns of 2020. I don’t want to be forced to rest in 2021 with more lockdowns. I want to be intentional with my rest and pace of life. #youareblessedifyourest

Simple is Spiritual. There is a place for the deep things of God. But it’s in the simple every day things done well and consistently that cause us to go forward in life, and help us to suffer less. Our spiritual lives are essential to our overall health.

"Hard things ain't bad things!" Share on X

Fun is Essential. “Laughter does good like a medicine.” If there is one thing 2020 has taught us, is that life is fragile. So make it a point to enjoy every single aspect of it. We often try to make a perfect life without any thought about enjoying said life. Embrace the dance even if you don’t dance; Or don’t dance well. Kool & the Gang said, “How you gonna do it if you really don’t wanna dance by standing on the wall? Get down on it!”

“It’s the rain that makes the flowers grow.”

What are you taking from 2020 into 2021? 

Growth Plan Part 1

Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning. Benjamin Franklin

Every year we have a new opportunity to revise our plans. At the end of one year, we can look back and examine what worked and what didn’t. Then make adjustments and grow into a new year.

We don’t want to drift into a new year just like we wouldn’t drift down a white-water river. Drifting leads to circles which leads to everything flipping over. Did you see Bird Box? We must be intentional about our growth.

Growth requires a mindset and a plan. In Carol Dweck’s book Mindsets, she describes two basic mindsets fixed and growth.
A fixed mindset assumes that our character, intelligence, and creative ability are static which we can’t change in any meaningful way.
A growth mindset, on the other hand, thrives on challenges and sees failure as a springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities.

Check out Mindset book here.

Our lives are designed to grow. (Think Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy.) God has created us in His image. We have His appearance and his character.
This must be developed.
God has also called us to work and care for His creation.
We are created to bring order to the chaos. We are called to create.
This will require us to grow/learn.

Growth is at the foundation of who we are.

Because we are multifaceted people, consider these five areas for growth.
Spiritual Life
Relational Life
Physical Life (Health)
Emotional Life (Mental Health)
Financial Life (Money-Career)

Let’s grow stronger and better in the new year!

This is part 1 of a series of post about developing a growth plan.

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Grandpa’s Wisdom

My grandfather was an integral part of my life, Reverend L.H. Connor. He is a big reason I’m not locked up or dead. His wisdom has led me away from trouble and toward a purpose. Every chance I get I try to share a little of his ordinary wisdom.

Grandpa would say, “you have to be humble and honest if you want to live right.” Actually, I was in a lot of trouble with the law, and he said, “humility and honesty are your tickets out.” And he was right.

This is what I believe he was trying to tell me.

Be Humble.
You’re not all that important. Stop strutting around with your “bird chest” puffed out. People don’t owe you anything. Don’t walk into any situation with a chip on your shoulder. Turn your spotlight off, you’re not better than the next person. Learn to be soft and strong not loud and loose. Learn to listen. Humility is dethroning self-promotion.

Be Honest.
If you did it, you did it. You can’t lie your way free. Lies are like chains that bind you. One lie, no matter how small causes all you say to be questionable. You will never be perfect, but you can be honest. Healing and freedom follow honesty. Honesty is telling and living by the truth.

RIP Grandpa, thanks for sharing your wisdom.

 

What wisdom have you learned?