Thought – Page 4 – One Lifetime Blog

December 6, 2023

Random Thoughts 12-6-23

As a society, we need to focus more on the basics of community and family. Too much attention is given to politics, opinions, and our differences. We should instead prioritize charity, compassion, family, and the well-being of others. We often get caught up in labels and the choices of others, but we should remember that we are here to help one another and preserve our planet. We are stewards of the earth and caretakers of our fellow human beings.

It’s easy to get lost in social media campaigns and news channels that are more propaganda than fact. Listening to opinions can stop us from thinking for ourselves and lead us to believe falsehoods. Regardless of political affiliation, we should never follow the opinions of media. Instead, we should research factual information and form our own opinions based on facts. Spend less time on social media and opinion-based news and more time helping others, spending time with family and friends, and doing good in the world. Let’s focus on what really matters.

Ray Barbier

November 28, 2023

Random Thoughts 11-28-23

When you take a step back and look at things from a distance, you may come to the conclusion that all people suffer from shortcomings and that no one person is greater than another. This perspective can help you see how you may have been too judgmental of yourself and others. It is important to think before you speak and judge, and to be more compassionate and forgiving. Remember that everyone is a work in progress, and there is always room for improvement.

Sometimes, it is better to say nothing than to speak your mind and fan the flames of disharmony. Before you speak or act, take a moment to consider your true intentions. Lead your thoughts with your heart and temper your emotions with logic and contemplation. This will help ensure that your words and actions are aligned with your true intentions.

Some people may consider being compassionate or charitable as a weakness, but they overlook the fact that it takes a fearless and strong individual to put themselves in harm’s way in order to help others. Love is not always safe and sometimes makes you a target of others in this world. It is important to remember that being compassionate and charitable is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to stand up for what you believe in and to help others, even when it is not easy. Keep in mind that your actions can make a positive impact on the world around you, and that is something to be proud of.

November 21, 2023

You Are Not Alone: The Importance of Reaching Out for Help

In life, we all experience moments of feeling isolated in our struggles and challenges. This sensation is often a manifestation of our fears during times of mental and emotional strain. However, the reality is that we have many people by our side who are willing to help and support us. Unfortunately, we may be too preoccupied with the moment and the stresses of life to recognize their outstretched hands.

Depression, a feeling of hopelessness, can prevent individuals from seeking the help they require. This creates a barrier between those who need help and those who are willing to provide it. Additionally, there are times when an individual is willing to help, but they do not know how to approach the person needing help.

There is no shame in needing help, nor in asking for help from others. Sometimes, the only way someone can know that you need help is when you reach out to them for assistance. Asking for help can be difficult, but it is important to remember that there is no shame in needing help. It is a natural part of life to need assistance from others, and it is important to recognize that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Sometimes, people may not realize that you need help unless you reach out to them for assistance. It is important to be open and honest with those around you about your struggles and to seek help when you need it. Remember, there are people who care about you and are willing to support you through difficult times.

Reaching out to those in need of help can be a challenging task, but it is essential to remember that everyone needs help at some point in their lives. The first step is to be aware of the signs that someone may be struggling and to offer support in a non-judgmental and compassionate manner. It is important to listen actively and to validate their feelings, letting them know that they are not alone. If you are unsure how to approach the situation, there are many resources available that can provide guidance and support. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, and offering help is an act of kindness that can make a significant difference in someone’s life.

In conclusion, it is important to remember that everyone needs help at some point in their lives. Depression and feelings of hopelessness can create barriers between those who need help and those who are willing to provide it. However, there is no shame in needing help, and asking for help is a sign of strength. It is important to be open and honest with those around you about your struggles and to seek help when you need it. Remember, there are people who care about you and are willing to support you through difficult times. Reaching out to those in need of help can be a challenging task, but it is essential to be aware of the signs that someone may be struggling and to offer support in a non-judgmental and compassionate manner. Listening actively and validating their feelings can help them feel less alone. If you are unsure how to approach the situation, there are many resources available that can provide guidance and support. Remember, offering help is an act of kindness that can make a significant difference in someone’s life.

Ray Barbier

November 9, 2023

Some Thoughts on life and being yourself

As we age, we may experience the loss of loved ones and our social circle may shrink. It can be challenging to find and maintain friendships. However, it is important to remember that life is no more complicated than it was when we were children. We just have more self-imposed rules and knowledge of how things appear to work.

Many of us stop having fun and being silly due to our fear of being judged by society. Age sometimes brings fear instead of wisdom, and that is something we all have to deal with to one degree or another. We learn to fear the judgment of others through our youth, we reign in parts of our personality in order to conform to what society dictates as normal or we follow the behavior patterns of those who appear popular in hopes of being popular ourselves.

However, as we age, we may get over wanting to be popular, but a good portion of us still crave to be accepted and liked. If we are fortunate, we may have grown wise enough to realize it is far better to be liked and accepted for who we truly are than to be behind a mask or playing a role. The thing is, we may not always be accepted by all. But we will always find a group of people who will like us and accept us regardless of whether we fit in society’s dictation of what is normal or popular or not.

The phrase “Be yourself” is an old but true adage that should be adhered to in life. Each one of us is unique, and those differences are what makes humanity capable of achieving such great things. To suppress the uniqueness within yourself is to hinder yourself from growing and moving forward in life. If you feel like you don’t know who you are, try thinking about what you like and dislike doing when you’re alone. The things you do or don’t do when no one is looking are the basics of who you are.

The key to showing that person off to others is to be okay with the fact that some people aren’t going to like it or understand it. Essentially, we hide our personalities because we’re fearful of others mocking us for it. We don’t want to be judged harshly. But the thing is, that doesn’t have to stop you from feeling good about who you are. That’s essentially what the people around you that you feel a need to impress are doing.

So if they can do it, why can’t you do it too? So what if you don’t live up to society’s expectations and do what everyone else is doing. It’s better than living a life that isn’t true to who you are and makes you unhappy. Be inspired and motivated to be true to the person you know yourself to be.

Ray Barbier

November 8, 2023

Cherishing Life and Love: A Reflection on Loss and Gratitude

With the deaths of my mother-in-law and sister-in-law all in the past week, it brings to mind the fragility and uncertainty of life. Life is not guaranteed beyond the moment you are in, and due to that fact, we should never take life or those in our lives for granted. We should love one another full-heartedly and unconditionally, and live in the moment and not in the past.

Life is fleeting and unpredictable. It’s important to cherish every moment we have with those we love. We should focus on the positive aspects of life, such as love, compassion, forgiveness, and friendship. These are the things that truly matter and make life worth living. Kindness and tolerance are also essential in today’s world, where differences can often divide us. We should strive to find common ground and celebrate our similarities, rather than focusing on our differences. By embracing these values, we can create a more loving and harmonious world.

Let us love one another, take care of each other, and be charitable to those who are less fortunate in this world. Let us be stewards of this world we live in, ambassadors for peace, and caregivers for those in need. Let us be thankful for each day, and show kindness to all we meet in life. By embracing these values, we can create a more loving and harmonious world.

God Bless

Ray Barbier

October 22, 2023

The Importance of Respectful Dialogue both online and offline.

When we treat others as if they are inferior to us intellectually, socially, and/or financially, we not only harm their self-worth but also risk being viewed negatively by others. In the heat of a debate, we often forget about the feelings of others and overlook the possibility that we could be the one on the wrong side of the argument or possibly less informed than we first believed.

It is important to remember that being right in an argument is not as important as preserving the feelings of others and maintaining healthy relationships. Many times, both sides are right on many aspects of the side they argue and wrong on other points. The argument is about opposing views and what both sides perceive as facts and truths. However, it is important to recognize that many times, the sources of these facts and supposed truths may be suspect if not unreliable.

Furthermore, some arguments wind up being more about personal beliefs and opinions than facts. It is important to recognize when this is the case and to approach such arguments with an open mind and a willingness to listen to other perspectives.

In today’s world, where social media has become a primary source of information for many people, it is more important than ever to be mindful of how we interact with others online. The anonymity provided by social media can make it easy to forget that there are real people behind the screens. It is crucial that we treat others with respect and kindness, even when we disagree with them.

One way to do this is by practicing active listening. This means taking the time to truly understand the other person’s perspective before responding. It also means acknowledging their feelings and validating their experiences. By doing so, we can create a safe space for open dialogue and healthy debate.

Another way to promote healthy debate is by fact-checking our sources before sharing information online. With so much misinformation circulating on social media, it is important to verify the accuracy of our sources before sharing them with others. This can help prevent the spread of false information and promote healthy debate based on facts.

In conclusion, treating others with respect and kindness is crucial in promoting healthy debate and maintaining healthy relationships. By practicing active listening and fact-checking our sources, we can create a safe space for open dialogue and promote healthy debate based on facts.

June 11, 2023

Balance and Harmony in Life: Why It Matters and How to Achieve It

Hello, dear readers. Today I want to share with you some thoughts on how to find balance and harmony in life. This is something that I have been striving for in my own journey, and I believe it is very important for everyone.

Why is finding balance and harmony in life important? Well, first of all, it is not only a personal goal, but also a social responsibility. We live in a world of division, separation, and conflict, where we tend to judge and exclude others based on their differences. This creates disharmony and imbalance in ourselves and in our society. We need to overcome our prejudices, biases, and fears, and learn to respect and embrace the diversity and dignity of all living beings. We need to realize that we are all connected and interdependent and that what we do to others, we do to ourselves.

Secondly, finding balance and harmony in life is also a spiritual journey, where we discover our true nature and purpose. We are not just physical beings, but also mental, emotional, and spiritual beings. We have a soul that transcends our body and mind and connects us to a higher power and a higher reality. We need to align our thoughts, feelings, and actions with our soul’s guidance, and follow our inner voice of wisdom and love. We need to cultivate virtues such as compassion, kindness, gratitude, forgiveness, and generosity, and express them in our daily lives.

Thirdly, finding balance and harmony in life is not easy or simple. It requires constant effort, awareness, and adaptation. It also requires humility, curiosity, and openness. However, finding balance and harmony in life is rewarding, fulfilling, and meaningful. It can help us achieve well-being and happiness for ourselves and others. It can help us create a better world for ourselves and future generations.

So how can we find balance and harmony in life? Well, there is no one answer or formula for this. Each one of us has to find our own way of living in balance and harmony with ourselves, others, nature, and the divine. However, there are some general principles that can guide us along the way. Here are some of them:

Be mindful of your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Observe them without judgment or attachment. Notice how they affect you and others.
Be aware of your needs and desires. Fulfill them in healthy and constructive ways. Avoid excesses or deficiencies that can harm you or others.
Be flexible and adaptable. Accept changes as opportunities for growth. Learn from your mistakes and challenges.
Be respectful and compassionate. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Recognize the value and beauty of every living being.
Be grateful and generous. Appreciate what you have and what you receive. Share what you can with those who need it.
Be creative and playful. Express yourself in authentic and joyful ways. Enjoy the present moment.
Be connected and inspired. Seek guidance from your inner voice or higher power. Follow your passion and purpose.

These are some of the ways that I try to find balance and harmony in life. I hope they can inspire you as well. Remember that finding balance and harmony in life is not a destination, but a journey. A journey that we can embark on together.

Thank you for reading this blog post. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Please leave a comment below.

Until next time,

Ray Barbier

June 5, 2023

The Significance of Love and Compassion in Our Lives

Humanity has made tremendous strides in science and technology, but we still have much to learn when it comes to mental, spiritual, and emotional growth. We often blame external forces for the turmoil and destruction that we create ourselves. However, blaming and pointing fingers never solve any issue. Instead, we should focus on enacting change within ourselves and inspiring change in those around us. Love, peace, understanding, and compassion are like seeds that grow and bear fruit to spread themselves further.

On the other hand, things such as lust, greed, and hate are like viruses that quickly spread from person to person. The main difference is that fruit nourishes the body, mind, and soul while a virus corrupts and eats away at them. We can choose to embrace whichever one we desire, but we must know the cost, consequence, and reward of each. Good works alone will not get us to heaven but they are part of the journey towards being the people that God created us to be.

As the Bible tells us, even the wicked do good things for their loved ones and family. Therefore, we must take it further by being compassionate, loving, and kind towards all living things – be they friend or foe – as no man or woman is greater or lesser than another. We should love one another unconditionally without hesitation.

The things that most people seek, such as wealth, social status, and physical beauty, are all fleeting and will eventually be the dust we came from. Therefore, what worth should we put upon such temporary things? On this earth, there are many religions and many do not believe in God. The gift of free will made this possible and it is the will of God that we have the choices to believe as we wish. So spread the Gospel but respect the right of others not to believe or to believe differently. Be at peace with everyone, even those you see as enemies. The compassion you show others will not be forgotten.

Ray Barbier

June 5, 2023

Living Authentically: How to Be True to Yourself

Words are powerful. They have the ability to convey thoughts and feelings and bring ideas to life. But words alone are not enough. To truly bring them to life, we must live by them. We must act on our good ideas and live by wise words, not just read them and cast them aside.

Simple sayings like the golden rule should be a part of our being, not just a phrase we spout when it’s convenient. Too many people claim to be one thing while acting the opposite. Hypocrisy is rampant in politics, religion, and society as a whole.

We are all guilty of hypocrisy at some point in our lives. But if we want to live an honest and authentic life, we must be true to ourselves and others. We must stop deceiving ourselves and others and be open about who we are.

Words are indeed powerful and can convey thoughts and feelings and bring ideas to life. However, words alone are not enough. To truly bring them to life, we must live by them. We must act on our good ideas and live by wise words, not just read them and cast them aside.

To live by your words and be true to yourself, you need to take responsibility for your own happiness. You also need to be honest with yourself and let your heart speak (not just your head). You should remove negative influences and spend time alone with yourself (stop avoiding yourself). Stop trying to be what others expect you to be and choose authenticity over popularity. Learn how and when to say “No”.

Here are some more tips on how to live life by staying true to yourself :

Be confident in doing what you love and what makes you happy without fearing judgment from others.
Realize that you are enough and you are important.
Surround yourself with authentic people who support you in your journey.
Live according to the values and beliefs that you hold most dear.
Commit to living and working according to your core values.

In the end, our true selves will be revealed to those around us. So let’s live by our words and be true to ourselves.

Ray Barbier

June 2, 2023

Empathy, Compassion, and the world we live in.

Living in a world where the older you get, the less you matter to the government and society is disheartening. It’s a world where those who have more than they need only hoard it and try to prevent others from finding their own wealth. The poor, unhealthy, and aging are considered disposable and unwanted.

It’s sad to see that we haven’t learned anything from our past. We ignore the teachings of great prophets and religious figures from many religions. We pay no heed to the words of philosophers, dreamers, and wise men from the past or present.

Our world seems to lack empathy and compassion. It’s full of apathy, envy, greed, and fear. Imagine if we all had compassion and empathy for one another. If we made it our priority to help those in need and focused on making the world a safer and happier place for everyone to live in. If we could learn to put prejudice, fear, and hate behind us and embrace diversity, inclusion, and love one another as we are taught by religions and great thinkers of the past and present.

We don’t always have to agree with others’ decisions, but we should always respect their right to choose their own path in life. Most of what people fear is just an illusion brought on by fear itself. If you educate yourself and stay true to your values, then others’ actions usually won’t affect you. Of course, this doesn’t apply to crimes, whether violent or not.”

Life can be tough, and we’re often our own harshest critics. That’s why it’s important to avoid judging others or at least judge them with great compassion and empathy. Forgiving others and yourself is key to finding a happier path in life. It does more for the forgiver than the forgiven in the end. It releases you from the hurt and anger associated with the wrong done to you and allows you to move forward.