Baggage Claim

Do you check your bags when you fly?  Due to rising airline fees, some people choose to pack lighter so that they can carry their bags on the plane with them.  However, there will be times when that is not possible.  Some bags will need to be checked before you board and claimed after you reach your destination.  The flight attendant will usually make an announcement to tell passengers where to claim bags.  Also, the airport will have a display at baggage claim carousels listing the flights that will have bags come out at that location.  The point is that you will receive some direction on when and where to claim your physical bags on a flight. 

Unfortunately, there usually aren't instructions regarding some of the emotional baggage that people walk around with daily.  However, if you remember these three things, you may be able to handle your baggage with less stress, frustration, and anxiety.

1. Tags - Your physical baggage is tagged with your name.  When you claim it, you know it belongs to you.  Treat your figurative baggage the same way.  Only pick up what belongs to you.  While it is normal to be concerned about problems that family and friends experience, be careful not to take ownership of the issues. 
2. Weight - The more your baggage weighs, the more it costs you.  Only pack what is necessary.  Lighten your load.  You don't have to carry everything at once.  Regulate the flow of pressure, worry, and disappointment that influences you.  Consider it but don't be consumed by it.  Leave space for relief, peace, and opportunity.   
3. Destination - Your baggage is assigned a location based on your ticket.  If you're going to New York, you don't want your bags to end up in Los Angeles.  Use the same principle for your figurative baggage.  Don't bring your work stress home.  Don't take your relationship challenges to work . 

Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this week's post.
 

Forgive and Remember

Have you ever been told to forgive and forget?  It's one of those common phrases that people use when giving advice to others.  However, when someone says those words to you, they often don't have all of the details regarding what they are telling you to forgive or what you need to forget.  It might be a better suggestion to tell someone to forgive and remember.  You're not telling them to remember the offense that was done to them.  You are asking them to remember more positive things.  These are some examples of forgive and remember.

• Forgive and remember the last time you apologized and the response you wanted. Show that grace and compassion to others.
• Forgive and remember the times you received a second, third, or fourth chance. Pay it forward.
• Forgive and remember the mistakes you made while trying to do the right thing.
• Forgive and remember the healed hurts of yesterday influence the potential possibilities of today that lead to the sustained success of tomorrow.
• Forgive and remember your peace is precious.  Don't let anyone or anything disturb it.
• Forgive and remember what makes you smile.  A smile not only transforms your face.  It influences your outlook.
• Forgive and remember when you open your mind and heart to let out what has hurt you, you open them to let in what will heal you.
• Forgive and remember your past victories, triumphs, and fresh starts. 

 Is there something that you need to forgive and remember?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this week's post.

Weak End

Do you look forward to the weekend?  Usually the term refers to Saturday and Sunday.  Those two days often provide a break from the regular work week and people may use the time for fun or relaxation. 

However, the term can mean something different if you modify the spelling.  While a weekend can be a good thing, a weak end also can have a positive effect.  The word "weak" is the opposite of strong.  If you think about weakness ending, then it follows that strength begins, or appears.  Are there things that you're dealing with that need a weak end?  What do you want to strengthen or improve?  Common things associated with the word "weak" include economy, link, and drink.

• A weak economy indicates financial instability.  Are there weaknesses in your personal economy? Do you need to earn more or save more?  Do you need to spend less or pay off debt? Maybe you need to do all of these things.  However, you probably can't do them all at the same time.  Focus on one weak end to help your economy right now.  Once that weak end is succeeds, move on to the next one.  There are numerous books and web sites to assist you. As simple as it sounds, a budget will help you track your spending and highlight areas for improvement.

• A weak link can lead to a broken connection.  There was a game show years ago called The Weakest Link.  The host was a petite, stern looking British lady.  When someone would get eliminated from the game, her standard line was "you are the weakest link, goodbye".  It was an abrupt dismissal that left no room for a response.  You don't need to use her exact words, but the principle can be used to strengthen your relationships. Some people and some things just need to be dismissed.

• A weak drink is considered one that does not have a lot of alcohol in it.  The term can be a metaphor for something unexpected.  You prepare to receive one thing, but you get something else.  Don't underestimate the significance of a person, challenge, or situation because the impact doesn't hit you right away.   Subtlety can often be the first layer before substance and opportunity.  

Leave a comment and share a weakness that you want to end.