Cheers to Love 2017

 

The word peace is associated with the Christmas season and peace is what we all want during the holidays. We long for peace within and peace with others. The holidays are supposed to be wonderful, bringing us peace on earth, but our lives instead are rushed, filled with shopping and parties.

Western culture tells us we need more of everything, but the only thing we truly need during the holidays and beyond is peace on earth, and one way to gain peace is to remember we are love. Without love, we are nothing!

The greatest illusion mankind must overcome is the illusion of separateness. Elevate love and unity. Everything we do this year needs to come from a state of abundance and surplus, from a state of love. Love is the most wonderful time of the year, so begin 2017 with love!

With lovingkindness,

When Positive Thinking Doesn’t Work

What do you do when someone rubs you the wrong way? Most people will complain about the other person. Does this work? Probably not. So what should you do instead?

Positive thinking is all the rage, but this only works on self. Positive thinking cannot change the other person nor does complaining work. They only thing that can make a difference is to pray for that other person.

So when someone rubs you the wrong way pray for them. It can change them and you in the process. Remember, prayer can make the impossible possible.

With lovingkindness,

 

 

Super Grateful Leads to New Solutions

In the U.S., Thanksgiving is celebrated once a year. But we should be thankful for what we have all year long. We need to give thanks for our blessings on a daily basis. We need to practice gratitude. Happiness is not the absence of problems; it's the ability to deal with them!

It’s hard to see the positive things in our lives when there are all kinds of obstacles in the way, but this is a good time to be grateful. Gratitude helps us see our situation in a way that can lessen our panic, as well as open up our thinking to new solutions. Just remember to be super grateful for all your blessings!!!

With lovingkindness,
 

 

Pleasant Memories are a Choice

What should we remember about people? The answer is simple. Remember the good. We shouldn’t dwell on painful memories, but instead, we should focus on the good in people.

We should be grateful for our friends and relatives because perfect people do not exist. Focus on their strengths and not their weaknesses. We must release any hurt so we can enjoy being around them.

We can choose what we’re going to remember about the past, so remember the good experiences and stop focusing on the negative. Pleasant memories are a choice so choose to remember the good! My friends and I enjoy watching baseball games wearing our coolest shades, and those are experiences to remember!

With lovingkindness,

 

 

A New Perspective on Creativity

Creativity is a function of curiosity and imagination. Knowledge and evaluation are imperative too. Creative people observe and make use of all of their senses. Individuals who are creative perceive the world in new ways, and they turn their imagination into reality.

 

A few things to increase creativity are: read things you don’t usually read, experience as much as you can, be careful of how your perceive things, let ideas incubate, recognize patterns, connect new dots, redefine problems or issues, and last but not least look where others are not looking.

For creativity to emerge it’s important to question and observe, and be open to different ideas and perspectives. Beliefs that only special, talented people are creative are a myth. Creative people practice just like athletes do, and creativity is a crucial factor for future success.

 

With lovingkindness,

 

 

Saying “I’m Sorry” Isn't Enough

For a relationship to be restored we need to go beyond the words, “I’m sorry.” We need to admit we were wrong, and at the same time we need to be truly sorry. It’s hard to “forgive and forget” because you cannot forget when someone has hurt you, but you can trust that from the hurt good can come out of it.

Unfortunately, rebuilding trust between two people can be  complicated. Forgiveness is unconditional and should be immediate, but trust takes time. For a relationship to continue there must be change by the person (or dog in my case) that has caused the pain.

So, when things turn sour, we must admit we were wrong, and we need to be truly sorry. There is no other way. And if you're madly in love like me, making up is the best part of it all!

With lovingkindness,

Everything has Limits!

 

We live in a culture that says we can do and have it all! The truth of the matter is there are only 24 hours in a day and time management strategies cannot change how many hours we have. It’s a good idea to spend precious time doing the things that matter most to us.

 

We shouldn’t add things to our schedule without taking things away. We must know our limits. It’s a good idea to add things that help with our purpose in life, and remove the things that don’t and ultimately waste our time.

When we are fatigued or stressed, this is a warning light that says slow down. When we have lost our happiness or are short-tempered, it’s a good sign that we have overloaded our schedule. Remember, everything has limits!

With lovingkindness,

Got Inspiration?

 

There are many places to find inspiration. Inspiration can be found in nature by going for a walk and don’t forget the dog if you have one. Inspiration can be found online by reading a great blog post, and it can be found in people by asking them what they are most grateful for or what they love doing most in life.

 

Inspiration can also be found in oneself. It is a good idea to disconnect and have a day without pressure and stress. Journal writing and expressing oneself creatively is a great way to find inspiration. Moreover, reflecting on everything learned and accomplished is an extremely helpful way to get inspired.

 

When we feel like nothing excites us, there is always something that can interest us or be curious about. Even though we may not feel particularly creative, doing something is usually a great way to get inspired, so stop thinking and start acting.

With lovingkindness,

 

 

Envy is Misery

 

Envy is damaging to our lives because envy wants what we don’t have. Therefore, we totally miss the good that we already have in our lives. When we envy others we deny ourselves from our uniqueness. We were made to be ourselves nothing more, nothing less, nothing different.

 

Loads of people work hard to succeed because they envy their neighbors things, but envy brings nothing but unrest. Envy misguides us from living a meaningful and purposeful life, and therefore, leads us to live a miserable life. We should not envy because it is a waste of precious time.

 

With Lovingkindness,

 

 

The Power of the Soul

 

Every soul possesses an infinite power; the ability to be a vessel for the greatest levels of inspiration. Inspiration is described as the process of being stimulated to do or feel something. It’s a time when creativity flows freely, without restraint, and it is a happy and productive time.

 

The trouble is that inspiration doesn’t last forever. In most cases, it doesn’t last for more than a short time. When inspired, we feel like we can do anything, but when inspiration goes, we can’t imagine how we did anything in the past.

 

When facing the challenge of burnout or a lack of motivation, the temptation is to give in and give up. What is needed is the exact opposite – to increase activity. As a result, not only will we be able to overcome the challenges and regain motivation, but we’ll experience even greater inspiration and a deeper appreciation for life.

With lovingkindness,

 

 

Creativity: Nature or Nurture?

 

Creativity is the process of bringing something new into being by reassembling information we already possess. The question is whether creativity comes from nature or nurture.

 

Everyone can learn to be creative to some degree, but new research has revealed that DNA is an important factor. While factors such as upbringing play a crucial role in brain development, the right genetic makeup makes the brain more inclined towards creative thinking.

 

What is interesting to note, studies say that individuals who suffered severe traumas in life may alter the brain structure, making one more creative. Whatever the case may be, creativity requires passion and commitment, and with a little bit of nurture, we can all become creative.

 

With lovingkindness,

 

 

Hunger for the Truth!

 

 

Health food provides nutritional value where junk food has no nutritional value. Most of the pop culture stuff we read, watch, and eat is junk food. We are filled with empty calories that have no good purpose. Don’t stuff yourself with junk food, but hunger for the truth.

 

Health food, on the other hand, helps us grow and maintain wellbeing. Most of the enlightened stuff we don’t read, watch, and eat is health food. How can we have a balanced diet when our diets are filled with junk food?

 

Hotdogueculture turns the hot dog into soul food by providing an aromatic spice mix to make the healthiest hot dog right in your own home, and we do this by providing messages of love and truth. Now that’s food to make you wiser!

With lovingkindness,

 

 

Frankly Speaking About Moral Character

 

Presently, there is a common language used to shape belief systems that deny personal responsibility, truthfulness, and ethical behavior. We are desensitized by the norm that reinforces weak character development with low moral values. The current condition makes the development of strong moral characters vital.

To maintain a moral character, we must avoid basic ego drives and deception, and strive for transparency and values. Strong character is established by the adherence to moral values which is demonstrated via ethics in action. People of strong moral character are guided by ethical principles and worthy traits like integrity, courage, and compassion.

Authenticity is a key characteristic of trustworthy people. People of moral principal support an environment for friendly disagreements that lead to better understanding. To be a moral character means to be disciplined, diligent, and authentic. We must strive to be moral characters if we want to live in a better world.

With lovingkindness,

 

The Power of Hello

 

A simple hello makes all the difference. Hello puts a smile on a person’s face, but you must be open and receptive. If you’re looking down at your cell phone or taking a selfie, you’re missing out on human interaction. Stay open to what is happening around you and say hello to each other.

 

Saying hello makes a big difference. Research demonstrates that little things make a big difference when it comes to social interaction. Too often we are stuck in our thoughts and cut off from the world. Stay open, and be sure to say hello to someone today to make the world a better place!

 

With lovingkindness,

 

 

Can Dogs Eat Hot Dogs?

 

Yes, dogs can eat hot dogs. Dogs like eating hot dogs, because they’re made of meat. The main ingredients of hot dogs are pork, beef, chicken or turkey. I would stay away from any flavored or spicy hot dogs that could make dogs sick.

 

Although hot dogs are pre-cooked, they can be eaten without cooking. I prefer barbecuing the hot dogs for a better taste, and this also removes any bacteria and makes them safer to eat. They say dogs are a man’s best friend, but hot dogs are mine!

 

With lovingkindness,

 

 

Frankly Speaking on Strong Moral Character

 

Presently, there is a common language used to shape belief systems that deny personal responsibility, truthfulness, and ethical behavior. We are desensitized by the norm that reinforces weak character development with low moral values. The current condition makes the development of strong moral characters vital.

 

To maintain a moral character, we must avoid basic ego drives and deception, and strive for transparency and values. Strong character is established by the adherence to moral values which is demonstrated via ethics in action. People of strong moral character are guided by ethical principles and worthy traits like integrity, courage, and compassion.

 

Authenticity is a key characteristic of trustworthy people. People of moral principal support an environment for friendly disagreements that lead to better understanding. To be a moral character means to be disciplined, diligent, and authentic. We must strive to be moral characters if we want to live in a better world.

 

With lovingkindness,

 

 

 

Grilling Season

 

It’s grilling season, and chances are you’ll be making that ever-important cookout decision: hot dog or hamburger? The dog has always been man's best friend. Continue the tradition at hotdogueculture.com where we feed the inspiration with good taste. One of the redeeming qualities of a hot dog is they supply protein and a small amount of iron.

How to make the healthiest hot dog at home: Choose one with 370 mg of sodium or less; skip the white bun and opt for a 100% whole-wheat bun-instead you’ll get more fiber and better flavor too; poultry dogs tend to be leaner if you prefer. And, finally, don’t forget to make homemade chili sauce with hotdogueculture spice mix and then savor the delicious taste. Hmmm, so good!

With lovingkindness,

 

The Difference Between Forgiveness and Trust

Forgiveness is not the same as trust. Forgiveness is instantaneous, trust is not. You can forgive someone immediately, but trust is build over time. Forgiveness is based on grace and trust is earned by good deeds. You don’t have to earn forgiveness but you do have to earn trust.

 

The majority of people don’t want to forgive because they think they have to trust the person that wronged them. Not true. To restore a relationship there needs to be remorse, regret and the rebuilding of trust. Remember, you can forgive but you don’t have to go back to the way it was.

 

With lovingkindness,

 

 

Food for Thought

 

The entire universe is in a state of vibration, and your thoughts may affect the food you prepare and eat. Thought influences food and water. Some people believe you can change food’s molecular structure with a thought, intention or blessing. It’s wise then to prepare and cook food in harmony, so it can easily and happily be absorbed into your system. Make delicious food, share it with others and eat with good company.

 

The next time you prepare a meal do so with love and gratitude and distribute your positive energy. Put positive thoughts into the food you make and share it. Merge food harmoniously into your body and eat slowly, making sure to relish the taste. Feed others with love, compassion, and inspiration; that’s what we do at Hotdogueculure and remember food has the potential to heal us.

With lovingkindness,

 

The Biggest Weed in the Garden

Discouragement is the biggest weed to stifle any flowers that have taken root in a garden, especially when the flowering plants are young without enough water and sun to help them grow. Discouragement is aimed at everyone, especially those who are trying to do good.

 

When you’re exhausted discouragement settles in because your defenses are lowered and things seem worse than they are. When tasks pile up, it’s natural to feel frustrated and overwhelmed. Do what’s right in spite of your feelings. The choice is yours!

 

With lovingkindness,

 

 

The Secret to Changing Others

 

Humans tend to be discontent. We always want more of everything, and we hold onto negative thoughts. Positive thinking can help change us, but it cannot change the other person. So how can we change the other person you may ask?

 

Prayer. Prayer is the one thing that will change others, and you will be changed in the process as well. The quickest way to achieve change is by aligning with the changemaker. We must move from self-centered thinking to God-centered thinking. It’s that simple, but yet so hard because we’re all conditioned to put ourselves first.

 

With lovingkindess,

 

 

 

What Do You Love?

What do you value? People? Money? Materialism? Image? Prestige? But, what should you value? The answer is character! When you love character, you align with God’s values and not the world’s value system which is distorted.

We all try to please the inner voice that demands perfection, and that voice may come from childhood training, society, but it certainly is not linked to God. God doesn’t care about your status in the world, so value what God values and prosper!

 

With lovingkindness,

 

 

Put Yourself In The Other Person’s Shoes

 

Listening with empathy is the key to building strong relationships. Listening is different from hearing. You can hear something without listening. Listening also requires us to hear what isn’t being said. Have you ever tried to listen to the feelings behind what is being said?

 

A devoted friend is someone who will listen with empathy. Listening is one of the most important skills in building strong relationships. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and listen carefully. Listen to what isn’t being said and watch your relationships flourish.

 

With lovingkindness,

 

 

Your Thoughts Run Your Life

 

You must control your thoughts because your thoughts run your life. The process starts in the mind with a thought; then there’s a feeling, which produces an action. The way you think determines how you feel, which determines how you will act. Thoughts come before actions, and feelings motivate action.

Everything starts in the mind. To change your life, you must change your thinking first. Once you do that, your actions will also change.  Everything starts in the mind, so be careful what you think because your thoughts run your life.

With lovingkindness,

Maturity At Your Service

 

Narcissism and self-centeredness are prominent in the world that we live in, but do we always have to do what is best for ourselves? What would the world look like if we put others first? What would happen if we helped a vulnerable person?

 

We are taught to live with the mind-set of “every-man-for-himself,” but this is not how we were meant to be. We are meant for compassionate and loving relationships. We are meant to be unselfish and loving.

 

Being less self-centered doesn't mean we have to sacrifice our entire life for others. It just means we should consider other people's thoughts, needs, and feelings before our own.

 

With lovingkindness,