Dangers of Washing in Life

“If you are too careful, you are so occupied in being careful that you are sure to stumble over something.” ― Gertrude Stein

Can our efforts to scrub away bacteria and other germs actually be bad for us? The proliferation of antibacterial soaps, and scrubs mounted to every hallway or countertop is somewhat marketing genius.

Most likely the personal care products you use contain the ingredient known as Triclosan. It turns out that our attempts to shield ourselves from every conceivable germ could be doing us more harm.

A study published by Prof. Robert H. Tukey of the University of California-San Diego and Prof. Bruce D. Hammock of the University of California-Davis, hand soap antimicrobial has been linked to cancer and liver fibrosis.

Does this mean we should all throw caution to the wind and stop washing our hands?

Of course not.

It simply reminds us as we attempt to guard against everything harmful in life, doing so could also have the opposite effect. If is said life is full of risks. But if you try to build a fence around all your fears, you'll shut out joy too (Dorothy Love). Yes, life is going to be full of risk and danger. There will be circumstance and events out of our control which can harm us.

We will do many things in order to protect our survival, but we also need to do so in measure. If it isn't the antibacterial soap that gets you, it will be the unexpected truck while crossing a street. Things will happen as we live our life.

Just don't forget to live your life.

Stay inspired my friends.

Three Touch Points

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." - George Bernard Shaw

The wonders of technology allow us to quickly have access to information, to contact or gather pictures and multitudes of other things. But does this technology actually help us to communicate with each other?

In many ways yes. Instant ability to pick up your phone and text or email a message. We post constantly on social media about what we are having for dinner. There are easy status updates to wish someone a happy birthday or any number of greetings. We can even send voice recorded messages in text.

What happened to actually looking someone eye-to-eye, shaking hands and having a conversation?

We have the ability to create three touch points with every human interaction, every day, every time we come in contact. There is a certain bond that takes place when you look someone in the eye and shake their hand. Even when a language barrier exists, two out of three makes a huge difference.

Recently I was in Taiwan and China with folks that I have conversed with over email at previous times. Once I met the individuals face-to-face, shook their hand and spoke, the real connection was made. We bonded the way humans will bond with those three touch points. Three touch points that have created a long term relationship, whether that be as business partners or friends.

Use your smart technology to connect, but don't forget your touch points of human communication.

Stay inspired my friends.

Sweating Stuff

“True happiness comes not when we get rid of all of our problems,but when we change our relationship to them, when we see our problems as a potential source of awakening, opportunities to practice, and to learn.” ― Richard Carlson

The universe is so large and we are a very small part in it. This does not mean you are unimportant in life. It means that you always need to put your problems into perspective.

Separate the large ones from the small ones.

Let the small problems go, for in the bigger scheme of your life, they really do not matter.

The large ones can now be more clearly seen and dealt with.

Focus on the big picture and as it is said, "try not to sweat the small stuff". Even though it is a very large universe, your life is important within the confines of our own sphere of influence. See the big picture and let your life grow even bigger.

Stay inspired my friends!

Rough Waters

Shores of Peru, South America

"You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water."
- Rabindranath Tagore

Rough waters will keep many from getting too close.

The danger that lurks beneath the surface which is unknown.

Could that danger really exist or do you look beyond the swirling waters to see where the calm water lay?

The same can be said of troubles seen within our own life. You only look at the immediate issue and see the turbulent water of anguish. But it works to your advantage if you try to understand that beyond an immediate problem, a solution will surface.

That is where look for all possibility, looking beyond the usual, beyond your self-imposed limitations.

It is said, "as we sail thru life, don't avoid rough waters, sail on because calm waters won't make a skillful sailor." We learn from what we experience and to believe in oneself is one of the important skills you will strengthen. Trust in your ability to see it through, taking small steps, trying different methods, changing yourself and your condition.

You will pass through the rough waters with new opportunity to rebuild. And the next time you come upon distress, you will be better prepared to move through it. As many of you have come to realize, life is about adjustments. It is setting a goal and understanding that you do not control all that happens in life. So when you encounter an obstacle, you will have better foresight to see it coming.

You won't necessarily avoid it, but you will be better prepared for it.

Believe in yourself, believe in your goals and enjoy the waters of life. And of course, stay inspired my friends.