Category: Focused Simplicity
-
Your Home is Yours
My family is known to be different. We have been called weird and that does not bother us. They are looking at us through the lens of traditional conventions of the American family. In some ways, we look like everyone else. We are married with children. We live in a middle-class neighborhood. That is about…
-
What Friend?
Did you ever run into a friend whom you haven’t seen in a long time and wonder what happened? You know the one. The one who you did everything with and were even maybe contemplating spending forever with, yeah that one. What did you say the last time you saw them? In my experience, when…
-
Are you safe?
I feel safe. I know it is nothing more than a feeling. What makes me feel safe is the trust I have in humans. I trust my family to do as they should. I trust my coworkers, my employer and others to do as they should. It is all just a feeling and I hope…
-
Fifth Rule of Social Media
Don’t assume, especially emotions. You can’t read minds. Speaking of emotions, don’t try to read it into someone’s post. Maybe the post the thing to make a point. Maybe they aren’t really angry. You are not a mind reader. Even if you think the words portray what the human who posted it is feeling you…
-
Fourth Rule of Social Media
Love does not come from a screen, it comes from real people. Yes, you got more likes today! That is great! You may think that people love you. No, they love your words, humor, and ideas. You are not what you post. See rule number three. Do not tie so much of your emotions up…
-
Third Rule of Social Media
Social media is not real life. Look around you, those people you see are real, the world is real, and you are not a meme. Do not get so absorbed in the world of social media that you ignore the living breathing people in your life. This world is fragile and in a weird place.…
-
Second Rule of Social Media
If you won’t stand up in church or in front of Grandma and say it out loud, don’t post it on social media. Look, just because you can say it or post it does not mean you should. Consider your audience and your reputation. One wrong post can undo years of trust building. Now the…
-
First Rule of Social Media
Don’t take anything personally. Not all posts are for or about you. It is very difficult not to take words seriously. When reading a negative post on social media it takes a fraction of a second for your emotions to kick in, just stop. Only you can make you angry. You can’t control other people;…
-
Right is Right
Have you heard the saying “It is always the right time to do the right thing?” This truth is easier said than done for some people. What if the right thing causes hurt to someone you love? Would you do the wrong thing to protect your loved human? Just as hearing the truth is sometimes…
-
Procrastination Can Be Helpful
My husband is the adult in the house who cooks. I can cook and I am good at it. He is better. I bake, so cookies cakes and pies are my thing and he cooks most meals. I had to step away from writing. I am going through a bit of a writer’s block. I…
Brendan & Lori O'Gara 