Easy on the Stereotypes

For some reason, I have less patience with old people than I do with any other age group. Throw me in a room with 10 teens and I'll find a way to connect. Throw me in a room with 10 old heads and I'll find the exit.

I'm not even sure if it's because they tend to smell funky or if it's because some think they already have their way of life nailed but I'll be honest - I don't like old people.

Let me preface this post by saying I know there are old people who are friendly, patient, and open-minded. There's always an exception.

If you think about stereotypes, (which are created because there is a grain of truth in them), old people tend to be ignorant with technology, they tend to resent our generation for being more open-minded, and they tend to drive dangerously slow. The thing about stereotypes is that they're circumstantial. I've recently met some "old people" who aren't so old at all - they just might have more life, energy, and progression than I do.

Here's the point: fill in your own stereotype and avoid preconceived notions. I've learned there's people in New York who will hold a door for you, people in Texas who will admit they're not bigger or better than America, and old people who speed.

Just go easy on the stereotypes, KL.

Kenneth Cole Idea

Just a quick idea to think about:

I was in Kenneth Cole the other day and saw a t-shirt that simply said "Be noticed, with less exposure."

I'm thinking more than flying off the cuff and I've found my words to be more meaningful than ever. No longer do I have to be in the spotlight of the conversation. I'm learning to be content with less exposure.

Keep your ideas, opinions, and philosophies open-minded.


KL

Always Good to Know Why...

Since Jesus walked the earth, Christianity has become extremely muddled, cluttered, and misconstrued. From people standing on street corners screaming about hell to the religious hypocrisy in the news to the more personal disappointments with “church,” people are searching for so much more than superficial religion.

People are searching for honesty, authenticity, and acceptance – regardless of appearance.

John Mayer said it best in his song, Belief, “Belief is a beautiful armor, but makes for the heaviest sword.” Unfortunately, Christians have thrown the heaviest sword, oblivious to the damage it would cause.

But the beauty of it all is that the story isn’t complete. We can be a light of hope to those who are hurting. We can build someone up rather than break them down. We can change the world, if only we would try.

Personally, I want to focus more on serving people who are going through a tough time. I want to hang out with people who are lonely. I want to listen more than I speak. I want to show others that being a follower of Jesus isn’t about abiding by strict guidelines, but rather about love. I want to get back to the way Jesus originally intended “church” to be.

And that is why I’ve joined the Renew Community. KL.

Inspired

Today I met a woman named Evelyn and I'm a better person because of the 25 minutes she spent in my office. She had a smile ear to ear and a light that I could see before she even spoke. She told me she was 86 years old and that she previously had breast cancer.

Of course my first question was, "How in the world did you beat cancer?"

Her answer was simple: A positive attitude and faith.

After all the things this woman could've said, she truly believes the reason she's still alive is because of her pursuit of optimism and her belief in something bigger than herself.

I hope you are finding inspiration, self confidence, and motivation in people like Evelyn. I know I am.

KL

2009

As the night turned into celebration, I realized this New Years was to be the best I've ever had. As I was reflecting as to why, I realized how much potential is waiting for me in this coming year. (I'll leave the details for later - I just have a feeling this is going to be my best year yet.)

I stumbled across this quote that needs to be shared with you, the reader:

"Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart." - Confucius

This is my motto for 2009. Wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, whoever I'm with, I'm giving all my heart - whether it's grad school, training for my triathlon, or making new friendships - I'm giving all I have.

Keep your heart open, honest, and sincere. I'll try my best to do the same.

Thank you for all your birthday wishes. You made me feel necessary.

It's so damn good to feel necessary.

Happy New Year, KL.