NOBLE HEARTS AND MINDS

 

Having noble hearts and minds is about pairing deep compassion with intellectual integrity. It means acting selflessly, seeking truth bravely, and leading with empathy rather than ego. Cultivating this balance allows individuals to face challenges with resilience and serve their communities.

When you merge a noble heart with a noble mind, you unlock a specific set of characteristics that elevate both personal and professional life: A noble mind actively seeks the truth, while a noble heart provides the bravery to stand up for justice and do the right thing—even when it is risky.

 Leaders with these traits focus on guiding and supporting others rather than serving their own egos. This approach fosters honor and trust within teams.Resilience and Vulnerability: Operating with a noble heart allows you to be fearless by accepting fear and hardship. It uses vulnerability as a spiritual resource to navigate life’s obstacles.Altruism and Compassion: True nobility means putting others first and recognizing that your actions affect the greater good.

A Leader with a noble heart gives us a noble sense of moral support. Noble leadership is not about the self, but about caring for others, supporting others, guiding others, knowing that the needs of others are met and bringing out their best. A Leader with a noble heart gives us a noble sense of honor.

In times of natural disasters and again quickly dwindling hopes of many people around me (expats AND Filipinos), I still feel inspired to put the cart before the horse.

Maybe at the end of this piece I'll tread the footsteps of other columnists and commentators. So be it!

Pride comes before a fall - but never magnanimity. The dictionary defines magnanimity as in greatness of mind and generosity of heart especially in forgiveness. Filipinos oftentimes are really magnanimous people. Especially nowadays, Filipinos seem to have the quality of being high souled, rising above pettiness or meanness and the generosity in overlooking injury or insult.

The late Harry Emerson Fosdick, a famous Protestant teacher wrote: "No man ever saved anybody, or served any great or left any enduring impression, who was not willing to forget indignities, bear no grudges. The world's saviours have all, in one way and another, loved their enemies and done them good!"

Magnanimity, applied to relations between nations and/or people, transforms hostility into helpfulness. Consider the massive assistance the U.S. provided to its former enemies following World War II, enabling them to rebuild their blasted cities and shattered economies.

No 'West Berlin inhabitant' (and count me in!) will forget the U.S. airlift during the East German-Russian blockade, when the so-called "raisin bomber planes" kept West-Berlin and its people alive. Especially now, because of the 20th anniversary of the Berlin wall falling on November 9, 2009, such remembrances are coming back and let me write this piece.

The Philippine nation again faces a  lot of trials. These trials will prove the strengths of the Filipino people. But, not every tragedy unites a nation.

What quality in human character do you consider the most admirable of all? How about tolerance toward another's viewpoint without smugness? How about refusal to judge another's actions or motives without first knowing what lies behind them?

U.S. writer Clarence W. Hall said: "Magnanimity must be developed and habitual by practice, but it's a virtue that sweetens and glorifies life." Very well said.

People with a noble heart and mind are fond of daydreams. Of course fantasies don't have to be a flight away from reality. In fact, psychologists are discovering more and more that they can play a creative role in  self-development and a better mutual understanding. It's also one of the best things for the well being of a nation.

Hopping or love and care?

 By Klaus Döring -Monday, July 20, 2026

RELATIONSHIP hopping means jumping quickly from one partner to another, while care is the steady, intentional effort to support someone else. Love goes even deeper, building on care, trust, and commitment. Unlike relationship hopping, which often serves as an escape from pain, genuine love requires us to confront loneliness, disappointment, and emotional vulnerability.

Plastic money — better known as credit cards — combined with loneliness and relentless advertising can be a dangerous mix. Increasingly, people are being drawn into shopping frenzies in search of emotional satisfaction.

Recently, the sun was blazing, and despite the sweltering heat, we found ourselves heading to a shopping mall. Shopping centers have an undeniable way of tempting us with endless promotions and irresistible bargains. Credit cards came out one after another, as if money were no object.

Suddenly, we convince ourselves that our clothes are no longer good enough and that our shoes are outdated or even embarrassing. The latest fashion is available for just a few pesos more — or so it seems. Surely, we can afford it… can’t we?

Women especially — or is that merely a stereotype? — often arrange shopping trips with friends. What begins as harmless fun can easily turn into a competition over who finds the trendiest outfit or the biggest bargain. Ironically, many participants can hardly afford these purchases. Despite strained finances, unnecessary spending provides a temporary feeling of happiness, satisfaction, and relaxation.

Could shopping be a substitute for the love, care, and appreciation that many people feel they are missing? Perhaps. For a brief moment, shopping seems to fill the emotional void created by unmet needs for affection, recognition, and human connection.

That brief shopping high is often followed by a sense of euphoria. A new dress feels like a lucky charm, promising happiness and renewed confidence. But before long, the excitement fades — and the addiction quietly takes hold.

The real tragedy is that many of the items purchased are not needed at all. The thrill lies not in owning them but in buying them. Clothes, shoes, jewelry, and cosmetics are worn only occasionally before being hidden away in closets. Then comes the guilt. Depression follows, and an inner emptiness returns — until the next shopping spree promises another temporary escape.

It is a dangerous vicious cycle that can eventually lead to financial ruin. Experts have long warned that the boundaries between ordinary shopping, emotional spending, frustration, and compulsive buying are often blurred. I remember seeing a woman yesterday trying to pay a huge bill with three different credit cards, only to hear the cashier repeatedly say, “Excuse me, Ma’am, there is a problem with your credit card.” As she walked away empty-handed, she simply remarked, “Okay lang, actually I don’t need all this stuff!” What an ironic realization.

Let me make one thing clear: I do not want to spoil anyone’s enjoyment of visiting shopping malls. Not everyone who enjoys shopping is addicted. Occasional retail therapy or reward shopping can be perfectly normal. It is only when shopping becomes an uncontrollable and recurring compulsion that it demands serious attention.

By the way, love and care are fundamental human emotions that lie at the heart of every meaningful relationship. Care reflects concern, compassion, and a willingness to help others. Love encompasses all of these qualities while reaching even deeper, creating lasting bonds built on trust, understanding, and selflessness.

YOU HAVE THREE WISHES

By

 Klaus Döring

 -

Thursday, July 16, 2026

THE “THREE wishes” is a classic storytelling motif where a magical being (like a genie or a fairy) grants a character three desires. It symbolizes the human desire for limitless power, while the limit of three emphasizes a moral lesson about greed, consequences, and the dangers of poorly thought-out desires.

The Folktale Warning: In traditional stories (such as “The Fisherman and the Jinni” or the Grimm Brothers’ “The Three Wishes”), the three wishes serve as a fable about human folly. Characters often squander their first wishes on foolish, impulsive desires. This usually leads to a negative consequence, requiring them to use their final wish to undo the mess they created.

On a literary level, three wishes align with the traditional three-act structure. The first wish introduces the goal, the second escalates the conflict, and the third provides a resolution or lesson.

Be careful what you wish for — it could reveal who you are, says Laura King of Southern Methodist University.

In a study published in the “Journal of Personality”, King administered a personality test to 405 college students, then asked them a simple question: “If you could have three wishes, what would you ask for?”

Responses ran the gamut, from the obvious (“to be healthy and happy”) to the impossible (“to have sex with Marilyn Monroe”) to the peculiar (“to eat Chinese food at every meal every day for the rest of my life”).

When examining these wishes and the people who made them, King discovered some interesting connections:

The most common wishes were for friends, happiness, health, marriage, money, success, self-improvement, and to help other people.

Although men’s and women’s wishes were generally similar, men were more likely to wish for sex and power, while women were more likely to wish for happiness, a better appearance, and better health.

Extroverted people often wished for happiness and positive feelings, and frequently included other people in their wishes.

Neurotic people wished to be more sociable and more emotionally stable — in other words, to be less neurotic.

“The chances of that wish coming true are practically zero,” says King, noting that personality traits are notoriously hard to change.

Those who were already satisfied with their lives were the most likely to believe that their wishes would come true.

When I was still a young boy, I was taught that there might be fairy creatures offering us those three free wishes. We should always be wise enough to think it over very well and select the best wishes for our very own.

Sure, there will always be classic stupidities regarding fairy-wishes. We are all human beings and don’t belong to the fairy category.

Your wish is my command! And, there is someone who wishes at first a strong health, and – sure, he or she receives it, because good fairies never hesitate. And now and then? Here he is, for example, the healthy man is like a boulder in the surf, but surrounded by a world of war, flames and so-called military conflicts. But this man is still alive and as fit as a fiddler. Why should he wish for a strong health?

Well, maybe we have to formulate our wishes for something more improved. But what? Discretion is the better part of valor. Let’s try it like a fairy-tale and ask for wealth, riches and abundance. These are the one and only things on earth, right?

With money we can travel around the globe, find friends, even in faraway distances, and we can do charities.

Well, and if we might become sick, maybe seriously sick, we must not worry. We can afford and finance the most affordable doctors and most updated hospitals to give us back our good health. And if not?

In many fairy tales, we can also find the one with unassuming manners, inconspicuous, poorly dressed-up, a little bit silly, mostly disregarded and easily to be overlooked. This guy has only one wish, such as eternal salvation and bliss with a little stool in heaven besides God. And guys, be sure, that he will get it, and, he is happy and very thankful. So far so good, it seems the simpleton has been the brightest.

It’s all right: three wishes and no one more. A different thing, isn’t it?

If all human beings on this entire globe could be all around happy – which means to say nobody must go hungry any more, nobody must be despairing, nobody must be worried about wars and catastrophes, and everybody could be able to enjoy health and happiness without bearing trials…yes, if…—then we wouldn’t need fairy-wishes.

Real life looks different. Real life is not a fairy tale. We need prayers and should be more respectful and friendly to each other.

Each one of us has his or her own three wishes. Me, too.

***

Comments, suggestions or questions? Email me: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn or X – Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com./PN

 

A Judas and a little bit of hope

By

 Klaus Döring

 -

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

EXPLORING the story of Judas reminds us that human weakness is universal. While he is remembered for his ultimate betrayal, his story also teaches us about grace and forgiveness. Both Judas and Peter committed grave mistakes, but the difference was that Peter accepted God’s grace, while Judas allowed shame and despair to consume him.

It is easy to dismiss Judas as either a villain or a victim, but I am struck by the fact that, in many ways, he was just like me.

Judas was a follower of Jesus and a preacher of the Gospel, yet there was a double-mindedness within him. In the end, he abandoned the faith he had once professed.

The apostle Judas — believed by some traditions to be a brother of James and Jesus — began as a fervent follower of Christ. Then, suddenly, he changed. Christ no longer fulfilled his worldly expectations. Like Christ Himself, the Church is always loved by its faithful followers and hated by those who abandon it. That remains true today, regardless of one’s religious affiliation.

Judas did not leave the apostolic community to become a Pharisee or merely a critic of Christ. He left to become a traitor. Such traitors will always find fault or twist the truth to justify their actions. Judas gathered reasons from what he himself had heard and witnessed to rationalize his betrayal. We all know people like that — people who betray not only friends but sometimes even an entire nation.

A Jewish mob once tried to throw Christ off a cliff, but they failed. Soldiers attempted to arrest Him, yet nothing happened. The Pharisees repeatedly tried to trap Him, but to no avail. In the end, it took a friend to betray Him. He escaped all His enemies, but not the treachery of someone close to Him. That is why Jesus declared, “It would have been better for that man if he had not been born!” No such condemnation was directed even at Pilate or Herod.

The lesson for all of us is clear. A corrupt politician — or even one of our own neighbors — can become among the most destructive people on earth. Corruption is not confined to pagans or unbelievers; it is found wherever people abandon their conscience.

“Do not betray another person’s confidence,” the Bible teaches us. Yet Judases can be found everywhere. Just as fire cannot come from snow, those who seek worldly honor cannot truly seek heavenly glory. After all, have you ever seen snow catch fire?

The maladroit politician named Judas betrays voters with beautiful promises while corrupting an entire nation. The peace negotiator or peacemaker named Judas speaks of justice while applying double standards, allowing his own jackals and accomplices to kill and injure innocent countrymen. Even the neighbor who constantly proclaims love for his family while carelessly destroying the environment bears the mark of Judas.

Judas’ sins are not rare. In one way or another, we commit them every day. Whenever someone abandons the ideals of the Church and publicly renounces them, or leaves a religious community only to ridicule it before the world, “night has fallen upon his soul.”

When Julius Caesar was assassinated, it was not merely the blows of his enemies that wounded him most, but the presence of his trusted friend, Brutus. We may never realize it, but we ourselves could be carrying the kiss of Judas upon our lips.

Many times I have voiced people’s longing for guidance and decisive action from the Church as an institution. There are many examples. Allow me to quote the late Rev. Mariano C. Apilado of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, who took an important step many years ago when he said:

“Christian hope does never shield people, much less Christians, from disappointments, hardships and betrayals, nor does it provide neat and ready answers to the world’s problems. Christian hope empowers Christians to take responsibility in the establishment of a government that respects the law and protection of the people and their rights in the struggle for justice and development… Christian hope is not peanuts for it assures us: there is always a future looking forward to it. Without hope, Christian faithfulness is suspect and without foundation. With this hope, we sing, celebrate and work faithfully and courageously, believing, ‘that we shall overcome’!”

***

Questions, suggestions, comments? Email me: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter or visit one of my websites www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com./PN

A JUDAS AND A LITTLE BIT HOPE

 

Exploring the story of Judas reminds us that human weakness is common. While he is known for his ultimate betrayal, his story teaches us about forgiveness. Both Judas and Peter made huge mistakes, but the difference was that Peter accepted grace, while Judas let shame and doubt take over.

It’s easy to dismiss Judas as a villain or a victim, but I’m struck by the fact that, in many ways, he was just like me.

Judas was a follower of Jesus and a preacher of the gospel, but there was a double mindedness about him. In the end, he abandoned the faith he once professed.

The apostle Judas, probably also called Thaddeus or Jude, being a brother of James and Jesus, started as a fervent follower of Christ. Then, suddenly he changed. He felt that Christ didn't  satisfy his worldly expectations. The church, like Christ, is always loved by its true followers and is always hated by its apostates.  Till today - no matter what belief you are in... .

Judas didn't leave the apostolic community to become a Pharisee or a critic  of Christ. He  leaves to become a traitor! Such a traitor will always find fault or a misinterpretation of human teaching. Judas gathered reasons that he, himself, had heard  and witnessed  to justify  his betrayal. Yes, we all also know such people who betray us and sometimes a whole country.

A Jewish mob tried to throw Christ down a cliff, but nothing happened. Soldiers tried to arrest Him, but nothing happened. The Pharisees tried to entrap Him to no effect. It needed a friend to betray Him. He escaped from all, but not from the treason of a friend. "It would have been better for that man if he had not been born!" No such sentence was hurled, for example, to Pilate or Herod.

The lesson for all of us is very clear. A bad politician or one of our neighbors can be the foulest thing on earth. A bad pagan cannot be 1/10 corrupt.

"Do not betray another man's confidence!" the bible teaches us. But Judases can be found everywhere. Just as fire is not born from snow, so is the seeker after worldly honors not seeking heavenly ones. or have you ever seen the snow catch fire?

The maladroit politician named Judas betrays his voter and elector through beautiful soft promises while corrupting a whole nation. The peace conference member or peacemaker named Judas just gives double standards while allowing at the same time his jackals and accomplices to kill and injure his own countrymen. The neighbor, who declares how much he loves his family while going on unhindered destroying the environment is also named Judas... .

Judas' sins are really not rare. We commit it every day. Someone who has changed his ideals away from the ideals of the church and declares it to the world, anyone who leaves the church or the religious order and proclaims it to the world, "night had fallen on his soul"!

When Julius Caesar was being assassinated what hurt him was not the stabs of Caius but the presence of his friend Brutus. We might never know it, but we could be carrying on our lips the kiss of Judas!

Many times I do voice out people's longing for advice and actions through the institution's church. There are many. Please allow me to quote former Rev. Mariano C. Apilado, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, who had done a first important step already many years ago by saying:

"Christian hope does never shield people, much less  Christians  from disappointments, hardships and betrayals, nor does it provide neat and ready answers to the world's problems. Christian hope empowers Christians to take responsibility in the establishment of a government that respects the law and protection of the people and their rights in the struggle for justice and development. ... Christian hope is not peanuts for it assures us: there is always a future looking forward to it. Without hope, Christian faithfulness is suspect and without foundation. with this hope, we sing, celebrate and work faithfully and courageously, believing, 'that we shall overcome'!"

MY PRAYERS AND ME

 

Your prayers and you have a special bond. Prayer is simply talking to God. It is like a close talk with a good friend. You can ask for His help, thank Him for your day, or just share your feelings.Here is how you can make your prayer time special:Find a quiet place. 

This time we live in has not only made our lives more difficult, but has killed many people. We are thus living in panic and feeling helpless and pray more desperately for family protection, for faith in difficulties, and for our lives and work.

Prayer is how we as Christians draw close to God as well as a necessary condition for us to be moved by the Holy Spirit, and enlightened and illuminated by God. If we genuinely pray to God, and understand the principles and practices of prayer, when we encounter difficulties or dilemmas in our life, we’ll be able to face them in a relaxed way.

"The Power of Prayer" is a 2020 song by Bruce Springsteen from his album Letter to You. It was only released as a radio single, and a promotional video was released on November 23, a month after the release of the album.

The song has a spiritual language. Springsteen was born in a Roman Catholic household, and that turned him off religion, but he didn't lose his faith. The video features archival footage from his youth and clips of Springsteen and the E Street Band working on the song in the studio. The message of the video is about old friends he’s lost and the optimism of that era, reflected in the footage of Jersey Shore in the summertime during Springsteen’s youth. 

When tragedy strikes, it's easy to harden our hearts and cry out, "God, why did you let this happen?" Maybe then, we started praying. Before, when everything went smoothly, we would not even think a minute about praying... .

"To be a Christian without prayer, "said Martin Luther, "is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." Prayer is the only way of becoming what God wants us to be. This is the reason why Jesus spent many hours praying.

Unquestionable, our needs bring us to a place of prayer. Confronted with danger or tragedies, as I mentioned earlier, we look for God's help. Difficult times always cause the hearts of men to turn to God into prayer.

Let me ask you: How long has it been since you've brought your burdens to God? Since you asked His forgiveness for your shortcomings?

In his very interesting book "People in Prayer", Dr. John White reminds us that prayer is a divine-human interaction and it is always God who takes the initiative. White writes: "God speaks and we respond. God is always speaking. To hear his voice is not usually a mystical experience. It consists merely of a willingness to pay heed to God who lays a claim to our lives."

Yes, God always speaks. It is up to us whether we will listen and respond to Him. Many think we are the ones who initiate prayer. But prayers begin and end with God.

There was a time, I wasn't in the mood to pray any more. It seemed that God didn't listen to my prayer any more. I didn't get what I prayed for. Of course, not... ! That's not the meaning of praying to God. Will all my wishes be granted? Heaven forbid!

Sometimes, after we have prayed, God's answers may puzzle us. But as time goes by and as events unfold we see God's purpose in His answers. We might get a larger vision, what HE likes. Not what WE like... .

Think about it for a moment: How does the idea that prayer begins and ends with God affect me now? Do I have the habit of listening to God? How do I respond to Him? How do I usually pray?

I confess that a long time ago I have been trying to persuade God to change other people in my surroundings or circumstances. Nothing changed. Of course not, what a fatal attraction? I got confused because God never granted my requests. Meanwhile I got God's answers to my prayers. Maybe very simple: I was willing to let God change me... .This is how each one of us should start. Happy endings. Because I prayed according to His will... .

Nowadays, I live a wonderful life in my second and last home, the Philippines. I never regretted moving here for good. I have everything I could ask for. I can do everything I wish to do. Thank you Lord for all the blessings.

+++

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn or X -Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com .

A JUDAS AND A LITTLE BIT HOPE

Exploring the story of Judas reminds us that human weakness is common. While he is known for his ultimate betrayal, his story teaches us about forgiveness. Both Judas and Peter made huge mistakes, but the difference was that Peter accepted grace, while Judas let shame and doubt take over.

It’s easy to dismiss Judas as a villain or a victim, but I’m struck by the fact that, in many ways, he was just like me.

Judas was a follower of Jesus and a preacher of the gospel, but there was a double mindedness about him. In the end, he abandoned the faith he once professed.

The apostle Judas, probably also called Thaddeus or Jude, being a brother of James and Jesus, started as a fervent follower of Christ. Then, suddenly he changed. He felt that Christ didn't  satisfy his worldly expectations. The church, like Christ, is always loved by its true followers and is always hated by its apostates.  Till today - no matter what belief you are in... .

Judas didn't leave the apostolic community to become a Pharisee or a critic  of Christ. He  leaves to become a traitor! Such a traitor will always find fault or a misinterpretation of human teaching. Judas gathered reasons that he, himself, had heard  and witnessed  to justify  his betrayal. Yes, we all also know such people who betray us and sometimes a whole country.

A Jewish mob tried to throw Christ down a cliff, but nothing happened. Soldiers tried to arrest Him, but nothing happened. The Pharisees tried to entrap Him to no effect. It needed a friend to betray Him. He escaped from all, but not from the treason of a friend. "It would have been better for that man if he had not been born!" No such sentence was hurled, for example, to Pilate or Herod.

The lesson for all of us is very clear. A bad politician or one of our neighbors can be the foulest thing on earth. A bad pagan cannot be 1/10 corrupt.

"Do not betray another man's confidence!" the bible teaches us. But Judases can be found everywhere. Just as fire is not born from snow, so is the seeker after worldly honors not seeking heavenly ones. or have you ever seen the snow catch fire?

The maladroit politician named Judas betrays his voter and elector through beautiful soft promises while corrupting a whole nation. The peace conference member or peacemaker named Judas just gives double standards while allowing at the same time his jackals and accomplices to kill and injure his own countrymen. The neighbor, who declares how much he loves his family while going on unhindered destroying the environment is also named Judas... .

Judas' sins are really not rare. We commit it every day. Someone who has changed his ideals away from the ideals of the church and declares it to the world, anyone who leaves the church or the religious order and proclaims it to the world, "night had fallen on his soul"!

When Julius Caesar was being assassinated what hurt him was not the stabs of Caius but the presence of his friend Brutus. We might never know it, but we could be carrying on our lips the kiss of Judas!

Many times I do voice out people's longing for advice and actions through the institution's church. There are many. Please allow me to quote former Rev. Mariano C. Apilado, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, who had done a first important step already many years ago by saying:

"Christian hope does never shield people, much less  Christians  from disappointments, hardships and betrayals, nor does it provide neat and ready answers to the world's problems. Christian hope empowers Christians to take responsibility in the establishment of a government that respects the law and protection of the people and their rights in the struggle for justice and development. ... Christian hope is not peanuts for it assures us: there is always a future looking forward to it. Without hope, Christian faithfulness is suspect and without foundation. with this hope, we sing, celebrate and work faithfully and courageously, believing, 'that we shall overcome'!"

Loneliness in today's society

Loneliness is a distressing feeling that happens when you do not have the social connection you want. In today's society, it is considered an epidemic. Experts report that nearly one in six people globally feels lonely. People of all ages suffer from this lack of deep, meaningful bonds.

To understand the cause of loneliness, we must first recognize that it is a modern malady. Previous generations did not have the problem on the same scale. Why? Sociologists have collected some interesting data to help unravel the mystery.

In the United States in the 1950s, about one in every 10 households had one person living alone. By the 1990s this figure had jumped to one out of four households. New Census Bureau figures show that “just me” homes are 27 percent of U.S. households today. These figures are similar for most countries throughout the Western world.

So we can see there has been a marked change in our social landscape. More and more people live alone. The startling truth is, single-person households are the fastest growing segment of our 21st-century populations.

No wonder loneliness has risen so dramatically. Some predict that this century will be known as the lonely century.

Heavy social media use often increases loneliness. People who spend more time online or check apps frequently are more than twice as likely to feel isolated. This happens because digital connections lack the warmth and deep trust of real human presence.

The three-hour rule: Experts from HelpGuide.org state that adolescents who spend over three hours a day on social media double their risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety.Sleep loss.

Social media can help us find like-minded people and form supportive online communities. Whether through mental health forums, hobby-based groups, or fandoms, users can develop a sense of belonging that reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Research shows a strong link between heavy social media use and higher rates of depression, especially in teens and young adults. Spending too much time on these platforms can harm mental health by disrupting sleep, isolating you from real-world friends, and fueling a cycle of negative thoughts.

Seeing friends or influencers post only their "perfect" moments causes jealousy and low self-esteem.

Use built-in phone tools to check your daily screen time. Limiting app use to a short period each day can reduce depression.Set Boundaries: Turn off notifications to stop constant interruptions.Device-Free Bedtime: Do not use your phone for an hour before sleeping to help your brain rest.

THE WORRIER TAKES IT ALL

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

“THE WARRIOR takes it all” reflects a mindset of total commitment, where a warrior (or a “Warrior of Light”) embraces every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and act, rather than acting as a victim of fate. This perspective emphasizes living with absolute discipline, turning obstacles into stepping stones, and accepting one’s life — challenges and all — with humility and purpose.

“The warrior takes it all” is a clever twist on the famous song title of ABBA – The Winner Takes It All. It perfectly captures how worry “takes over” your mind and steals your peace. Everyone worries, but letting a specific concern or anxiety rule your day does not help you win or feel better.

Worries, doubts, and anxieties are a normal part of life. It’s natural to worry about an unpaid bill, an upcoming job interview, or a first date. But “normal” worry becomes excessive when it’s persistent and uncontrollable. You worry every day about “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios, you can’t get anxious thoughts out of your head, and it interferes with your daily life.

Constant worrying, negative thinking, and always expecting the worst can take a toll on your emotional and physical health. It can sap your emotional strength, leave you feeling restless and jumpy, cause insomnia, headaches, stomach problems, and muscle tension, and make it difficult to concentrate at work or school.

You may take your negative feelings out on the people closest to you, self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, or try to distract yourself by zoning out in front of screens.

Chronic worrying can also be a major symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), a common anxiety disorder that involves tension, nervousness, and a general feeling of unease that colors your whole life.

If you’re plagued by exaggerated worry and tension, there are steps you can take to turn off anxious thoughts. Chronic worrying is a mental habit that can be broken. You can train your brain to stay calm and look at life from a more balanced, less fearful perspective.

Really? Do you let the worrier take over your life and your present situation? A pessimist, a worrier, an alarmist, a license dodger, name it whomever you like. Call some, they are all between us. Maybe her or she or even you?

We hardly count our blessings. We enjoy counting our crosses. Instead of gains, we count our losses. We don’t have to do all that counting – computers do it for us. Information is easily had. Especially during these terrible times of pandemic.

Just remember this: Opportunity doesn’t just knock – it jiggles the doorknob. And “your friend” – the worrier, is with you day and night, at every corner, following your every step. Complaining and grumbling are good excuses, right?

We have time and opportunities to do almost anything. So why haven’t we done it? We have the freedom of bondage or restraint, every one of us in his or her very special unique way – but we’re still our old inferior selves.

The job is boring. Even at the present home office. I don’t get a good job. The house is an unpleasant mixture of tidy and dirty things. It’s a mess. I’m not in the mood to arrange my garden. I can’t afford a gardener. That’s life. How sad. No, it’s not my fault; or course not.

The whole world is an awful place filled with dreadful and horrible negativism. Right now because of the pandemic. Yes, I confess, I’m also surrounded by many worriers who put their fears into me. Politicians, i.e., many times love to search for some grave alarm that will cause individuals to abandon their separate concerns and act in concert, so that politicians can wield the baton. Calls to fatal struggles and fights are forever being sounded.

The overbearing person who tyrannizes the weak, who wants to dominate and to bluster, is simply nothing else than a worrier who claims to be a friend. But he or she isn’t. Really not! The bullying of fellow citizens by means of dread and fright has been going on since Paleolithic times. The night wolf is eating the moon. Give me silver and I’ll make him spit out.

Well, when will we start counting our courage and not our fears, or enjoy instead of our woe?

Worrying itself is pointless. Of course, no society has achieved perfect rules of law, never-ending education or unique responsible governments. Let’s seek out the worries but avoid the worriers because they try to avoid liberty.

If you are still worrying right now about something, try to read Jeremiah 29:10-14 or Revelation 21:1-8, just to mention these two. It works. And in my opinion: Let Jesus take over.

It is important to note that while this phrase can describe an intense, focused, and disciplined life, it is sometimes confused with the lyric “the winner takes it all” from the ABBA song.

No, I don’t give up. And you shouldn’t give up too!

***

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THE WORRIER TAKES IT ALL

"The warrior takes it all" reflects a mindset of total commitment, where a warrior (or a "Warrior of Light") embraces every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and act, rather than acting as a victim of fate. This perspective emphasizes living with absolute discipline, turning obstacles into stepping stones, and accepting one's life—challenges and all—with humility and purpose.

"The warrior takes it all" is a clever twist on the famous song title ABBA – The Winner Takes It All Lyrics. It perfectly captures how worry "takes over" your mind and steals your peace. Everyone worries, but letting a specific concern or anxiety rule your day does not help you win or feel better.

Worries, doubts, and anxieties are a normal part of life. It’s natural to worry about an unpaid bill, an upcoming job interview, or a first date. But “normal” worry becomes excessive when it’s persistent and uncontrollable. You worry every day about “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios, you can’t get anxious thoughts out of your head, and it interferes with your daily life.

Constant worrying, negative thinking, and always expecting the worst can take a toll on your emotional and physical health. It can sap your emotional strength, leave you feeling restless and jumpy, cause insomnia, headaches, stomach problems, and muscle tension, and make it difficult to concentrate at work or school. You may take your negative feelings out on the people closest to you, self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, or try to distract yourself by zoning out in front of screens. Chronic worrying can also be a major symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), a common anxiety disorder that involves tension, nervousness, and a general feeling of unease that colors your whole life.

If you’re plagued by exaggerated worry and tension, there are steps you can take to turn off anxious thoughts. Chronic worrying is a mental habit that can be broken. You can train your brain to stay calm and look at life from a more balanced, less fearful perspective.

Really? Do you let the worrier take over your life and your present situation? A pessimist, a worrier, an alarmist, a license dodger, name it whomever you like. Call some, they are all between us. Maybe her or she or even you?

We hardly count our blessings. We enjoy counting our crosses. Instead of gains, we count our losses. We don't have to do all that counting - computers do it for us. Information is easily had. Especially during these terrible times of pandemic.

Just remember this: Opportunity doesn't just knock - it jiggles the door-knob. and "your friend" - the worrier, is with you day and night, at every corner, following your every step. Complaining and grumbling are good excuses, right? We have time and opportunities to do almost anything. So why haven't we done it? We have the freedom of bondage or restraint, every one of us in his or her very special unique way - but, we're still our old inferior selves.

The job is boring. Even at the present home office. I don't get a good job. The house is an unpleasant mixture of tidy and dirty things. It's a mess. I'm not in the mood to arrange my garden. I can't afford a gardener. That's life. How sad. No, it's not my fault; or course not.

The whole world is an awful place filled with dreadful and horrible negativism. Right now because of the pandemic. Yes, I confess, I'm also surrounded by many worriers who put their fears into me. Politicians, i.e., many times love to search for some grave alarm that will cause individuals to abandon their separate concerns and act in concert, so that politicians can wield the baton. Calls to fatal struggles and fights are forever being sounded.

The overbearing person, who tyrannizes the weak, who wants to dominate and to bluster, is simply nothing else than a worrier, who claims to be a friend. But he or she isn't. Really not! The bullying of fellow citizens by means of dread and fright has been going on since Paleolithic times. The night wolf is eating the moon. Give me silver and I'll make him spit out.

Well, when will we start counting our courage and not our fears, or enjoy instead of our woe? Worrying itself is pointless. Of course, no society has achieved perfect rules of law, never-ending education or unique responsible governments. Let's seek out the worries but avoid the warriors, because they try to avoid liberty.

If you are still worrying right now about something, try to read Jeremiah 29:10-14 or Revelation 21:1-8, just to mention these two. It works. And in my opinion: Let Jesus take over.

It is important to note that while this phrase can describe an intense, focused, and disciplined life, it is sometimes confused with the lyric "The winner takes it all" from the ABBA song. 

No, I don't give up... .And you shouldn't give up too!

IF EVERYTHING GOES WRONG

 

By

 Klaus Döring

 -

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

TAKE a deep breath. When everything collapses, pause to stop the spiral. Anchor yourself by focusing on what you can control right now, triage only the immediate next steps, and let go of the long-term for a moment. Don’t look too far ahead into the future. Break down the big stuff into smaller tasks.

Sometimes, it seems that everything goes wrong despite our best efforts to make things right. We can do everything in our power to make something work, but life might have different plans.

Many of us feel as though we have no control over our lives, and while that might hold some truth to some extent, we do have the power to control how we react to situations.

So are all of us. You wake up in the morning and open your eyes. One mishap follows the other. And then the radio plays Jason Collett too: “When everything goes wrong.”

Accept it, stay calm, and most important, stay motivated during these tough times. Maybe easier said than done. I also had to learn it first and to pull myself up on it every time.

Of course, sometimes life’s rough patches feel like they’re going to last forever. Keep in mind: whether you’re dealing with work-related issues, family problems, or stressful situations, very few problems last for a lifetime. So remind yourself that things won’t be this bad forever.

When things are going wrong, it’s hard to recognize what is going right. It’s easy to screen out the good things and only focus on the bad things. Remind yourself that some things are going right. Purposely look for the positive even if it is something very small.

One of the most important things to remember is that you have some control of the situation. Even if you aren’t in complete control of the situation, one thing you can always control is your attitude and reaction. Focus on managing what is within your control.

Asking for help can be hard sometimes. I tried to avoid it as long as I could. Big mistake.

Asking for help is one of the best ways to deal with tough situations. Tell people what you need specifically if they offer to help. Don’t be afraid to call on friends and family and ask them for help, whether you need emotional support or practical help. The present flood victims in Germany and its surroundings are so very thankful for this.

A lack of confidence in handling tough times can add to stress. It happened to me when COVID-19 changed my life and my business. One of the best things to remember is that you can handle tough situations. Even though you might feel angry, hurt, disappointed, or sad, it won’t kill you. You can get through it.

No matter how bad a situation is, it’s almost certain that something good will come out of it. At the very least, it’s likely that you will learn a life lesson. Perhaps you learn not to repeat the same mistake in the future or maybe you move on from a bad situation and find something better. Look for the one good thing that can result when bad things happen.

Many cannot get used to the idea that there are many things that aren’t within your control. You can’t change the past, another person’s behavior, or a loved one’s health issues. Don’t waste time trying to force others to change or trying to make things be different if it isn’t within your control. Investing time and energy into trying to do things you can’t will cause you to feel helpless and exhausted. Acceptance is one of the best ways to establish resilience.

Remember this: one of the things to remember when you’re facing difficulties is that you’ve handled problems in the past. Don’t overlook past difficulties that you’ve dealt with successfully. Remind yourself of all the past problems you’ve overcome and you’ll gain confidence in dealing with the current issues.

Besides everything: think about yourself too. When everything seems to be going wrong, take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, get some exercise, eat healthy, and spend some time doing leisure activities. When you’re taking better care of yourself you’ll be better equipped to deal with your problems.

Everything is temporary, even everything which goes wrong. Happiness is a result of your approach to life, not what happens to you.

Sometimes we need to take one step, then another. Even if they’re just baby steps, keep moving. Rather than focusing on the worst case, think instead of what else is possible.

Look for the lesson. Challenging situations can often teach us what we have left to learn. Keep a positive attitude by remaining focused on solutions, skills, and strengths.Start small. Spend time with the people who support you.

Maybe, together with the light at the end of the tunnel: choose one big goal to work on in order to make a lasting change.

“If anything can go wrong, it will…” This tongue-in-cheek principle, known as Murphy’s Law, is cited by economists, sports teams, and big politicians. Human nature somehow guarantees that nothing turns out quite the way it’s supposed to.