MERCY 

The saddest things in life is to see the true colors of a person who is so kind but yet shows signs of
distrust. When having mercy you need to be humble and not prideful. The ability to show someone your affection and encouragement even when you dont deserve it is mercy. There are so many ways to show this something that can lead to peace and understanding with one another. So many are being harmed because political people dont have mercy with issues many children are suffering because parents are not showing mercy to their significant other. Not having mercy starts a unneeded cycle. What makes a person genuine is their ability to show mercy although many respond with falseness. 

10 Keys to personal power 

1. CLARITY 

 Having clarity is to a person what a clear lens is to a camera. Its a good foundation for your future decisions it helps you see clearly in order to make good well thought decisions. Another example would be lights to a car. Without a cars frontal lights then it would be difficult to see making  it therefor more possible for you to get into an accident. Certain things like this is what clarity helps prevent. Clarity helps you see when it might be tough to decipher what to do in certain situations. this is important for everyone to learn in order to have a good control of your own life. Steve Maraboli said ," Its a lack of clarity that creates chaos and frustration. Those emotions are poison to any living goal." when giving his position on the importance of clarity. The lack of a clear lens can cause frustration in not having sharp and a good picture. The lack of headlights to a car can cause chaos , all these things can be the bolder rather than building block to a goal. Then limiting one from their pursuit of happiness.

2. COMPETENCE 

Competence is defined as  the ability to do something successfully or efficiently which is a portion of what a powerful person to be in order to successfully accomplish goals. If you set your mind to accomplishing something you need to have some sort ability to do so for example if you want to go hiking you would have to be capable to be able to hike in order to do it. As you try hard and fully commit to something giving it your all it will open opportunities to doing more. When practicing something constantly  such as running a mile to reach the ability to run 5 miles you get better at it and it will make you more able to accomplish the 5 miles with that practice. There is a saying that goes ''practice makes perfect'' which means the more you commit to something the better you will be to do it fully and efficiently. Having competence on its own creates a leader and a powerful person. John C. Maxwell said something similar which was, "Competence goes beyond words. Its the leaders ability to say it, plan it, and do it in such a way".  This ability is key to open doors and opportunity  for one to apply those skills. It opens doors to better jobs for a persons future to  gain financial stability. Competence is a big part in being powerful within oneself boosting confidence. Its also powerful for your surroundings giving you an advantage over others in achieving your desired goals and jobs. A person can have the power and ability to attain competence it relies on the person. Competence is the key to opening the door of power within a person having them then exude confidence. 

3. Concentration

 Although concentration doesn't always come easy its a very effective technique to personal power.

 Merely having concentration can affirm your probability to reach high levels in life. Having concentration shows strong focus on your goals and dedication. In order to ''get the job done'' one needs to have the concentration and diligence to obtain the goal. When your concentrated on a subject or a goal it shown just how serious you are about obtaining it. This is just an example of what many teachers, bosses, and companies are looking for. Its a good habit to start to have in order to guarantee the success your hoping for. Many things although can be the reason for lacking this which one must ster clear from. A few things that can distract are relationship or over booking yourself with project after project. The key is learning how to manage yourself and plan ahead. Personal power means that your in control and the thing that is important for you to be on top of yourself in completing tasks. 

4. Common Sense

Common sense can be viewed as many things but its merely the exercise of the brain. Its good to have common sense because to makes you more aware of your decisions. Even though many wouldn't believe it but its very important when taking tests. Somehow its a type of advantage being in a world full of competition. This key is important to having the upper hand in many situations. For example a surprise test you have you will most likely fail. The person who does use common sense can past the test and get a better grade. In making life decisions as well if you dont have common sense when wanting to buy a place and you only get paid a little it takes common sense to wait and save money. There is a comical joke that says", common sense is not so common", which is true its something we see the community lacking. Its comical because its irony. Common sense is a state of thought that we all need to learn to exercise.

5. Creativity

I believe creativity is crucial when walking through life because its an element that will make up every step you take. It sets you apart from everyone around you , its what makes you special. When your completing an assignment you need that creativity to set you apart and make yourself noticed. As well as when your applying for a job you need that creativity to leave your mark in the interview in order to get the job. Creativity is very limited in this time and age that we are in so I think we all need to work our creative muscle and bring out the best of us. In making decisions we need creativity to think outside the box and get the greatest outcome. Person means private not seen and Person power doesn't have to be physical but an inner strength that gives the confidence to attain things others think you cant. With creativity one can learn to see the world with color and opportunities. Keri Smith said , '' creativity arises from our ability to see things from many different angles," which sheds light to a broad idea. The idea that creativity is the door to seeing the world and other window to your heart and potential. As well as the key to the door to personal power. With just creativity you can pave a colorful future for your self . 

6. Consideration 

Consideration like humility and compassion is very important. It is the door to friendships and opportunity. This is key to power because it allows you no only for you to be liked but to be seen with different eyes. This is because not  many people have this quality anymore. The path that  society is walking  along is  a path of greed and selfishness. This is due to the fact that many people are fixated on who's wearing brands and wealth and why? Because that is the example that celebrities and important people to our world as the new generation. For that reason is why a person with consideration is treasured because its a rare trait to have. Oswald Tead gives a better understanding on this perspective. He says, " conversation is the fine art of mutual consideration", which in my opinion means that society is lacking the gift to speak to one another and to give up your time to have a conversation has become a fine art and considerate of the person. To be considerate is not just being nice or giving someone something but it is when you set a side your you and think of others. Thinking of others is when you bit your tongue not to hurt someones feelings or when you know someone is not okay and you don't partake in that weight as well.   

  

7. Consistency

Consistency is what feeds knowledge and gives you a sense of responsibility. When your constant it helps you find results. If your attending a class and you want to learn you need to be constant. This action also exercises the ability to be responsible and understand the important things to focus on. When you in sermon constantly on child development you then obtain results when your being tested on it later for a job. Consistency is another level that teaches a person a step towards committing to things. This is key to every maturing adult. This reason is because when your constant people can see the growth in you and your assessments of whats important. It helps you be in control of your organization. Its a good way to show effort. Theres a strong quote that says, " Consistent actions create consistent results". This quote expresses the idea that when you pursue something you can achieve it. Although many dont get that far for giving up.

8.Commitment 

Commitment is a worldwide trait. Its needed to create a strong base in order to build future relationships. Relationships in many ways like business deals, marriage, and just to be a dependable person. In a business deal not always positive things will come so there needs to be a sense of commitment in order to follow through in those times. As well as in a marriage you need to be committed to establishing a future and to not give up half way. If a lot more people understood the importance and value of commitment we would loose less and gain more out of life. Trust is one of the outcomes of commitment. When your committed you become trustworthy meaning people will trust you will follow through and later become a dependable person. Being a dependable person means you are able to be relied on, that people will know you will put priorities. There is a quote that goes, "Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you where going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you". This quote plays a big part on how commitment isn't always easiest thing but its the most important when keeping your word.  As well as meaning that commitment is something that is held even when hard times take place, this is called accountable. 

9. Courage 

 There are a lot of intimidating things in life but there are certain keys to unlocking their secrets. One of those secrets are courage. For many things in life you need courage to face them, handle, and overcome them. Courage is not something you cant buy nor rent its something that has to come from within. At times it can be like a muscle you have to exercise it . Through tough decisions and scary occasion you can learn to have courage in. Even though a times we may lack it its all a part of trial and error seeing what benefited you the most. When you have courage you learn who you are and what your capable of. When you don't have courage you lack desire in pursuing your goal. Winston Churchill said something inspiring that goes along with the message I  attempt to portray. He said," Fear is a reaction but courage is a decision. This quote fits perfectly because feeling fearful shouldnt make one feel embarrassed but the way the handle it can be there where you arise. 

10. confidence

Confidence is the main key for self power. Its the fuel that will keep you chasing your dreams when there are set backs. Self confidence is not something that is already in your system its like a seed you plant and sow. When telling yourself negative things your result is not having that fuel to want and know you can succeed. Although there are ways to be able to exude confidence. You need to pin point what your good at become a pro at it master it. Create a healthy atmosphere of people to acknowledge your potential and inspire you to achieve your goal. Its one of the important mental and emotional foundation. A quote that gives this a meaning is from Christina Grimme, "Confidence is not "they will like  me" confidence is "i will be fine if they don't". This quote brings to life the fact that confidence is needed not for those around you but yourself. Its the inner power you need to succeed.

Reflection
This helped me identify the things teens lack and how to be of help in these areas. I learned more about who I am and how I perceive myself. Its also very crucial to go though these and reflect on what we may lack and how to get better at those things. There is a nice comfort in writing my thoughts and opinions on each key. Its helps give perspective on who we are and aim to be. I enjoy writing especially on important topics as such. The key i really enjoyed is the courage key. I know it benefited others as it did to me feeding me different perspectives. I really enjoyed each one and how much it taught me as well as everything I had the opportunity to. I'm able to perceive these keys in a day to day bases. They are helpful to look back at and see in the ways to better carry ourselves. As well to exercise every day my one.

My Winter Break 

In the beginning of my winter break I mostly rested and watched Christmas movies.Once it was Christmas eve I celebrated with friends and family. This past winter break was a time focused on lots of rest, yummy snacks, and Hulu/ Netflix. Leading to new years is when I began to get busy. On New years eve it was my birthday. I had the privilege to spend new years with a special family member that I don't always frequent. Most positively spending time with him and his family was a nice close to the end of 2017. The first week of January was very special. I learned through the last Sunday service of 2017 that the year of 2018 was prophesied to the year of the supernatural. Then having had the blessing to begin the first two days of January in a retreat called "primicias" near the beach was the cherry on top to starting my year. The rest of my week was very busy with services and breakfast's to host. It helped to begin the school year ready and full of plans.