You might be surprised at today’s title.

We are usually hard on ourselves.

Many of us are quick to criticize ourselves.

And many of us are not in the habit of celebrating us!

Well, it’s time you do!

Begin by thinking of the challenges you’ve faced and overcome.

Also, remember the times you’ve reached out to help others.

There are people who love you.

So, they have found you to be lovable.

There is a lot to celebrate!

Do you wake up in the morning worrying about what’s going on in the world?

It seems that there is so much going on, so much to keep track of.

What is going on in our Country? What is going on in countries at war? Will people have enough food? Who will lose their job today?

Endless concerns and not much that you can do about it which makes the angst worse.

You hesitate to turn on the news because even more will be added.

You can’t put your head in the sand but you also can’t allow yourself to get bogged down with problems you personally are unable to solve.

This may sound overly simplistic and may not be the solution for everyone but I believe that there is a God whom I ask every day for peace in the world and peace in my heart and then I try to make the world around me a better place.

Remember, you’re not starting from scratch.

You’re starting from EXPERIENCE!

You are much wiser now.

You can use that wisdom to make better choices today and tomorrow!

Life is a constant learning opportunity to do better and be better.

Thankfully, we learn from both our successes and our failures.

My wife likes to say, “GOD’S not done with us yet.”

She’s right again!

We know our world could use a lot more kindness.

An easy example would be to hold the door open for a stranger.

Or, to make an unexpected visit to a sick friend.

One of our grandchildren is working at a new job in New York.

She was pleasantly surprised when receiving a text wishing her well on the train ride her first morning.

If you could brighten another person’s day, doesn’t it brighten yours too?

Try it. You’ll like it!

If not today when?

Looking back on my life, I must say it goes by fast.

I think the speeding train is a good visual to remember.

I’m not going to ask what you could have done differently.

But what will you do to use your remaining years wisely?

How will you make life better for yourself, loved ones, friends and those in need?

That’s probably a lot to deal with.

So, let’s take it one bite at a time.

How will you make this day a good memory?

If not today, when?

(Dolly Parton)

Her clever quote is all about coping skills.

We know nothing worthwhile is easily obtained.

There are always obstacles to overcome on the road to success.

I’m sure she could tell us some good stories about hers.

We shouldn’t avoid big challenges as long as the goal is worth fighting for.

A young man I know took ten years to obtain his college degree.

He was willing to exchange a lot of rain for his rainbow.

How about you?

Not all the scares and frights and bumps in the night are imaginary on Halloween.

Each year, thousands of people land in the emergency room due to Halloween-related injuries.

One of the biggest culprits may come as a surprise: It’s pumpkin carving.

Falls while trick-or-treating and pedestrian accidents are also common.

Children are more likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year.

Halloween-related incidents, include carving injuries, burns and traffic accidents. (CNN)

Be careful out there!

(Coco Chanel)

Coco Chanel knew that every entrepreneur must take a different path to success.

Yes, differentiation is the key.

Her designs stressed simplicity and comfort.

She was also known for the Chanel suit, the quilted purse, costume jewelry and the little black dress.

She ruled Parisian haute couture for almost six decades.

Differentiation is the key!

If you want to start a new business, how will you be different?

(WALT DISNEY)

Can you even imagine the complexity of building the first Disneyand?

Somehow, Walt Disney pulled it off!

He had a great imagination and a lot of courage.

People like Disney come along once in a generation.

There are now 12 Disney Theme Parks located around the world.

It all began with Mickey Mouse!

For some reason, CONSISTENCY is not one of the seven virtues.

Actually, a person who is CONSISTENT is TRUSTED by others.

In all the roles of our lives CONSISTENCY IS POWERFUL!

As a spouse: CONSISTENT behavior day in and day out keeps the relationship strong. A spouse who can count on the other in all areas is much more likely to live the same kind of life. This is the basis of a long and happy marriage

As a parent: Your children must learn what was right yesterday is right today and what was wrong yesterday is still wrong. This must begin at a very young age. “No” is no when a child is two, seven or sixteen. Consistent child rearing gives children security and guidelines for life.

As an employee\employer: Consistency in the workplace can define an employee who is valued and promoted upon whom success follows.

Do you value and practice CONSISTENCY? You will reap the rewards in your life.

If not today, when?