Keep in mind that I’m no expert on anything.

I’m just offering a few thoughts for your consideration.

I think that memories that left a successful outcome are keepers.

Those memories will continue to boost your self confidence throughout your life.

They say that mistakes you’ve made are a good learning opportunity.

That’s a nice cliche’.

But, do we actually correct our future behavior or repeat mistakes again and again?

Bad memories are worth keeping ONLY if they correct our behavior once and for all!

In other words, don’t carry BAD BAGGAGE if it drags your self confidence down!

If not today, when?

This little boy defines happiness as a sunny day and a free day from school.

I believe each of us would define happiness much differently.

Freedom from a serious illness could be a cause for celebration.

Maybe your girlfriend said YES!

A job offer that will definitely raise your standard of living is another source of joy.

Graduation day is a source of pride for the graduate and parents.

Reuniting with a long, lost friend can be a happy moment for both parties.

How do you define HAPPINESS?

When Joe Doucet bought a new house in Katonah, New York, he wanted to make it as environmentally friendly as possible.

As a designer and inventor, he immediately found himself wondering whether the exterior of his home could play a role in mitigating the effects of climate change.

“One of the things I had not really considered before was: What color should I paint the house?” he told CNN, speaking in a video call.

It’s well known that light-colored buildings reflect heat and stay cooler while darker ones absorb — just compare chilly Scandinavia’s black housing tradition to the whitewashed homes found across warm Mediterranean countries.

But what shade would perform best in a climate like New York’s, with hot summers but dark and snowy winters? (CNN)

You get the idea!

(Buddha)

It’s more difficult for us older people.

We are always remembering the way it used to be, but we can’t go back.

We must go forward and get in step with the changing times.

If we don’t, we’ll be left behind.

Young people don’t want to hear about the good old days.

They’re trying to grapple with today’s expectations so they can be relevant.

And we must do the same!

If not today, when?

An interesting question.

But, an important one.

I have had some successes.

In all honesty, I know I did not accomplish them alone

There were other people involved.

And there was very fortunate timing.

So, the operative word for me must be GRATEFUL!

I also believe PROUD is a very dangerous word.

If I look at the sequence of events that lead to some successes, it is obvious they were not of my doing.

Thank you God!

It would be a helpful exercise for each of us to review the events of our lives.

And put each one in the PROUD or GRATEFUL column.

If not today, when?

Your attitude is EVERYTHING!

No, today will not be a perfect day.

It never is.

But your approach to today can be as perfect as possible.

When you come home to family, they may ask about your day.

Keep in mind that they haven’t had a perfect day either.

Your attitude, however, can minimize the problems in your day.

And draw your attention to their day.

You have a lot to be thankful for.

Your glass is not half empty.

It’s half full!

There are some major aspects of our life to examine.

EARNING POTENTIAL-There are many job openings today, but an applicant must have certain credentials in order to be hired. 

The ideal job for you is one that you would enjoy doing. I recently met a young man who loved to make toy robots as a child. Now he is employed by a robotics company making robots for auto assembly lines.

YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH-This category makes everything else possible. Do you keep doctor appointments? Do your exercise regularly? Do you eat and drink responsibly? 

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS-This is a wide category that covers spouse, children, parents, friends and co-workers. Good relationships keep doors open to a better future. You must keep those open for your own happiness and peace of mind.

If not today, when? 

Fatherhoood is easier than parenthood.

In many families, most parenting responsibilities are taken by the mother.

It is important, however, that both parents spend time with their child or children.

Both parents have different points of view and unique life experiences.

The children will benefit from the things they learn from each parent.

With the introduction of Social Media, the job of parenting has become more difficult.

Most children are carrying a cell phone sending harmful info that becomes a 3rd influence.

Because of too much misinformation, parents must keep in touch with their children.

These are challenging times for parents.

Your kids need both of you now more than ever.

And her name is Brandee Younger

And she is a harpist

And she is 41 years old

And she began playing the harp at age 11

And she believes we “MUST HOLD ONTO JOY” even in hard times.

And her audience at performances is changing from 40 year olds to 20 year old girls

And her latest album, “Gadabout Season” has a nurturing and affirming message

Amidst all of today’s noise comes Brandee Younger

And her harp (NYT)

Hold onto joy!

If not today, when?