We all may exhibit some selfishness from time-to-time depending on the topic.

Let’s talk about selfishness as a trait rather than an isolated instance.

If you have it as a trait, it permeates all of your decisions.

You look at every issue as to its potential impact on you.

This not unusual, but taken to an extreme, it can be an example of selfishness.

Selfish people don’t respond well to constructive criticism.

They don’t listen to those who don’t agree with them.

As much as looking out for yourself is a natural defense mechanism, life isn’t only about you!

In today’s America, many people are not interested in the concerns of others.

This attitude is the driving force behind a splintered society.

To be a contributing member of society, you must be wary of selfishness.

If not today, when?

Betrayal occurs when someone you trust lies to you, cheats on you, abuses you or hurts you by putting their own self-interest first. (Dictionary definition)

Betrayal has consequences for both parties.

The offender has now created a lower standard for his/her self-esteem and future behavior.

The more often that person practices betrayal, like any other habit, it becomes easier.

For the victim, however, it always hurts in varying degrees depending upon the magnitude of the betrayal.

Regardless of the size of the betrayal, it is NEVER FORGOTTEN.

Many times, the betrayal is not deserved.

It comes out of nowhere without an acceptable explanation.

What were your motives for establishing the relationship with the offender?

If they were honorable, it hurts even more.

Don’t become jaded in your life view as a result!

No, continue to love and be loved. “For it is giving that we receive.”

If not today, when?

We can all learn from “HONEST ABE!”

TRUST IS A MUST, but not easily obtained.

It is especially true in the present environment of lying and misinformation.

A relationship is not a relationship without trust.

RULE #1: You must tell the truth at all times. Even though the truth you must tell, is sometimes not something you are proud of. Simply put, a truth teller earns and maintains trust.

RULE #2: You must do what you say you’re going to do. You can’t tell someone you’re going to do something and then do the opposite.

RULE #3: Your actions speak louder than words. If people notice that you are a selfish person, they will always be wary of your motives.

Rule #4: You must speak and act consistently. You can’t be Dr. Jekyll today and Mr. Hyde tomorrow. Consistent behavior builds trust.

TRUST IS A MUST!

If not today, when?

Yes, this stimulus bill is designed to shore up the weaker segments of our economy.

Money for small businesses that are reeling under heavy debt with reduced income.

Cities and states, that have exhausted their financial safety net for the unemployed, will receive help.

Schools can reopen again with funding to make the environment safe for the kids.

At least half of all Americans will get funding for themselves and their children.

There is more funding for the distribution of vaccines.

Even though we have been vaccinated, we still wear masks to encourage others to do so.

Covid-19 is not behind us with 1,400 people dying each day.

But, if we still follow the guidelines, we will save lives that would have been lost.

Please do your part.

If not today, when?

We’re back on the topic of SELF MANAGEMENT again!

You must relieve the pressure you put on yourself.

Have you developed a periodic break from the action that permits your body to unwind?

It would probably be ideal if you and another person pushed one another to abide by some schedule dedicated to relaxation.

Maybe it’s a regular exercise program or just going for a walk or reading a book or taking a nap.

If you haven’t committed yourself to some form of relaxation, start now!

If not, you will burn out emotionally, psychologically and physically. It’s just a matter of time.

I think the best kind of relaxation is probably some form of exercise because it reduces the tension and strengthens your cardiovascular system.

As for me, I love to write.

It’s an activity for just me, myself and I.

RELAX!

If not today, when?

Are you a giver or taker?

If your answer is that you are a giver, let’s talk about it.

TO LOVED ONES: Do they feel they are the beneficiary of your unconditional love?

Do you give them your Time, Talent and Treasure? Do you say, “I love you” often enough?

TO YOUR EMPLOYER: Do you give the amount of effort for which you are being paid?

Do you represent your employer with honesty? Do you give extra effort on occasion?

TO YOUR COMMUNITY: Do you give to those members of your community who are in need?

Are you available to your neighbors when they need your help?

TO YOUR COUNTRY: Have you volunteered for military service or some kind of civil service?

Do you speak well of your country and act like a true patriot?

If not today, when?

I had to share this photo with you. I had it framed and is on my office wall.

We were having dinner early one evening across San Francisco Bay.

After all my years of yacht racing, I was drawn to the beauty of those red sails, blue water and my FAVORITE CITY that was populated after the1848 gold rush.

Do you look for beauty in this world of ours?

It’s all around you if you’ll take a moment to notice.

Have you recently taken a good, long look at a beautiful flower close up?

The intricacy and perfection boggles the mind.

How about the giant redwood forests that extend from California into southern Oregon? Some of them are 2,000 years old and help us appreciate the miracles of MOTHER NATURE.

Most beauty is not manmade. It has always been here.

Don’t be too busy that you can’t stop and “Smell the roses!”

If not today, when?

Do people look forward to being with you?

Oh, I know these times may not bring out the best in you.

But, why not?

I think each of us has a duty to lighten the load of others. Not add to it.

I am not naive. We all have issues we’re constantly dealing with.

None of us have THE PERFECT LIFE.

If you wrote lists of the good and bad aspects of your life, which list would be longer?

You can be a fun person if you always concentrate on YOUR BLESSINGS!

And if you need to put your life in its proper perspective, watch the evening news.

Millions upon millions of people are suffering with NO HOPE for their future.

SO, GET A GRIP AND DON’T LET IT SLIP!

If not today, when?

“It’s the courage to carry on that counts.” (Winston Churchill)

He also said, “Success is going from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”

We have all failed at something both big and small.

Churchill was very familiar with failure. So, that makes him an expert.

Immediately after saving England from German domination and winning WWII, he ran for re-election as prime minister.

And he was DEFEATED. Another FAILURE to detract from his resume’.

So, how does his story relate to your story?

Are you able to GLOW in your successes and SHRUG OFF your failures?

It all comes down to the thoughts you permit yourself to have.

Are you your own worst enemy or do you keep past experiences in a healthy perspective?

BTW, Churchill was re-elected as prime minister in 1951 and served until 1955.

FAILURE IS NOT FATAL!

There are two things in life: fact and perception.

And fact doesn’t count because people make decisions based upon their own perception of fact.

Two people can witness an auto accident in which the red car and green car collide. One person thinks it was the fault of the red car while the other person says it was the green car.

And that is the present state of America.

Like the car accident, there is only one set of facts, but two perceptions of those facts.

We have always had disagreement in the public discourse and that is healthy.

But, the present habit of demonizing one another will lead eventually to our downfall.

We are talking past each other and not truly listening to the opposing view.

Conspiracy theories, deliberate lies and orchestrated misinformation abound.

Because of that, I have never been as concerned about the Future of America as I am now.

Let’s hope we will come to our senses and treat each fellow-citizen with respect and kindness.

If not today, when?