Is it possible to have HOPE in a time of bad news?

How swayed are you by current events?

What example are you to others, especially loved ones?

“To have HOPE is to want an outcome that makes your life better in some way. It not only can help make a tough, present situation more bearable, but also can improve our lives because envisioning a better future motivates us to take the steps to make it happen.” (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)

So, every thought that enters your mind is of your choosing.

“Is your cup half empty or half full?”

So, your actions will reflect the thoughts you permit yourself to have.

And those actions and words will influence the thoughts and actions of others.

Do you want to be part of the problem or part of the solution?

Don’t underestimate the power of your behavior in times like these.

If not today, when?

It’s a topic most people wrestle with during the course of their lives.

The really interesting point is that you can be motivated or demotivated by fear of failure.

If you are a person who decides to start your own business, fear of failing could spur you on to relentlessly pursue and accomplish the desired outcome.

I think successful entrepreneurs will verify that experience.

Most people, however, are so afraid of failing that they never take the chance to realize their dreams.

I don’t know if the difference between those motivated and those demotivated is merely a matter of self confidence.

It may be the culmination of a person’s life experiences that makes them one or the other.

I’m always amazed at the life of Winston Churchill whose father demeaned him as a loser throughout his childhood.

Yet, he saved western civilization in its darkest hour.

Go figure!

Yes, most people have overcome or are currently dealing with obstacles in their lives.

Most heroes keep their struggles to themselves.

I recently met a woman who was raped when she was very young. As a result, she became pregnant and decided to carry the baby until a successful birth.

I know a young man who has been betrayed by his family, but remains loyal to a family of his own.

My grandmother lived alone with terrible arthritis for 70 years after the death of her husband at an early age.

How about the single mothers all over America who are trying to provide for their kids with a limited income.

Then, there is the employee who works for a boss who is a tyrant.

And how about those who have faced racial discrimination all their lives, but still carry on?

You never know the cross being carried by your neighbor.

BE KIND!

If not today, when?

You may be asking why I would ask that question in our chaotic times?

It would seem that we should batten down the hatches and wait for the storm to pass.

That’s what a reasonable person would do.

But, I’ve never been accused of being reasonable.

I invest a little money with a college friend of one of our sons. He loves uncertainty in the market.

He says that opportunities are more plentiful in chaos.

The Federal Reserve Chairman says we will return to a different, weaker economy.

So, what you think is certain may not be as you remember.

Be awake and alert for a new opportunity that might be better for your future.

Yes, it will mean leaving certainty for uncertainty.

THAT’S WHAT RISK IS!

If not today, when?

We all have them.

The dictionary tells us that a regret causes us to feel sad, repentant or disappointed over something that has happened or perhaps a missed opportunity.

It seems that regrets can linger for a lifetime.

I am not qualified to offer a professional diagnosis of the problem and its solution.

But, I can tell you what I do to minimize the effect of regrets in my life.

If the remedy is an apology, I apologize. Even if your apology is not accepted, you did what you could. Move on!

Some people are incapable of apologizing. That’s to their detriment and so they will continue to keep that regret as an impediment to their happiness.

Some regrets have no remedy. When that occurs, I use the regret as a learning opportunity that will guide me to never repeat that mistake!

The world will always be there to beat up on you.

Stop beating up on yourself!

If not today, when?

Dictionary definition of persevere:” Continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little prospect of success.”

We have been watching an interesting series on Netflix entitled, “The Chef’s Table.” We thought it would show stories of the exotic dishes created around the world by award winning chefs.

It was that, but it was really so much more!

In almost every instance, these great chefs were on the brink of imminent failure. They, however, believed in their mission and persevered until gaining the ultimate triumph!

Does this also describe who and what you are?

All of us are given certain talents.

But, I don’t think your talents will determine your success in this life.

I’m convinced, after many experiences in the business world, perseverance is the only thing that counts!

Do you have the passion to persevere?

If not today, when?

Habits are hard to break!

With the advent of texting and email, we have often substituted them for the phone call.

I realize that sending a text is more time expedient than a phone call of uncertain duration.

I guess it depends on what your priorities happen to be.

The irony today is that a phone call takes on more importance than it did before all this high tech because the receiver actually hears the voice of the friend or relative.

It tells the receiver that the sender is willing to give up some personal time in order to reach out.

This is particularly true if the receiver lives alone.

In these uncertain times, I think we should make more phone calls so we can stay close to friends and loved ones.

If not today, when?

Performing acts of kindness and helping other people can be good for people’s health and well-being.

That’s according to new research published by the American Psychological Association. 

The strength of the link depends on many factors, including the type of kindness, the definition of well-being, and the giver’s age, gender, and other demographic factors.

“Prosocial behavior—altruism, cooperation, trust, and compassion—are all necessary ingredients of a harmonious and well-functioning society,” said lead author Bryant P.H. Hui, PhD, a research assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong.

“It is part of the shared culture of humankind, and our analysis shows that it also contributes to mental and physical health.”

Previous studies have suggested that people who engage in more prosocial behavior are happier and have better mental and physical health than those who don’t spend as much time helping others.  (goodnewsnetwork.org)

I hope you will allow me to digress and celebrate Notre Dame’s victory over Clemson last night 47-40 in the second overtime!

I was born in South Bend and my dear Dad was a professor at ND.

I knew many of the players like Johnny Lattner who won the Heisman Trophy in 1953!

I played golf with my Dad on the ND golf course every summer!

I sold programs at all ND home games in the years I was 14 and 15 years old!

I remember when the Texas team came to play. The visitors were big oil men who wore big cowboy hats and boots. They were big tippers!

I delivered the Chicago Tribune newspaper every morning. One of my customers was Mrs. Knute Rockne! When I walked to her door, I felt I was on hallowed ground!

I wish every child in the world could have the shear happiness I had growing up under the shadow of THE GOLDEN DOME!

I think we can all exhale now that there will be no more political ads until the next election.

The big winners of this election were the TV stations that reaped in millions and millions.

We live in a time when misinformation is rampant!

Even though the ads are done, misinformation is alive and well on the internet.

How are we going to discern fact from fiction?

It has become a serious threat to our democracy.

Those who are spreading falsehoods are determined to destroy our way of life.

It is incumbent upon us to have level heads and dismiss those things that are simply not true.

As imperfect as a democracy is, it beats a dictatorship every day in every way.

Leave your children a nation that allows them to pursue their dreams in freedom!

If not today, when?