I’m sure you’ve heard about the huge explosion that decimated the city of Beirut, Lebanon. Thousands are injured and hundreds are either dead or missing.

Just think of all those people who awoke yesterday morning thinking it would be a normal day in their lives.

For many, it was their last day. For others, their lives are forever changed.

I know it’s a sobering topic, but how prepared are you for your last day?

Are your relationships in good shape or is there some repair work that should be done?

Have you told those you love that you love them lately?

This tragedy in Beirut can become a wake up call for each of us. Which aspects of your life need improvement?

The least we can do is bring the best of ourselves to each day!

If not today, when?

Judy parsons is 99 years old now.

She was a U.S. Navy officer and member of an all women German code breaking team during WWII. She and her counterparts broke various secret German codes that enabled the allies to win the war.

And, of course, there were thousands of women working in factories while building war planes, tanks and all the armaments needed for victory.

Many nurses were also on the battlefield working in field hospitals while saving those soldiers who were recently wounded.

Never forget the tremendous effort of the women who made many sacrifices and contributions toward winning the war.

It was not an all male victory! No, it would not have been possible except for the contribution made by Judy Parsons and thousands of other women.

And all those women were volunteers!

If not today, when?

These are the times that test our souls!

Because of all the new challenges coming at us, it calls for new solutions. Are you capable of “Thinking outside the box?”

Or do you feel more secure following your regular routine with a minimum of interruptions? Well, old habits will not solve the new realities.

No, whether you are comfortable or uncomfortable these days, you need to become more of a problem solver. If you have children, they are going to look to you for leadership.

I think it’s quite obvious that their generation and their children will need to successfully deal with climate change, future pandemics and societal changes.

So, they’ll need to think  outside the box too!

If not today, when?

 

Some people can never relax!

Are you one of them? If not, you’ll live longer and happier than those that don’t know how to unwind and enjoy the present moment.

And that’s the key to relaxation. You must learn to live in the present moment.

Most of us have many things going through our minds. We think about yesterday, tomorrow and problems we can and can’t solve. These thoughts weigh us down and block our ability to relax and enjoy the “NOW.”

I also believe relaxation and gratitude go hand in hand.

When is the last time you appreciated the people in your life?

When is the last time you stepped outside to take a long, hard look at a flower?

When is the last time you did something you love to do?

If not today, when?

 

 

Is personal growth important to you? Or, are you satisfied with who and what you are?

The reason I bring up this topic is because the tomorrows we’re entering will be nothing like our yesterdays.

1. Medical experts tell us Covid 19 will not be the last pandemic.
2. Climate change is real and already adversely affecting us.
3. All the world economies are struggling to remain viable.

So, these three, unprecedented events will demand that each of us must grow to cope with them!

How do we grow?

1. Acknowledge that these changes are happening.
2. Assess how they will affect you and your loved ones.
3. Honestly evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
4. Identify which weaknesses must become strengths.
5. Get help and/or advice on how to convert your weaknesses into strengths.

Do your actions reflect your words? It all comes down to whether or not you are credible and worthy of respect. Many people say something in order to be “politically correct,” but their actions give the opposite message.

I just think that your words should be a reflection of your actions. When you lay your head down each night, you deserve to feel good about both what you said and did that day.

Many years ago, I was selling my consulting services to a large bank. It just so happened that the bank president knew someone who knew me. After contacting our mutual acquaintance, the bank president hired me. I worked nine years for that bank.

Someday, you may also need the endorsement of someone.

Be trustworthy. It is the highest compliment you can ever receive!

If not today, when?

 

I believe, with all the uncertainties that lie ahead, the prudent decision is to try to be in as strong a cash position as possible.

The pandemic continues to wreak havoc in so many ways that we never thought could happen. Major companies are continuing to announce their bankruptcies. Many universities are in financial peril.

The restaurant sector is trying to adjust to the new realities with mixed results. Those that do survive will have to raise prices with fewer customers caused by social distancing. Because there are fewer restaurants, the biggest winners in all this are grocery stores.

Cities and states are losing money in an attempt to provide services to all those in need. Their only alternative to recoup will be to raise taxes.

All of these factors will result in higher costs to us.

If not today, when?

 

Not always easy! Especially with all the negative things coming at you in these times. So, what are you capable of doing to alleviate the stress and anxiety?

Well, I happen to believe in prayer. I also believe that you must focus on making healthy decisions for the sake of a healthy body.

That means some kind of regular exercise if, in your case, it only means walking. You also know which food and drink promote a healthy body and which don’t.

Finally, adequate sleep is a must because fatigue drags you down physically, mentally and emotionally.

The message is simple. You have to take care of yourself if you are going to have the strength to take care of all the issues out there.

Lastly, I wish you love!

If not today, when?

Yes, you must try something different every once in a while or you’ll get stale. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do something that scares you every day!”

I don’t agree. That seems a little extreme, but an adventure isn’t one if there are no surprises.

Our recent boat trip took us 100 miles up to the Thumb of Michigan. Even though the weather forecast was for smooth waters, the boat got tossed around on Lake Huron for two hours.

The ride back home on Saturday, however, was fantastic because we had the current pushing us along on a bright, sunny day. It took us 8 1/2 hours going against the current and 6 hours returning.

Like all adventures, there were things we liked and those that were a challenge.

The bottom line is that I feel refreshed and happy that we did it!

If not today, when?

I’ve been gone since Thursday. We took our boat about 100 miles north into the Thumb of Michigan. We’ve returned and the blogs will return tomorrow (Monday 7/27.)

Thanks, Tom