In the beginning of 2018, I was diagnosed with an advanced form of Prostate Cancer. I asked the urologist I had been seeing for 25 years for his recommendation. He said, “My answer is surgery.”

I have a couple friends who had complications from prostrate surgery and I was wary of using that solution. So, I decided to begin calling other hospitals to see if there wasn’t a better approach elsewhere.

I called Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, U of M Medical Center, Northwestern University Hospital, Karmanos Cancer Institute and Beaumont Hospital. I chose Beaumont because it cured prostrate cancer with the insertion and removal of radioactive pellets.

I was cured with NO SIDE EFFECTS!

Have you been diagnosed with a serious medical problem?

DO YOUR HOMEWORK. SHOP AROUND!

If not today, when?

Why didn’t he vote to acquit like the other 52 senators in his party?

It would have been much easier to follow the crowd. Now, he and his family members will be subject to ridicule.

He warned his wife before he announced on the senate floor that he had to keep his promise that he had made to God when he took his oath of office. He swore to be open minded and to follow the facts.

As the Bible says, “He took the road less traveled by.” I’ve told our kids over the years, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything!”

Is there anything you’ll stand for regardless of the consequences?

I’ve always believed that is so important to be able to live with yourself and the decisions you make.

How about you?

If not today, when?

I have never asked you for suggested topics before.

I’m asking for the first time because yesterday’s topic: “Don’t Weaponize Your Words” attracted the most readers I have ever had for one topic. The only other blog that even came close was, “The Rejection Of Winston Churchill.”

That leads me to think that there are perhaps many other issues that concern you. If I don’t know the answer to your suggested topic, I’ll do some homework and offer you some thoughts.

I have the time and the passion to explore topics and find relevant answers.

Send your suggested topics to: tomervin50@gmail.com.

I will NEVER identify you as the source of a blog topic!

If not today, when?

People do hurtful things. They also say hurtful things!

Weaponizing our vocabulary is a bad idea that can create bad consequences. Can we agree that we need a kinder, gentler world? If so, the first big step we can take is to de-weaponize our words.

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It’s the only thing there’s just too little of. No, not just for some, but for everyone.”

… And kind words and deeds must permeate your relationships with loved ones first and foremost. While facing all the challenges of living in today’s world, we are often hardest on those closest to us.  Please remember that they have a full plate too!

Do you ever apologize? An apology can often open a door that is shut.

Humility will get you much further than pride!

If not today, when?

We have a dog named “Happy.”

My wife picked her out at a shelter. We learned that she had recently delivered a litter of puppies. Thereafter, her owner sent her out onto the streets. When the police found her at 4AM one morning, she was quite malnourished and she took some time in the shelter to recover. As soon as we saw her, my wife named her Happy right then and there because just looking at her made her happy.

All Happy wants to do all day is to give and receive love. Each morning, she greets us with such enthusiasm. It’s like we’ve been gone a year!

Sometimes, when she wants my attention, I push her away. She always forgives me as if she had never been rejected.

Why don’t we treat each other that way?

If not today, when?

I had quite a temper growing up.

Being the oldest of six children, I became accustomed to having my own way. Now that  I’m 78 years old and have lived through many life experiences, I, hopefully, have a better perspective regarding what is truly important.

Because I have been married to an ANGEL for 55 years, I have learned a lot from her.

How about you?

Of course, you can’t ever take back words said in anger. Once spoken, they are sometimes never forgotten.

Our loved ones, friends and co-workers deserve better. We must always keep in mind that those who live with us are coping with their own issues too.

Unfortunately, regular overuse of a temper can become a habit like any other. This habit, however, is more dangerous because it hurts those we love most.

STOP IT!

If not today, when?

I just returned from a doctor appointment and I complimented him on his choice of medicine and the wonderful help he renders to patients everyday. He seemed to be surprised at what I said and was very pleased that I would take the time to express my appreciation.

We had a terrific wait person at a local restaurant recently. She was on top of everything and I told her at the end of the meal that she did a great job of serving our meals. I think that meant more to her than the tip.

On other occasions, after complimenting some vendor, they will say that they don’t hear that very often and it made their day.

You want a gentler, kinder world?

Reach out and show your appreciation to those who render services to you!

If not today, when?

Last night, I watched a movie that was a true story. It was about a young man who was mistakenly identified as a murderer by a witness who was coerced into lying.

He spent 21 years in an upstate New York prison before his family members were able to gather sufficient evidence to free him. According to the makers of the film, there are 120,000 prisoners in the U.S. serving time for crimes they did not commit.

Most of us are always focused on our problems whether they be financial, health related or troubled relationships. Of course, these issues require our attention and deserve solutions.

It is, however, very important that we take a minute to “smell the roses.” Do you appreciate all the things that are RIGHT in your life?

If not today, when?

…You have to take the stairs.” (fearlessmotivation.com)

How ambitious are you? Today’s title is sobering. It tells us there is no quick fix on the road to a successful life. Having started 8 businesses myself, I remember many potholes and disappointments along the way.

It’s not that you can’t become very successful. The problem is that you won’t give yourself permission to be successful. You think of your shortcomings and decide you don’t have the tools. There is only one vital tool that you need and it is called WILLPOWER! That’s it.

Also, don’t allow others to talk you out of striving for and attaining your dream. In many cases, their motives are suspect. They may be envious of you and your commitment to your goal.

You’ve just got to be willing to take the stairs!

If not today, when?

 

There are two kinds of criticism: self and from another.

A simple rule, regardless of type, is that you shouldn’t overreact to either.

Both of them can provide an opportunity for personal growth. Self criticism is a good thing if it can help you become better able to handle all the challenges that life may bring.

Criticism from another falls into two categories: justified and unjustified. If you receive a criticism that is justified, the proper response is, “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

If, however, if the criticism is unjustified, respond with, “I’m sorry you feel that way.” Don’t launch an attack on him or her. It will only make matters worse if you become defensive or begin criticizing the other person about  their shortcomings.

We are all subject to criticism. Learn how to handle it!

If not today, when?