“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.”

Is that true of you? Maybe not. You might be a person who has few if any regrets at all. That’s not true of most people.

Regrets fall into two categories: Correctable and not correctable.

If you have regrets that are correctable and bothersome, do something about them! The truly difficult ones are those for which a correction is not possible.

Two suggestions:                                                                                                             1. Learn to forgive yourself. You are human and we all make mistakes as       we go through life. Don’t punish yourself forever. Move on!

2. Do something good for another person to help compensate for your previous unchangeable mistake. Replace a regret with a good deed!

You are not alone. No one is perfect. Learn from your mistakes and make better decisions in the future.

If not today, when?

“Don’t brood. Get on with living and loving. You don’t have forever.”           — Leo Buscaglia

No you don’t have forever. It’s hard for me to believe I’ve already reached the age of 78 years.

Don’t be one of those who is always worrying and  fretting about, “What If?”

It’s your life. The opportunity to live and determine your own destiny is the greatest of all gifts! This is especially true if you live in the U.S.A.

Do you have regrets about something you did or failed to do? It’s not too late to correct them and start fresh.

Above all, don’t let fear prevent you from doing the things you want to do and being the person you want to be. One of the greatest thrills is overcoming a fear that was holding you back.

Live your life courageously!

If not today, when?

 

 

 

“You know it’s love when all you want is that person to be happy, even if you’re not part of their happiness.” — Julia Roberts

She has succinctly described love in its purest form!

I think unconditional love also fits into her definition of love. Simply put, a true lover always seeks in small and significant ways the best words and actions designed to bring joy to the loved one.

This unselfish, genuine effort on your part also gives you a great reason to be alive because you are making a positive contribution to the daily life of another.

I really believe when we die, God will ask us, “Did you love others as I have loved you?” It’s not how much earthly power you had.

And, He’ll ask, “Did you love the least of my brethren?”

If not today, when?

 

When is the last time you told your loved ones that you love them?

You may respond to this suggestion by saying, “They already know I love them. I show it in many ways throughout our relationship.”

I know of people who lost a person they loved and one of their big regrets is that they didn’t tell the deceased often enough or ever that they loved him or her.

There are occasions when saying, “I love you” is very much appreciated. If someone you love has had a recent disappointment and is feeling down, express your love and give assurances that you’ll always be there.

We need much more love in this world and a sincere expression can make a dark day much brighter!

If not today, when?

I know people who “Burn Bridges.” Yes, they leave a trail of broken relationships behind them.

The great irony is that they don’t take into consideration what a small world this is. It is especially true today with the reach of social media.

Good friendships can often help you in unanticipated ways. If, however, you mistreat or disappoint someone, he or she may now be motivated to do you harm.

Words can be very hurtful and once spoken, you can’t take them back!

You never know what struggles or burdens another person may have. Because of this, we must treat one another with kindness. A smile or kind word can give the other person perhaps the only, much appreciated bright spot in their day.

If not today, when?

God and your parents gave you your life!

So, your very life has been a gift from someone else. What you do with this gift is up to you.

And, if you were born healthy and continue to enjoy good health, you have another reason to be thankful.

And, if you even have one other person who loves you unconditionally, you are truly blessed!

And, if you live in a safe neighborhood, free of physical threats to you or your family, give thanks.

There are hundreds of families living in Detroit who don’t have enough food for their children today. Their Thanksgiving is not the same experience as yours.

And, if you have some reliable source of income, be grateful.

And, if your children are enrolled in good schools, be thankful!

If not today, when?

We all have priorities that are chosen deliberately or accidentally. If you look at how you spend your time, you’ll discover what your priorities are at this time in your life.

My number one priority is my wife’s happiness!

In the 55 years we have been married, she has demonstrated a consistent habit of putting other peoples’ needs ahead of her own. Now, in our later years, I want to do little things that will, hopefully, make her life easier.

Each morning, when I arise, I can’t wait to see her face!

Do you want to be a happier, more  fulfilled person? Don’t think about your needs. Think about the needs of others.

“It is in giving that we receive.” If you improve the life of another, you automatically improve your own life!

If not today, when?

Or, are your decisions usually influenced by others?

I understand that most of our decisions affect those who are close to us and it is desirable to seek consensus, if possible. It is vital, however, that you don’t betray your values in order to please others.

As an example, if you are asked if you agree with something just said, do you say “yes” even when you really disagree?

Do you live by an internal list of do’s and don’ts? If not, I think it would be helpful if you did. At the end of the day, you have to be able to like yourself. By living with you own list of values you keep your life on an even keel.

Today’s is not a peaceful world. Living by a value system brings you peace.

If not today, when?

How is your attitude at work?

Do you make a concerted effort to accomplish your responsibilities to the best of your ability? Or, are you unhappy with your boss, fellow workers or the company in general? Is your unhappiness justified or is it actually you who walks through the door each morning with your own attitude problem?

Whether the problem is you or them, you must always conduct yourself with a positive approach to your work. If you would really be happier elsewhere, begin scouring the internet to see what other employment opportunities are available.

So, until that better opportunity presents itself, “fake it till you make it!”

In every situation of life, will you be a plus or a minus? Will you add to or subtract from the happiness of others?

It’s up to you!

If not today when?

 

 

When you suddenly find a solution to a current problem that seems to appear out of nowhere, is it merely a coincidence or is there another answer?

I guess it all depends on whether or not you believe it is a blessing from God. Recent Gallup polls indicate that the percentage of Americans who believe in a God is in decline.

Because I have had so many unexplained blessings in my life, I have always and continue to believe there is a God who loves us.

I saw one of my grand children being born. The instant he was born, he began breathing and his very complicated body began to perform all its necessary functions completely free of outside assistance.

Was that merely a quirk of nature that can easily be explained?

Appreciate all of God’s blessings!

If not today, when?