Are you carrying a grudge from some incident that happened in your past? If so, it has become a burden for you and it is also a burden for the other person.

Forgiveness is very difficult for all of us.

Because the original perceived offense hurt us, we’re not inclined to “turn the other cheek.” For the same reason, unconditional love is a worthwhile objective, but seldom realized.

If you think carrying a grudge is difficult while the offending party is alive, try carrying it the rest of your life after he or she is dead!

Forgive and forget! It’s the right thing to do!

There are enough burdens in our lives that we can’t easily eliminate. Forgiving someone, however, can be done quickly and you’ll make two people instantly happier!

If not today, when?

The burning of Notre Dame Cathedral was a horrific event! People around the world paused their own personal lives to witness the destruction of one of civilization’s most easily recognized landmarks.

From most tragedies, however, there usually comes something good.

And, it was also true yesterday. We witnessed Parisians and tourists (complete strangers) embracing one another in their shared grief as they stood together in the streets watching the famous steeple fall into the unquenchable flames. Without the fire, those people would not have embraced one another. But, they had something instantly in common.

We all are very similar, you know. Many people today try to accentuate our differences by pointing out the diversity of our society. That is very short sighted.

We were all made by the same God and we all bleed red!

If not today, when? 

Yesterday, after an 11 year drought, Tiger Woods won the Masters by one stroke. During those 11 years, he endured three back surgeries. The pundits felt he would never be able to compete at the highest level again.

Because of an approaching storm on the final day, the tee times were moved from mid afternoon to 9:30AM. A reporter asked Tiger when he would have to wake up in order to tee off at that time. He replied, “3:45AM” because he had to go through a strenuous physical workout to be sure his back was ready. So, at 4AM, he was seen in the weight room going through his daily routine.

Willpower is an awesome thing! You can accomplish so much more with your life!

Are you willing to pay the price to become so much more?

If not today, when?

Originally, your relationship was the centerpiece of your life!

How about now?

All the shortcomings and frailties of each partner are well known by now. Some of them were perhaps not obvious during the dating process. How have you adjusted to the “Total Person” you know now? Is there still the same attraction or has the lamplight of love dimmed just a little, or a lot?

Actually, love is also a decision. There is more to it than the original physical attraction that brought you together. Now that we’ve been married 54 years, we don’t even look the same, but I have learned so much that makes me love her even more.

You and your spouse can always be happy together if you have fun, practice patience, respect, kindness and all the courtesies you would extend to a total stranger!

If not today, when?

Many people are unhappy in their present jobs, but don’t do anything to see if there is a better opportunity elsewhere. The irony is that it is easier than it has ever been to search for a new position. Before the internet, you were limited to the classified “help wanted” ads in the newspaper.

The other reason to look around now is because the economy is humming! Many employers are short handed and are willing to offer attractive pay plans.

Most people, who are unhappy, don’t look around because they are resistant to change. So, they just continue being miserable.

If you like where you work, but need more money, seek some part time position that would give you the total income you need.

If you’re unhappy, DO SOMETHING!

If not today when?

 

Have you made a positive difference in someone’s life. If not, why not? The only thing that survives us are the good deeds we have rendered on behalf of other people.  Your possessions and bank account will be split up someday and given away. I remember when a neighbor died. His heirs were actually fighting over the canned goods left in his house. The fight became so intense that I saw some family members out on the front lawn in an attempt to gather in more booty and the police were called!

If you are the recipient of some kindnesses bestowed upon you, it is important that you pass those same kindnesses along to those in need while you’re still able.

If ever we have needed a kinder, gentler world, it’s now.

Make a difference!

If not today, when?

Or, are you a disingenuous empty vessel?  Are you really real or just playing a part imposed by other people or certain circumstances. No quality is more attractive in a person than sincerity in word and in action.

Don’t live your life masquerading as someone else! Be sincere. Be genuine.

You only have to be true to one person, yourself. Be honest. Express yourself from your heart. Even if I disagree with your basic premise, I will still respect the fact that you are saying exactly how you feel. People are uncomfortable speaking with someone who is not genuine and may be concealing a hidden agenda.

Another great personal benefit you’ll receive speaking honestly from your heart, is the fact that you don’t have to remember what you said.

Be real!

If not today, when?

 

 

She met him in high school and said goodbye last week while attending to him as he lay on his deathbed. People are always amazed that young love can blossom and mature and last for six decades.

It’s not that they enjoyed a life of ease. Quite the contrary, they faced many difficult challenges together over the years. The irony is that difficulty in a marriage can either bring the couple closer together or drive them apart. In their case, adversity didn’t extinguish their burning flame of love.

Everything in life comes down to a matter of priorities. How important is your marriage to your happiness and that of your children? Don’t give up on your marriage! Fight for it! Your spouse isn’t perfect and neither are you.

Perfection is not available in this life!

If not today, when?

The decisions you make dictate the course of your life!

Do you feel that, given the information you had at the time, most of your previous decisions have worked out well? If so, you have probably used your instincts, previous experience or factual analysis to your benefit. If, however, you are unhappy with your previous decisions, it’s time to correct the way you arrive at them!

First and foremost, don’t rush into a decision unless and until you have all the facts pro and con. Also, with major decisions, it might be wise to ask for the opinion of a trusted family member or friend whose opinion you respect.

Lastly, it is very important that you learn and grow from past mistakes. They can guide you to better decisions in the future!

If not today, when? 

Does the cashier at the grocery store wish you a good day? And do you wish him or her a good day in return? A common greeting by any other vendor might be, “How are you today?” You probably answer that you are fine and then the dialogue stops there. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to respond with, “How are you?”

It’s not unusual for perfect strangers to treat us better than we treat them!

The real irony is that the person wishing you well is probably working for a minimum wage that necessitates that they work at two jobs. So, if there is anyone wishing someone a good day, it should be those of us who are going to have a better day than that person who may be scrambling to hold down two jobs.

If not today, when?