We were in the funeral home because our son’s best friend had died in an auto accident at the age of 21. Many years earlier, the dead boy’s older brother had died in an auto accident also.

His parents were receiving the condolences of mourners when our son came up to the dead boy’s father. He just stood there in front of him and began to cry.

Although there were still other mourners in line, the boy’s father left the other people and took our son off to the side. He spent considerable time trying to console our son who was heartbroken by  the loss of his best friend.

The man who needed condolences was instead consoling someone who needed it also.

That act of selflessness will always remain with me!

If not today, when?

 

 

Thankfully, our lives are only served up one day at a time. They’re like bite sized morsels. And, that’s the way you build our life, one day at a time.

So, each day counts toward what you make of yourself. Don’t allow yourself to end any day without doing one thing well!

It could be that you had a very positive achievement of some kind or that you handled a negative incident very well. These are all the building blocks of a successful life. Don’t allow anyone to dictate who or what you are.

Just continue to to do one thing well each day and you will build a strong foundation that no one can take away from you.

You are what you make of yourself!

If not today, when?

 

Of course, everything has its price and worry is no exception. Now, after 77 years of living, I’ve had my share of worries. I’ve always been a risk taker by starting up numerous businesses and these worries were self made.

Many of our worries are self made and come about as the result of poor decision making. So, these worries can be reduced in number  with better decisions.

Worries that are created by circumstances out of your control are a different matter. When these occur, some thoughts:

1. Ask yourself, “Can I help solve the issue?” If so, do something.
2. If you can’t help, pray!
3. If it doesn’t directly affect you, turn it loose!                                                                                                                                                       Worries can be crippling. Please try to prevent them from dictating the course of your life. Each day presents the opportunity to start anew.                                                                                                                                                                                         If not today, when? 

I think we have all done things that, in hindsight, we regret. Was it your idea or was it prompted by a friend?

Some friendships add to the quality of our lives while other “so called” friends may diminish our happiness either accidentally or deliberately.

Have you established certain standards of behavior that you will not violate? If not, it is about time you did! Without a system of values, you will always be susceptible to bad advice.

You should make decisions not to please others if those decisions violate your standards of behavior. And, if the same friend is trying to influence you to do the wrong thing, he or she doesn’t deserve to be your friend any longer.

It’s your life! Be true to yourself!

If not today, when?

 

Do you say, “I love you” often enough? Even though they know you love them, it’s very nice to hear the words.

There are also even more dramatic ways to express your love:

Look at the responsibilities of your partner and volunteer to make some them yours from now on.

Think of some little surprise that can lift your partner’s burden today.

When asked to do something, don’t ignore it and do it as soon as you can.

Be sure to give compliments when occasions dictate.

Say “Thank you” in return for an act of kindness extended to you.

Never criticize or demean your partner in front of other people!

Express your gratitude that he or she is in your life!

If not today, when?

 

All week long, you’re running around performing all your responsibilities at work and at home. I’m sure much of your time is spent for the benefit others.

So, how about setting some time aside just for you on the weekends? Hopefully, you have some discretionary time that you can use to refresh your soul on the weekend.

Remember, if you don’t take good care of you, you won’t be able to address the needs of others over the long haul of your life! What activity would most assuredly refresh your soul? Of course, it’s different for all of us.

Take a moment now and ask yourself how you would like to spend some time every weekend just for yourself?

If not today, when?

Want a better world? Let it begin with you!

When is the last time you extended an act of kindness to another person? You want strangers to treat you right? Perform some simple act of kindness for a stranger.

It can be some simple thing like allowing a person to take your place in line at the check out counter in the grocery store. Surprising a family member with their favorite dessert would be a big hit. A small gesture can go a long way like buying a cup of coffee for a co-worker.

Good manners while driving is usually noticed by other drivers. It  sends a message that we can even be kind to someone we don’t know and will never meet.

You have the power to make your world better today!

If not today, when?

 

With the universal interest in the social media, many people don’t take the time nor have the inclination to read. If this is true with you, here some reading benefits to consider:

It’s a retreat from the world around you. You are free to escape all the unwanted activity and slip into a world of your choosing. It’s time set aside just for you.

Find great entertainment in a book. There are more prolific authors than ever before. Lose yourself in a compelling story.

You can travel anywhere without leaving home. Explore faraway places and gain the wisdom of ancient civilizations that you can apply in your own life.

Take online classes that can enable you to change careers. If your career has become stagnate, go back to school online and become a student again.

If not today, when?

 

I know you have to deal with stressful situations. You probably also worry about things. Hopefully, you don’t live in a perpetual state of worry.

Regardless of the issues you face, a healthy body helps you deal with any challenges that may come along.

How healthy are you and what premium do you put on your health? I’m not talking about weight and exercise. You know all about those two topics.

Are you prepared to change the way you think about your body? Do your bodily needs control you or do you control your bodily needs? An unhealthy body is a liability that prevents you from enjoying a much better life. A healthy body is an asset that puts you in control of your future!

 Which will it be? Asset or liability?

If not today, when?

Regardless of your role in life, there will always be situations that demand your leadership. A just society requires good people to join in the process of maintaining “freedom and justice for all!”

Your leadership begins with the things you say and do. You have an impact on the members of your family, your workplace and your community.

Parenthood is the most important leadership role you’ll ever have! Your kids are being deluged with many influences, some of which undermine the value system and accountability you want from your children.

As a leader, you have the opportunity to create the environment in which you live.

Speak up! Stand up! We need your leadership!

If not today, when?