NO!

People hurt us in various ways.

These hurts come in the form of words or actions.

We have all experienced both.

When someone hurts us, our first and most natural reaction is anger followed by the need to strike back.

My mother used to say, We’re a drop of intellect in a sea of emotion.”

When someone says something that hurts us, we must ask ourselves, “Was the other person’s point of view actually correct?”

Let’s remember, “The truth hurts!”

So, sometimes, when we strike back, we may be defending the wrong viewpoint.

Whether the other person is right or wrong, if you take revenge, you can never take it back.

“Two wrongs don’t make a right.”

The act of revenge only encourages recrimination.

And the relationship between both parties deteriorates from there.

Take the HIGH ROAD.

Resist the temptation to hurt the other person as you have been hurt.

If not today, when?

I’m not talking about catastrophic weather such as hurricanes or tornadoes.

But, so many of us let a rainy day or cold day dictate our outlook.

Why is this?

There’s nothing we can do about it.

It’s like so many other aspects of living over which we have no control.

Yet, we fret and worry about something we can’t change.

You are or at least should be the master of your moods.

If you let a rainy day day upset you, what does that indicate about your coping skills in general?

Having lived 29,410 days, I can guarantee you, many things that happen will not be to your liking.

So, when things are not ideal, sit down and count your blessings.

Oh, and remember, we need rain!

If not today, when?

Later this month, two pilots, each flying separate planes at 13,000 feet, will point their planes toward the ground.

They will turn off their engines and jump from their respective planes WITHOUT a parachute.

Before jumping, they will engage an “air brake” that will slow the descent of each plane.

As each pilot is falling, they will, hopefully fall into the cockpit of the other plane.

Once inside the cockpit, each pilot will restart the plane’s engine, disengage the “air Brake,”

bring the plane under control and land safely.

At least, that’s the theory.

Two days ago, my blog was about Ukrainian soldiers risking their lives for their country.

This blog is also about risking one’s life.

As you can see, the motives are much different!

Why not mix in some fun with all the work and responsibilities?

Our lives become quite routine doing the same old things everyday.

Change is good.

Last week, we drove to a nearby city just for the purpose of going to a restaurant we had never been to before.

It was a chance to get away from the ordinary, see new sights and enjoy a new cuisine.

A surprise doesn’t have to be some exotic trip to the Bahamas in order for it to be appreciated.

Another nice surprise would be to take over some chores around the house which are normally not your responsibility.

All these surprise are expressions of love.

Keep your love alive with a surprise!

If not today, when?

It’s a tough question to answer for anyone.

Of course, there are many things to consider:

The first and most obvious question is your financial ability.

How will you spend this new-found free time?

Is there something you always wanted to do if you had the time?

Will you have a companion or be alone?

Should you move or stay where you are?

Do you enjoy your present line of work so much that you could never have as much fun in retirement?

Have you talked with some of your friends who are retired?

What has been their experience and advice?

Are there classes you could attend prior to retiring that could enable you to develop a new skill that would be useful in retirement?

Enter your retirement year with some advanced planning so you don’t walk away from a satisfactory employment situation and regret it.

Ukrainian soldiers risking their lives in the fight to defend their capital, KYIV! (NYT)

This photo is another example of young people willing to risk their lives so that friends, family and fellow countrymen can live in freedom.

Every generation in every country produces its own fierce brand of patriots who stand ready to answer the call.

How many of these six men will grow old enough to see their children and grand children grow up?

Patriotism demands a high price from those willing to practice it in war time.

One of my best friends paid the ultimate price in the fields of Vietnam.

Don’t EVER take your FREEDOM for granted!

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!

It is times like these when people, frustrated with their present situation, think of owning their own business.

If you are one of those people, here are some things to think about:

Do you have a good idea for a new business?

Is there now and in the future will there be high demand for your products or services?

What is the vulnerability of your potential competitors?

It would be ideal if you could offer some benefit to your customers not available from competitors.

Which location would give you the greatest chance for success?

What would be your monthly overhead including all anticipated expenses?

Can you obtain adequate funds to start the business and suffer losses for the first year?

Do you have the emotional and physical stamina to start and manage a business?

If you have evaluated and feel the time is right, GO FOR IT!!!

I do and always have.

Some people don’t, so they seek the advice of others before acting.

I don’t think it’s a bad idea to get other opinions before facing a MAJOR decision.

If, however, you must seek others’ opinion on everyday issues, that can be quite debilitating.

If you don’t face most issues instinctively. it could indicate a lack of self-confidence.

I think the strength of your instincts is a result of your life experiences, thus far.

Good and bad experiences are both good teachers which, inserted into your memory bank, forms the basis from which your instincts can serve you well.

Perhaps, if you begin relying on your instincts more, you’ll find they are reliable!

If not today, when?

Sunday was always the “Day Of Prayer.”

Statistics tell us that church attendance has dropped considerably.

It has dropped below the majority of American citizens for the first time. (Gallup)

It seems the older generation continues their church-going habits

while the younger generation does not attend.

The great irony is that these troubled times need all of God’s blessings.

Regardless of whether you go to a church, do you believe in God?

I DO for the simple reason that I don’t believe many of the good things that have happened in my life were a coincidence.

No, I think they were an answer to my prayers and the overall love of God.

You and I don’t have all the answers to this life.

Our CREATOR does.

Don’t just call upon HIM in times of crises.

Prayer should be used to ask for help and to thank GOD for all that is good in our lives!

If not today, when?

Are you aware of the impression you make on other people?

It’s an important question because people are more inclined to accept the thoughts and behavior of people they like.

This is true in business relationships.

There is an old saying, “People do business with people they like!”

And it’s very true in personal and loving relationships.

How do you relate to your spouse?

What is his or her impression of you.

The impression you make on your spouse will affect the potential happiness of both parties in the relationship for a lifetime.

What do your kids think of you?

Do they think you care about them or that you’re too busy?

Do they think you are reasonable or unreasonable?

We’re never done learning and hopefully growing into a better person.

Be constantly mindful of the impression you make on others!

If not today, when?