We all have faults.

Some faults are so obvious that other people think of that fault when they think of you.

“He’s the one who is always late.”

“He’s the mean one.”

“He’s always selfish and just thinks of himself.”

“He never shows any compassion when someone is in need.”

“He’s not honest.”

If you exhibit one or more of these faults, do you want to practice them forever?

Or, is it time to become a better person?

If not today, when?

A cargo ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to the U.S. caught fire and sank with 4,000 luxury cars aboard.

The best laid plans sometimes go astray!

I want to use this story to make a point:

Despite all our planning, investment and effort, we still sometimes fail.

This is part of our human condition.

So, what do we do when failure pops up its ugly head?

We must be sure to understand the precise cause of the failure or there is no benefit to the entire experience.

Next, we must either decide to try again, now that we know the cause of the failure, or decide it’s not worth it and move on.

Don’t, however, spend much time being depressed about it.

Life is just too short for that wasted time.

As a good friend always says, “KEEP ON MARCHING.”

Because we have news blasted at us daily, it becomes difficult to prioritize.

Your mind is overloaded right now.

Your kids, your spouse, your work, your siblings, your friends, the social media you use regularly.

Yet, it is absolutely necessary that you prioritize all these thoughts so that you accomplish those things most necessary today.

And don’t avoid those tasks you don’t want to do. You MUST make a daily list with the most important “to do” items at the top. Whatever is left on the list that night, must become first on tomorrow’s list.

Successful people “DO THE WORST FIRST!”

Self management is the key self accomplishment.

Perhaps, you should spend less time on social media and more time on those things most important to your career and the happiness of loved ones.

Clear your mind of unnecessary distractions, sleep better at night and get meaningful things done!

If not today, when?

You take a chance when you visit a place you’ve never been to before.

That’s what we did.

You’re going to see some things you like and don’t like.

I encourage you, however, to travel to a destination that you’ve always wanted to see.

For me, it was Venice.

I was not disappointed.

It was everything I had dreamed of and more.

I think it would be a good idea to do some walking before you go.

Almost every worthwhile place you may want to see will require walking.

The less strenuous it will be, the more you will enjoy it.

If the country being visited speaks a native language different than yours, you should find out in advance if there are people available who speak your language because there are always times when you need directions,

Bon Voyage!

It is a true miracle.

It is so hard to believe that the “bump” you have been watching and feeling is this tiny human being!

The first thing most people do is count fingers and toes.

Every facet of the baby is examined with great awe.

When one part of the baby appears to be “Dad’s nose” or “Mom’s mouth,” everyone is amazed at the handiwork of God.

As the hours and days go along, you are continually becoming aware that this little bundle is a complete and beautiful human being.

Imagine being “given” an entirely new person as your own and being entrusted to raise him/her to adulthood.

A poet once said that a newborn is “fresh from the Hand of God.”

There is no greater privilege than to create another human being!

Thank you GOD!

If not today, when?

Gee, did you hear the news?

Professional women tennis players will be paid the same as their male counterparts.

Why, oh why has it taken this long?

Our family had always been dominated by male athletes.

In the past few years, however, two teenage grand daughters have risen to the top of their respective games; volleyball and soccer.

Having attended many of their games, I have been able to render the following observations:

They are courageous.

They are highly skilled.

They are ferocious competitors.

They are both headed for division 1 athletic scholarships.

Hopefully, male chauvinism is becoming a horror that’s` on the way out.

If not today, when?

Would you stand in the street with rifle in hand, ready to defend your Democracy?

That’s what 56 year old former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is ready to do as Russian troops and tanks advance on the country’s capital.

Which raises the question: Would you be willing defend the American Democracy which used to be the envy of the world and is now under attack from within?

Is our Democracy as precious to you as Ukraine’s is to Mr. Poroshenko?

Last week, Donald Trump praised Mr. Putin for his strategy in attacking Ukraine.

So, the day may come when you will have to make a choice: choose Democracy or choose a Dictatorship?

Many people went to work yesterday. They are dead today.

The machines of death are at work today in Ukraine.

One man made the decision that many thousands of strangers will die today and for many of the tomorrows.

It is the largest European war since WWII.

It’s the old story of a strong country beating up on a weaker country.

After enough people are dead on both sides, some sort of peace agreement will be signed.

And on it goes, violence passed on from one generation to the next.

A recent poll said 52% of Americans are not interested in Ukraine’s dilemma.

Let’s remember that the men, women and children being slaughtered are members of the human family.

Will we ever learn of the futility of war?

If not today, when?

There are those times when the two of you could enjoy a change of scene.

Tomorrow is one of those times.

Winter gets a little overbearing by February and a warm climate near the water refreshes the soul.

You really don’t realize how burnt out you’ve become until you relax day after day in a beautiful setting.

So, after a very hectic fall and winter, we’re going to “Unplug” for a few days and allow ourselves to unwind in nice surroundings.

If you haven’t had a winter break yet, it’s not too late.

Do you want your children to base their lives on your values?

Because that’s what they’ll do.

You should be able to live your life as you see fit.

Remember, however, that your children are watching and will not forget what they heard or saw you do.

Will your children make a positive contribution to society because you do?

Or, will they be unfaithful and violate their marital vows?

Their future happiness or unhappiness is largely in your hands.

I know it’s a big responsibility, but that’s what comes along with parenthood.

Understand that your actions trigger reactions from your offspring.

Want a better world?

Become a better parent!

If not today, when?