You must do the things you think you cannot do. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Most barriers in our lives are self made. “I can’t do this. I can’t do that.” Will you give yourself permission to do what you have always dreamed of doing?

The safe path in life usually creates regrets later on. Risks, however, can be very rewarding even if you fail because you can always know at least you tried.

Eleanor lived seventeen years after the death of her husband and continued to do great things for her country. She was appointed by both Presidents, Truman and Kennedy to accept major assignments in service to the people.

If you make yourself do things that you thought were impossible, remember the word means, “I’m possible.” Take down those doubts and let yourself live!

If not today, when?

“Be yourself, but always your better self.” Karl G. Maeser

He was one of the founders of Brigham Young University who emigrated from his early years in Germany to the U.S. His  passionate desire was to teach.

As much as I admire his principled life dedicated to the benefit of his students, I believe you don’t have to choose between personal interest and some principle of right.

Most of us have to earn a living which is, of necessity, a means of pursuing our self interest. Can we look out for ourselves and still live a principled life of dedication to those who need our help? It makes for a busy life, but a fulfilling one.

Yes, I think both pursuits are possible. In this way, you can always be your better self!

If not today, when?

 

Happiness is an inside job that has as its main ingredient, gratitude.

I don’t think you can have one without the other. Mary Trump, the president’s niece, has written a book entitled, “Too Much is Not Enough.” Many people, who have great wealth, are always in search of greater wealth. There seems to be a restlessness in them that is never satisfied.

How about you? Do you live in a constant state of gratitude even though your life is never perfect in all its aspects? I believe you can be happier on a daily basis if you dwell on your problems and also the good things about your life.

Problems, difficulties and disappoints are common to us all.

Happiness comes when you add gratitude to the mix!

If not today, when?

Most of us don’t think of others unless a news item catches our attention.

When you are engaged in a conversation with someone, how often do you talk about something going on in your life? How often do you ask about something going on in the other person’s life?

Human nature, of course, dictates that our attention should be focused on the people and issues closest to us. This is understandable and a necessity for the survival of our loved ones.

Should our  focus, however, be only on ourselves? In order for your children and grandchildren to have a safe world in which to grow and prosper, our generation must reach out and lend a hand to the suffering multitudes.

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love, not just for some, but for everyone!”

If not today, when?

“Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people.” (Leo Burnett)

Do you ever pause to think how amazing this life and this world are? How can two people create more people with no specialized training? …And how is it that each baby has all the equipment to immediately begin to breath?

Where did all the incredible animals, sea creatures and colorful birds that take your breath away, come from? Who taught all the sea creatures how to live in the water and birds to fly?

How is it possible that this earth provided all the raw materials needed to build all the world’s great cities. Where did oxygen that we need originate?

Why is the rising and setting of the sun so predictable? Thank you God!

If not today, when?

 

Are you the beneficiary of or the victim of your childhood?

It’s usually one or the other. …And, in most cases, your early years were formed by the adults in your life. Of course, you picked up or were put off by his, her or their approach to parenting.

The interesting result of childhood is that people react differently to identical experiences while growing up. I know people who had horrific treatment at the hands of their parents. As adults, they are some of the best people and parents I’ve seen. While others follow in their parents footsteps, unfortunately.

If you are the product of a loving family, I hope you live the same love in your present life. Whichever experience you had, you are your own person now.

Live every day!

If not today, when?

“To lose patience is to lose the battle!” (Mahatma Gandhi)

Now, there was a man who had every right to lose his patience throughout his adult life. In his efforts to free India from British rule, he was imprisoned numerous times.

How about you? What is your story?

Do you lose your temper from time to time and is it always justified? Sometimes a little temper tantrum, either real or contrived, can help you persuade someone to do the right thing.

If, however, you lose patience because of some of the circumstances of your life, there are really only two alternatives:

1. If you are able, make the necessary decisions to improve your situation.
2. If unable, please put your life in perspective. Hundreds of millions of people throughout the world will not have enough to eat today!

If not today, when?

…is not worth living! (Socrates)

Do you agree? Should we look within ourselves from time to time to ask the following questions:

Do I like myself and if not, why not?

Do I have love for others and to what degree?

Am I pleased with my life decisions thus far and if not, what has to change?

Do I have a “Bucket List” and if not, why not?

Am I growing in knowledge and wisdom or just existing from day to day?

Do I have the courage I need to make the decisions I need to make?

Do I live by others’ expectations or my own?

Am I ignoring my health and what do I have to do in order to become healthy?

Do I have faith in God and if not, why not?

If not today, when?

 

Easy to say, but hard to do.

You’ve always got issues coming at you. So, how do you deal with the complications in your daily life? I think it always comes down to a matter of priorities.

Do you have issues that are more important to you than others or do you treat everything with equal value? If so, you can’t continue to do that without feeling frustrated if you can’t complete every task by day’s end.

No, prioritization is the answer. It enables you to address items that are most important to you while, perhaps, ending the day with lessor things undone.

My priorities are my marriage, my family, my health, my financial condition, my friends and those in need.

If you have identified your priorities, you have simplified your life!

If not today, when?

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game!” (Babe Ruth)

I guess that applies to life also..

Is your glass half empty or half full? That’s an important question for each of us. How do you deal with challenges? What is your habitual history of dealing with stress and disappointment?

Yes, your past is a great learning tool, but it should not control your future. Why not bring the best you have to each day?

Babe Ruth’s batting average was .342 throughout his entire career. Just think of that. He was idolized for being a failure two out of every three times he went to bat.

I think your average of success is probably around .700 at least. Swing for the fences. You only get so many at bats!

If not today, when?