Do you add to or subtract from the happiness of others?

In these traumatic times with an uncertain future, this question is very important. People are usually a plus or a minus. Will you step up, forget your own anxieties and make someone else’s life a little better today?

This is a moment in your life in which you discover who and what you are. Are you compassionate with the people around you who are afraid? Do you practice patience with those who annoy you? Do you forgive the flaws of loved ones and friends?

This is a time for healing. Are you a healer?

You are either the problem or the solution. You will make today better or worse by your actions or inactions.

We need the best of you today!

If not today, when?

He (Standing on the right) was a graduate of The naval Academy. He became a navy pilot flying bombing runs over North Vietnam originating from an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Tonkin.

He was shot down by antiaircraft fire on one of his bombing runs. He was severely injured in his crash and captured by North Vietnamese infantrymen shortly thereafter. He spent many years in a military prison along with other pilots.

The North Vietnamese knew his father was an admiral in the American Navy. As a public relations gesture, he was offered release because of his father’s rank. He refused the offer until all the other American prisoners were also released.

His loyalty to his fellow prisoners stands as a tribute to his character and sense of patriotism.

What values do you live by?

If not today, when?

As we were returning home this afternoon, we passed a young family out for a walk on a sunny April day. The parents seemed to be in their late 30’s or early 40’s. They had two children on mini bikes and a baby in a stroller plus a dog.

We were that family once.

We slowed our can down as we passed them and my wife leaned out the window and told them, “I would love to do it all over again!”

In the course of our 56 year marriage, we had four sons born to us, three adopted daughters, many grand children and many foster children. Of course, we faced our challenges together and experienced much joy and some sorrow.

When we were a young couple, we believed everything was possible. It still is.

Life goes on!

If not today, when?

 

Those were my dad’s last words.

The doctor called our family into another room and told us that dad would most likely pass away in the next 24 hours. As the oldest of six children, it was my responsibility to tell dad.

We went back into his room and I explained that he had double pneumonia and his kidneys had failed. He took our hands and said, “What can I say?” We instantly responded as if with one voice, “You said it with your life!” Indeed , it was an exemplary life for all of us to follow.

What does your life say about you?

Remember, it’s never too late to correct some of the past mistakes and create a better future. Your life will be determined by the decisions you make.

What will your life say about you?

If not today, when?

I’ll bet you have made some spur-of-the-moment decisions to buy books at Costco while you stroll the aisles. I certainly have purchased a few with good intentions to read them one day. Well that day has come!

How about you? Have you also fallen to the same temptation? Whether or not you have unread books from Costco, I’ll bet you have some unread dandies.

In these times of stress and uncertainty, curling up with a good book is one of the best coping mechanisms I could recommend. I’m currently rereading the 819 page book, “The German Army.” It is an amazing narrative of 2.5 million German soldiers killed and 5 million  wounded.

Perhaps you would rather read a lighter fare. My wife just suggested that I read a book on philosophy. Evidently, she thinks I could use some help.

If not today, when?

 

Which regrets are you carrying around with you? I guess we all have something we’d like to do again, but correctly this time.

Are you one of those who makes a mistake, learns from it and moves forward. Or, are you more  inclined to repeat the mistakes which create more regret and then drag them around with you forever?

Your life is always happier when you can wake up each day with a minimum of regret. Many people just can’t or won’t forgive themselves for certain bad decisions made along the way. So, they are unable to begin each morning with a clean slate.

Maybe, you need to apologize to one or more people that you’ve offended. Think about the steps necessary to forgive yourself. You deserve to enjoy the best of every day.

Begin now!

If not today, when?

Is there a direct relationship between honesty and self esteem?

I say, “absolutely!”

At the end of each day when you lay your head down, it is important to take inventory of the day’s events. What did you do rightfully and/or wrongfully?

Everyday you re-create who you are and the principles you have chosen to live by. Self esteem is not subject to the actions of others. It is a quality that is completely subject to the decisions you make throughout your life.

Honesty or the lack thereof is a big influencer of your sense of self esteem. You are the only person you really have to live with 24/7. Telling the truth in difficult situations is not always easy, but it is essential if you want to live with yourself.

Be an honest person!

If not today, when?

 

 

There was never a more appropriate time in all our lives than now to celebrate your body!

This is a life or death wake up call to protect your precious health. If you are a person who has made unhealthy decisions throughout your life, get a grip!

A healthy body makes every day worth living. An unhealthy body makes it tough to get up in the morning and face physical struggles.

I believe everything in your life is dependent upon the decisions you make. For most of us, your health is especially a reflection of your day to day decisions.

Take this threat of the Coronavirus as the biggest opportunity you’ll ever have to refocus on the importance of making your body as healthy as possible!

What will be your action plan?

If not today, when?

Those were the words of enthusiasm from our friend Mr.R during our phone conversation this afternoon. He was one of the captains on our Detroit Henry Ford High School 2011 football team that played for the city championship at Ford Field.

Since that high point in his life, he has fallen on hard times. One afternoon near the end of his senior year, he came to the defense of his best friend and was expelled, never to earn his diploma.

He has had to conduct a life of loneliness and betrayal. Many months, he was homeless while finding shelter on the cold winter nights in the Detroit Greyhound bus station.

Now, he and his girlfriend are living in a rented house in a safe neighborhood with heat and water.

Although still a struggle, at least he has heat.

If not today, when?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those were the words of enthusiasm from our friend Mr.R during our phone conversation this afternoon. He was one of the captains on our Detroit Henry Ford High School 2011 football team that played for the city championship at Ford Field.

Since that high point in his life, he has fallen on hard times. One afternoon near the end of his senior year, he came to the defense of his best friend and was expelled, never to earn his diploma.

He has had to conduct a life of loneliness and betrayal. Many months, he was homeless while finding shelter on the cold winter nights in the Detroit Greyhound bus station.

Now, he and his girlfriend are living in a rented house in a safe neighborhood with heat and water.

Although still a struggle, at least he has heat.

If not today, when?