A few days ago, a high school senior athlete, with a full scholarship to play wide receiver for the Georgia Tech football team, walked in front of a freight train and was killed.

His name was Bryce Gowdy and his mother and two younger brothers were homeless and living out of their car. He was going to report to the university on January 7th to begin classes. On December 30th, however, he told his mom that he was very worried about leaving his younger brothers. His distress about them lead to his fatal decision.

I tell you this story because there are people living very desperate lives in every community including yours. Please reach out from time to time and lift somebody up.

If not today, when?

“Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.”- Helen Keller

Helen Keller (on the right) was born both deaf and blind. She was the first person with both afflictions to earn a bachelor degree. She was also an author, political activist and lecturer. She lived 88 years from 1880 to 1968.

When reading her quotation (above), we can see that her decision to be happy accounted for her long life and many contributions to society.

Although, she couldn’t see, she did see what is truly important in living a productive life. Although we can see, many of us don’t see how to make the most of our lives.

You don’t have the excuses she had with her afflictions. Yet, she lived a purposeful life.

If she can, you can too!

If not today, when?

Shortly after France surrendered to Germany in WWII, Great Britain’s Winston Churchill, was very concerned that the French Navy would fall into the hands of the victorious Germans. The French admiral refused to send his navy to England or to the U.S. So, the decision was reluctantly  made to sink their ships.

Two 19 year old french sailors were aboard one of the sunken ships.They were neighbors in a small village in the south of France. At their funerals, their parents insisted that both the French and British flags should be on their coffins. Although, they mourned the loss of their loved ones, they knew England’s survival was the only hope France had to be free again one day.

Sometimes, the hard truth is hard!

If not today, when?

It seems we are most interested in our circle of family and friends. This is understandable, but shouldn’t you also take time to see what’s happening in the world that may affect your future?

CLIMATE CHANGE-Australia is on fire! Six million square acres have burned and the blaze, brought by drought is gaining strength. Venice, quite the opposite, is sinking under too much water.

GOVERNMENTAL DECISIONS-Protecting our democracy is a serious responsibility for each us. Don’t take it for granted. An example: a soldier in the 82nd Airborne Division is being sent to fight in the Middle East while his wife is being deported.

SOCIAL ISSUES-Our society is seeing an increase in racism and antisemitism, both of which degrade the quality of life for millions of our neighbors.

Be aware!

If not today, when?

 

When I was 15, my parents announced that we were moving from our hometown of South Bend, Indiana, to Detroit. The move meant I would have to leave all my childhood friends behind and enter a new high school in my junior year. You can imagine what that was like.

Despite the obvious negative impact on my life in the short term, because we we’re living in the Detroit area years later, I met and married the “love of my life.”

I think an unexpected change gives you the opportunity to face new challenges and grow in the process as a person. And, this growing experience will give you more self confidence to face whatever comes.

So, don’t be afraid of a change in your life. It may be a blessing in disguise!

If not today, when?

An interesting term!

It all comes back to the basic question: “Do you love you enough to forgive yourself?” We usually have much more compassion for the plight of others than we do for our own shortcomings. When we are hard on ourselves, we are getting a double dose of self criticism because the world always stands ready to pounce on us.

If you have habits that are disagreeable and correctable, work on eliminating them as a new year resolution. If you have regrets that can’t be corrected, give yourself a break, lessen the load and leave them in the past.

You are the only person you have to live with 24/7, why don’t you decide to enjoy being with yourself. Get satisfaction from your accomplishments. Spoil yourself from time-to-time.

Life is what you make it!

If not today, when?

Definition: Someone who is hopeful for the future.

Would you agree that there is a lot of pessimism and negativity going around? If so, this is the perfect time to take a more optimistic approach to your daily life. Here are the benefits:

People are attracted to positive, upbeat people! Nobody wants to be around a constant complainer who is always pointing out what’s wrong with the world.

Your children will grow up with hope for their future. Unfortunately, your kids are exposed to peers who are not being parented properly. Many of them are troubled and not optimistic about their future. You can serve as a positive counter balance to negative peer influence.

Employers reward “can do” employees. No working environment is perfect, but your positive attitude gets noticed and is appreciated by management.

SMILE!

If not today, when?

 

The new year probably won’t be better if you don’t make some changes. Here are some categories to consider:

HEALTH- Is your present life style healthy or detrimental to your health? I put this category first because everything becomes a chore when you have no energy. The primary culprits include alcohol or drug addiction, too much weight or lack of exercise.

RELATIONSHIPS-Are there any important relationships that need mending? If so, how far are you willing to go to set it right? Will it involve an apology or forgiveness on your part?

FINANCIAL-If your personal financial situation is a serious problem, it will require a serious solution. You may require professional career counseling. Or, maybe your income is adequate, but your spending is out of control.

Happy lives are the result of good decisions!

If not today, when?

Of course, you should weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

In reality, however, there are some decisions in which all of the consequences can’t be seen in advance. Because of this, an “overthinker” can also become a procrastinator! And sometimes procrastination can have a bigger downside than making the wrong decision.

Every decision involves some risk because we can’t always predict the results of what appears to be the correct choice. So, all you can do is weigh the pluses and minuses, decide upon the best possible alternative and move on.

I’m reading the Memoirs of World War II by Winston Churchill. Some of his decisions cost the lives of 60,000 British soldiers.  Despite the sorrow, he had to wake up the following morning and carry on.

Overthinking can paralyze you. Don’t do that!

If not today, when?

 

 

Whether you like it or not, you are the primary influence shaping your children’s view of the world. From their earliest days, they are absorbing images of different kinds of behavior from you. They see what you do and don’t do, what you say and how you say it.

Many adults spend their entire lives trying to recover from bad parenting. A good parent teaches their child right with praise and wrong with discipline so that, as adults, they become contributing members of society.

If you are a single parent family, your kids have only you as their ultimate teacher about life and how to live it. If there are two parents, hopefully, both of you are on the same page sending the same message so your child is not conflicted.

If not today, when?