We all have too many things. Something we bought ten years ago seemed like a necessary purchase, but it has possibly outlived its usefulness. Still, it continues to take up space and sometimes has to be moved from one spot to another.

Happiness doesn’t come from things, only from people. Also, if our surroundings are orderly, we can have greater peace of mind.

As the title of this blog says, if you doubt that you need an item and won’t in the future, be decisive and get rid of it. I think many of our possessions can become a burden and not a source of happiness.

If not today, when?

I believe the celebration of Mother’s Day should be honored by the tradition of families gathering together. It is the perfect opportunity to thank our moms for all the sacrifices made on our behalf! Even if you can’t get together don’t forget to write, call, text or do Facetime to acknowledge the day.

Some sporting organizations are scheduling day long tournaments for kids that prevent the family from enjoying their participation in the traditional manner. Don’t let activities such as these cause you to forget.

No one makes a bigger contribution to our lives than our mothers. If it was up to men to go through a nine month pregnancy, child birth and nursing the baby, the earth’s population would be about 150 people!

Let’s not allow Mother’s Day to slip away. Our mothers and this wonderful tradition are too precious!

If not today, when?

 

Many of us are so self-centered that we think the world revolves around us. When something happens, we ask, “How does this affect me?” Of course, we must have built in defense mechanisms to assure our safety and well being. We must, in times like these, also think of those around us.

Like anything else, however, a good thing can be taken to such an extreme that it becomes a harmful experience. For a healthy life, mentally, emotionally and physically, we have to practice moderation in our decision making. I love that old saying, “In the middle, stands the truth!”

Let’s also remember that, “In giving, we receive.” The more we reach out to help someone in need, the easier it is to live with ourselves. …And we help create a kinder, gentler society for our loved ones and friends.

If not today, when?

 

It’s easy to say, but very difficult to do. With the speed of modern life and exposure to entirely too much information, our minds and emotions are spread pretty thin.

Yet, NOW is all we have and all we’ll ever have. I like to reminisce about events in the past. At the age of 77, I have a lot of material available to me.

If you are approaching a situation similar to one you’ve faced before, it could be helpful to recall the prior incident and the lessons learned. Try to apply the knowledge gained so as to assure a better outcome.

Don’t become distracted, however, by your yesterdays or tomorrows.

Live in the NOW! Bring more of yourself to each moment! 

If not today, when?

Thanks to our daughter, Lynn, I offer some family rules:

Keep your promises.

Share.

Think of others before yourself.

Say, “I love you.”

Listen to your parents.

Do your best.

Say, “please and thank you.”

Tell the truth

Laugh at yourself.

Hug often.

Use Kind words.

Love one another.

If not today, when?

Most of us observe the special days that are routine in our society including birthdays, anniversaries, national and religious holidays. Because we are expected to remember loved ones and friends on those days, I don’t think they are appreciated as much as something spontaneous.

An act of kindness given on an otherwise “ordinary day” could be much more exciting and memorable. When you are asked why you chose this day, a great response could be,”Because I don’t just think of you on the holidays, but everyday!”

I recently used the services of a company. I was very pleased with the way its employees treated me. So, I sent an email to its owner explaining that I was impressed with the quality of service. The owner was very grateful and said she usually only gets complaints.

If not today, when?

 

The title of today’s blog is from Walt Disney. I guess he made his point with Disney theme parks around the world. And, look at Steve Jobs tinkering in his garage.

I know it’s hard for us to think that these extreme examples of success are people we could identify with. Yet, they are just ordinary people who had two things: A dream and the self discipline to pursue that dream.

If you have a dream of something you want to be or want to do, don’t you dare allow the naysayers to “rain on your parade!” I began eight businesses in my life and I had my share of doubters and critics. But, I had great fun and would do it all again.

Go for it, you dreamer you!

If not today, when?

I know two people who swam from Alcatraz Island to shore more than once. Alcatraz is an abandoned prison in San Francisco Bay. The waters are very cold and choppy. There is a strong current. Because it is salt water, there are sharks.

Where do some people get  that kind of courage? Are you as courageous as you want to be? Most of us have various kinds of fear. It’s not a bad thing to have a healthy sense of fear that keeps you from danger.

There are probably some fears that are not healthy and are preventing you from living the life you want. Reach for that life! Confront and overcome those fears!

It is just a matter of willpower!

If not today, when?

This can be a very defining moment in your life and in the life of your children.

Will your kids feel they just got a “get out of jail free card?” Or, will they approach this journey into adulthood with a good relationship with you?

There are three basic issues:

MICROMANAGEMENT-If you have raised them in a strict manner with little freedom allowed, they probably resent it and want to “bust loose” once they’re gone.

LEADER/FOLLOWER-If your kids have strong leadership traits, they will be less vulnerable to those who would lead them astray.

SELF CONFIDENCE-Self confident people are more inclined to make their own decisions rather than submit to the bad behavior of others.

Lastly, tell them you love them and you are always here for them!

If not today, when?

Poorly parented kids are everywhere today. This puts a greater burden on you if you’re trying to raise a family of people who live by a good value system. They also have so much freedom and access to social media that undermine your values.

So, what can you do to earn your kids’ respect in this environment on their perilous journey to adulthood? The most important rule is, “Don’t be a hypocrite!” You must set the right example by practicing what you preach.

Listen to them. You’ll never get them to listen to you if you don’t listen to them.

Have rules of your house that everyone must follow.

Give praise for praiseworthy efforts and apply discipline when justified. Discipline, however, must be in proportion to the offense.

Always practice unconditional love!

If not today, when?