We have all been wronged by someone along life’s path. Some infractions  were minor, others were perhaps major.

The question is not, “Did they occur?” The appropriate question should be, “What are you going to do about it?” Regardless of whether or not you responded in some manner, do you still carry a grudge?

If so, a long held grudge is part of the clutter of our lives that can become a barrier to our happiness and inner peace. You owe yourself a better future than that! It all comes down to self management or a lack of self management.

Which thoughts will you permit yourself to have, those that regularly drag you down or those that deal with the issues of today and those that help you build a better clutter free future?

If not today, when?

What is your system of values?

What kind of behavior will you accept or not accept from yourself or others? Or, do you just go along in order to get along?

Far too many people in our present society subjugate their own value system to the will of the crowd so they can be accepted by others who may be misbehaving.

Also, if you’re a parent, what kind of value system do your children learn from you? Remember, they actually learn a lot more from what you do than what you say!

Before worrying about getting along with others, when you lie your head down at night, can you get along with yourself? You won’t have to live with current friends all your life, but you will have to live with yourself!

If not today, when? 

You are a self fulfilling prophecy! You will either live up to or down to the image you have of yourself.

If you were raised in an atmosphere of approval and praise, you probably have a healthy sense of self esteem. On the contrary, if you lived with criticism and negativity, you may have carried self criticism into adulthood.

Some people succeed as adults because they were told they would. Unfortunately, others were told they would never amount to much.

Regardless of your upbringing, it is never too late to begin seeing yourself as a winner! It is possible to grow from a negative childhood into a positive adulthood. You can begin by giving yourself rewards for your accomplishments.

Remember, if you think you can, you will. If you think you can’t, you won’t!

If not today, when?

 

Many people are intimidated by others. It could be members of your own family, friends or co-workers. Over the long run, however, it is not a good thing that you remain quiet when you really have something important to say.

Just because someone else is domineering, it doesn’t mean that their point of view is any more valuable than yours. You have an obligation to the other person and to yourself to express your thoughts when the situation calls for it.

Don’t walk away from a conversation regretting that you didn’t speak up when the issue being discussed was one that you care deeply about. We need your opinions and life experiences in order to learn things that can better inform all of us!

Next time, speak up!

If not today, when?

Have you learned the art of contentment?

Or, are you forever restless and in search of MORE?

I heard a news story about a man who is a governor and thinking of running for U.S. Senator. His wife told him she would only be happy if her next address was 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington D.C.

So, I ask the question, “How much is enough?” I guess we are always seeking happiness. The irony of this lifelong pursuit is that contentment or happiness is not found from something outside, but rather something inside of you. It is a state of mind.

Haven’t we all seen happy people who don’t have much and unhappy people who have everything?

Your happiness is solely dependent on the decision you make to be happy regardless of the difficulties that come along.

If not today, when?

 

Do you have a person in your life who has that “Certain Smile?” You may have more than one. It could be an adult or child whose smile lights up your life. If so, you have been blessed.

Maybe you have a “Certain Smile” that lights up other people’s lives.

We know its not money that makes people happy. Millionaires and billionaires are always running around trying to find ways to make more money. They are never satisfied.

No, one of the greatest gifts is that “Certain Smile!” Cherish it! Thank God for it! Give out your own smile in the hope that you will light up someone’s life.

My wife has that “Certain Smile!”

It has been lighting up my life for 54 years!

If not today, when?

 

Do you allow your actions to be dictated by such maxims as “You’re too young” or “You’re too old?” It really is amazing how often we surrender our decision making to how we think society (friends and family) will react.

My wife and I are 77 years old. Five months ago, we decided to take on a big adventure. On October 3rd, we bought a large old boat that we found in Jacksonville FL. Of course, many people thought we were “TOO OLD” to do such a thing.

Well, we’ve been living on the boat trying to improve it for the past two months and having a great time!  We have become very comfortable even when storms come up and the waves rock us to sleep.

Don’t let others dictate what you can and can’t do!

If not today, when?

Do you feel your life is going nowhere?

If so, who is behind the wheel? Are you the driver or the passenger in your life? Most people are the passenger, allowing other people or events to dictate their daily decisions.

If you are in a rut, is it because you allowed it to happen? I know there is pressure in close relationships with family and friends. In order to maintain those close relationships, have you given up too much of yourself? In order to be content with your  life, you have to be you!

This life is not a dress rehearsal. It is the final act!

Do you want to continue living in this rut or are there things you can do to enjoy a more gratifying daily existence?

If not today, when?

I am always amazed at how fast trends spread throughout society.

Probably one of the most dramatic trends I see everywhere are tattoos. Years ago, you would only find them on drunken sailors. Now, they permeate every segment of society including rich and poor, male and female. Fashionable dresses now show cleavage almost to the naval. Men, in greater numbers, are sporting a light beard from ear to ear instead of being clean shaven.

I have no complaint about being trendy, but is it possibly also symptomatic of a society that is seeking the approval of others in order to feel good about themselves?

If so, stop being your own worst critic and begin to really live free of public opinion.

It’s your life, not theirs!

You only go around once. Go on your terms!

If not today, when?

Why does the grass always look greener elsewhere? So, who are those people who seem to live in the greener grass? Would you like to exchange your problems for theirs? In recent surveys, people were asked if they would do it. The great majority, after considering it, said, “No.”

Another way to say, “Bloom where you’re planted” is “Be at peace where you are.” If you ever feel badly about your status in life, the first thing you should do is count your blessings.

If, after counting your blessings, you are still not satisfied, make a plan to correct those situations that can be corrected.

For those things that can’t be fixed, accept them and move forward.

There is fact and perception. …and fact doesn’t count! Your life is how you perceive it to be!

If not today, when?