Our entire life story is impacted by two factors; things that happen to us and the decisions we make.

Some people are terrible decision makers and the results speak for themselves!

Others have a built in system of weighing the pros and cons before acting. Still, others allow their emotions to rule the day.

Like many other aspects of our lives, the decision making process becomes a habit. In most instances, you can predict what a close friend will decide in a given situation based upon his or her previous decisions.

You can’t control things that happen to you, but you have the complete power to decide what you will make happen!

Examine your history of decisions. How can you make better decisions in the future?

If not today, when?

 

This is a tough topic.

It’s definitely something we all wrestle with throughout our lives.

“But I was right and he was wrong!” “I’ll never speak to her again!”

The difficulty of the forgiveness varies with the degree of the perceived hurt.

Unfortunately, while our unwillingness to forgive the other person is our attempt to punish the wrong doer, we take a toll as well. It’s just another bothersome aspect of our lives that just won’t go away on its own.

So, do you carry this monkey on your back until some stranger closes the door on your casket or do you grant genuine forgiveness and lighten the load?

God has forgiven you countless times! Now, it’s your turn!

If not today, when?

 

I guess, before we get into the topic of trust, the question should be, do you care? With political correctness everywhere and a national leader who is not encumbered by the truth, is trustworthiness a worthwhile objective for you?

Yes, absolutely!

I believe it is the most necessary building block for a meaningful relationship with another person. It is also a vital ingredient upon which to elevate your own self esteem.

You have to be able to live with yourself 24/7.

If your lifelong track record has had some regrettable failures in trustworthiness, it is never too late to make a U turn and put yourself on the right path!

If not today, when?

 

Will you decide to do at least one thing well today?

Most successful people are not overnight wonders! No, they have been building their lives like you would build a brick wall. Do what they do! Just put one more brick on the wall each day and you are on your way to a lifetime of achievement!

It comes down to the all important issue of self management. Are you in control of your life or are you just a tumbleweed that gets blown around each day by circumstances not of your making?

Daily victories could include doing a simple exercise, eating better today, reading a self help article, calling a friend for advice, making some quality time with your teenager.

Be deliberate, make decisions, move forward!!

If not today, when?

 

I am very grateful that the cell phone was invented. I love being able to call my wife and talk with her regardless of where we may be at the time. I also don’t want to minimize the many great kinds of information available at the touch of the keypad.

Has the continuous use of a cell phone become a hindrance, however, to the very necessary face to face daily communication we need with loved ones?

Another misuse of texting is something that would be better done by talking it out. Texting has become an alternative to conversation when you have to convey a message the recipient may not want to hear.

Be prudent when and when not to use your cell phone!

If not today, when?

 

 

In other words, did you marry someone better than yourself?

I believe I did and I am very grateful for such a blessing!

She doesn’t like attention being drawn to herself. So, I won’t list her beautiful attributes, of which there are many.

How about you? Have you ever stopped to consider what your partner brings to your relationship? Equally important to recognizing his or her great qualities is how you respond to them. Complements are not enough.

Actions count!

The best way to show your gratitude is to look for ways to do things that make your partner’s life easier. As gifted as he or she may be, I’m sure there are aspects of your partner’s life that are a struggle.

Jump into those issues and lend a helping hand!

If not today, when?

 

Paula Ervin was my incredible mother!

She was raised in Chicago, the daughter of two immigrants from Ireland. Her father, Timothy, was a battalion chief in the Chicago Fire Department. Her mother was pulled out of school in the third grade and spent her youth caring for dying relatives.

Mother, under the strict guidance of my grandmother, became a classical pianist and a graduate of the University of Chicago. She was also a prolific author.

Most of all, she was a great mom!

She loved my father so much that she was thankful that he died before her so he wouldn’t have to live alone. So, she lived four lonely years after his death.

I will always love her!

Do you appreciate the people in your life?

If not today, when?

 

At his swearing in ceremony as the 32nd President on march 4,1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!” At that time, he was suffering from polio and assumed the presidency in the depth of the great depression. He lead the country out of the depression and was commander in chief during World War II.

If he had nothing to fear, do you?

Don’t let fear prevent you from doing what you want to do or becoming what you want to become! Remember, in order to have courage, you must have fear. A dictionary definition of courage is, “The ability to do something that frightens one.”

So, do what you fear and learn how courageous you are!

If not today, when?

 

Over the years, I started eight businesses from scratch. Some were highly successful while others were abject failures. To my good fortune, the good outnumbered the bad!

I must admit, however, that the failures presented powerful learning opportunities and the lessons learned will always remain with me.

Winston Churchill, in my opinion, the greatest hero of the twentieth century, said, “Success is not final and failure is not fatal!”

So, get on with living your life, believing in yourself, while taking calculated risks along the way!

Having experienced financial success and failure, I think they are both imposters!

The important life questions are: Did you love deeply? Did you lift up the fallen ones?

If not today, when?

 

 

Last Saturday, we were at the over crowded Orlando airport going through the security procedures prior to boarding. I had to remove three laptops from our bags, empty my pockets and remove my shoes. I kept repeatedly going back for more plastic cartons in which to place all my things. I was obviously holding up the line of people behind me.

In the midst of all this chaos came a voice behind me saying, “There is no hurry!” As I turned around, I saw that the voice was that of a tall African American gentleman smiling down at me.

It was a simple act of kindness for him, but it made a huge memorable impact on me.

Can you lighten someone’s load today?

If not today, when?