I understand the need to relax and have some fun. Video games are very popular because they are so well designed for entertainment.

Like everything else in life, however, you can have too much of a good thing! If you are addicted to playing, what are the consequences for your future? An addiction of any kind becomes a priority in your decision making.

If that’s true with you, what other priorities are being set aside? Could they include your career, your family, your health, or your friends?

Also, do the games you play add to your anxiety? There are plenty of other aspects of your life that also raise your anxiety level, but at least those may be a necessary part of your life.

Decide to be free! Take control of your life!

If not today, when?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Words. Words. Words.

They are much more than residents in your dictionary.

Spoken words have a power all their own! Once they are out, you can never put them back in the box. They can become the source of lifelong regret!

You would be wise to be especially on guard when you are in an emotionally charged encounter. So often, when in anger, we say things we really don’t mean. An attempt to retract them or to apologize often falls on deaf ears.

It usually takes time to build and nurture a friendly or loving relationship. Despite all the efforts put forth in the past, however, it can immediately be put on life support with just a few ill chosen words.

Think before you speak!

If not today, when?

 

Don’t, for one minute, think today will be just like yesterday! If so, you mismanaged today. Each day should become another opportunity for your personal growth and accomplishment.

As you awakened this morning, all the yesterdays are gone. You are poised to apply the lifelong lessons of all those yesterdays in order to make better decisions today. Every day delivers new potential episodes of self discovery!

As the saying goes, “Seize the day!” Make it your own creation. You can take control of your life by not just letting things happen. If you are content, reach out and make someone else’s life a little better.

If you are not happy with your present situation, decide to fix it.

Don’t be REactive! Become PROactive! 

If not today, when?

If you had parents who were supportive, you were given an environment that made it easier to grow up with self confidence. I remember my Dad saying, “Remember Tom, everybody puts on their pants one leg at a time. No one is better than you!” That advice always stayed with me.

If you did not have a nurturing family, what can you do now that you’re an adult? I have the following suggestions:

Don’t keep “so called” friends who are always criticizing you or in other ways undermining your self confidence.

One of the most effective things you can do is go out and make yourself do something you were always afraid to do. Deliberately begin removing the barriers holding you back from the powerful you that has been there all along

If not today, when?

 

You are a major player in the law of supply and demand! If your skill set is very common and easily found, your income will be very common because supply is greater than demand.

The secret to success in the business world is just one word, “DIFFERENTIATION!”

Why does a brain surgeon make a whole lot of money? Because he or she has differentiated  his or her skill set from most people. Likewise, a plumber makes much more money because few people can or will fix a leaky toilet.

Go where the job demand is strong and do what you have to do to acquire that set of required skills! There are always shortages of qualified people for certain job openings.

Do your homework! Go where the action is!

If not today, when?

It’s OK to give yourself time to mourn life’s setbacks. You just can’t let them own you!

If the disappointment is caused by a bad decision on your part, it presents a learning opportunity to remember for future decisions.

It can also provide a teaching opportunity for your children. As they watch you cope with disappointment, they follow your example. Fortunately or unfortunately, every moment for a parent is a teaching moment.

If, however, the disappointment was caused by some circumstance beyond your control, we all must accept the reality that life will always have its difficult moments. Living through those difficult times actually can make us stronger and fortify us to be able to  face the challenges ahead.

If the disappointment is of a permanent nature, I suggest turning to prayer for acceptance.

If not today, when?

 

 

 

I am not a theologian nor a philosopher. I think my dog has a higher IQ than mine. I know my wife does!

I have found through my own life experiences, however, that there is a God who  loves me. I have witnessed miracles in my own life that cannot be passed off as some kind of dumb luck.

The greatest miracle was meeting my wife for the first time at an event not of my choosing. Also one of our children had a brain tumor that the brain surgeon said just disappeared prior to surgery. Another child needed a liver transplant in order to continue living. She received a donor’s liver that was the perfect DNA and size required. There are many more examples.

Is it time you invited God into your life?

If not today, when?

 

Of course, the biggest impact on your self image was made by your parents during early childhood. Your teen years also affect your self image chemically and socially.

If, now as an adult, you have a significant other, he or she can improve or damage how you feel about yourself because of your vulnerability in such a close relationship. Friends and co-workers can’t be ignored in this discussion either.

Finally, what role do you play in feeling great about yourself?

If any of the people mentioned above have had a negative impact on you, it’s up to you to come to the rescue!!!

Don’t forfeit your chance to enjoy lifelong happiness by letting others dictate the course of your life!

You only have one life to live. Live it while loving yourself!

If not today, when?

Let’s begin with the most important relationship, your spouse or significant other. You might think that he or she knows you’re thankful for the efforts put forth on your behalf.

It’s respectful to verbalize your appreciation. There is nothing better than saying, “Thank You!” It removes the possibility that your partner might think you are taking the kindnesses extended to you for granted.

There are also so many other opportunities to say “Thank you.” When serving a customer in a business situation, you best serve your employer by always thanking the customer and meaning it!

You can teach your children good manners by thanking them for things they do that are noteworthy. If they don’t see you using good manners, they won’t either.

Thank you for listening!

If not today, when?

When you face difficulty, adversity and disappointment, it doesn’t seem to be the time to be grateful. You are focused on and completely absorbed in the crisis before you. That’s true with all of us.

Probably one of the most debilitating emotions we can ever experience is despair! As overwhelming as the situation may be, you must try not to let it take you down.

One of the best things you can do at a time like that is to keep in mind your many blessings. For many of us, however,we probably take our blessings for granted and spend  most of our time thinking about the negative aspects of our lives rather than the positive.

It’s best to live a life of gratitude!

It’s the best defense against hard times!

If not today, when?