We are living in a world of greater separation between the HAVES and HAVE NOTS!

If you have a safe place to live, food, clothing, transportation you are considered rich by millions of people worldwide.

In many places, if you have food for the day for yourself and your family, you are considered ahead of the crowd.

How do we solve this discrepancy in the world?

There is a familiar quote from the Bible that says, “You fed me when I was hungry, You clothed me when I was naked. That is how you earn eternal life.”

But how do we do that with such a massive need?

It comes down to each person doing SOMETHING.

Don’t wait for “the other guy” to take the initiative.

There are differnt types of generosity:                                                                                                           Food, clothing or money                                                                                                                     Giving protection from fear, anxiety and danger                                                                               Kindness, honesty, patience and love                                                                                                 LISTENING

If not today, when?

American actor Clint Eastwood, 95, recently delivered a heartfelt speech, saying, “Growing old can be pretty scary, right?”

Your bones don’t move as easily, your eyes feel weary from the light and your lungs often crave a break from that exhausting breath.

But what’s even scarier and more exhausting is reaching ninety and realizing there’s no one you love nearby. listening with a hint of disinterest to your tales filled with imagined heroics.

You know they may not care, but you still take joy, like a grandfather, in sharing what you think matters with your grandkids.

It’s frightening to be, living alone when everyone used to seek you out, and after a lifetime of chasing the light, you end up without a family, living in darkness when you really needed someone to guide you toward the light.

So, make it a priority to build a family. Chasing fame is like chasing ashes blown away by the wind; it neither ignites a fire nor stays put.” (Quora.com)

You can’t take them back!

And many times a sincere apology is not sufficient!

The offended party can always say, “You meant it at the time.”

So, the lesson here is to THINK before you SPEAK!

If you are truly contrite, your future actions will speak louder than words.

We must never forget the power of words.

They can be a weapon.

They can be a healer.

Always use them carefully and thoughtfully.

An upside down flag is a sign of distress.

February is one of the busiest times of the year at Yosemite National Park thanks to “firefall,” a natural phenomenon that causes a glowing ribbon of water to look like molten lava cascading down El Capitan’s Horsetail Fall.

Travelers come from around the world to witness the event at the granite monolith, famed for its nearly vertical walls, some booking entry tickets and reserving parking spots a year in advance.

But this year’s visitors witnessed more than firefall on February 22.

They also saw an upside-down American flag, which Yosemite employees reportedly hung over the side of El Capitan to protest the recent downsizing that took place as part of the cost-cutting initiatives.

They said current staff reductions are not sustainable!

Well, there are probably still some good destinations with vacancies.

Should you choose a place you’ve enjoyed many times before?

Or, should you explore another option?

Will the kids be happy there?

If not, we all know they can destroy “the best laid plans of…”

Should you go with another family with friends of your kids?

What is the budget you have to work with?

What should be your mode of travel?

Is there one that relieves you of the most hassle?

Should you bring you pet(s)?

These are just a few thought starters.

Today’s title is a quote from HAMLET by William Shakespeare.

It implies that you should be true to yourself, your principles and your values.

It can also mean that you should do what you believe in, even if it goes against what others want you to do.

You can show yourself the same patience, forgiveness and respect that you’d extend to someone else.

(AI Overview)

If you’re like most of us, you spend many hours each day watching or listening to the news.

Have you noticed?

It’s always BAD?

The great irony is that there may be something good going on with your life.

But the good must share your thoughts with what you just saw on The Evening News.

We have become ADDICTED to the BAD NEWS!

That is poor SELF MANAGEMENT!

Why don’t you trade the BAD NEWS time with something positive.

Do some simple exercises.

Call a friend. (Not a text or email, actually talk to someone.)

Ask about how your spouse’s day has been.

Check out chores you could be doing.

Think about how you could become a more valuable employee.

You have seen and heard enough BAD NEWS!

Do something POSITIVE!

Is it time to give yourself a break?

Yes, these are trying times, but physical & mental exhaustion are not the answer.

If you are overwhelmed with tough situations, PRIORITIZE!

Do you have the resources to solve the biggest problem?

If so, I think its solution will bring you peace and a boost in self-confidence.

Take your issues one by one. It is so comforting to know that you are making progress.

Another helpful thing is to make a list at the end of, or the beginning of, each day.

Check off what you have accomplished as you go along.

And it might take the heat off so you can give yourself a much needed break.

If not today, when?

I’m repeating this blog because it was so popular!)

I’m asking you to do something you DON’T want to do.

This little saying, “Do the worst first” can make you much more successful.

Success lives in difficult tasks, not EASY ones!

If you are in the habit of putting off difficult tasks, your accomplisments will always be limited.

So, turn your priorities around.

Do the worst first!

We all have them.

Some are more regrettable than others.

We must begin by comparing our parenting style with that of our parents.

Unknowingly, we will see that we did learn good or bad parenting from our parents.

Regret can shackle us to the past or it can serve as an engine for change.

An apology for a regret is not a bad starting point.

Also you can do two things to help you put your regrets behind you.

Practice some compassion with yourself.

You have carried this burden long enough.

Secondly, be the best parent or grandparent you can be. (NYT)

If not today, when?