Spend Your Time Wisely

Who are you spending your time with these days? Is it that same group of friends who hang out griping? I guarantee you that discussing the state of the economy and competing as to who has had the worst day are NOT going to help you move forward. While you can rely on these folks - some of them at least - for support, they may not be so good at giving you creative ideas for making positive changes in your life.

To quote Walter Cronkite, “ I can’t imagine a person becoming a success who doesn’t give this game of life everything he’s got.” Success is a direct result of effort put forth; it has nothing to do with a lucky break. Many may not realize what happened behind the scenes in that which appeared as someone’s lucky break.

Remember, don’t just follow the crowd to be normal, strive to be extraordinary…you’ll be glad you did!

To Inspire

According to Merriam-Webster, the word inspire means to fill with enlivening or exalting emotion; to affect, guide or arouse by divine influence; to stimulate energies, ideals or reverence. That’s a powerful definition for a seven-letter word. But what inspires you? Is it a person or a place? Your minister, priest or rabbi? The message you received from Sunday’s sermon? A meal prepared by your favorite chef? A painting or poem? A book or movie? Or, maybe a blog :-)?

We are all inspired by one thing or another, but are you aware of how you inspire others? Your acts of kindness, your smile or your words of wisdom can inspire profoundly. In many cases, you may not be aware of the depth in which your actions inspire. The gift of inspiration is a beautiful thing…especially when it’s acknowledged.

Next time someone inspires you, reciprocate the gift with the joy of acknowledgement.

Reflection and Growth

Each year on the eve of my birthday, I reflect upon lessons learned over the past year and set goals for the upcoming one. I’ve come to understand that however unwelcome an event may be at the time, it always leads to a positive outcome in the future. I consider friends and acquaintances and how they make me feel. Spending my time with those embodying allegorical exuberance, distancing myself from the slightest tenebrosity of envy, resentment and spitefulness.

This year, I share my insights…

• A smile can unlock the hardest of hearts
• Treasure your relationships
• Express gratitude and appreciation
• Say “I love you” as often as possible
• The person who possesses the largest bookshelf, not designer fashions, wallet or gun, holds true power
• Transcend political correctness, strive for human righteousness
• The truth can hurt and often does…get over it and move forward
• Let go of the past or you won’t have room for a future
• The bigger your challenge, the bigger your lesson
• Mistakes repeated = lessons not learned
• When life is stormy, dance in the rain
• Cold crow is hard to swallow; apologize wholeheartedly as soon as possible
• Acceptance is not submission; it is acknowledgement of the facts of the situation

May you have enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to realize true happiness.

Remembering...

It’s hard to think of anything else today but the events of seven years ago. The words “nine eleven” and “September 11th” have taken on entirely new meanings. They don’t just represent a date anymore—they’re the event itself.

As we remember the tragedy and victims of 9/11, ask yourself if there is something you can do to make a difference beyond your own circle of family and friends? Reach out to someone who needs your help and support, spend time with loved ones or just sit and appreciate all the wonderful things in your life. Find it in your heart to forgive someone or reconcile a forgotten relationship. Today is the perfect day to do it. Whether it’s donating to a charity or volunteering your time, spend this day remembering how truly blessed your life is.

Today could be the start of something bigger in your life.

Life...

...looks after those who live it. How are you living yours?