Daily Gratitude: “Stop expecting
everyone to think like you.”

I know this is one I have to work on. I think it’s human nature to assume every human thinks the same way. At least process wise and often we assume that what we like others would like.

The hotline I have has been great helping me learn how others think. People call in and listen to a different message I leave every day and they can leave comments. In the beginning I Sometimes wondered where they came up with whatever they were saying. Then I realized they were just thinking in a different way and they were hearing things different from what I meant. It was eye opening and I have learned so much from it.

It always helps if you ask someone to explain what they are thinking and how they go to that point. But do it in a nice way letting them know you’re not being accusatory. That you’re just interested.

Do that with enough people and you’ll realize that more people think differently from you than you would ever have imagined. It might help you change how you communicate and also will help you do less defensive responding.

Always ask.

Daily Gratitude: “I did not choose this fight, but it is mine, and I can face it.”

Everyone knows that life isn’t all roses.  There are ups and downs of varying degrees. That is part of life and it’s not as if the universe picks you out of a lineup and decides it’s your turn to have bad things happen. 

That’s the first job we have when things seem a bit bleak.  We can have the infamous pity party that I recommend. But remember that you have to put parameters on that party. Give it a time limit and a list of invitees. You don’t need to show the whole world what a sour mood you’re in.  

Once the designated time limit is up, stop pitying yourself. It’s time to move on.  

Next pull up your boot strings and make the statement in this quote. Own up to having the problem even if you didn’t ask for it. And tell yourself (and the whole world if you’d like), that you can face it and you will.  

This takes courage but Standing up to adversity will let the universe know you’re willing to face this and it will infuse you with courage. 

You will be surprised at how you become able to face this trouble once you take a stand that you will face it.  Don’t back down.  Listen to Tom Perry’s “I won’t back down” on YouTube for inspiration.  

Daily Gratitude: “Celebrate effort and learning, not just outcomes. Progress is happening even when results aren’t visible get.”

I’ve been sitting with this idea for two weeks now – since I dropped from the race. I put pretty much everything I had into the past year getting ready for vol state 2026. After all, I had something to “prove”.

All that time. All that effort. And for what? I didn’t even come near finishing the race.

Was it all wasted? I’m not totally sure yet. But I don’t think so.

Sure I wanted to finish the race. I thought it might be my last. And i certainly wanted to show that my cruddy finish in 2025 wasn’t because of my age but because i made a mistake.

The most important thing I can do is figure out the lessons that came from that year of obsession, not to focus on the fact that I didn’t succeed. If I can ferret out the lessons, there will be sustained value regardless of the outcome.

What did i learn from the process? What progress did that process (or processes) make? How can i, or have I, apply these lessons to everyday life? All that we gain and learn is much more valuable if it’s something we can apply day in and day out, not just once.

I need to dissect the year and pull the nuggets. That will make the effort worthwhile no matter the outcome.

How can you apply this in your life? What have you learned as you’ve plodded and plotted in your attempts?