Daily Gratitude: This came from a decluttering program so you can set that they are just trying to get you to take some action, no matter how small. However, it’s such a great quote to apply to the rest of your life. One of the biggest changes in my life was falling in love with running – which I had previously abhorred. But after I had surgery for my torn ACL I wondered if I could run to cover first base since softball season was coming. I was unhappy with myself since I couldn’t even run to the light pole. So I took some small steps with a goal of running to the end of the block (.35 mile). Once I was able to do that I had fallen in love. But did I then say “oh this is cool, I’m going to do a 314 mile race”? Heck no. I had to build up and take many many steps along the way. And yes they all did count. You may not even know what your ultimate goal might be but just take some action and then the next step etc. You’ll be surprised I think.

Daily Gratitude: It’s so simple. But it’s not easy. Maybe your goal for next week or next month could be living right now. Every time you start to bemoan the past or worry about the future, pull yourself into the world around you right now. Look at all the things you’re passing over. Open your eyes. Pick something that’s going on right now and think about it in a positive way. If you can’t think of something positive about the thing you picked, pick something else in your current moment. Keep doing that until you can think positively about the right now. Before vol state one day I was walking and doing hills. I started to worry because my pace had not improved and neither had my lungs. I started to worry about whether I could do the race or not. Then I spotted a new (to me) flower and focused on it. When I was done taking pix of that flower I just looked up and shouted to myself that I was just so grateful I was able to be out there no matter what. And that I am able to try to do the race. That got me in the right now. It does no good to wonder if I can do the race or not since it’s in the future. Who knows that will happen. But I knew I was happy right then. Try it!

Daily Gratitude: It’s important to know how you are using your time. It doesn’t matter if others think you’re wasting time as long as you are aware of what you are doing and why AND are content with it. As with most things it’s about awareness. I have repeatedly reviewed how I’m using my time especially the evening time. Sometimes I’m not happy with it and sometimes I am. When I’m not happy then it’s up to me to change my routine. Because I know what I am doing, I am able to modify activities to make myself happy. Then when i find myself doing something else and I examine the current routine, I may decide I’m ok with goofing off at night. Things change. You are the one who can decide if your time is wasted or not. Don’t let others determine that.