Daily Gratitude: What great advice that we all can use (if we’re honest). How often do we compare ourselves to others? Why? What do they say – something about you would be surprised at how little others think of us or about us for they are too worried about themselves. It seems to me that if we just put forth the effort to do the best we can, the other results will simply fall in place. Why put the extra anxiety on ourselves. I tried to be better than my idea of myself in this year’s vol state and that brought out so much good in me. It wasn’t about not being last or being better than anyone because I know that’s not in the cards. But I had a strategy and that was what I was aiming for. That made me a better person and I’m grateful for the opportunity!

Daily Gratitude: This follows nicely on yesterday’s post. When you have received those blows we talked about, you’ll feel down and out and as if you can’t possibly succeed. Just know that you can (and will) succeed. You simply have to put your head down against that strong wind trying to blow you down and keep going. Remember this when it seems especially hard. Review all those quotes and poems about not quitting when things are feeling tough. You can do this. Think back on the times when it’s felt like you couldn’t go any further and what happened if you kept marching forward. I bet you’ll find at least one situation where you kept going when you didn’t think you could. Do it again!

Daily Gratitude: I think if we can remember this, it helps the “blows” hurt a bit less. It means we’re acting on courage and trying to achieve our dreams. There isn’t anything much better than that – working on your goals. I know I enjoy the process of working toward my goals not just the achievement of them. In the past it was the end that mattered. Now I know it’s all about what we experience while heading that direction. Most successful people have taken blows and gotten back up to fight again. The only blows the folks on the sidelines take are the ones they give themselves. Those are the painful ones because they remind us of what we’re not doing. So be proud of the blows you get. They will fill you with more strength to keep on going!