Daily Gratitude: Think about the ideas you’ve had in the past. So many of them were probably really good ideas. But then think about how many of them you acted upon. I can tell you that in my case it’s been a fair amount. Do I regret not taking action on many? Yes. But mire importantly I have to ask myself what the reasons were that kept me from taking action. Unfortunately most of the time the answer is fear. Instead of just vowing to take more action I now ask myself what can I do about the underlying cause. And of course what’s affecting one thing most likely is affecting other things in my life. When I find myself spouting out an intention (silently or out loud), I force myself to stop and do the inner examination I just mentioned. Thinking things through is a primary responsibility in our lives.

Daily Gratitude: I try to make this my daily purpose. Often, though, I’m not successful. I just remind myself that I am here on earth to help others. Then I have to redirect my efforts. Sometimes I am doing something that appears to be selfish and that’s ok too. I don’t have to spend 24 hours every day doing that but I hope that most of what I do will eventually help others. I did Vol State in 2023 for “me” and looked how it turned out. I had the inspiration to write “Punched in the mouth” to help others. Make it your daily intention to somehow touch someone else that day! It doesn’t have to be a big thing, just something. Keep track of it. Read what you write. It will make you happy when you’re down someday.

Daily Gratitude: Remember the post about “luck”? This is definitely related to that. Look at all the great people in the world and find out how long they worked at their skill or desire. Everyone uses Edison as an example of this and it’s true. But take any professional orchestra member – most of the masters have practiced over 10,000 hours. So stop feeling like a failure when you can’t do something after a few weeks or months of trying something new. Keep at it. If you like it and it’s worth it to you, keep going. You will get there.