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.

Along the lines of our recent discussion of doing what you desire vice what others have convinced you to desire. Here’s another indication. Are you happy even when you “fail”? I was at the Ohio race. I was extremely happy even though I dropped out of the race very early. That told me that the things that I did accomplish which were not measurable in miles were things I wanted to do! I had the freedom to do the things I wanted. And since I liked meeting and being with all those people I was happy. Nothing can take that away from me. How does this apply to you?