“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I’d also like to add the quote of “The Lord loves a cheerful giver.”

For some reason, the way things work on this planet is that the more you give, the better off you are.

To me, this falls into the “gravity” category – it just is.

We could think really hard about why or how it might be different, but that doesn’t do us any good.

Giving does us good.

Choosing to ignore this or to try and put your needs first, just doesn’t work.

There’s no way around it.

So, what to do?

Get on with the giving.

The more the better.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better. – Albert Camus

In “Man’s Search for Meaning” Viktor Frankl has the idea that the Statue of Liberty (representing freedom) should have a twin on the West Coast – a statue of responsibility.

Freedom is not only a chance to be better, it is an offering to accept the responsibility inherent in making the most of our freedom.

I’ve read quite a few books from members of our military over the last few years.

Each time I am inspired to make the most of the freedom they have bought for me.

Even the most heroic and well-meaning soldiers from the stories seem to struggle with coming back and realizing that so many have chosen to squander their great gifts.

Our biggest tribute to the armed forces is a life well lived.

A life spent enjoying the responsibilities of the freedom so dearly bought for us.

Make the most of your chance to be better.

Embrace the responsibility of making the most of your freedom.

Make it a great day.

Jake

I have come to believe that my capacity for joy in life is a function of my capacity to love imperfect people. And the most aggressive calisthenics of that capacity is practicing vulnerability at times of the most acute emotional risk. For example:

· Saying “I love you” with no expectation of reciprocity.

· Offering assistance at a time of crisis to those who have wronged me from a motive of guileless compassion.

· Expressing a desire to reconnect toward one who might see it as an opportunity to wound me.

· Fully admitting my errors in willing acceptance of others’ right to forever delay admitting theirs.

Joseph Grenny

I received the above as part of a regular email I receive from the Crucial Conversations people.

The level of maturity expressed above escapes me most days, but I sure would like to get there.

Each day is an opportunity to work on my capacity to love imperfect people.

Each day is an opportunity to experience real joy.

Make it a great day.

Jake

We officially have a teenager in the house – Maggie turned 13 on Saturday.

We had a lot to celebrate, Maggie is a great kid.

It was another reminder of how precious our time together really is.

It feels like we’re at the top of a roller coaster about to head down the speedy, winding path of what is hopefully as awesome ride that (hopefully) “ends” with Maggie out on her own in the world being the best version of herself possible.

Even though it will go quickly, I was reminded to enjoy the moments.

Even the hard ones.

We are all given precious few years on Earth to do and become our best.

It’s easy to get worried about the future or brood over the past, but we must do our best to be in and find joy in the moments have now, right now.

Enjoy today. Enjoy these precious moments. They won’t last forever.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/J3UXp9jIr-U

The basic idea of this song (I need you here with me) got me thinking.

It sure does feel good when someone expresses this to us, doesn’t it?

Someone who knows us and our faults and still chooses to spend time with us – enjoys it even….

When I hear something like this or am reminded of what makes me feel good, I try to turn it around and do that same thing for someone else.

Tell someone today that they are special to you.

Tell them why.

Show them.

Work to give them that feeling of being someone who is worth it. Worth your time, effort, talents, and love.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Give yourself time to be sad, frustrated and angry. Give yourself time to heal, accept and to grow. Time doesn’t erase anything, but it can provide you with enough space to be able to breathe again. And then one day you wake up and your heart has a little bit of sunshine in it. – Jessica Jensen

Jim Rohn talks about how life needs all the musical notes.

The high notes and the low notes.

Only high notes sounds a little funny.

Only low sounds funny too.

Mix them together and you get something magical.

Finding our way through all of the highs and lows while keeping our head up is an art unto itself.

Keep your head up today.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects of you. Never excuse yourself. – Henry Ward Beecher

Tony Robbins talks a lot about raising your standards.

We get what we accept.

Mentally run through some of the major areas of your life, anything that needs some raised standards?

You deserve it.

Your team deserves it.

Your family deserves it.

You have everything you need.

There are no excuses.

Get started.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/m5yCOSHeYn4

Yesterday’s Kid President video led to this one playing on my YouTuber so I thought we could all use another dose of Kid President.

It’s interesting to think about the majority of this list….

I’m sorry.

I forgive you.

Thank you.

We get lost in the hustle and bustle of the day, fighting to “get ours” and we forget simple, pleasant interactions and phrases that make a difference.

One of my biggest disappointments is when I let myself get so rushed and hurried that I forget to “chat up” the service people I meet along the way.

When I didn’t even say please or thank you to the waitress, then I know I’ve got to slow down.

Life isn’t about me and my rush.

Life is about my contribution to the lives of those I interact with.

If I’m not even slowing down enough to be nice and pleasant, then I’m getting it wrong.

Slow down a little today. Pick something from the list from Kid President and make sure it gets said today.

Make it a great day.

Jake

PS – 18. Here is a surprise corndog I bought you because you’re my friend.

https://youtu.be/l-gQLqv9f4o

No better way to start a Monday than with a solid pep talk.

Enjoy.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/KtBbyglq37E

A thought that I try to keep on a constant loop is to say a little prayer for someone.

The waitress.

The teller at the bank.

The customer who just cancelled.

The coworker.

Donald Trump.

Joe Biden.

I work to send out positive thoughts and prayers for those who cross my path and my mind.

The more I do it, the better my day goes.

I’m not sending this to prove how nice or mature I am. I sending it as a reminder to myself. And hopefully a helpful thought for you too.

It’s a reminder that everyone is in need of prayer.

And that the more we pray, the better things go.

Make it a great day.

Jake