Virtue — even attempted virtue — brings light; indulgence brings fog. – CS Lewis

This quote reminded me of the second half of Ben Franklin’s journaling system.

He wrote down 13 virtues and focused on one each week. Writing how he performed on the specific virtue each day.

“Even attempted virtue” brings light. Imagine how much light might happen if we followed Mr. Franklin’s plan?

Imagine the fog if we don’t choose to improve on our virtues, day by day.

Next you get that feeling that your life is in a fog, maybe that means it would be a great time to at least attempt a virtue.

Make it a great day.

Jake

"I said not long before that work and weakness are comforters. But sweat is the kindest creature of the three – far better than philosophy, as a cure for ill thoughts." – CS Lewis, Til We Have Faces

This line really stuck with me as I am reading through this book.

If you ever find yourself down, get sweaty.

Just find something to do that gets you sweaty.

Walk around the block.

Do a million pushups.

Lift weights.

Get your mind off of what is troubling you and onto to something else.

Often our worries and troubles overtake us because we allow them to dominate our thoughts. But it’s hard to let them dominate your thoughts when you are busy doing something challenging.

Plus, exercise is like good for you or something.

Make it a great day.

Jake

I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process. – Vincent Van Gogh

History is full of geniuses who, at their end, wonder if it was all worth it.

We hear the stories of the high fliers who crashed.

Shakespeare talks about how it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

Growth and progress require risk.

Wisdom dictates whether or not the risk is worth it.

This balance is real. We are called to decide into what we will pour our lives.

You don’t get to wait it out and see which turns out best and then decide. You have to decide – now. Because now is all you’ve got.

This might not seem fair or even like a very good “attitude pick me up” from Jake this morning.

But it’s the way it works (in my opinion) and it’s kind of freeing to not have to work about how or why it works and just get to work.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The Bible is full of advice and warnings that seem to constantly suggest we need to find and follow God’s will if we desire to be happy and successful.

This is where I make things much harder than they need to be. I ponder, guess and flail around trying to figure out what God’s plan for me is.

I don’t need to guess or wonder what God wants from me.

Rejoice all the time.

Pray constantly.

Give thanks.

Not a bad plan.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/ru0K8uYEZWw

Watching all of the people dancing in this video should put a smile on your face.

Even if you aren’t the dancing type, find something fun to do today.

Enjoy yourself.

Let go of your worries for at least a few minutes.

And if your version is breaking out some sweet dance moves, please video tape them and share.

Make it a great day.

Jake

I have for many years endeavored to make this vital truth clear; and still people marvel when I tell them that I am happy.

They imagine that my limitations weigh heavily upon my spirit, and chain me to the rock of despair.

Yet, it seems to me, happiness has very little to do with the senses. If we make up our minds that this is a drab and purposeless universe, it will be that, and nothing else.

On the other hand, if we believe that the earth is ours, and that the sun and moon hang in the sky for our delight, there will be joy upon the hills and gladness in the fields because the Artist in our souls glorifies creation.

Surely, it gives dignity to life to believe that we are born into this world for noble ends, and that we have a higher destiny than can be accomplished within the narrow limits of this physical life.

~ Helen Keller

Wow.

Born for noble ends with a higher destiny.

Take these words to heart today.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Hurt people hurt people.

I’ve heard this phrase a number of times lately.

I’ve also thought about it and the cycle it implies and how we might be able to use it to better ourselves and the world we live in.

Think about….

Helpful people help people.

Servants serve people.

Leaders lead people.

Maybe you weren’t brought up as a servant, a leader or as someone taught to be helpful.

Maybe you haven’t seen these in your life up until this point.

But it doesn’t mean you can’t help kick of the new cycle by serving, leading and helping.

Our actions have consequences. Often profound consequences beyond what we initially imagine.

In this lies our opportunity. To make the world a better place.

Make it a great day.

Jake

There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still. – Franklin D. Roosevelt

One of the great misunderstandings of life is the idea that standing still is actually the safest plan.

That comfort and convenience are the hallmarks of success.

It isn’t true.

In fact, this quote is a reminder that the opposite is true.

Not taking action is the only sure way to failure.

Where do you feel like you are standing still?

What would going forward look like?

Get started.

Make it a great day.

Jake

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sometimes a good way to decide which action to take in a given scenario is to think of the opposite.

It’s usually not as obvious as hate vs love. It’s usually a choice between more and less love. More and less selfishness.

But even when choosing between more and less, choices become more obvious.

The key is to take the step back to evaluate the decision based on your values.

And with Valentine’s Day last week, I hope we all remember to put love at the top of our lists.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/ucX9hVCQT_U

It’s Friday, I’m in love.

This seemed like a good one to send out right after Valentine’s Day.

You really could apply it to any day.

Any day with love is better than a day without.

Make it a great day.

Jake