We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone. – Ronald Reagan

This quote is such a great reminder.

Sometimes it is overwhelming to look at the world and all those that are in need of help. We just can’t help everyone.

But we can help someone.

And I would suggest we start with those closest to us: friends, family, coworkers, etc.

The key is to just get started. To begin the process of training ourselves to become more service centric instead of self-centered.

If we go out into the world each day looking for opportunities to serve we will meet a world full of opportunity.

Find a way to serve someone today.

Make it a great day.

Jake

I ran across this blog post the other day and the title got me – “Stop Being a Butthole Wife”.

http://herviewfromhome.com/stop-being-a-butthole-wife/

In the post, the author tells the story of how she let little things (dirty laundry on the floor) get in the way of her having a great marriage.

When her husband passed away, her perspective changed.

Her story is a great reminder for all of us.

We could change the word “wife” in the title to any of the roles we play: husband, father, son, daughter, mother, friend, coworker, etc.

Each day there are plenty of things to pick at or on in our relationships.

We can choose to focus on the little negatives, using them to create separation between us and our relationships; or we can focus on growing our relationships.

We can choose kindness in our relationships.

I encourage you to read the post and think about whether or not you are being the butthole in any of your relationships.

If you are, start working on changing.

Make it a great day.

Jake

PS – My wife is the best and is in no way a “Butthole Wife”.

“The first step to getting what you want is to have the courage to get rid of what you don’t.” —Zig Ziglar

Part of moving forward towards our goals involves moving away from something else.

We must choose.

We can’t sit on the fence.

It involves risk and takes real courage.

So many live life trying to hold on to all the possibilities, playing it safe.

Spend a few minutes today dreaming about what you want. What you really want.

What you want so badly and clearly that you are willing to give something else up for it.

And then get after it. Get started. Today.

Make it a great day.

Jake

"Eliminate something superfluous from your life. Break a habit. Do something that makes you feel insecure." – Piero Ferrucci

What came to mind when you read this quote?

Is there something superfluous in your life?

A habit you need to break?

An area where you need to step into feeling insecure?

The opportunity for change and for a better life lies on the other side of questions like these.

In order to get to where we want to go we must look in the mirror and answer the hard questions.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/cy46iOwWQiE

Sorry, couldn’t resist sending this one out just because of the video….

Good message too, though.

Ain’t nothing gonna break your stide,

You gotta keep on movin’

Stick with it.

It will all work out in the end.

Make it a great day.

Jake

"You will never find time for anything. If you want the time, you must make it." – Charles Buxton

How many times have you heard someone say “I can never find the time….”?

According to Mr. Buxton, it’s because it isn’t possible.

Next time you find yourself looking to “find some time” think about making some instead.

Make it a great day.

Jake

The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire. – Ferdinand Foch

Can you remember a time when you were on fire about someone or something?

Did you let small things get you down or did you press forward?

Did you wake up and drearily start your day?

Did you wait for things to come to you (impatiently)?

Probably not.

You moved right past the small stuff, not even noticing because you were so focused.

You woke up on fire and started thinking immediately about your goal.

You moved toward your desire relentlessly.

If you don’t have something you are on fire about right now, seek it out. Begin looking. Make finding that something your goal for now.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Below is an excerpt from an email I received recently.

The mental image suggested conveys feelings that many would identify with.

A weary traveler, tired from carrying too much baggage for too long.

Only when we are able to put down our baggage and move forward with a better understanding of what (and whose) we really are.

We are wonderfully made.

We are made for greatness.

To hold ourselves up against any other standards is a mistake.

Make it a great day.

Jake

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Psalm 139:14

I f I (JCD) were to draw a caricature of an adult experiencing a lifelong crisis of confidence, I would depict a bowed, weary traveler. Over his shoulder, I would place the end of a mile‐long chain attached to tons of garbage. Inscribed on each piece of junk would be the details of some humiliation–a failure, a rejection, an embarrassment from the past. The traveler could let go of the chain, but he is convinced that he must drag that heavy load throughout life.

If this describes your own self‐concept, realize that you can free yourself from the weight of your chain. You have judged yourself inferior based on shifting standards. In the 1920s, women asked plastic surgeons to reduce their breast size–now many women undergo surgery to do just the opposite. In King Solomon’s biblical love song, the bride asked her groom to overlook her dark, well‐tanned skin–but in our country today, she’d be the pride of the beach. Rembrandt painted overweight ladies, but now, “thin is in.”

To be content with who we are as God’s creations, we must base our self‐image on His values, not on the fickle notions of human worth.

https://youtu.be/OI6pA1uX8vU

The big idea that I took away from this is – raise your standards.

Whatever you have in your life right now is because you have allowed it be so because of the standards you have for yourself.

The way you see yourself determines how it turns out for you.

You develop habits (Tony calls them rituals) that keep you the way you believe things are.

In order for things to change you have to change the standards you set for yourself.

Struggling with your weight – set a new standard.

Struggling with physical fitness – set a new standard.

Struggling with money – set a new standard.

Pick something in your life that needs a new standard and set it.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/QGJuMBdaqIw

Michael Cluney sent me this in response to the daily attitude about Maggie yesterday.

It’s another good reminder that we all have a spark.

We are all unique and have a special place in this world.

Find yours.

Make the most of it.

Make it a great day.

Jake