https://youtu.be/1Cw1ng75KP0

Not exactly a toe tapper, but that lady can sing.

Alone is an interesting concept in our society today.

Many of us feel lonely from time to time, even during this period of unprecedented connectedness and information.

We feel like we are the only one that is dealing with whatever we are struggling with.

Whether it be our health, our money or our relationships, we feel as if we are the only one.

I’m here to tell you, it’s not true.

I’m not saying this to minimize your feelings.

I’m saying it to open up an opportunity.

The opportunity to be vulnerable and open with those in your life. To build bridges towards others.

Take a chance and open yourself up to others. Work towards relieving their loneliness and yours will disappear.

Make it a great day.

Jake

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you. – Joyce Meyer

Giving ourselves through service is one of our highest callings in life.

In order to give and give freely, we must be full.

Full of love.

Full of life.

Full of energy.

We fill ourselves by putting in good stuff.

We read good books.

We exercise.

We eat good food.

We receive love from friends and family.

We should fill ourselves up in order to pour ourselves out.

That’s why all the hard work and discipline is worth it. Because there is more to pour out.

We have less to give when we spend all we make, eat too much, don’t have any energy, and spend all of our free time entertaining ourselves.

What do you have to give?

Do you want to give more?

Got any ideas on what you could do to fill yourself up more in order to pour out more?

Make it a great day.

Jake

Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps because I am afraid, and he gives me courage. – The Hobbit

At some point during their journey, Gandalf is asked why he brought Bilbo (the hobbit) along.

The lines above are his explanation.

As you go about your day today, remember that you have an opportunity through your ordinary deeds to make a difference.

Make it a great day.

Jake

The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment. – Tony Robbins

Meaghan and I have been watching “I’m Not Your Guru” on Netflix the last few days.

It’s a documentary about Tony Robbins and the event that he runs.

So far, I have found it fascinating.

Somehow, once you get past the brazenness and cursing, Tony shows what I believe to be his true intentions.

He wants to make an impact by increasing the impact that others make.

He does everything he can to rattle people’s cages so that they come out highly motivated to make an impact.

It’s all more complicated and interesting than my simple explanation, but I couldn’t help but think of those who receive this email every day.

His quote is true of you as well.

Your limits are self-imposed.

Any lack of commitment or imagination you have is of your own doing.

The flip side is also true – you can change your impact by growing your imagination and your commitment.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Yesterday was Father’s Day and a great reminder of “Jake’s 51% rule”.

The 51% rule says that overall the world is always at least 51% good.

Seeing all of the pictures and posts on FaceBox reminded me of this.

Usually, my FaceBox feed includes a fair amount of political ranting and negative news, but not yesterday.

It was a great reminder that despite the negative news and people saying that “everything is going to hell in a hand basket” (whatever that means), most people actually have people in their lives that care a lot about them and people that they care about.

Are there bad dads out there? Sure. But there are a lot more good ones.

Are there relationships and hearts that are broken? Sure. But there are a lot more that are full.

Are there people bent on violence and inflicting pain? Sure. But there are a lot more hugging their children tight and tucking them into bed.

I’m not saying we should ignore or pretend that the evils of this world don’t exist.

I’m saying let’s spend a little more time realizing the most of us, most of the time have it pretty good.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/KtBbyglq37E

This song always makes me think of Meaghan.

Every day I try to “say a little prayer for her” and think she does the same for me.

This isn’t a brag about how awesome we are.

It’s just a reminder for all of us.

A reminder to “say a little prayer” for those you care about in your life.

Keep your loved ones on your mind.

Pray for and think positive thoughts about them.

By focusing our minds and thoughts on the important people in our lives we build positive momentum for that relationship.

Pick someone and “say a little prayer” for them today.

Make it a great day.

Jake

“Why did this happen to me?”

It’s a question we all ask when we’ve been through something difficult or tragic. When we feel defeated, betrayed, broken.

But what if we just shift the emphasis a little? Try to see beyond the pain?

“Why did this happen to me?”

With one shift of focus, we go from victim to student. From out of control, to regaining it.

It’s not about whether the tragedy can be justified, or measured as worth it. It’s about rising above the tragedy. Turning it into something good. Extracting every possible bit of good from something horrible. In this way we can transform ourselves from victims to champions, and in doing so, conquer adversity.

Other times, misfortune will happen to us as a result of our own shortcomings. Our own negligence. But by seeing that, and embracing it with total honesty, we can rise above it. With every failure, a lesson, allowing us to be more than we were, if only we will see it.

The road to success is often paved with failures. So too is the road to wisdom equally brutal.

Whether it be through humility or tragedy, life’s greatest lessons are always learned on your knees.

Michael Cluney

Today marks Meaghan and I’s 15th anniversary.

Each anniversary I am tempted to write the daily attitude email as some kind of sappy love letter to Meaghan, but I’m guessing that none of you want to read that.

In yesterday’s email I wrote about the legacy my grandmother left behind.

A big part of that was being married to my grandfather for 63 years. With our anniversary falling so close I can’t help but think about how much of a positive influence their marriage has been on mine and many others.

Each of has an opportunity to be a light for others.

To show them that love can win.

To show them that the good guys don’t finish last.

My grandparents did that through their 63 years of marriage.

And each day I am thankful for Meaghan and the light she shows me in our marriage.

Being married to Meaghan these 15 years has been a true blessing.

My sincerest hope is that our marriage is a blessing to her as well as others around us.

What blessings do you have in your life that might be a light to others?

Make it a great day.

Jake

“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” —Shannon L. Alder

My grandmother passed away on Saturday and today is the funeral.

She was a very unassuming person to have left such a great legacy.

In one of Andy Stanley’s podcasts he says something like “Your legacy might not be what you do, but who you raise.”

My grandmother was a homemaker and never even got her driver’s license, but she left a tremendous legacy.

Not that we are perfect, but she helped create a family legacy that will endure and continue to grow.

Each new generation has been touched and influenced by her love and caring.

This is your opportunity as well.

To leave this world better than you found it.

You may not even be the one that accomplishes great things (although I certainly hope you do). Your legacy may be a subtler one, like that of my grandmother.

But it will be something. Each and every day is an opportunity to make an impact and grow your legacy, don’t let them slip past you.

Make it a great day.

Jake

http://youtu.be/M67E9mpwBpM

Everything’s coming up Millhouse.

Meaghan and I have frequently used this line around the house over the years.

I especially love it when we use it in reference to some little, seemingly inconsequential thing that has gone well.

Just found $5 in your coat from last winter….Everything’s coming up Millhouse!

Just got the front row parking spot…..Everything’s coming up Millhouse!

Pulled up right when they are lowering the price at the gas station….Everything’s coming up Millhouse!

For some reason, this line brightens my day each and every time I hear it.

Make it a point today to look for something that has gone right. Then turn to the person closest to you and say….”Everything’s coming up Millhouse!”

Make it a great day.

Jake