My how fun flies when you're doing time!

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So it's the end of November, and you kind of have to make a decision.  You can either look back on the year and try to figure out what has already taken place or, wonder what the final 30 or so days are going to bring your way.  You can either sit around and ponder all the things that have gotten away from you or, you can look at the next 30 or so days and wonder what will come about in the upcoming 365 days of 2016.  I can hear it now, OMG he's already talking about the next year.  Well I'm not really talking about it, as much as I'm going to try and make a point.

There are many, many people who are trapped in a time warp, a black hole, a place of misery that refuses to let go of them.  It's as if every day of their life is a prison cell, and they have almost zero chance of parole.  On the other side of the coin you have those who live every minute of every day to the fullest.  They are the ones who take every opportunity to make everything an opportunity.  To these people the glass is always half full, and each new days brings them a chance to experience something new, something fun, and something maybe just a little outside the norm.  So what side of the coin do you find yourself on?

Life is what you make of it, it's that simple.  You can cry over spilled milk, over missed opportunities, or even failure, or you can see life for what it really is an adventure.  As I have said many, many, many times before, life is a journey of discovery.  If one is going to make the most out of life, then one needs to take every opportunity to learn something new each day.  It may be something about themselves, or it simply might be a new experience.  Variety is truly the spice of life, and often we find ourselves in lock step with other's expectations, and it is those expectations that have placed us in a cell, alone, frightened, and often without hope.

It's time to get out there and really live.  It's time to put away worry, put away fear, and just say no to those who want you to remain entrenched in what has always been.  I've always seemed to find the most difficult way of doing things. Now there have been times in my life when things came very easy, and at other times it was like digging for gold in a mine that long ago gave up it's last ounce of sparkle.  As difficult as things have gotten in the past, there is something that keeps me moving forward.  I never want to let go of my dreams and visions.  Dreams and visions are what motivate me each day, and with that motivation I live in a world of opportunity, a world of possibilities, and a world that is all mine.

Each day is truly a gift, and what you do with these gifts is entirely up to you. If you are able to embrace life, embrace each day as the gift that it is, then you will no longer feel as though life has passed you bye, and you can begin to live in a world where "my how time flies when you're having fun" and not the opposite.  There is a freedom that comes with grabbing each day and living it to the fullest, even if you don't know what lies around the corner.

There are many things that I still want to accomplish.  There are days when it seems like it is taking me a long, long time to get where I want to be, but even during those times of slowness, I know that I know that things are just as they need to be.  I find comfort in knowing that my path has already been laid out, and all I have to do is be open to what opens up in front of me.  Today is the day that you need to come out from behind the shadows, and accept that your life has purpose, that it has meaning, and that you were created for a very specific purpose.

When you think back on your life do you want to remember all the good times, or do you simply want to think about all the things that got away from you, or that didn't go exactly how you wanted them to go?  When you think back on your life, will you smile and know that this is what you signed up for, or will you simply be a victim of circumstances, accepting the notion that you were never worthy of having goodness in your life?  I promise you this: if you can accept the notion that you are worthy of all manner of goodness, then you will only see blessings and love, and quite frankly will not accept anything less then blessing and love.

Your life is not a prison cell, and you have not been sentenced to a life of misery and dread.  The door is open and all you need to do is walk out.  Accept your freedom, and a walk away never looking back.  Those who can look forward, those who can leave behind the doubt, the fear, the uncertainty, those are the ones who will begin to experience joy.  This joy is knowing that all you desire, all that you dream, and all that you can see is just waiting for you.

It is time to experience joy, it is time to have fun, and when you do, then you will see that time is passing quickly, but with each passing moment comes memories and experiences that you would never give up, never give up for a million years.  My how times flies, when you're having fun!!

Give Thanks.

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I guess I'm going to be a little cliche today and write something about thankfulness, after all it is the Thanksgiving Week.  Thankfulness is all about how you look at things, how you think about things, and really, how you decide to live your life.

To some people thankfulness comes when they are able to get up in the morning and begin their day.  To others, thankfulness is when they have put in a hard days work, get to come home and simply relax.  There are those who have forgotten to be thankful for the little things in life, those things that many seem to take for granted.

It's often easy to forget that even though things may come easy, that things may always be there, there still is a need to be thankful for all the things you do have.  When one is unable to show thanks for things, then it is only a matter of time until they begin to feel as they are entitled to things, and thanks is the last thing on their mind.  Entitlement and thanks very rarely share the same stage, and regretfully there are many people out there today who feel entitled, but that is a subject for another day.  What I want to do today is simply remind you that thankfulness is something you much choose to do.  Showing thanks or appreciation for all you have, for all you do, or simply for who you are, is something that should be displayed each and every day.

I am thankful for so much in my life: family, friends, and the ability to do what I love.  I have had to teach myself to be thankful for some things, things that many would never see as a blessing, or as something to be thankful for.  There are things that may not always be enjoyable, things that sometimes make you want to cry out for relief, but you still need to be thankful for them as they tend to teach us valuable lessons, lessons that will help you discover and walk in your destiny.

I was having a discussion with my twin brother last night and we talked about failure, or at least what some might call failure.  There will be times when what you may be trying to accomplish never comes to pass, but have you ever given thought to the fact that what didn't happen, or take place, needed to be that way so what was really intended for you could come to fruition?  We as humans tend to think about failure as simply not being able to accomplish something, or when things don't go according to plan.  What I want you to realize is that things happen for a reason, and even if you can't see or understand the reason behind something, the outcome will be exactly what was called for.

What are some of the things you are grateful for today?  Are you able to see things from a place of thanks, or are you preoccupied with what you think should be going on in the moment?  If you can detach yourself from certain expectations, and realize that what you desire will come to pass, even if it takes a little extra time, then this should be enough to shout words of thanks to the rest of humanity.

I know how tough it can be to be thankful for things, especially when you might not understand why certain things are going on.  I also know how crazy it seems to be accepting of all things, even when things don't go according to plan.  We have to realize that what is going to happen is going to happen, so why not take the approach of enjoying every minute of every day, and be thankful that you are able to participate in this thing we call "living".

Thanksgiving comes once a year, but as cliche as it may sound, you should be thankful for all things, at all times.  I love Thanksgiving because it is the kick off to my favorite holiday of the year, Christmas.  A time to spread cheer, peace, love, and share moments with others.

I was busy the other day working a project that is a blessing in so many ways.  As I was going through my day I was mindful of the many things that have happened over the last year, and I was simply thankful for the way so many things have worked out. I simply sent out happy, loving, and thankful energy to the rest of the Cosmos.  I wanted to share the joy I felt, and so I simply spoke it.  Funny thing, as I was speaking about being thankful, I began to be even more thankful. Before I knew it I was smiling, almost skipping, and I simply wanted to live in that moment.  I know it may seem crazy or even a little childish to speak out things like this, but trust me, it will change the entire dynamic of your day.  Showing or displaying thanks is a sure sign that you realize there is more to life then simply going about your day with a list of thing to do, in order to get to a point where you think others think you should be.

Thankfulness is knowing that all things will work out as they need to work out, because in the end we are simply along for the ride.  Display thankfulness, and get more thankfulness.  Be grateful for all that you have, all that you can do, and finally for all that is about to be thrust upon you.  I am so grateful for what lies ahead of me, for it is my destiny.  Your destiny waits you, and when you step out into it be sure to give thanks, for you are about to experience life in a manner that will surpass your wildest expectations.

This is your day.

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So when you got up today did you think about what your day would be like? When you got up this morning were you over joyed that you had another opportunity to really rock this place?  When you got up this morning did you consider yourself one of the luckiest people in the world? If not, why not?

Today has the potential to be the best day of your life, but only you can make it so.  If you are prone to worry, prone to fear, or otherwise preoccupied with everything that can go wrong, well then, you should expect that.  On the other hand, if you can see yourself as the arbitrator of your own life,well then, let the party begin.

There is a saying, "If you can think it, you can dream it. If you can dream it, you can have it."  The results of this is going to be based on just what types of things you think or dream about.  There are so many people out there who are focused solely on all the things that can go wrong.  They have been conditioned to believe that they are destined to walk a life full of calamity.  Is it any wonder why things continue to go wrong in their life?  Now flip the coin, and instead of focusing on what you don't have or what might be lacking in your life, what has taken place or hasn't taken place, be thankful for you.  Really, just be thankful for who you are, that you are here right now, and that what has happened in the past needed to happen.  When you can find the happiness in all things, then all things begin to be seen as perfection.

Let today be your day, a day to accept the perfection of your design.  The day to say to the rest of the world that you are you, and that you love who and what you are.  Let today be the day that you accept your destiny, embrace everything that you are, and to hell with the naysayers.  I'm telling you, there is freedom in accepting who you are.  There is freedom in embracing your dreams.  There is freedom in just being present in the moment.  Far too  many people are focused on the past, or worrying about the future, and because of this are unable to embrace the present.  Live in the moment and realize that the moment is for you, about you, and because of you.

I have spent countless hours in my life worried about what I was going to do in the future.  This worry did nothing but stop me from doing anything.  Every moment that is filled with worry or concern is a moment that you will never get back.  Don't invest in worry, don't fill your mind with fear or dread.  Think on only good things, things that bring you joy and happiness.  Those who are unable to do this are the ones who will only see failure in their life.  I'm telling you that today is your day! What better way to begin your day then to simply smile, release any expectations you might have, and simply be.  There is such freedom in knowing that all things are working right now to get you to the place you are supposed to be at.  Certainly there may be things that happen that are not exactly how you planned them, but that's OK.  I have learned from things in my life, from situations that I hope I never experience again.  Learning is why we go through certain things, and if one is wise they will never discount the learning opportunities in life.

So what are you going to do with today?  It's entirely up to you how you are going to proceed.  This can be the best day of your life, or it can be something less than desirable.  Which one are you going to choose?  If it were me I would embrace the day, be thankful for all that I have, and know that goodness begets goodness, kindness begets kindness, and love and happiness follow those who display love and happiness.

Let your motivation today be based on love.  Love for family and friends, love for who and what you are, love for dreams and visions, and love for the rest of humanity.  This world is facing serious issues, issues we would love to be eradicated from the planet, but that is never going to happen until each of us embrace love, walk in love, and realize that love is the center of everything we are doing in this life.  If you want to make this the best day of your life, and if you want tomorrow to be even better, then begin by embracing love, showing love, living love, and as corny as it may sound, be the love that others need, want, and often find themselves without.

This is your day, and this is my day, and right now I know that today is going to be a great day.  When one is able to believe that goodness, success, love, and happiness are there for them, then they can begin to live each day, and in living each day, accept the benefits of being free to be who they are.  It's time to live like you've never lived before, and in doing so, realize the beauty of life, the beauty of you, and the beauty that you will shed on the rest of the world.

To thy own self be true.

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It has been said that imitation is the best form of flattery.  Well maybe yes and maybe no.  If you are trying to be something or someone you are not, simply because it endears you to someone or something else, then I might take another look at things.  If you on the other hand keep hold of your own uniqueness, owning it, showing it, and being it, then you have something that so many others are still trying to find, peace of mind.

When you attempt to be like someone else simply to fit in, it's like wearing your right shoe on your left foot, and the left shoe on the right.  Certainly it will function, but as soon as you begin to walk you will know that things are not right.  After a time your feet are going to begin to ache, and then trouble begins.  Sadly most people who are unable to be themselves are this way because they don't like who they are, or they have been lead to believe that individuality is somehow counter to the rest of society.  I'm here to tell you that being who you were created to be is the only way to live, and anything else is going to feel like walking around with your shoes on the wrong foot.

I've known people who have been labeled as quirky, abnormal, crazy, or otherwise weird.  They have been awarded these titles because they have refused to fit a preconceived mold or idea of who they are supposed to be.  Well let me tell you, those who have been labeled this are the lucky ones.  They are the ones who own their uniqueness, and they are the ones who will reach new heights.  I've often felt like an outsider because of how I see things.  Some have called me a non-conformist, others have labeled me as a trouble maker, and I have been sat on, or held back, because I refused to adhere to what some would call the norm.  "You can't do that", "What were you thinking?", "Why can't you just be normal?", I've heard all these, and yet I still remained my own person.  Why?  Because I know who I am, I know what I was created to do, and I'll be damned if I let others stop me from fulfilling my destiny.  If you look at those who have accomplished "Great" things in this world, I would venture a guess that each of them have been labeled as quirky, abnormal, crazy, or weird.

Being true to yourself may cost you something, but in the end, not being who you really are is going to cost you far more.  I don't need mindless robots who only know what others have programmed them to know and do.  I want to surround myself with those who are willing to step out on a limb and chance being made fun of because of their uniqueness.  Those who are willing to go against the norm, are the ones who will accomplish their dreams and visions, and those are the people I want around me.   When we label people with our own expectations, when we group certain people together because we feel they go together, when we don't allow people to be themselves, then we have created an environment where you have nothing but those mindless robots.

Why has it become so difficult to accept that we are all different and unique?  Why do so many people have unrealistic expectations of what they feel others should be like?  I've been around people who were so phony I wanted to wretch.  If you can't be yourself around me, then I have really done those around me a disservice by not creating an atmosphere where people can just be themselves. I want people around me who own who they are, and refuse to make apologies for it.  I want people around me who can laugh at their uniqueness, and are willing to share their differences with others in an attempt to educate them that being different is OK.

Being yourself is what will set you free.  Being yourself is what will bring you Peace of Mind.  Being yourself is what the world needs, what the world is desperate for, and what you were placed here to be.  If you spend all your time trying to be everything for everyone, or being something you are not because others expect it of you, then you will be wasting valuable time.  We all have a finite amount of time on this planet, why not spend it being you?  When you have experienced the freedom to be yourself, then you will never go back to living under the expectations of others.  It's like eating that first potato chip, once you open that bag and have one, it's difficult to put it down.  Well once you understand and accept who you are, love who you are, my guess is that you will never want to go back to the old you.

Being true to your own self is the first step in advancing toward your destiny.  If you are constantly trying to fit it, striving to be like someone else, or otherwise ignoring the real you, then you will never fulfill your destiny, and sadly the world will be a worse place for that.  I may never please everyone, and there will be those who will question my motives and sanity from time to time because of how I do things, but guess what?  That's OK, because I am what I am, and I will continue to do what I know to do, in the manner I know how to it, and I'm Ok with that.

Stop trying to fit in, and start trying to be just you.  You are remarkable.  You are unique.  You are one of a kind, and I am so thankful that you are here.  When you can own who you are, share who you are, and smile at who you are, then and only then will you begin to see the fullness of your existence, and then life will be different.  Love your differences, hold on to your uniqueness, and watch as others begin to see you in a different, but far better light then ever before.

Gratitude, the thing that starts everything.

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Often we face situations in life that stop us from appreciating the little things.  Often it is the little things in life that are our springboard to bigger and better things.  Gratitude, or the ability to show gratitude, is the one thing that will change us, and change us for the better.  Gratitude is what creates peace in our life, and peace is what most of us desperately want, but often find it difficult to find it daily.

Today I want you to begin to be thankful for the little things in your life.  If you can begin to be grateful for each breath, for each word you speak, for each person you come in contact with, then you will learn that gratitude will begin to pave the way for bigger and better things in your life.

I am grateful for so many things in my life.  I am grateful for family and friends.  I am grateful for what I get to do each day.  There was a time when all I wanted was more stuff.  Stuff had become my measuring stick for success.  The more stuff I had, then obviously the more successful I was, or at least the more successful others thought I was.  I didn't have the time to appreciate what I had because all I wanted to do was get more stuff.  It was a trap, and regretfully it was a trap that I found myself in for many years.  When I finally got to the point where I could release all my accumulations, then and only then could I truly appreciate what I had, and come to an understanding of what was really important.

If you are constantly on the prowl for more stuff, for more accolades of success, then I will tell you that the one thing missing in your life will be peace.  You cannot continue to strive after things and expect peace to be your constant companion.  Gratitude and peace go hand in hand, and I will say that having both in your life will certainly make things a whole lot better. Think about it:  when you are able to be grateful for little things, doesn't it seem like things are just better.  I recently purchased a new car.  The one I had was on its last leg and there was no way it was going to pass the inspection that was coming up in just a couple of months.  When I got the new car I was so grateful.  The vehicle wasn't new by any stretch of the imagination, but it was new to me.  I was grateful to have it because now I had reliable transportation for the winter, and I was no longer going to have to think about what it was going to cost me to try to get my old vehicle road worthy.  When I began to show gratitude for the new car, peace followed.  I'm telling you, gratitude brings peace, and peace brings calm and appreciation into your life.  I know of no one who could not use a little calm in their life, nor would they not like peace at all times.

When was the last time you took a few minutes to simply be grateful for what you have and not look at the things you don't have?  If you are unable to be grateful for the little things, then it's doubtful you will ever get to the point where you think you want to be.  If you are constantly striving for more and forget to look at what you have, then you will be on a road that ultimately leads no where.  Trust me, I've been on that road before and the journey is anything but enjoyable.

So what are you grateful for today?  When was the last time you displayed gratitude for what was present in your life?  If you are unable to answer these questions, maybe it's time to rethink a few things.  I'm not trying to pile up on you, but face it: no gratitude, no peace.  It's that simple!

I've known many people in my life who were trapped in the corporate rat race.  Their only focus was climbing the ladder.  Certainly they had success, but is success without peace really worth it?  You can have all the signs of success, but a life void of peace and gratitude will ultimately take you down.  Do you really want that, and more importantly are you willing to tempt fate?  Be grateful for what you have, and watch things change.

I am grateful for so much, and yes there are days when I have to remind myself to show that gratitude.  I love the peace that prevails when I show gratitude, and trust me, a life full of peace is far better then a life striving after more and more things.  If you find yourself on that road to no-where then maybe you can start by being grateful for the little things you have.  Once you start, I promise you that it will get easier and easier to show that gratitude, and once you do this, then things will magically fall into place.  Things that you have desired will come into existence and then life, your life, will improve in ways that just might amaze you.

Gratitude, displaying gratitude, indeed will start things moving in your life.  Intransigence in this area is only going to make matters worse, so why not give in to gratitude and change your life forever?  Whether you have a little, or have a lot, be happy with it, show gratitude for it, and watch things grow for you.  A life centered in gratitude will be a life that knows peace, joy, and happiness.  When you are constantly immersed in peace, joy, and happiness, then you will have what others want so desperately, and you can then help them find it as well.  Be grateful my friends, it is the beginning of everything.