To change one's life: Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly. No exceptions. ~William James

by matthew_hull

Consider the changes you desire in your life today and take the leap towards  change. So often we spend so much time considering the changes that we never really take any action.

If there are areas in your life that need change, let today be the day that you step forward and begin the journey.


Today, I am grateful for the vastness of the universe, the beauty of the earth, and rainbows. I am grateful for grand oceans that teem with life, for mighty rivers that carry water back to the sea, and for meandering brooks that shimmer in the sunlight.

I am grateful for family that provides a solid foundation, for friends who brighten my way, and for neighbors who share my world.

I am grateful for the soft purr of loving cats, the graceful flight of birds, and the sound of rain. I am grateful for trees that bring beauty to the world and provide fresh air to breathe. I am grateful for mighty rocks and tiny pebbles that punctuate the earth.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share your day. May you be filled with courage and strength today, as you take the leap to make the changes you desire to see in your life. 

“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.”~ Ovid

by seemann

Take time to rest today and resist the urge to make your work all-consuming. Consider why you have the goals in the first place. For most of us, they are a way to improve the quality of our lives, but when they begin to take over every waking moment, we defeat their purpose.

Rest your mind and your body today, if possible. If today is not an option, set aside a day soon that you can devote to rest.  You deserve it. 

Today, I am grateful for solitude that refreshes my soul, for the freedom to choose rest, and the ability to enjoy it. I am grateful for the distant cry of the blue jay that announces "the feeder is full," for the tiny hummingbird that has not yet winged his way south, and stray flowers that continue to bloom.

I am grateful for bright blue skies and scattered white clouds and the soft flutter of leaves in the morning air.  

I am grateful for family and friends. May their hearts be filled with warmth and their days filled with joy. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you find rest from your work and comfort for the soul.
 

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.~Harriet Tubman

photo courtesy of NASA

Consider your passions today for they will guide you to your goals. Practice doing what you love and you will find ways to go beyond what you ever dreamed possible. Your passion will carry you through, but you need to be ready to follow wherever your passion leads.

Whether you are a writer, an artist or simply want to make the world a better place, you can do it by following your heart and your passion.

Look for opportunities to use your skills and passion to go forward, today.

Today, I am grateful for a heart filled with passion and the patience to follow where it may lead. I am grateful for opportunities to use my skills to better the world. I am grateful for the vision to see opportunities at every turn, the courage to pursue them and the knowledge that I can achieve whatever my heart desires.

I am grateful for brightly colored leaves that bid farewell to summer and announce the arrival of fall, for pungent fragrance of fallen leaves and winter birds that return to my feeder.

I am grateful for country air, the magnificent blue jay and chickadees that sing their merry song. I am grateful for the ability to reach the world from the comfort of my home, for computers that make my task easy, and for electricity to keep my world afloat.

I am grateful for family and friends who make my life whole, for little children who relish the wonders of newly fallen leaves, and dogs that chase busy squirrels as they prepare for winter.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your passion be great and and your heart be warm as you go forth to pursue your dreams and goals today.

Don't turn away from possible futures before you're certain you don't have anything to learn from them. ~Richard Bach

 





Consider all your choices today and use caution with discarding possible paths to your goals simply because they aren't what you expected.


In the movie Beyond the Secret, Bob Proctor speaks of the value of intuition in reaching our goals. When a thought or idea pops into your head, take a moment to consider its value. Would acting on that idea move you closer to reaching your goals? 


Today, I am grateful for those who choose to share their insights and knowledge of the world, for freedom of choice that allows me to find my own path, and for intuition to guide my day.


I am grateful for an open mind that allows me to consider the world from varying viewpoints, for a sound clear mind with which to think, and for a heart that beats.


I am grateful for family and friends who fill my day, for afternoon naps, and kittens.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you take the time to consider all paths to your goals before casting them aside without thought.

Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal. Pamela Vaull Starr

photo by NASA

Consider your deepest dreams, today. Work to transform them into goals. Only then can you work toward bringing them to life.

If you haven't done so already, begin writing down short term goals that take you closer to where you ultimately want to go. Not only does this clarify what you really want in life, it provides a road map leading to your dreams.


Start small, if you need to. There is no time limit on reaching your goals. You are free to move as quickly or as slowly as necessary. Cherish the journey and reward yourself for each milestone you reach. Remember, small steps leading in the direction of your dreams soon add up to great strides.


Today, I am grateful for old friends who encourage me, new friends that share common goals and those who spur me to look at life in varying ways. I am grateful for family, for community and laughter.


I am grateful for fall flowers that continue to bloom as frost draws near, for trees that dance in brisk fall winds, and dappled sunlight that drifts through my window.


I am grateful for opportunities to expand my craft, for the time to devote to reaching out to others, and for the wisdom to see their needs.


I am grateful for the infinite beauty of the Universe.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your dreams be big and your goals be clear as you go forward to make a better day.

“You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.” Mary Manin Morrissey

Photo By: nasirkhan

Consider the effect of fear on your ability to reach your goals today.If you allow fear to become boulders in your path, you will never reach the water's edge. Clear away the fear that you may follow the path to reach your goals and dreams today.

Today, I am grateful for mountains that stand proud against the storm and valleys that offer their protection. I am grateful for lightning that energizes the air, rain that washes away the soil and soot, and a mighty universe that holds us tight upon this little planet called earth.

I am grateful for gravity, for whirling gasses that make up the sun and far-away-stars that hold mysteries we are yet to learn. I am grateful for the vastness of the universe that gives rise to contemplation of our place in life, for open fields that allow wildflowers to grow and for the great ocean that teems with life, yet undiscovered.

I am grateful for the people who have entered my life and those who I have yet to meet. I am grateful for family and pets to keep me company.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you clear away the fear and follow your path to reach your dreams today. 

We always have time enough if we but use it aright.~Goethe

by Gracey

Consider your use of time today. In our hurried lives many of us rush through the day racing to meet our obligations and complete tasks without regard to the passage of time. Somehow we believe that we will have time left over to do the things we want to do. That is rarely the case.  As Americans, we often fill our days with useless tasks that rob us of valuable time, even if the task is unnecessary or unproductive.

I started reading the book The Time Paradox by Philip Zimbardo and John Boyd. These men have devoted several decades of their lives to study time--more specifically how humans perceive and use their time.

I was struck by the assertion that with the onset of the industrial revolution, man transitioned from selling his services to selling his time. In exchange for a wage, man decided to sell eight or more hours of his time every day to another.  I had never thought of it that way, but surely it is true.

Consider who and what you sell your time to today. Guard it wisely using it for the things that really matter in your life.

Today, I am grateful for the ability to decide how I will spend my time, for the wisdom to choose wisely and the desire to eliminate useless time wasters from my life.


I am grateful for organizational skills that allow me to structure my day, for leisurely moments that allow time to stand still and for time enough to reach my goals.

I am grateful for people who pass through my life and teach me what I need to know. For insight that comes swiftly in the breeze, for the courage to stand fast on my dreams and the quiet peace that comes from nature.


I am grateful for family and friends who share my time on earth, for cats curling up in the morning sun and trees.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you use your time wisely and be ever conscious of who and what you are willing to sell your time to.

There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate.  ~Robert Brault








photo by earl53

Consider what you choose to focus your energy on today. Each of us holds the power to to focus on the good things in life and celebrate the events and people in our lives that bring joy and peace into the world. Look for those special occasions in your life that give you cause to celebrate and let them be your focus.

Make a decision to cultivate a positive attitude about yourself and about your life. If you hold ill feelings toward another or harbor resentments and hurt today, make a decision to let them go. They can only hold you down and rob you of your joy. Lift up your heart and your life to the light today and celebrate.

Today I am grateful for a good night's sleep, for a soft pillow on which to rest my head and comfortable blankets to keep me warm. I am grateful for streaks of sun that tell me it is time to awake. I am grateful for pouncing cats, ambitious dogs and cawing crows that announce the beginning of a new day.

I am grateful for a day off from work so I can gather my thoughts and refresh my mind for another week. I am grateful for the great oceans that I know exist beyond my view, mountains that stand strong against the storm, and forests.

I am grateful for family and friends that bring me strength, for online friends who lift others up when they are down, and those who will cross my path as I follow my dreams and strive to reach my goals.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you find much to celebrate today as you lift up your heart and seek all that is good in the world. 

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.  ~Maori Proverb








photo by anitapatterson

Consider where you choose to focus your attention today. You may not be able to eliminate all that is negative in the world, but you can choose to put it behind you as you focus your attention on the positive. 


Forget the shadows today and go forth with faith and conviction that you can conquer your dreams.  Have faith in yourself and your abilities today and seek out opportunities that will bring you closer to realizing your dreams.


Today, I am grateful for another day to go steadfastly toward my dreams. I am grateful for insight and wisdom to make the right choices, courage to stand for what I believe even when those around me are filled with doubt, and the joy that comes from knowing the path is always open.


I am grateful for new ideas, for happy memories and beautiful songs. I am grateful for life-long friends who support me in whatever I choose to do. I am grateful for those who question as it brings to light new thoughts, poses new considerations, and opens new pathways. 


I am grateful for the sun that brings life to our world, for the rain that nourishes the earth and darkness that brings solace to the soul. 


I am grateful for a spouse that supports my work, for my children who work steadfastly to improve their lives and for siblings that share a family bond. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you look always to the sun and may the shadows always fall behind you.
 

Every thought is a seed.  If you plant crab apples, don't count on harvesting Golden Delicious.  ~Bill Meyer






photo by ladyheart


Give mind to your thoughts, today. Allowing negative thoughts to slip into you daily routine sets the stage for your harvest. Avoid those that wallow in the prediction of doom and gloom as they will surely bring it upon themselves. Do not join them in their negative view of the world. Focus on all that is good and right and rise above the turmoil of failing economies and predictions of doom.

Your mind was masterfully created to give you the power to rise above any obstacle. Direct your thoughts in the direction you wish to go and your life will follow.

Today, I am grateful for the ability to direct my path, the courage to hold fast to what I know is true, and the strength to pursue my dreams. I am grateful for bunny rabbits and squirrels as they scamper through life with energy and excitement. I am grateful for silent times and noisy times, for together they create a balance in life.

I am grateful for fresh garden vegetables, blooming sunflowers, and petunias. I am grateful for fresh air to breathe, for wind to dry my clothes, and grass beneath my feet. 

I am grateful for family to call my own, for encouragement from friends, and for laughter.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you direct your thoughts to all that is good and right in the world that your harvest may be joyous. 

In absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily acts of trivia. ~Author Unknown 




photo by Cohdra 



Consider your goals today. Are they vague notions of where you want to go, or are they clearly defined? Without direction our lives are destined to be spent doing the mundane, the trivial and meaningless tasks we somehow build into our lives.


Stop wasting your time on trivial things and cultivate the habit of concentrating your energies into reaching your goals.

Today, I am grateful for quiet time to work, for opportunities to refine my skills, and  the drive and desire to excel. I am grateful for the insight and wisdom to recognize opportunities, for the courage to take a chance and the energy needed to complete the tasks.


I am grateful for the sound of rain, the passing cars as others rush off to work, and for teachers who hold our children dear. I am grateful for socks to warm my feet, a solid floor on which to stand and shelter that keeps me warm and safe in the winter's storm.

I am grateful for family that fills my heart with joy and pride, for friends who always lend a willing ear, and old friends who taught me how to make my way in the world.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your day be filled with accomplishments that lead you to your goals.

Happiness is an attitude.  We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong.  The amount of work is the same.  ~Francesca Reigler






photo by earl53


Consider your attitude towards life and how it contributes to your happiness. So often, we fall victim to waiting for good things to happen or postponing happiness until we accomplish a particular goals, amass enough material things or feel we have worked hard enough to enjoy some happiness.

Happiness isn't out there somewhere waiting to enter your life. Happiness is already there. All you need to do is claim it. 

Practice adjusting your attitude today and claim happiness in everything you do.

Today, I am grateful for the chill in the air, the dew on the grass, and chirping birds flitting from tree to tree. I am grateful for brisk winds that play music in the wind chimes, subtle edges of brown and gold that are beginning to outline fall leaves, and for clear blue skies.

I am grateful for work to fill my hours, creative ideas that flow freely, and profound thoughts that seize my soul.

I am grateful for the people and family that fill my life, for nature that fills my soul, and surprises that bring unexpected joy. 

I am grateful for a creator that formed a marvelous world filled with immense beauty and quiet inspiration. I am grateful for trees that stand strong in all types of weather and serve as an example of enduring strength.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your attitude be light and your heart be full as you claim happiness today.
 

Those who wish to sing, always find a song.  ~Swedish Proverb




photo by napfalevel



Consider your song, today. People recognize it by the quality of your voice, the message you choose to send and the words you choose to use. Even though the quote refers to expressing joy and gratitude in song, many choose to sing the mournful song of loss and lack. 

Guard your song carefully, today. Make it one that brings joy, uplifting both yourself and others, today. 

Today, I am grateful for light that illuminates the world, for air that fills my lungs with breath, and for soil beneath my feet. I am grateful for leisurely hours to contemplate this awe-inspiring world, for clouds that swim swiftly across blue sky, and leaves that have not yet turned to red and gold.

I am grateful for my backyard that allows me to sit amidst nature, a clothesline for freshly washed clothes, and garden beds that nourish my plants. I am grateful for plumbing, electricity and telephones that bring convenience to my life.

I am grateful for smiling children, laughing adults and animals that add color to the world. I am grateful for bees that buzz, crickets that sing, and daisies dancing in the breeze. I am grateful for the promise of a new day.


I am grateful for family that brings meaning to my life, for friends that listen to my song, and neighbors who share my world.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you find your song and sing it joyfully throughout the day.
 

So often time it happens, we all live our life in chains, and we never even know we have the key.  ~The Eagles, "Already Gone"


photo by wintersixfour



Consider the chains that bind you, today. So often we tell ourselves "I'm too tired," "I don't have enough time," or even "I'm not smart enough or good enough or talented enough to reach my dreams."

Take off the shackles today and allow yourself the freedom to pursue your dreams. Claim your right to your dreams today and know that working steadfastly toward them will bring them to pass. 


Today, I am grateful for the driving rain that soaks into the parched earth, for cool air that brings relief from smothering heat, and happy birds that sing despite the rain. I am grateful for mud puddles and frogs that stop to bathe.

I am grateful for the magnificent universe with galaxies beyond where the eye can see. I am grateful for starry nights, moonrise and sweet night air that envelopes the world.


I am grateful for those who work behind the scenes--plumbers, electricians and sewer workers-- that keep my world running as it should. I am grateful for rainforests, deserts, and mountains that help create a diverse world.

I am grateful for family to love, friends to share with, and strangers who brighten my day.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you loosen the chains that bind you and go forth to conquer your dreams.

“The block of granite which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak becomes a stepping-stone in the pathway of the strong.” ~Thomas Carlyle







Photo by rosevita


Consider the obstacles in your life today and look for ways to use them as stepping stones to a better life. 

So often we become focused on the things in our way that we become paralyzed with fear or overcome with despair. We forget that objects and events in our lives may look like obstacles, but when we shift our focus they may actually be stepping stones we can use to reach our goals.

Practice evaluating your obstacles today and look for ways to use them to reach your goals.

Today, I am grateful for pine cones, seed pods and nuts that replenish the earth. I am grateful for silence that brings solace to the soul, for noisy birds that search for food, and tinkling wind chimes that add music to the air.

I am grateful for those who spend their lives quietly helping others asking nothing in return, those who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with the world, and those who are ready and eager to learn. I am grateful for scientists who investigate our world, for philosophers who offer a different view, and writers who share their thoughts in written form. 

I'm grateful for for family that brings comfort when times are difficult, that adds color and flavor to my life, and reminds me that life is a glorious journey.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you turn obstacles into stepping stones as your work steadfastly to reach your goals.

If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.
John Irving






Photo by jdurham

Consider luck today and the role it plays in your life. Some are offended by the term, mistakenly assuming that when they are called lucky the person is implying they have not worked for what they have. By digging a bit deeper, we discover that the term "luck" or "lucky" can mean good fortune that comes by chance, but according to Merriam-Webster it also means "fortunate". Merriam-Webster defines fortunate as: bringing some good thing not foreseen as certain.

With that definition in mind, we are all lucky as we work hard to reach our goals and make things come to pass that "are not foreseen as certain."   The innate skills we are born with, the time and place of our birth, the family we grow up with and the world around us are brought to us by luck. We did not choose them and have no control over them.


If we are "lucky" they have given us a positive start in life and defined our "loves". Finding the courage to live that love is up to us.  I believe the first step in that journey is finding the strength to step outside ourselves and see the "luck" that has been bestowed on us and expressing our gratitude.


Today, I am grateful that the earth has cooled providing brief relief from the driving sun. I am grateful for a morning breeze to rejuvenate the soul. 


I am grateful for the cricket's song that sings out in the midst of smothering heat, reminding me that life continues on.


I am grateful that God has given me the skills and ability to pursue a dream. I am grateful for being born and raised in small rural town where everyone literally "knows your name"  and for parents who taught me the importance of confidence, the value of work, and how to treat others. I am grateful for siblings that taught me courage, like only siblings can. 


I am grateful for my mother's skills in "making do" with what you have. It taught me to appreciate my life.


I am grateful for the courage to take a chance, to step out onto untouched land, and to pursue my dreams.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you be lucky enough to find a way in life that you love and may you find the courage to live it.