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

So many times we spend our day running around and declaring we simply don't have time for all the things we want to do that we forget each of us is allotted 24 hours in a day - no more and no less. How we choose to use those hours is up to us.

I ran across some interesting information last night while doing some research. The author suggested that any time we spend during our work day that is not moving us toward our goals - either personally or professionally - is wasted time.

Now, I'm not suggesting that you give up leisure activities that promote a healthy life style, or that you neglect the relationships in your life. What I am suggesting is that you take a few days to "track" how you use your time.  I think you, like most of us, will find that you waste much more time that you ever would have guessed.

Take this post, for instance. I looked at the clock and thought, "I only have 15 minutes. What can I possibly accomplish in 15 minutes. I might as well visit Face Book and catch up on my friends." The it hit me, if keeping my blog updated is one of my goals - which it is - why not put that 15 minutes to good use.

For today, keep track of your time to identify areas where you can be more productive - saving time for other activities that you either enjoy or that will move you toward your goals.

I am grateful for the brilliant sun that sends reflections skittering on snow and ice, for the strength of trees that withstand the storm, and the joy of children as they slide on crusted snow.

I am grateful for mornings that greet the day with hope, for birds that flutter to and fro, and for the red squirrel that prances by my window.  

I am grateful for family and friends without whom I would be lost, for new friends I will meet along the path of life, and for strangers who may share but a moment in time.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you use your time wisely as you go forward in the direction of your dreams. 

 

The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.” Mark Caine

So often we begin to view our lives and our dreams in relation to the obstacles in our paths. We become overwhelmed with the false belief that the circumstances around us hold us captive and  we fail to realize that we already hold the key to our success.

Strive today to break free of negative thoughts and beliefs and rise above the seeming obstacles in your way.    Give no mind to the circumstances that wish to hold you captive and set your eyes upon your goal.

Today, I am grateful for the shimmering moon, for dark silhouettes of trees and for starlight that twinkles in the night. I am grateful for the sound of the wind, for dancing wind chimes and for soft, silent snowfall. 

I am grateful for words to express my thoughts, for songs that touch the soul, and for the crisp bite of cucumbers right from the vine. 

I am grateful for memories that make life rich, for quiet moment in which to think and dream, and for the future that lies before me - secretive and unknown. I am grateful for opportunities I have yet to realize, for confidence to seek them out, and for the wisdom to choose wisely. 

I am grateful for eyes that see, ears that hear, and feet that walk that I might live to enjoy another day.  

I am ever grateful for family and friends who bring me hope, for children who are unafraid to dream, and old ladies who share memories of when they were young. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you see past the seeming obstacles in your path as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others. Albert Camus

So often we let others determine our happiness or peace of mind by being too concerned about what they think to enjoy our lives. Although others are important and treating them with love and respect is always a good choice - being true to yourself is important too. 

Strive to remember that what others think about your dreams and goals is never as important as what you think.      Seek out support and advice from those you trust, but resist the urge to doubt yourself due to their negativity.

Today, I am grateful for a snow-covered earth that glistens under the winter sun, for pine trees covered with snow and green grass that sleeps beneath the surface. I am grateful for mild, moist air that feels like spring in the midst of winter for it reminds me of the warm days to come.

I am grateful for new opportunities that come my way when I least expect them, for the wisdom to choose wisely which I will pursue, and the courage to take risks when necessary. I am grateful for the power to choose, the right to make my own decisions, and the freedom to pursue my dreams.

I am grateful for life that I may enjoy the enormous beauty that surrounds me. I am grateful for people who never cease to amaze me.

I am grateful for family and friends who make my life whole, for acquaintances from long ago who helped mold the person I am today, and for those yet to come into my life who will help mold what I become.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you always remember that happiness comes from within and not from the opinions of others as you go forward in the direction of your dreams. 

Time is but the stream I go a-fishin in. Henry David Thoreau

It's funny how our perception of time changes from day to day. Sometimes, it seems to loom before us - yet somehow slips away like the flowing river. Strive today to spend your time in leisure - neither wishing time away - nor squandering it on things you do not enjoy. 

Sometimes, we convince ourselves that to reach our dreams and goals we must devote all out time in their pursuit and end up frustrated because it seems our efforts are in vain. Step back today and let your dreams unfold in their natural course - neither hurrying them nor holding them back. You will arrive when it is time.

Be kind to yourself in this new year. Allow yourself the gift of time. It clears the mind and rejuvenates the soul - allowing you to go forward in the direction of your dreams with confidence and clear vision.

Today, I am grateful for winding streams, jumping fish and the reflection of the sun. I am grateful for the smell of the earth, the gentle caress of the summer breeze, and the music of water.

I am grateful for a new year about to unfold,  for a clear sound mind to see the way, and for quiet moments to renew the soul. I am grateful for eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that beats.

I am grateful for houseplants that lift the spirit, for windows to see the world, and for candles that flicker in the night. I am grateful for the soothing scent of lavender, the aroma of fresh perked coffee, and running water.

I am grateful for family who are ever-patient with my unorthodox work schedule, for readers who visit my work, and for woodland creatures who hunker down to keep warm in the winter's cold.

I am grateful for oceans teeming with life, for the vastness of space, and for cold crisp silence that envelops winter nights.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my world. May you use your time wisely as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.