Goals are dreams with deadlines.

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So often we spend our lives dreaming of a bright future, yet never realizing that we are responsible for transforming those dreams to goals so that we can work toward them and achieve them. Somehow, we expect those lofty dreams to materialize without any effort on our part. I know I am guilty of this, and I betting you are too.

For today, take the time to identify your dreams and set goals for reaching them. Give your dreams deadlines and work steadfastly toward achieving them. Resist the urge to create vague images of happiness that you cannot define in words. If you, like most us, want a better life, get a clear image of what that life entails.

If you want a better job, consider what that job should be. If you want more money, give thought to how much money you need or want to create the life you desire, and get down to the business of making it happen. 

Now may be a good time to design that vision board you've been meaning to make - or update an old one if  your old doesn't represent you true life desires. 

Today, I am grateful for the bright sun that glistens off mounds of spring snow, for my cat that spends her time watching squirrels and birds out the window, and for ice that sparkles in the sun.

I am grateful for new opportunities within my grasp, for the courage to take risks in my career, and the knowledge that all will work together as it should as I go forward in the direction of my dreams.

I am  grateful for author Richard Bach who always makes me think and consider the world from varying viewpoints, for a comfortable bed that holds me safe in sleep, and for 'sleeping in' a luxury everyone should enjoy on occasion.

For family and friends to enrich my life, for good books to read and for thick, crisp toast from homemade bread.

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

Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. Harriet Tubman

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Sometimes we get caught up in the habit of thinking and believing too small. We set goals that fall short of our real dreams because deep down we fear that we do not have the strength, courage and "smarts" to go further. But the exciting truth is: You do. You have within you all the power you need to reach your goals, it is up to you what you will set your sights on, and what you will choose to focus on, as you work to achieve your goals and reach your dreams.

Today, take a moment to consider what you really desire - not what you mistakenly "think" you can attain. Consider the words of Dr. Robert Schuller, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" as you begin the important work of refining your goals.

Once you've set the new goals let Harriet Tubman's words:  "Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." be your guide as you go forward toward your dreams.

Today, I am grateful for the dusting of snow that enveloped the morning trees, for soft spring air, and for gray skies that offer a sprinkle of rain. I am grateful for the squirrel that scurries across the yard, for the rabbit that  hops behind the trees, and for deer that that graze on open patches of grass. I am grateful for the mighty bear that still lies groggy in his den, for the tiny cubs that will emerge in spring, and for ample food for them to eat.

I am grateful for healthy food to eat, for my garden that still lies beneath the snow, and for nature's bounty when the fiddleheads arrive. I am grateful for clean clear water to quench my thirst, for music to lift the soul, and for the beauty that nature brings to my life.

I am grateful for my family who makes me laugh and teaches me that life is meant to be enjoyed. I am grateful for friends who stop to share a word or smile, for neighbors who remind me we are not alone in the world, and for strangers who cross my path. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. "Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world," as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Watch your character. It becomes your destiny.

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Sometimes we fool ourselves into thinking that if we but fix those around us, that our lives will miraculously fall into place and that we will find happiness and success. The problem lies not so much with the fixing as it does with the perception that others are somehow broken.

When we travel down the slippery slope to looking at others and seeing their flaws, we begin to set ourselves up for developing a critical character that seeks out the misfortunes and frailties of others. In the process, we deny ourselves the joy of life and soon begin to reap the negative repercussions  of our critical character.

For today, guard against the tendency to see others as somehow broken and look beyond their flaws to uncover their inner goodness. Seek to build them up with uplifting words and actions. Not only are you doing good for others, you will soon begin to reap the benefits of positive energy and positive light.

Today, I am grateful for melting snow and ice, for the glisten from the sun's rays as it reflects on the winter's snow, and for tiny riverlets of water that make their way down the road. 

I am grateful for children as they splash and play in muddy water that announces spring, for the robin who I hear is headed north, and for the crow that soars above the earth calling out for the world to wake in spring.

I am grateful for new writing opportunities that have come my way, for the ability to express in written word the musings of the soul, and for quiet moments to reflect on the direction I should go. 

I am grateful for family without whom the journey would be meaningless, for old friends who always come back into your life for a reason, and for life-long friends who are always there no matter where life leads. 

I am grateful for the vastness of the Universe, the glory of nature and the beauty of my little corner of the world. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you choose your thoughts and actions wisely and strive to build up others as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

The greatest waste in the world is the difference between what we are and what we could become.

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It is so easy to convince ourselves that we are what we are by nature and not by choice. Observe for the day the number of times you - or someone around you - comments "that's just the way I am." Granted it typically occurs when we are being challenged to think in new ways or change behaviors we really don't want to change. But, we say it with such gusto, with such confidence as though we are announcing to the world hard facts that cannot be changed.

The truth is who and what we are is as changeable as the wind and we hold the power to make those changes. Accepting ourselves as less than we area capable of being stunts our growth and prevents us from finding real success and real happiness.

For today, strive to go beyond what you think you are to reach for what you can become as you strive to reach your goals and dreams.

Today, I am grateful for the hidden possibilities in my life, for the courage to seek them out, and the wisdom to recognize them when they come. I am grateful for joyful spirit, a loving heart, and for sunshine.

I am grateful for the talents of others who enrich my life, for shared smiles that bring the day to life, and for the steady warmth of the pellet stove.

I am grateful for spring as it inches ever closer with each passing day, for the morning sun that lights the sky, and for delayed sunsets that get later every day.

I am grateful for seeds that hold an entire plant in their tiny shell, for water that causes them to sprout and grow ,and for the earth they will call home.

I am grateful for the vastness of the Universe, the awe of  starry night, and for the sound of silence when the world falls asleep.

I am grateful for my children who are more than I ever imagined children could be, for my husband who stands by me through both the good and the bad, and for friends who bring joy into my life.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you strive to become who you were meant to be as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.

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Too often we attribute our degree of happiness to the world around us and fail to consider our own contribution to our condition. Somehow, we have all been raised to believe that those around us control our happiness and our ability to reach our goals. The truth is: Only you hold that power.

How we react to, and deal with, the circumstances of our lives directly impacts our sense of happiness or our degree of misery. If you are in the habit of pointing the finger to others around you as an excuse to wallow in self pity or as the reason you haven't attained your goals, it is time to stop.

For today, take stock of your limiting beliefs that cause you unhappiness or create stumbling blocks in your journey to reach your goals. Devote your time to activities and thoughts that make you strong instead of miserable and you will soon find yourself back on track to achieving your goals.

Today, I am grateful for snowflakes that swirl from gray skies, for cold crisp air that refreshes the soul, and for the hope that spring is not far behind. I am grateful for the music of the wind, the soft hush of snow falling on trees, and the hiss of sleet as it blankets the forest.

I am grateful for trees with their life-giving ability to add oxygen to the air, for their silent arms that provide shelter for weary birds, and for their beauty that always inspires me. I am grateful for mountains, for valleys, and quiet forest streams.

I am grateful for freedom of speech that I may write freely, for a sound mind that allows me to learn and grow, and a healthy body to take me through the day. I am grateful for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to love.

I am grateful for family without whom I would be lost, for a home that protects me from the storm, and friends who enrich my life.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you choose to expend your energy in activities to make you strong as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, It's about learning to dance in the rain!"

If you are like most people, you might find yourself thinking that things will be better as soon as the current storm of difficulties passes. Or that now isn't the time to focus on your dreams, because the circumstances of your life aren't perfect. This thinking will get you nowhere for life is filled with storms. The secret is in learning to succeed in spite of them.

Strive today to find joy and peace in whatever circumstances you are in. Look past the storm to the beauty that awaits when the clouds clear and know that you can reach your dreams and goals despite life's little storms.

Today, I am grateful for the first morning rays as the sun hides just below the horizon, for the misty cloud of smoke from my neighbor's furnace that hangs close to the earth, and for eager children who wait for the school bus to appear.

I am grateful for ideas that wrestle to be set free, for faith that everything will work out just as it should, and for ability to dance in the rain. I am grateful for the resilience of the soul that propels us forward toward a bright future, for insight to always choose the right path, and for the ability to enjoy the journey.

I am grateful for the amazing storehouse we call the human mind, for the incredible passion of those who work to improve the lives of others, and for simple joys that punctuate our lives. 

I am grateful for my children who have grown into amazing human beings, for my husband who has faith in my dreams, and for friends who remind me that life is meant to be enjoyed. I am grateful for parents who taught me how to be who I am, for siblings who share my journey, and their children that makes lives full.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you face your storms with courage and faith and learn to dance in the rain as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Express yourself with wall art: Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. Its about learning to dance in the rain.

 

If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere. Frank Howard Clark

As human beings we often find ourselves surprised when obstacles seemingly block our way. For many, a simple tree across the path is a signal to turn back or to find another path. For others, the tree simply slows them down a bit as they decide on the best way to get around the obstacle.

As some of you know, I have recently faced an obstacle that has caused me to stop in my tracks and evaluate how best to get past this temporary setback. A regular source of writing income - the source that allowed me to devote time to other writing pursuits - like this blog - has been suddenly cutoff.

Like the tree across the path, I know that there is always a way around it and what lies beyond is often greater than what has come before. If you, like me, face obstacles in your path, don't let it stop your journey towards your dreams. Go over. Go under. Or go around - but don't turn back.

Today I am grateful for the blessings I know are just around the corner, for faith to hold fast to my dreams, and the courage to face obstacles without fear.

I am grateful for the bright winter sun, for melting ice that drips from the eaves, and for the squirrel that darts before the window. I am grateful for blue skies that brighten my day, for the promise of spring to come, and dreams of green and growing things.

I am grateful for family and friends who lend a helping hand, for writers who share their knowledge with the world, and for poets who paint pictures in my mind.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you greet obstacles with courage and determination for beyond them lies the path that leads in the direction of your dreams.