Look at your past. Your past has determined where you are at this moment. What you do today will determine where you are tomorrow. Are you moving forward or standing still? Tom Hopkins

By: taliesin

 

 

 

We are all the product of our past. The thoughts we entertained directed our path toward the future. What we have attained is the direct result of choices we made long ago--but there is always time to entertain new thoughts, to choose new pathways and go confidently toward the future.

Often we become so caught up in the present that we fail to see how the choices we make today may impact the realities of tomorrow. Consider your thoughts and choices today. Do your thoughts and actions point in the direction of your dreams? Align you actions with your goals so that the future you create may be full of joy.


Today, I am grateful for the glistening trees that stood strong under pelting ice, for the first rays of light that set them aglow in gold and for bright blue skies.


I am grateful for chick-a-dees in their black and gray, for purple finches in their rosy hue and for blue jays. I am  grateful for lady bugs and butterflies, for daisies that wave in the wind and for dew drops that glisten in the light.


I am grateful for family, for friends and for neighbors who share my world.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your thoughts be focused and your actions be fruitful as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

The minute you alter your perception of yourself and your future, both you and your future begin to change. Marilee Zdenek

By: nanette

 

 

 

The lowly caterpillar does not know that what lurks inside will someday be a beautiful butterfly able to soar above the earth. He believes he is destined to crawl upon the earth for a lifetime. So it is with people.

We are bound by our limited perception of ourselves and what we can achieve, often clinging to our lowly stance and refusing to unfold our wings and soar. Isn't it time you let go of your limiting perception of yourself  and envision a bright and joyous future?

Allow yourself the luxury of transformation, today, by altering your perception of yourself and your future.

Today, I am grateful for cleansing rain that washes away the winter snow, for gray clouds that announce the nearing of spring and for birds that bob and dart through the soft wet air. I am grateful for deer as they emerge from deep winter snow in search of food, for plants that stir beneath the snow ready to burst forth in the warm spring sun and for sunny days that are sure to come.


I am grateful for possibilities and opportunities that come my way, for good times that bring laughter and fill my life with joy and for inspiration that strikes amid the cover of darkness. I am grateful for courage and strength to carry me through the difficult times and the vision to lead me into the light.


I am grateful for family that creates a tight bond, for friends who remind me of who I am and for strangers who inspire me with their great courage and strength and commitment to do what is right, not what is popular.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you find the courage to change your perception of yourself and your future as you soar in the direction of your dreams.

Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second. Give your dreams all you've got and you'll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you. William James

lisasolonynko

Consider the steadfast snail that works steadily towards his goals, today. He doesn't look at the wall before him and give up because it seems too far away or the climb is too difficult. He begins his journey with determination and does not falter until he reaches his goal.

As humans, we often set out to achieve our goals filled with energy and dreams of a bright tomorrow, but give up when the way gets too difficult. Cultivate the habit of pushing past the momentary obstacles to find your second wind, today.


Today, I am grateful for writers who encourage the world to think in new and interesting ways, for scientists who explore our world and for theorists who go beyond the here and now. I am grateful for those with the courage to share new ideas, for those who are willing to entertains thoughts beyond the norm and for their willingness to share it with the world.


I am grateful for this wonderful creation we call earth that brings joy and peace and comfort to the soul. I am grateful for fresh clean earth to support flowers and vegetables, for clean water that trinkles down mountains and over rocks , and fresh air to breathe.


I am grateful for family that builds my foundation, for my children who step forth with courage and determination to reach their goals and a spouse that strives to reach his potential. 


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you run your race with determination and persevere knowing you will find a second wind to propel you in the direction of your dreams.

“It is one of the commonest of mistakes to consider that the limit of our power of perception is also the limit of all there is to perceive.” C. W. Leadbeater

jdurham

 

 

It is so easy to assume that what we see with our eyes or hear with our ears is all that there is. The Bible tells us, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Romans 12:2. It is the renewing of your mind that allows you see beyond the physical realities around you and into the infinite possibilities your life holds.

 

Get in the habit of looking beyond what is before you to seek out opportunities and possibilities that are hidden from sight. Don't settle for false limits your senses impose.

 

For today, consider that what you see as the limit to what you can do may be an illusion and that beyond the veil lies infinite possibilities and opportunities.

 

Today, I am grateful the storm has passed and left in it wake white, fluffy snow that envelopes the world, once again. I am grateful for bright sunshine, blue skies and the promise of a new day.

I am grateful for mild air that replaces the blowing winds, gentle birds that flit from tree to tree and sing out in joy, and for the untouched beauty of rolling mounds of clean white snow.

I am grateful for family that shares my life, for words that encourage me and lift me up and for new challenges to overcome--for surely they make me strong.

I am grateful for new opportunities that flow into my life, for the ability to see beyond the "here and now" and for the promise of all good things to come.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you transform your thinking by the renewing of your mind today, as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

The future is literally in our hands to mold as we like. But we cannot wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow is now. Eleanor Roosevelt

By: jzlomek

Many of us delay taking action because we are unsure of the direction we should take and mistakenly believe that leaving it until later is a prudent move. Naturally, there are times when thinking things through is desired, but when we use thinking things through as an excuse to delay action, we cheat ourselves.

The potter doesn't begin his work and suddenly stop and let it sit until a better time. He works steadfastly toward completing the vision his has set in his head and brings it to reality. Develop the mindset of a potter today. Take action and begin molding the vision of your future.

Today, I am grateful for hope, for faith and for the vision of a bright tomorrow. I am grateful for the ability to dream and the knowledge that I can go forward toward my dreams to claim my future. I am grateful for the courage and strength to step beyond my comfort zone to reach my dreams.


I am grateful for a comfortable home, healthy food and warmth from the late winter winds. I am grateful for family to share my life, for friends who share my dreams and for strangers who touch my life.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you be like the potter and take action to mold your future as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

“If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten.” Anthony Robbins

 

 

 

by kakisky

So often we continue on with our lives repeating the same patterns, the same actions--yet expecting to see changes in our lives. The young may not realize there are other choices of action, but as an adult you must look beyond the same old routine and take new action if you desire new results.

Consider the ways you repeat old actions expecting new results, today. Perhaps this thinking plagues you in your relationships--or perhaps your career is bound by old thinking and routines.

Summon up the courage today to step outside old habits and old beliefs and take new action to reach your dreams.

Today, I am grateful for a new day, for new ways of thinking and for the courage to take new action.


I am grateful for the written word that I may communicate my thoughts, for translators that my words may be available to all people regardless of language and for dedicated teachers who taught us all to read.


I am grateful for countries that produce plump ripe fruit while my garden lies fallow beneath the snow, for truckers who bring the fruit to market and for grocery stores that provide an assortment from which I am free to choose the fruit of my desire.


I am grateful for the warming sun that arises and chases away the chill, for bright stars that adorn the sky and for trees that stand the test of time.


I am grateful for the people in my life--for family and friends that add color and emotion to my world, strangers I may never meet and long lost friends from long ago.


And I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you find the courage to take new action today to bring about the changes you desire, as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Seeds of happiness

Photo by N Richford

Everything is material for the seed of happiness, if you look into it with inquisitiveness and curiosity. The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment. There always is the potential to create an environment of blame -- or one that is conducive to loving-kindness. Pema Chodron

Whatever your circumstances, embrace the knowledge that you have the power to build your own future today. Begin sowing the seeds of success and happiness that your life may be full and your future may be bright.

Placing blame on others--or yourself--is a waste of energy and only serves to hold you in the grasp of the past. Take action today and leave all that is disheartening, all that is disempowering, all that is negative behind you. Choose today to make a new future filled with love and happiness.

So often we miss out on joy and peace in our lives because we refuse to let go of old hurts, old fears and old believing. Today is your day to change that. Look at your life with inquisitiveness and curiosity today seeking out opportunities to further your dreams and goals.

Today, I am grateful for multiple outlets for my work, for the ability to rise to the expectations of each and the willingness to let go of the negatives of the past. I am grateful for the unlimited potential that lies before me, for a vision of a bright future and the courage to pursue it.

I am grateful for those who offer me support, for the opportunity to better the lives of others and the insight to know what is needed.

I am grateful for the ability to live in a small rural community while accessing the world via the Internet that I may find success with my career.

I am grateful to be blessed with family that loves me, friends who are always near and to meet new people every day.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you let go of old hurts and old failures today and look to your future with hope as you work to reach your goals.

“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. 

A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” ~Oscar Wilde


Consider your dreams today, however faraway they seem, they are the compass to where you need to go. Dreams don't just float into your life for no reason.

If you have a dream, that is secreted away out of the light of day, bring into the light today and make it happen.


Today, I am grateful for moonlight and shadows, for the sun as it slides into night, and for the sunrise that promises a new day.


I am grateful for sleep that brings rest to the soul, for cool water to drink, and the fruit of the earth to eat. I am grateful for computers, photographers who willingly share their magnificent works of art and for dogs who sleep lazily in summer sun.


I am grateful for family and friends who complete my life, for the elderly who share the stories of the past, and for strangers who have yet to cross my path. I am grateful for great minds that bring knowledge to the world, for great hearts that fill the world with compassion, and for strong bodies that perform labor that we all might live in comfort.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your dreams be lofty and may you pursue them with conviction as you go forth with your day.