The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence, and educational advantages, but what he will do with the things he has. Hamilton Wright Mabie

By cohdra

 

 

Often we fill our thoughts with the things we will do when we have enough time or enough money believing that we are powerless in our lives until the magical moment arrives when we have enough to pursue our dreams. But the power doesn't lie in what we attain, it lies in doing the best we can with what we already have.

Each of us holds the power to go forward and improve our lives--to reach our dreams--if we but consider how to use the resources we already have.

Let go of the idea that what you have is not enough to start you on your journey to reach your heart's desires. Focus on what you want and the path will become clear.

Today, I am grateful for a good night's rest, for houseplants that thrive inside the home and for flowers that will return in spring.

I am grateful for effective use of my time, for a quick, sharp mind that allows me to pursue my dreams and for much laughter along the way.

I am grateful for lazy days to allow thoughts and dreams to grow, for busy days to put them into motion and for the faith to wait until they come to pass.

I am grateful for family that continually amazes me, for friends who share my dreams and for old friends who have seen me through it all.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you cast aside thoughts of lack today, and use what you've already been given to go forward in the direction of your dreams.

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.

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.

Photo by gracey Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most men throw away.~Charles Caleb Colton Time has the marvelous ability to become either our enemy or our ally. Only we have the ability to decide which it will be. If you are like most of us, you probably are in the habit of letting time slip by without a thought. Take note of your use of time today. Do you squander moments? Do you throw away those shreds of time as though they were useless bits of garbage? Learn to use your time wisely that your goals may be attained and your life may be filled with the sweetness of success. That is not so say that we should not take time to enjoy the marvelous things in our lives. We should and we must. Time to relax and time to enjoy should be deliberate choices that allows us to restore energy and build a strong foundation to our lives. Without time to enjoy, we lose the value in our lives. I'm talking about those shreds of time when we do nothing of value. The lost moments waiting for the bus, sitting in the dentist's office, waiting for that all-important meeting to start. What can you do with that time today? What can you do to bring meaning to those bits of time that seem to serve no purpose? I will use my time today to envision my future --to lay plans for action -- to build faith in my ability to find success in all my endeavors. I hope you will too. Today, I am grateful for the dull gray skies that tell me spring is approaching. I am grateful for the soft breeze that carries the promise of spring thaws. I am grateful for seeds to plant, birds to watch and writing to do that makes my life full. I am grateful for family and friends who bring me joy and courage to work towards my goals. I am grateful for the generosity of others, the kindness of strangers and the great thinkers of our time. And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop by to share my day.May your life be filled with joy and your heart be filled with courage as you go forth to meet the day.