Live in the present

Three days in a row I’ve been in a situation where someone in my circle of influence has felt down and out. As fate would have it, each person in their circumstance sought to view the world through a clouded lens as if there was nothing that could be done. As I listened to their trials, my warm heart could do nothing more but yearn to understand why they could not see joy in their situation. Reaching out my hand with empathy, I gave the same advice that was once given to me, “keep your heart focused on what you can do, and act on it”.

Tough Love
I’ve been told my many that I’m very loving, with a firm belief in fairness. I suppose that is true. When you want to hear the truth, ask for it. You’ll be lucky if someone tells you the truth. If you ask me for the truth; I’ll tell you. I can only hope that you will do the same for me. Sometimes even if you don’t want to hear others perspection of the truth, it may be necessary for growth. Listen openly and let advice benefit you in the long run. Take what you can and leave the rest behind; but listen nonetheless. This message is for those three people in my immediate circle of influence and anyone else that may benefit from some tough love.

Stand Up
Get up, look in the mirror and notice what you have around you in your life. Take a real look at yourself, those around you and the world. The best way to truly accomplish this is my talking to others about your problems with transparency and with an open mind. If you open up with someone that is caring, you will learn that others have similiar issues of their own. You will learn that you are not the only person with problems. You will learn that others can relate to your situation. You should also take note that many people have found ways to help themselves and can also help you. Stand up and seek the brighter side of life by noticing what can be done, instead of focusing on what you can not accomplish. If you are tired of your situation don’t bitch and moan, think and grow. What is the first step? Think about anything positive you can do to make a change, even a small incremental change toward your next goal. Having trouble gathering your thoughts? Ask someone to help you? Still in a bind? Pray for an answer? Can’t make it through? Read on the subject. Don’t have money for a book; Google it! Find a way! Every second you devote to negative thoughts, wastes powerful energy toward your next opportunity. Get up. Hold your head up. Clinch your fists. Yell if you need to, but stop looking backward and set your eyes on the positive change that you are going to make today.

Time to Live in the Present
Yesterday has now past. Did you make the most of your time spent during the day yesterday? What about last week? How about the past year? Are you still worrying about what you could have, should have done 10 years ago? If you are not living in the present, you are making no positive change for the future. If you are making no positive change for the future, your life will continue to be as it is today.

There are opportunities around you, every moment of your life. Everyday there is something you can act upon to take another step toward your goal. Now that you are standing up, act on those positive thoughts and celebrate the small “wins” in your life. If you stumble, learn from the mistake but keep going. If you find yourself in despair, take the time to heal; but then keep moving toward your next opportunity. You must have the courage to take steps toward your own success. Once you are living in the present, you’ll be surprised how many people who live in depression and despair.

I’m always flabergasted to find out that I was the first person to ever ask that kind of question. Have you ever been to an event where only a small group showed up to take advantage of an opportunity when those offering were expecting huge crowds. Don’t be left behind; seize your next opportunity. Vote. Apply for that scholarship. Attend that training session. Volunteer your time. Speak up when others do not. Get that job. Start that business. Find your true love. Learn something new. Plan for retirement. Get out of the ghetto. Make your first million. Give to those less fortunate than yourself. Get your degree. Be closer to God. Stop the abuse. Raise your children. Do ya thang.

Keep your mind open to feedback whether delivered with great style and bold candor. Take charge of your life by standing up to see the opportunities at your disposal. And lastly live for today by acting as if your next breathe was your last. God will reward your for the bold new risks toward your own greatness.