2012 Thought of the Day Archive

12/7/2012 
I recommend you take care of the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves. 
- Earl of Chesterfield 
Think about the big picture occasionally, so you understand where you want to be. However, once you outline your goal, narrow your focus. Take one step at a time. Put your energy into accomplishing one step well, rather than many steps poorly. If you focus on one step at a time, you will one day look back and be pleasantly surprised by how far you have come. 
Today, all you need to do is take one step. 

11/9/2012 
Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight. 
- Benjamin Franklin 
It is incredibly challenging to not worry about yourself, family, health, job security, money, etc. It is easy to anticipate trouble or all the things that could happen. Where does it get us? It gets us nowhere and we are left feeling anxious and fearful. Try to stay in the moment (in the sunlight) and if you find yourself worrying, gently remind yourself that everything is and will be ok. 
Today, keep in the sunlight.

11/9/2012 
Never let life's hardships disturb you ... no one can avoid problems, not even saints or sages. 
- Nichiren Daishonen 
Go through life with the mindset of “how will I do this”, rather than “I can’t do this”. If we go through life focused on how, then anything is possible…even hardships and disappointments. 
Today, if you find yourself feeling discouraged and doubting your ability to do something. Immediately change your thinking to “how will I do this?” 

11/9/2012 
Happiness is where we find it, but rarely where we seek it. 
- J. Petit Senn 
Often what we want and need in life is right in front of us. However, we don’t notice it because we are looking elsewhere. Happiness exists in many things (vacations, family reunions, and dinner with friends, music, etc.). However, happiness also exists in our daily routines. It may not appear as extravagant but happiness and peacefulness is there…we just need to change our perspective and make a point to find it. 
Today, find beauty and happiness in one thing you do every day. 

10/12/2012 
Practice yourself in little things, and thence proceed to greater. 
- Epictetus 
Set yourself up for success (not failure). Plan for the change you want to make. Start small but work hard at accomplishing these smaller steps. After experiencing success, revise your plan and aim for more. Again, work hard and experience that success, then revise your plan again and keep going. 
Today, make the commitment to plan and start somewhere…just start.

10/12/2012 
If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves. 
- Thomas Edison 
We are capable of achieving so much in life. What gets in our way? Perhaps it is how we perceive ourselves, how others perceive us, we get caught up in day-to-day demands, etc. Do not make excuses or give yourself permission to put things off. Acknowledge opportunities when they surface and take advantage of them. You are capable of incredible things! 
Today, don’t wait…reach for more!

10/12/2012 
Energy and persistence conquer all things. 
- Benjamin Franklin 
Anything is possible with positive energy, passion, and persistence. We may not conquer or achieve goals as quickly as we want. However, do not get discouraged. If we stay passionate and persevere, it will happen - we will reach the place we want to be. 
Today, renew your energy and persistence. They will drive you closer to your goal. 


10/12/2012 
It is not enough to take steps which may someday lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise. 
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 
In order to achieve a goal, one must persevere and take many steps. Each step is an important contribution to the overarching goal and therefore, should be acknowledged and celebrated when achieved. 
Today, take a step toward your goal and celebrate your achievement. Tomorrow, move forward with the same drive.

9/14/2012 
The happiest life is that which constantly exercises and educates what is best in us. 
- Hamerton 
Create a dynamic life. We are constantly presented with new opportunities. Seek more - do not idle through life. Challenge yourself to learn more, live healthy, and try new adventures. We are happiest in a life that is alive. 
Today, be alive!

9/14/2012 
Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow. 
- Doug Firebaugh 
Every day is a new day with new opportunities. Start your day with a feeling of renewal and have the conviction to make decisions that move you closer to achieving your goals and a brighter tomorrow. 
Today, make decisions that you know will bring you closer to a better tomorrow.

9/14/2012 
It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere. 
- Agnes Repplier 
Finding happiness within is challenging at times. We may have high expectations of ourselves or we may be focused elsewhere. It is important to feel satisfied and content with ourselves. Once we find this place of satisfaction and contentment, then we will find happiness all around. 
Today, before seeking happiness elsewhere, focus inward and find happiness in yourself.

9/6/2012 
The whole of life is but a moment of time. It is our duty, therefore to use it, not to misuse it. 
- Plutarch 
Life goes by quickly, however, it is full of opportunity. Do not misuse the life that is before you. Take advantage of each opportunity to grow, develop, and learn. Treat yourself and others with respect and live each moment to the fullest. Create a full and dynamic life. One that you will look back on without regrets. 
Today, remember that life is but a moment and make a commitment to live your life to the fullest.

8/31/2012 
When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. 
—Unknown 
Life is unexpected, which has its pros and cons. When life is difficult, sometimes it is hard to smile and think of the positive. However, this is precisely the time when we need to pause and acknowledge all the blessings in our lives. Do not get discouraged. You have the strength to find the beauty and good in anything that comes your way! 
Today, if you are faced with a reason to cry…go ahead and cry but then follow it with a smile. 

 8/24/2012 
In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life — It goes on. 
—Robert Frost 
Sometimes we put off doing things in life because it is not the “right time.” However, we know that there is never a perfect time to start things in life. Therefore, it is best to pursue your goals now…don’t wait. Life will go on whether you are active or passive in life, so be active and do not let life slip by! 
Today, remind yourself that life goes on. 

8/17/2012 
Don’t let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was. 
- Richard L. Evans 
Do not get discouraged if you feel behind or unsatisfied about where you are in life today. Everybody’s journeys in life are different and you have your own path. If you have a goal in mind, set it and start moving toward it today. Stay focused on moving forward one day at a time and eventually, you will pause and realize how far you have come! 
Today, focus on your life and begin your own journey!

8/10/2012 
People can be divided into three groups: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened. 
- Nicholas Murray Butler 
Do not stand idle watching things happen around you. If you only watch others, one day you will wonder what happened? Where did the time go? I had so many dreams and now I feel like it is too late. Instead, be the person who makes things happen every day. Stay focused on yourself, your dreams, your plans. Persevere and one day you will look back and think, my life has been so full and I have accomplished so much! 
Today, make something happen in your life. It is one step toward feeling satisfied for years to come.

8/3/2012 
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself. 
- George Bernard Shaw 

Be the person you want to be. Focus your time and energy on creating the person you want to be. If you want to be a person who is patient, then work on being patient. If you want to be a person who is fit, then find ways to exercise in your daily schedule. Do not spend all your energy finding yourself. Create yourself and the life you want! 

Today, be active and do something that is in-line with reaching your goals and desires. 

February 24, 2012

Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.

- Helen Keller

Life is sometimes complicated and confusing. However, we can gain clarity through experience and willingness to learn. The more we live life and the more we are open to learning, the more we will grow and understand life’s complexities.

What lessons are you living today and what knowledge are you gaining by living?

February 17, 2012

I find that when we really love and accept and approve of ourselves exactly as we are, then everything in life works.

-Louise Hay

Of course we all have traits about ourselves that we would like to change or improve. Being motivated to change behaviors that are not necessarily healthy or positive is a great move in life. However, behavior change is hard and it does not happen perfectly overnight. Therefore, accept where you are today. You may not be where you want to be (yet) but you are moving toward your goal, so it is ok to approve of yourself and feel good about where you are in the moment.

Today, accept and approve of where you are in your journey.

February 10, 2012

Your body is your vehicle for life. As long as you are here, live in it. Love, honor, respect and cherish it, treat it well, and it will serve you in kind.

-Suzy Prudden

Take a moment to think about how you treat your body every day. Do you get enough rest? Do you eat well and exercise regularly? Many of us go through life assuming that our bodies will always be strong and able to handle life. Until, of course, we get ill or need medical intervention. Appreciate and respect your body. Your body will serve you well if you respect it and treat it with care.

Today, do one thing that is nurturing and respectful to your body.

February 3, 2012

If you have an hour, will you not improve that hour, instead of idling it away? -Lord Chesterfield

We have many opportunities throughout the day to be productive and take action toward personal goals. Do we take advantage of these opportunities or do we let the time slip by and brush things off to tomorrow. Accomplishing goals requires us to take one step at a time, be present in the moment, and use time wisely so when opportunities arise, we are productive.

Today, if you have an hour, use the time wisely.

January 27, 2012

Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can do.

-John Wooden

Achieving goals requires a combination of small steps and big leaps. We can always do something that will get us closer to achieving our goal. Every step moves us closer to achievement and success. If you cannot take a big leap today, then take a small step.

Today, take whatever step you can to move toward your goal. There is always an opportunity to do something.

January 20, 2012

We must be the change we want to see.

-Gandhi

If we want to improve ourselves by changing our behavior, then we must think and act the change that we want to see. If I want to improve my health by becoming more fit, then I must be more fit, which requires more exercise, etc. Simply wanting the change is not enough. We must be the change.

Today, what change do you want to see? Make an effort to be that change today.

January 13, 2012

If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it.

- Jonathan Winters

We must actively pursue what we desire, rather than passively waiting for the best opportunity to present itself. Sometimes we put off goals because we feel it is not the right time or a better time will come. Do not wait. Actively pursue what you want, there is no better time than now to start changing your behaviors and improving your health.

Today, in some way, actively pursue your goal.

January 6, 2012

The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself.

-Thales

Indeed, to know yourself is a difficult thing in life. Life can influence our actions, thoughts, and behaviors in such a way that at times we might feel estranged from ourselves. In these moments we must go back to what grounds us in life. For example, family, prayer, exercise, etc. Then we will feel reconnected with ourselves again.

Today, assess whether you feel grounded in life and have a solid sense of yourself.