The Cost of a Brighter Outlook

In the end, it's not the years in your life that count.  It's the life in your years.  –Abraham Lincoln

I recently heard about a web site that offers information and advice on how to get out of debt and live debt free.  I thought that sounded great, so I looked at the site, anxious to gather some much-needed insight into managing my finances better and becoming debt free.  I quickly found out that you must join the sight and commit to a monthly fee on your credit card.  This struck me as singularly odd, and funny.  So, let me make sure I understand this; in order to learn how to get out of debt I must first get a little more in debt – starting with the web site.   Oh well, I passed.  I decided to keep practicing sound money management, use good judgment about spending, and try to live within my means.

Being a healthier, happier person with a brighter outlook requires a serious commitment, yet I firmly believe we do not have to go in debt to accomplish it.  I am convinced anyone can, through faith in God and serious determination, rise up and take hold of a better life.  Another truth of which I am certain is this; sitting around waiting for it to happen guarantees it will not.  

I have wonderful conversations with people who speak of their hopes, dreams, and ambitions, yet for one reason or another, they do not seek to achieve them.  Yes, I know it is a challenge, but it is possible to accomplish reasonable goals. 

• Have you dreamed of writing a book?  So, what is stopping you from trying?  Sit down today and begin writing.

• Do you desire to get in better physical condition?  Map out a plan to make this happen.  If you have concerns about your health, then first consult your family doctor and get advice on what sort of exercise plan you can do. 

•  Do you wish to be a brighter, happier, more positive person?  Resolve today to smile more often, speak less, listen more, and do not allow yourself to become upset over trivial issues which in the grand scheme of life have little bearing.  

Now is the time and today is the day.  Become the brighter and happier person you wish to be.  You can do it with God’s help.  Do not delay.  Get going, get busy, and get moving.  A brighter day is within your grasp.  With renewed energy comes renewed confidence and motivation. 

God bless you.

Rising up and Moving Forward

Time is a jet plane; it moves too fast.  –Bob Dylan

Where does the time go?  I think we actually know the answer to this question.  Time passes by, it moves ahead, and we grow older.  These unstoppable truths happen whether we like it or desire it or not.  Perhaps you are feeling down, discontented, and unhappy.  There is hope, my friend.  I have an idea of how you feel, for I have battled similar forces in my own life.  The good news is that through prayer, faith, and the power of God I was able to rise up out of it and discover anew how to enjoy life and live it to the fullest.  As I told a brother pastor who was going through a dark time in his life, “if I can do it, so can you.”

Having said this, I urge you to cease from looking backward and start looking ahead.  We cannot change the past, but we can learn from our mistakes.  We can resolve not to go back to the unproductive and dark places we once were.  Perhaps you are simply unhappy with your overall life and you feel trapped and hopeless.  As I said earlier, there is hope. 

Maybe you cannot change your circumstances of a dead-end job, a mean boss, bad weather, or a rebellious child.  However, you can change you.  Resolve to make the best of your situation by being the best and most productive person you can be.  Begin now by writing down some items you would like to change about yourself.  List areas of your life that need improvement, and then formulate a plan to implement the changes.  Your list might look something like this:

-Begin an exercise routine.

-Be a more positive person.

-Be more patient with my spouse and family.

-Learn to relax and not take life so seriously.

Okay, so what now?  Formulate a plan for putting each of the items on your list into practice.  Your circumstances, no matter how difficult they might seem, will improve if you begin to improve yourself.  Start now, today.  Resolve to stop surviving and start living life to the fullest. 

A brighter day is coming.  Believe it and take hold of it today, for it is within your grasp.