Two Words :: Release Regret

Regret is one of those things that can creep into your mind at any moment, but one that can be projected into the future.  Whether you have regrets now or not, the one thing you can control going forward is whether you will have regrets later.

That control takes the form of decisions and actions that we all make and do everyday of our lives.  If you have a set of problems today, it's very likely that you created the conditions necessary for regret with past choices and actions.

I think there is one thing that most everyone wants at the end of their lives; no regrets.  To get there, you have to forget regrets you have now and focus on making better decisions and taking action that does not produce regret later.  Why?  Because holding onto regrets now is debilitating.  They are like anchors that cannot be pulled back.  Releasing your regrets today is very simple ... just decide now that all those things you did or did not do that produced the regret are in the past.  Let them drift behind you, and disappear like the bubbles of a boat wake as you move into the future.  This is a choice ... release regrets.

Two Words :: Thank You

I'm not sure of the statistics, but today's two words 'Thank You' are perhaps the most under appreciated two word combinations there are. A simple 'thank you' can change someone's day completely and goes along way toward being civil and kind to those you meet in your life.

Whether it's the cashier at the drive-thru window, someone who holds a door during wintery weather, or offers a compliment, saying thank you is always appreciated.

As we approach the holidays and the end of one more trip around our closest star, remember to appreciate others; those you know and strangers alike. It really can make a difference. I'll start ... 'thank you' for reading.

Two Words :: Repel Stagnation

Everything in the universe is moving. Every particle, every galaxy, everything is always moving. Sometimes our perspective prevents us from seeing the movement, but this change is position is dominant. Stagnation is the opposite of movement. A still pond, lacking any movement will eventually stagnate with growth of those other things which are moving (like algae). A pond with movement, even the smallest ripples will stave off stagnation.

The same holds true for our lives. If we don't move, we stagnate. This is not just our physical movement which is important, but our mental movement as well. Keeping our brains moving with thoughts, challenges, puzzles, problem solving, or just by watching an enthralling movie keeps our neurons firing so that we don't stagnate. It's the only way to repel stagnation. So get moving!

Two Words :: Seize Now

We've all heard the phrase 'carpe diem' or seize the day. Well I say why wait and seize the now.

The past is a history of actions and the future are actions not yet taken. The now moment, and it's fleeting, is the only time in which you can actually take action and do something tangible that has impact.

Sure, you can ponder the past which is a record of actions taken in long gone now moments, but you can do nothing to alter those. You can think about the future, but it's impossible to act in the future.

The flow of the future into the past happens right through the now moment; almost like a single picture frame with future frames pouring in from the right and departing just as fast to the left.

But within that single frame is your entire now moment. What are you going to do with now? Seize the now.

Photo credit: Stockphoto/danesteffes

Two Words :: Be Patient

We've all been told of virtues before. Being patient is a good one, but a challenge at times, especially when the act of being patient requires you to look squarely into that thing out there in front of you and force yourself to not get excited or not take action.

That thing could be a goal you're reaching for, a gift you might expect, a prize you may win, that new thing you ordered that will reach your door step any moment now, or even a visitor you haven't seen for awhile but due in anytime. Patience may also be required when watching a child make a valiant effort in a race, but doesn't or is unable to win, or dealing with a new puppy who is not quite yet trained to do the right thing.

Of course the giddiness involved in not being patient can be enthralling, but also distracting.

That said, how long do you have to be patient? There's no time limit on how long being patient is necessary is given situation, but you can be sure of one thing; being patient is required to know how long. One of those catch 22's of life.

Be patient ... it will do you and others good.