It is so important to be present and make memories.

You should live in the present, but the past can encourage you to be better today, because of the good memories from yesterday.

Memories are a special way to tell your story, and everyone loves a good story. In fact, whatever you are working on or living for can be defined by a story.

Today’s moments are tomorrow’s memories. So be present and take notice.

You need to live with joy and use your past to propel you forward to better things.

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss

That’s it… memories can make you smile and remember why you do what you do.

Each memory is a moment that will never come again.

“Time is non-refundable, so use it with intention.” - unknown

Intentionality brings purpose and purpose brings life-giving moments.

What is the foundation of your life? What are you trusting in? Do you start your day with confidence?

My day begins with Faith, Hope, and Love.

These life changing truths can make all the difference in your life and others.

So… let’s explore the big 3… Faith, Hope, Love

“There’s more to this life, than living and dying, more than just trying to make it through the day!” - Steven Curtis Chapman

So many are just trying to survive the day, not thrive in a God-given life that is filled with abundance and joy!

What are you focusing on?

We were created for community… to make each other better.

We are truly Better Together.

And, it is a process, and coming together is not always easy.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Proverbs 27:17 NIV

You can impact your world in an amazing way with 4 simple, yet life changing things. Passion, Purpose, Perspective, and People.

My 4 P’s of life.

Let’s Start with Passion.

“If you feel like there’s something out there that you’re supposed to be doing, if you have a passion for it, then stop wishing and just do it.” - Wanda Sykes

I truly believe your passion is what drives your life and your purpose.

You are doing good things, so celebrate.

“Celebrate all wins, big or small, as they shape your journey, making you stronger and wiser.” - Edelweiss D

We all have challenges and bumps along the way, but celebrating helps to remind us there is so much good in life. It shapes our mindset and perspective along the way, making us wiser and stronger!

Don’t be overwhelmed by negative circumstances. Life can be hard work, and that is all the more reason to celebrate.

The real question is not what do you do next… but what are you doing now?

We spend way too much time focusing on the future and overlooking the present.

What you do now will determine what you do next. Your future is shaped by your current actions.

So Get Started.

What are your plans for today? You can live your best life now… why wait?

Today’s newsletter brought to you by… Simplicity!

Life has become very complicated and is moving at a rapid pace with AI and all the technology at our fingertips today.  This is why we need to Keep It Simple.

Don’t over complicate things, simplicity is at the foundation of life.

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” - Confucius

We are often our own worst enemy, complicating even simple tasks. Overthinking the process.

We need to Slow down and simplify.

When I wake up, I am already stressed and worried about my day and all I have to accomplish…

Is this you?

It often begins with the information you were consuming the night before. Books, social media, text messages, conversations with family and friends, etc. It is important to be intentional about what you are thinking about before you go to bed.

“What you think about, you bring about.” - Bob Proctor

It affects you, your mindset and perspective, all you do, and how you wake up in the morning.

There is so much opportunity still ahead.

Today, I am thinking about my 60 year perspective. I will turn 60 years old soon.

I am hopeful for the future and looking forward to this chapter of my life, filled with opportunities and abundance.

Being a strong man of faith, I truly believe Exodus 33:14, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

I know God is with me every step of the way. I have so many people to still inspire and encourage.

My purpose in life is to “Inspire and Encourage You so you can live a Purpose-driven life of Significance.” I want you to be a world changer, a difference maker. That is why God put me on this earth.

I know you have a God-given purpose too. Have you defined your purpose?

We lead busy lives.

We are on the move constantly and sometimes lose sight of our purpose.

Why did you get up this morning?

Purpose is so important, and sometimes to have the direction you need, and to align with your true purpose, you have to be still, knowing there are things bigger than yourself at work.

I love Psalm 46:10 that says, “Be Still and know that I am God.”

As a man of faith, I trust God and know that sometimes I just have to let go, and let God do His work.

He aligns my purpose in life.

Memories of those lost and events past can be special.

We often memorialize the special people or events in our life and our country.

Me·mo·ri·al·ize: to remember a person or event, or to show that you remember them:

In the US we celebrate Memorial Day today, memorializing those lost defending our country, and many, as did my family, extend that to remembering all that have passed on.

There is so much to learn from our past, and memories can be a wonderful thing if we use them to learn from, and celebrate the positive things that have happened.

But, you don’t want to live in, or get stuck in the past.

Keep moving forward.

Are you collaborating and working with others, or isolating yourself?

I have come to believe that we are Better Together!

Trying to go it alone is where we run into problems.

We need each other.

“God doesn't intend for you to handle all the pain and stress in your life by yourself. We were wired for each other. We need each other.” - Rick Warren

We gain strength for others. We were created for community, to work together and do life together. Through the challenges and the good times.

Working with others can bring joy into our lives.

It is so important how you start your day.

What is your morning routine?

Do you have habits that set you up for success?

Are you pointing yourself in the right direction? Don’t miss the opportunity.

James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits Says, “You’ll wake up for about 25,000 mornings in your adult life, give or take a few. According to a report from the World Health Organization, the average life expectancy in the United States is 79 years old.

If we use these average life expectancy numbers and assume that your adult life starts at 18 years old, then you’ve got about 68 years as an adult. (86 – 18 = 68) Perhaps a little less on average. A little more if you’re lucky.

(68 years as an adult) x (365 days each year) = 24,820 days.

25,000 mornings.

How do you inspire yourself in the midst of life's struggle?

How do you keep moving forward with all the negativity around you?

It is not your circumstances, it is your choices that matter.

“Life Happens, and Then You Choose!”

And, you can choose a Can Do Attitude.

Why wait for others to inspire you, when you can do it yourself with Positive Self-Talk.

That's right, you can live your Best Life Now… even if you don’t have it all together.

Even through tragedy, or illness.

We all have those mornings where you wake up feeling lost and uninspired, but there is hope and direction to be found.

It starts with taking a look at your perspective and mindset, and the realization that it is ok not to have all the answers.

“When you finally accept that it’s OK not to have answers and it’s OK not to be perfect, you realize that feeling confused is a normal part of what it is to be a human being.” – Winona Ryder

We are human and, as I like to say… “Life happens, and then You Choose!”

Merriam-Webster says the definition of Intention is, “a determination to act in a certain way.”

Determination… “the act of deciding definitely and firmly.”

Action… “a thing being done: deed”

What are your morning intentions?

This is a good time to engage in intentional thought with a firm determination to act.

Often this can be positively triggered by good and positive morning habits and routines. The things you think about, say to yourself, and do when you first get up.

If you want positive action and positive results in your life, you have to be intentional.

Do you have trouble maintaining your focus?

Are you unsure what to focus on?

“Your life is controlled by what you focus on. “ - Tony Robbins

You are always moving towards the things you are thinking about the most. Your thoughts direct your life actions and so your focus is so important. It must be intentional and thought out.

If you are unfocused and living your life by accident, you are not going to get where you want to go.

Where do you want to go?

“Hope is being able to see there is light, despite all the darkness.” - Desmond Tutu

This world is filled with darkness and despair, but… there is Hope and Light if you are looking for it.

It takes intentional purpose.

But you can choose to keep a positive perspective and have Hope in spite of life challenges.

Good news is, God has already overcome the darkness with His Light.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:5

With this Hope, don’t be overwhelmed by life's challenges.

“Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts. What we think shapes who we are.” - Craig Groeschel

Our thoughts literally control our life.

If we keep a positive attitude we will likely act in positive ways. However, the opposite is always true, and not a great option.

I always say, “Think Positive and Get Your Hopes Up!” If you believe in yourself, and that life is going to be awesome, you will definitely head in that direction.