Soul Music

Yesterday I received a video of a 21gun salute from a group of soldiers at an undisclosed location.  They stood tall and brave.  I couldn't see their faces because their backs were to the camera but I knew one thing from their rigid postures.  These man were standing with purpose and determination.  Those blasts made my soul shiver.  Their cadence was deliberate.  Their music was short and sweet – three beats and then silence.  Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.  What is your music?  What is your purpose?  The universe is waiting to hear from you.  Have a great day.

Happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day.  Please take a moment today to remember those who sacrificed in order for us to have our freedom.  And for those families who may have an empty seat at the table today because they have a son, daughter, brother, sister, father or mother who is away on active duty, please know you have a grateful nation who is with you on this special day.  Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends ~ John 15:13.

Why I'm Becoming a Food Detective

I suspect there's something going on with our food supply that our government isn't telling us.  I don't have answers – only questions.  That's where the detective work begins.  Trust no one.  Follow every lead.  Experiment.  Challenge conventional wisdom.   I'm just getting started.  It's personal.  When I agreed to become a lab rat in a food experiment nine months ago it was the beginning of my quest to find good health.  The good doctor advised me to throw out everything with a label on the package and concentrate on fruits, veggies, nuts, beans and seeds.  My high blood pressure disappeared within 72 hours.  My cholesterol levels went from unsafe to ideal.  I stopped snoring.  I lost 35 pounds without even trying.  Friends and family members wanted to know why my health turned around so quickly.  I'm still trying to figure it out.  More importantly, I'm looking for the best way to duplicate the experiment and produce positive results for people in similar situations.

Patient XX is sick and the doctors don't know what's wrong with her.  She's going in for a consultation next month and hopes to get an endoscopy.  When her doctors asked her to eat processed foods containing gluten in February, her symptoms worsened.  Patient XX gained over 25 pounds.  Her stomach has become a war zone.  She can barely walk.  I asked her to document her food journey.  She can't wait to try the caveman food experiment once her diagnosis is complete.  Stay tuned.  I'll be sharing my findings here.  Have a great day.

My Date With Destiny

I got my ticket to the playoffs four weeks from today and I'm not a spectator.  It's my date with destiny in Waterloo, a city that took its name from the epic battle which ended in a crushing defeat for Napoleon.  The French Revolution began on the Jeu de Paume, an indoor tennis court.   Our team trains on indoor tennis courts in preparation for our date with destiny.  Our hope is to do something Napoleon couldn't do – get out of Waterloo in one piece and advance to the next round of playoffs. 

Many in my age group are already making retirement plans.  I'm just getting started.  No longer do I look backward at previous defeats in dismay or appear concerned about the greatest opponent of all ages – Father Time.  I am what I choose to become, a warrior.  There are many lessons to learn on the battlefield of life.  Win or lose, Waterloo will be a defining date on my calendar.  Will it be game, set match for the old men?  Stay tuned.  Have a great day.

Enjoy What You Do

I often say at my day job, "I can't believe they're paying me to do this."  The same thing happens on the tennis courts.  I can't wait to get there and the time passes too quickly.  When you enjoy what you do, work becomes play.

If you're not enjoying your work, consider making changes in your life.  Have a great day.  I'm off to more play time.  See you tomorrow.

Create Your Own Passion Bubble

Your daily choices determine your lifestyle.  Think about it for a moment.  What this means is if you're unsatisfied with your life, the only one you can blame is yourself.  You're outside the passion bubble.  It's so easy to blame the economy, your boss, your circle of friends, even your family for bursting your bubble, but the truth is you can always create a new "passion bubble" as soon as you're ready to look in the mirror and have a conversation with the person in charge of your priorities.  Here's how it works:

1. Decide today you want to create a new life.  Own your priorities.  This means letting go of all the commitments holding you back and wasting your time and making the time for your passions.
2. Decide today who you want in your bubble and who needs to go.  I don't allow negative people in my bubble.  In fact, negative people don't really want to be in your bubble.  They see you as too happy or too optimistic.  They feel trapped in your bubble.  You will have conflict if you let them stay because they're focused on bursting your bubble or destroying your dreams.  ¡Adios, amigos!
3. Create a routine that brings you joy and happiness.  It may be something like giving back to your community or finding a circle of friends who share your passions.  This should be something that makes you excited to get out of bed every morning.
4. Sound proof your bubble.  Once you create the ideal life, the people living outside the bubble will make it their mission to burst your bubble.  Remember, they're the ones on the outside.  You can teach them how to create their own positive life or realize that's not what they want and add some bullet-proof insulation.  You may also want to spray some fog on your bubble so you don't have to look at them yelling at you for your silly ways they can't understand.
5. Determine how high you can float.  This is your bubble.  The only limits are the ones you put on yourself.

One of my greatest joys in life is discovering just how many people I can fit in my bubble without bursting it.  This is a challenge but it works properly when you keeping asking yourself, "are the people in my bubble adding or subtracting to the quality of my life?"  If the answer is on the negative side, take a look in the mirror and figure out what you're doing to make others miserable.  If you are the root of the problem, fix yourself.  If the problem is with certain negative people and you can't mend the relationship by changing your behavior or asking forgiveness, it's time to vote them out.  Your bubble is not a democracy.  You have the only vote that counts.  Choose wisely.  Have a great day.

Sunrise

There's something special about sunrise.  Each day is a new beginning.  Ask anyone who lived through dark times what they appreciate most about their lives and you will discover much wisdom.  For me, it's seeing the light of day.  It seems counter intuitive to do what the author suggests in today's quote.  Chasing something you cannot catch is a waste of human effort.  Plunging into darkness is scary.  I've been in that tunnel a long time but I'm out now.  I found my sunrise when I headed east.  Do not fear the darkness.  Trust you will see the light of day.  Have a great day.

Live Better Starting Today

Why does the pursuit of happiness seem to be such a long journey for some while others simply wake up happy?  Is there really a wrong side of the bed?  What if there's no bed?  Maybe we are too focused on things or milestones and we lose sight of the most powerful navigation tool we all possess – our brains.  Try this experiment:  Tell your brain to search for a better, happier life before you go to bed tonight.  Set the alarm for eight hours. 

Did I just hear you say, "I'm too busy to sleep for eight hours."?

Like I said, if you want to live better starting today, you need to make a few changes.  Waking up grumpy and unhappy may be a result of short-changing your body's natural healing process.  Let's try this again, please set the alarm for eight hours before you go to bed tonight.  Deal?

When you wake up, make a to do list and be sure to include some activities you really enjoy.

Did I just hear you say, "I'm too busy to do the activities I enjoy."?

And why are you that busy?  What's so important that you can't rearrange your life a little so that you can have something fun to look forward to?  Please tell your brain you want some help with time management so you can do some fun things.  I'm sure your brain will respond if you are open-minded to changing your priorities.

Okay.  You're all set.  When you wake up tomorrow morning after eight hours of sleep and a to do list that includes at least one activity you are passionate about, you are on your way to better living.  Isn't it amazing how short that trip was?  You found happiness in less than twenty-four hours.  Congratulate yourself – you are one of the few how understands how to live better.  Have a great day.

How Long-term Dreams Benefit Your Wellness

Barring any unfortunate unseen circumstances beyond my control, I have a dream to be a national USTA doubles champion when I reach my 90's in thirty-five years.  Sound far-fetched?  Nope.  I already have my partner picked out.  He happens to be the doctor who challenged me to be his lab rat nine months ago when I needed help getting my health back on track.  He told me I already had two strikes against me because I was eating all the wrong foods and they were giving me some serious inflammation issues.  Left untreated, my tennis championship dreams would have been more like a figment of my imagination than a realistic goal.  The truth is most of my competition will be dead because they eat like the average American and the odds of a heart attack, stroke or cancer are high.

Long-term dreams benefit your wellness because they give your brain something to focus on.  Your food choices become healthier.  In fact, every choice you make is based on that picture you have in your mind about that dream you want to fulfill.  What are your long-term dreams?  Please take a moment to share in the comments section below.  Have a great day.

Plot Twist in Caveman Food Experiment

One of my day job peers shared her recent food challenges yesterday.  Her doctor asked her to eat processed foods and add gluten to her diet in preparation for her endoscopy next month – the best procedure for diagnosing celiac disease.  She feels worse each day and the pain is nearly unbearable.  Another unfortunate side effect is a weight gain of over twenty-five pounds in the last ninety days.  When I shared my story about giving up all processed foods and anything with a label, she wanted to hear more.  I added that giving up gluten was part of the experiment since many gluten products on the market today are man-made.

I'm excited to follow Patient XX on her food journey and plan to help her get back on track with a caveman food program rich in fruits, veggies, nuts, beans and seeds once her doctors complete their tests.  She plans to document her progress and is excited to join the caveman food experiment.  Stay tuned.  I told Patient XX she won't be reading my next book – she'll be in the book.  How's that for a plot twist?  Have a great day.

A Lesson in Losing for Winners

Losing is part of the game, just be careful not to make a habit of it.  I do believe the biggest lessons are in the losses because that's where you learn what your weaknesses are.  These are the areas of improvement.  Your greatest opponents will exploit these weaknesses.  Thank them.  They're giving you the wisdom you need to raise your game.  Have a great day.

Thinking of My Dad Today

He was taken out of the game in the 3rd quarter of his life at age 67 on 5/20/02.  I had a pretty good idea early in my life dad's lungs would eventually be invaded by cancer cells.  My homemade birthday card had a bunch of cigarette butts glued to the front and the message inside got to his heart – Dad, I love you and I want you to be around for a long time, please quit smoking.  I will never forget the look in his eyes when he read that card.  Maybe someone today will get the message and find a way to overcome their addiction.  I'm not going to dwell on the past today except to keep doing the things I do to help others find their way.  You can't force others to change their behavior but you can plant the seeds – or the used cigarette butts.  And you can pray they get the message.  I'm thankful for the time I got to spend with my dad, especially in those last thirty-five days of his short life.  RIP, Patrick John Mulligan. 

Inspiration Time

It's inspiration time.  Plato said, "lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.  His words are timeless.  Unfortunately, many in our time have drifted.  Lethargy is rampant.  How can we turn back the clock on Father Time?  The answer is in today's quote – activity.  It's time to get off the couch.  Turn off the TV.  Put away those video games.  Give up all those processed foods that are giving you headaches.  Get inspired and stay there.  Keep running.  Today is your day to eat right, train hard, give it your best, trust the process and stay inspired.  Have a great day.

Debt Free Living Can Be Permanent

Mrs. Caveman and I have one more step to climb on the debt free ladder in order to achieve financial independence – our mortgage.  The challenge now is to avoid any slips that could lead to trouble while we focus on retiring our mortgage before we do.  It takes discipline.  I believe debt free living can be permanent if you stick to your goals and don't let any temptations get in the way.

If you find yourself stuck in debt, don't freak out.  Just take it one step at a time.  The best thing you can do today is decide you're paying cash from now on.  Make your dollars stretch.  Always make a list before you shop for groceries and stick to the list.  Keep track of how you're spending your money every month and decide what you can live without.  Keep climbing.  Have a great day.

Food Tips For Better Health

Where would you rate your overall health on a 1 to 10 scale?  If you're wondering how you can improve that number, check out the healthy eating tips below.  I got a request to write down everything I eat from one of my day job buddies who is interested in trying my food experiment.  Before I share the list, I'd like to recap the changes my body went through...

• No more snoring
• No more high blood pressure  (I suffered from inflammation which made my numbers soar)
• Reduced LDL cholesterol (about a 50% reduction in first 30 days)
• Increased HDL cholesterol (nearly doubled)
• Reduced body fat (High 30%, current 17%)
• No more headaches
• No more aches in my feet at the end of the day
• Total weight loss:  35 pounds (most of the weight loss occurred during first 45 days)
• No more hunger between meals
• Increased energy levels

I shared my tips with friends and family members and the results are mixed.  Some who tried the 45 day food experiment had similar results.  Others showed weight reductions but returned to prior eating habits and regained weight.  If you want maximum results, follow these tips and don't cheat.  Make this a way of life.  Here you go:

• Clean out your freezer and your refrigerator.  Get rid of anything with a label.  From now on, anything you put in your fridge or your freezer must be label free.
• Clean out your food pantry.  Anything with a label should be thrown out or donated.
• Keep these foods in plain site:  oranges, bananas, avocados, tomatoes, squash.
• Give up all dairy products.
• Avoid all processed foods.
• Try abstaining from gluten for 30 days.
• When you eat out, ask your food server to hold the butter, sour cream, salad dressing, bread, tortillas and any foods containing gluten.
• Go big for breakfast.  I load up on an extra large smoothie with spinach, celery, avocado, chia seed, flaxseed, orange, banana, pineapple, and berries.  I also fill my plate with one fried egg topped with sliced mushrooms, tomato and onion sauteed in coconut oil with a side of almonds and walnuts.
• Go light for lunch.  I eat a small salad without dressing.
• Go medium for dinner.  I eat steamed veggies and small portions (6ounces or less) of bison, salmon, cod, chicken or red meat.
• Have a little wine (2 glasses or less per day).
• Savor small amounts of dark chocolate if you feel your sweet tooth acting up.
• Substitute Romaine lettuce in place of tortillas and buns.
• Cook with olive oil or coconut oil.
• Order first when you eat out.  This will keep you from being tempted by what your friends and family members eat.

It's been nearly nine months since I became a lab rat for my cousin, Dr. John Mulligan.  I joined a traveling tennis team and we're headed to the playoffs.  Even though I'm the oldest player on the team and we're competing with players over 35 or more years younger, age doesn't matter.  What matters is how you treat your body.  Give it plenty of rest and feed it mostly fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and seeds.  Follow these food tips for better health and find a friend to be your accountability partner.  Have a great day.

It's All About Training

Those on the outside looking in may be wondering when I'm finally going to remove my training wheels.  Isn't 55 old enough?  I believe most people take the training wheels off too soon.  They take one bad spill and give up.  I'm living proof it's okay to put those training wheels back on no matter your age.  Training is part of life.  So is rest.  There's a certain rhythm.  One area of my life I'm working on right now involves three to four hours of intense weekly training.  Our men's tennis team is preparing for the next round of the USTA playoffs.  Our local pro is working us hard.  We're competing with players who are still in college.  Call me crazy, but I think we have a shot at the national championships.  If we do get to the big show in Southern California in the Fall, it will be because we trained like there's no tomorrow.  I know one thing for certain, I'm going to keep on training right up until the last day of my life.  It's all about the training.  Go for it.  Have a great day.

How to Create Your Ultimate Happy Place

Did someone steal the key to your happiness?  How much time have you spent looking for it?  Perhaps you're searching in all the wrong places.  I know how it is.  Blaming others won't work.  Postponing happiness until you meet some goal you put on a calendar won't work.  Holding on to the past won't work.  I know who has your key.  Ready?  Look in the mirror.  Yep.  There's your solution.  You're the one person on this planet who can create your ultimate happy place.

A five-year-old was asked to write a paper about what she wanted to be when she grew up.  She wrote about being happy.  Her teacher told her she didn't understand the assignment.  The little girl told her teacher she didn't understand the meaning of life.  I bet that little girl was already happy.  She wasn't going to let anyone steal her key.

Whatever is going on in your life today that may be causing you some kind of burden, it's not enough to take away your happiness unless you decide it is.  Maybe you're overwhelmed in debt, or you feel you have too many pounds around your belly.  Or, maybe your boss is adding too much to your workload.  So what?  Once you decide to be happy, you're happy.  Remember to share your happiness.  The more you share, the larger your happy place.  Be happy.  Have a great day.

Why a Debt-free Lifestyle Spices Up Your Life

Are you addicted to credit card debt?  If the answer is yes, you don't know what you're missing.  Eliminate debt from your diet and your taste buds will change.  Everything changes.  It's an amazing experience.  It's like being trapped in a smoke-filled room all your life.  Your clothes stink but you don't even notice.  You have trouble breathing but you think it's normal.  One day you open the locked door and walk outside into the fresh air.  You feel the warm sun on your skin.  It feels so good.

I feel bad for all the people trapped in a bland world without any rich flavor to savor.  They got sucked in to a world filled with expensive mortgages, high dollar car payments and a stack of credit card bills that seem impossible to ever pay off.  It takes courage to walk away from the crowd.  The reward is peace and serenity.  And don't forget how a debt-free lifestyle spices up your life.  Try it.  Have a great day.

Got Superstitions?

It's Friday the 13th.  Some people may stay home today because they don't want any bad luck in the outside world.  Others may check the lunar calendar to make sure there's not any double trouble today.  I believe most superstitions are linked to fear of the unknown.  I admit I do have my own idiosyncrasies.  For example, I believe it's good luck to always arrive fifteen minutes early.  Part of this may be my own fear of unknown obstacles, such as an unexpected traffic jam, or a last minute interruption that requires immediate attention.  My promptness has always brought me good luck.  My stress levels are reduced because I'm not rushing.  I'm also better prepared for any unlucky things that may get in my way.

Some people may feel faith is one of those areas that is superstitious.  If these people don't believe in a Creator of the universe, then everything believers do may appear odd to them.  I like what Jesus has to say about fear.  His own presence 2,000 years ago was God's way of helping us get rid of fear.  He didn't arrive fifteen minutes early.  He appeared at the exact moment his Father planned, even though there wasn't any room at the inn.  Jesus teaches us not to worry about anything.  Friday the 13th is just another day on the calendar.  Savor it.  Have a great day and don't worry – be happy.

Can You Create Miracles?

Miracle - a highly improbable or extraordinary event, development, or accomplishment that brings very welcome consequences.

Remember the Miracle on Ice?  David vs. Goliath?  The Lunar Landing?  All three have one thing in common – extraordinary preparation.  At the root is a strong positive mental attitude.  I really like being in situations where the odds are against me.  I get this fire in my belly and get to work on a plan to win.  Some of my opponents are larger than life but that doesn't stop me.  If you're searching for a wonder drug in your life to help you create more miracles, look no further than your own mind.  Fill your head with a can do attitude and approach every life situation with the will to prepare.  Work harder than your opponents.  Practice, practice, practice.  Have a great day.

That Voice in Your Head

That voice in your head always shows up at the most challenging moments in your life.  I found a way to defeat it – it's not easy and the commitment required is huge.  All you need is action.  It starts with baby steps.  Sometimes all you may be able to do is crawl.  It doesn't matter the pace or how out of reach your goal may be.  Whatever you do, don't listen to that voice in your head.  If all you can do today is muster one step in the right direction, take that one step.  It's so worth it when you can prove the voice in your head has zero credibility.  Have a great day.

Find a Way to Win Today

Do you have a plan for today?  What are the odds of achieving a successful outcome?  Your answer to these two questions is important.  Think about it.  If you believe your odds are low, you may give up too soon, leading to a self-fulfilling prophesy.  The same is true when you give yourself high chances for success today.  Your mind will cooperate with your goals and you will find a way to win.  Something else happens as well.  Your brain starts believing.  You set up winning habits.  You build on your successes.  And your self-confidence improves.  Make a plan.  Believe in yourself.  Have a great day.

Find Your Mojo

Mojo:  a quality that attracts people to you and makes you successful and full of energy.

Your mojo left a voice message for you while you were sleeping.  It wanted to come home after a long absence from your life.  Remember the good 'ole days when you two were inseparable?  What happened?  Did the world convince you you're too old, too fat, or too tired to deserve mojo in your life?  Just because so many people in your age group lost their mojo, it doesn't mean you can't get it back.  The truth is you can help your friends find their mojo if you're willing to find yours first.  Here's how I found mine...

1.  I stopped acting my age.  This is important because your age is mostly defined by the world's standards – the people who eat processed foods filled with all kinds of things that make our bodies age at an accelerated rate.

2.  I kissed my couch potato days good-bye.  The fastest way to lose your mojo is to become sedentary.  I spent every waking hour of my life writing books and gave up exercising.  This was a bad move and it cost me my mojo.  I'm still writing but at a reduced rate so that I can make more time to be active.

3.  I make time for my passions.  There are five on my list – writing, playing tennis, home improvement projects, cooking, and coaching others (helping them find their mojo).  Every morning when I wake up, I share something on this blog and it gives me tremendous satisfaction knowing others are benefiting.  I also prepare two or three main meals a week for Mrs. Caveman and myself.  There are countless recipes online and videos to help me become a better cook.  I'm playing competitive tennis twice a week and feel like I'm reversing the aging process (or maybe I'm so happy to be on the tennis courts that I just can't feel the aches on pains associated with getting older).  The home improvement projects help bring peace to our cave dwelling.

The next time your mojo calls, answer the phone.  Then get out of bed and work on your relationship with your old buddy.  Your mojo will never leave you if you make it a priority in your life.  Have a great day.

Lessons From My Mother

50% of my DNA comes from my mother.  Although her DNA may be from almost every continent on the planet, that's only part of the story.  I believe my mother's most enduring quality has nothing to do with her DNA.  It's that part of her soul with a capacity to love everyone that I admire most.  My mother taught me to forgive, not by her words but by her actions.  She never ceases to pray for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, countless nephews and nieces, and for those today who may be missing their mothers or maybe grew up without a mother to love them.

Happy Mother's Day, mom.  This is your day.  Thanks for all the lessons.  I know I still have much to learn in this world but you have given me a solid foundation.  God bless you and all the mothers in this world.  I love you!  Have a great day.

What Adversity Reveals

Character:  the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.

Got adversity in your life?  Think of it as a test.  Walking away from your challenge is a failing grade.  You may be able to pass your test with some effort or you can blow it away with extraordinary effort.  Remember this – when the results are posted, everyone will know your character.  You can't hide.  Here's something else to consider – everyday is a test.  Most days there will be some kind of adversity in your life.  Decide today that you're going to sharpen your mental and moral qualities so you can ace every test you face.  Some day the adversity will pass and all that the world will see is your character.  What grade will you pursue?  Have a great day.

All Things New

How's the story of your life going?  Maybe you got off to a great start but found yourself lost in the middle chapters?  If so, it's not too late for a new beginning.  When Jesus says, "Behold, I make all things new," He's talking about you.  I know something about new beginnings.  One could say it's the story of my life.  I'm not arguing with the benefits.  For me, starting over means letting go.  Clinging to mediocrity is not good for the soul.  There's no climax.  I say, "go for it."  Ask Jesus to take you by the hand and lead you into a new setting.  Let him introduce to new characters who can help you become the person you are created to be.  Yes, you can become a new creation.  Find your purpose today in a new beginning and fill the empty pages of your life with something really special.  Have a great day.

Are You Nuts?

So, the world thinks you're nuts because you're on a course to change the world, right?  Remember this, you're in good company.  You're going where few dare to go.  I know it's a scary place.  Keep climbing up and out of your comfort zone.  The higher you climb, the more you will be challenged, maybe even ridiculed.  Don't let criticism stop you.  Let your passion be the fuel you need to reach your destiny.  Have a great day.

Stress Busters

Got stress?  I can relate.  It was once the story of my life.  The danger signs are easy to spot.  You can't sleep.  You find yourself frozen because you're so overwhelmed you don't know what to do next.  Little things annoy you.  Sound familiar?  I have two questions for you...

1. If you could change one thing in your life today that would lighten your stress load, what would it be?
2. What would happen if you concentrated on that one thing until it was gone from your life?

The biggest lesson I learned about overcoming stress is that you have more control of your life than you think you do.  The stress in your life mainly comes from poor decisions.  Learn to change your decision-making process and you can become a champion stress buster.

If you're having trouble answering question #1 because you're too stressed, I have a recommendation for you.  Choose to eat wisely.  That's it.  Give up junk food.  Clean out your refrigerator.  Shop smarter.  Do this every day for 30 days.  Don't worry about anything else.  This will clear your head and set you up for your next big challenge on your stress buster list.  Keep going.  Work the list until everything is crossed off.  Keep it simple.  One thing at a time.  You can do this.  Have a great day.

The Will to Prepare to Win

Cue the Rocky music.  This is one of my favorite topics – human endurance.  The older I get, the more I realize how important preparation is.  Bear Bryant is right – it's not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference.  Think about your greatest wins in your life.  I bet you spent countless hours preparing for showtime.  And if you're coming up short in the wins department, consider increasing your training time.  It's never too late to improve your win-loss record in any area of your life.  Human endurance is only possible when you take the time to prepare yourself mentally, physically and spiritually.  Never enter a battle without proper planning.  Have a great day.

A Measuring Stick For Intelligence

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”  ~ Albert Einstein

Is your hardheadedness and your stubbornness costing you IQ points?  I'm fairly certain there's something else that suffers as well – your vision.  Have you ever been so focused on something that you became blind to everything else going on around you?  Fortunately, a high school dropout named Albert Einstein offers us a creative solution.  It's all about adapting.  He flunked his first entrance exam for a polytechnic school but kept studying.  His professors weren't sure he would graduate.  I'm sure Einstein would argue intelligence is all relative.  He said, "education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think."

Never forget what Einstein said about everybody being a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.  Capish?  If you're struggling today because you don't think you're smart enough or if the people around you are trying to make you feel like you're not the smartest tool in the shed, ponder these ten lessons from Einstein.

Have a great day, wise one.

MayDay

Are you feeling distressed today because you noticed the calendar just flipped into May and you feel the whole year is slipping away?  Take a deep breath and relax.  There's plenty of time to right your ship and sail in the direction of your dreams.  I'm answering your SOS call with some words of encouragement.  I found a solution to all my problems, most of them self-inflicted due to poor navigation skills.  Want to give it a try?

Call on Jesus.  He is the master of time.  He is the prince of peace.  He is your solution.  Your trials won't end but you will find comfort in every storm.  Hold his hand and you will be able to walk on water.  Your maydays will be happy days.  In fact, every day will be a happy day.  Peace be with your Spirit.  Sail away.  Have a happy day.