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.

I am so Blessed to have my 4th collaborative book now available on Amazon.

“Perspectives on Cancer” volume 2

It is an amazing and inspiring group that I was blessed to be part of.

Although we have all been through a lot, it is our opportunity to share our “Perspectives on Cancer.” Special Thanks to my friend Tim Sohn and the other amazing co-authors. This book provides hope and inspiration, now matter what life brings your way.

Whether you have cancer or are going through other life trials, there is truly hope.

“If you're a leader, or desire to become one, you must always be willing, ready, and committed to “go first” - John C. Maxwell

Leadership is all about action, starting with you.

You can talk all day long, but are you leading by example? And, to lead like this, you must first lead yourself.

That can be difficult.

“The hardest person you will ever have to lead is yourself” - John C. Maxwell

You have to be intentional and purpose driven as you lead, starting with how you lead you.

Take a risk and do something new and exciting with your life!

Don’t live in fear.

“Living with fear stops us from taking risks, and if you don’t go out on the branch, you’re never going to get the best fruit.” - Sarah Parish

You are your own, unique individual. To live in your authenticity and do something new, you have to take some risks.

You can’t just sit in your comfort zone, doing the same things everyone else is doing. You have to step out.

“I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am so thankful for God, my family, and my amazing friends. I love this community and am more than grateful to all of you!

I look for the good and the blessings of life.

A truth of life is… you find what you are looking for.

“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.” - Oprah Winfrey

Live with a mindset of abundance and not scarcity. It is up to you in the way you think and your perspective of life.

We all face challenges, and how we look at them will make all the difference.

It is our perspective that counts.

“Every challenge, every adversity, contains within it the seeds of opportunity and growth.” - Roy Bennett

It can be hard to see sometimes, but it is there. New opportunities lie just around the bend, and when you are looking for them, chances are you will find them.

So keep looking.

Every single day, “Life Happens… and Then You Choose!”

Things happen that we did not plan and we have to figure out how to navigate through the challenges.

So often fear tries to stop us. Our Limiting Beliefs and Imposter Syndrome creep in and threaten to put on the brakes.

How do you overcome your fears & challenges when life brings unwelcome surprises?

How do you thrive in an environment where survival is the human instinct?

The answer lies in your mindset and perspective.

Let’s talk Connection and Valuing People.

To truly connect with people you must Value People.

John Maxwell says, “To add value to others, one must first value others.”

By showing you value others, you show you care for them, because…

“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” -John Maxwell

You can have all the knowledge in the world and spout it to everyone you know, but they really won’t care unless they know you care.