Fifty-two Week Challenge: Week 13, Live As If You Were Dying

Almost a year ago, by good friend and neighbor, Hopie Eubanks, passed away. It was a shock to me. I had just talked to him the night before his death; I had called him on my way to the airport and asked him to look out for a package being delivered to my house. He sounded his usual upbeat and cheerful self at that time, but he was hiding his pain and sickness. The next morning, he was gone. He was 80 years old. He had lived 29,227 days.

I am sure Hopie had not planned on April 2 being his last day. He was a religious man, so I am sure he was ready when that number arrived. Are you? The old cliché "live this day as if it were your last" is often spoken with little thought to it. What would you do differently if your numbered days were up? Would you complain about the weather? About your work? About how messed up the traffic is in your town? Even your health? I don't think you would. In fact, you would probably appreciate all you have and have been given. Somehow, the things we worry about would no longer matter.

To live your life as if it were the last day (for one day it certainly will be) is tough. It is contrary to how most of us live. Because living as if your days are numbered takes discipline and courage. It requires a new mindset. With this new way of thinking, you would probably see life not as a process, but one of acceptance. In short, it is about perspective.

Our goals and our lives should have perspective. You should look at the big picture and strive for what is good and pure and excellent. Create your own life statement and define what is true for yourself. Surround yourself with people that matter and celebrate with them often. Be grateful for the number of days you have been given; make each and everyone count if you can. We each have been given great gifts; please don't squander them. Make a difference and live all your days as if they were your last.


" ... taking the long way home through the market I slow my pace down. It doesn't come naturally. My legs are programmed to trot briskly and my arms to pump up and down like pistons, but I force myself to stroll past the stalls and pavement cafes. To enjoy just being somewhere, rather than rushing from somewhere, to somewhere. Inhaling deep lungfuls of air, instead of my usual shallow breaths. I take a moment to just stop and look around me. And smile to myself. For the first time in a long time, I can, quite literally, smell the coffee." ~Alexandra Potter, The Two Lives of Miss Charlotte Merryweather

Fifty-two Week Challenge: Week 12, Just Say No

Distractions and setbacks are a normal part of life. They are often exasperating and can slow us down; the goal is to minimize them and move on. External factors are always present, whether they are people, untimely events, or acts of nature. They greatly influence the way we behave.

Perhaps the most powerful influence is from people. Your friends and associates, by their words and expectations, often affect how you act and react. Most of us want to be good and please others; so we go along to get along. Unfortunately, people pleasing can prevent us from achieving our goals and desires.

In the 1980s, there was an add campaign against drug abuse that featured the First Lady at the time. In it, she made famous the words "just say no." It was catchy in its simplicity and straight-forwardness. "Just say no" to outside influence. These three words returned the power of control to the individual. Saying the words and obeying them prevented unwanted consequences.  In a like manner, you can use these words stay on track toward your goals.

You don't have to let others side track you from achievement. You have the power to decline invitations. You have the ability to associate with whom you like. You have the power to make your goals a priority. In the end, you can't please all people. Seek those that support you and just say no to the rest. Make your time count; be true to yourself and goals.

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."-Bill Cosby

Fifty-two Week Challenge: Week 10, Gratitude

By now, you should be noticing some changes in your life, and hopefully they are for the better. And for those changes, you should be grateful. Yes, grateful. Gratitude is an often-overlooked habit and one that can be developed.

My good friend and coach (and Olympic torch bearer), Chris Janzen (www.triathletemind.com), introduced me to the daily habit of thinking about five things for which I should be grateful. At first, it took a little work and practice. But I soon learned there is plenty in life for which to give thanks. Simple things like food, breathing, and health came easily to mind. Then I expanded it to what I had learned in life, what friends had given me, and how blessed I have been with a wonderful, caring, and loving family. Now, every night before I fall asleep, I easily think upon the good things given to me by God that day.

Why is being grateful important in habit building? Because it builds a feeling of happiness and contentment; it can give a sense of pride and comfort. It helps maintain feelings of calm when you think the odds are stacked against you. Reminding yourself of how fortunate you are with the little or big victories in life is inspiring. And most importantly, that reminder comes from within and is not dependent upon the external world.

So, this week, take my friend Chris' advice, and start thinking of how you have been blessed; before you fall asleep at night, write down in your journal, or simple recall, five things for which you are grateful. Give blessing to God for the wonderful things in your life. Think on the positive and uplifting, and congratulate yourself for the progress you have made so far.


"I am grateful for what I am and have.
My thanksgiving is perpetual...
O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches.
No run on my bank can drain it
for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment."
-Henry David Thoreau