Meaningful Mondays

What makes time valuable? What is an energy designer? Discover the formula that is guaranteed to make you even more efficient and experience more meaningfulness. "Time is a scarce resource. Energy is a renewable resource. Focus on building your energy." - Robin S. Sharma "Give someone clarity, and you give them energy. The outcome of clarity is always energy." - Lee Brower

Seven Rules of Life. This week is about #1: Being Grateful IN is to live life as if everything is a miracle. Would you have more control over the outcomes of each day? Would you develop stronger connections? Would obstacles become opportunities for growth and learning? What role could prayer/meditation play? Why do I carry a rock in my pocket every day? When I grab my rock in the morning, it brings me to my knees and then lifts me up for the day. Taking time each morning to express gratitude through prayer and/or meditation, like a rock, is a powerful tool for cultivating stability, durability, and strength in our lives.

6 Quotes from Warren Buffet revealing basic principles for financial stability: On Earnings: "Never depend on a single income; Make investments to create a second source." On Spending: “If you buy things you do not need, soon you have to sell things you need.” On Savings: “Do not save what is left after spending - but spend what is left after saving.” On Taking Risk: “Never test the depth of a river with both feet.” On Investments: “Do not put all eggs in one basket.” On Expectations: “Honesty is a very expensive gift. Do not expect it from cheap people.”

"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson "It is our behavior, more than our beliefs, that defines our character." - Russell M Nelson "Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character - give him power." - Abraham Lincoln

Join me in my story of a humbling moment and a life lesson. Imagine you are interviewing the great Coach John Wooden.

By framing a situation as a choice rather than a constraint, a person is taking control of the situation and expressing their agency and determination. By changing your language, you (your child, and colleagues) can learn to view obstacles as opportunities for growth, rather than insurmountable barriers. Examples: A former couch potato who transformed into a marathon runner. He used to say "I can't run a mile without getting winded," but changed their mindset to "I won't let being out of shape hold me back." A person who overcame a fear of public speaking. He used to say, "I can't speak in front of a crowd," but changed their mindset to "I won't let my fear control me." A person who quit smoking. They used to say, "I can't quit smoking," but changed their mindset to "I won't let nicotine control my life." An individual who changed careers from a dead-end job to their dream job. They used to say, "I can't change careers because I have bills to pay," but changed their mindset to "I won't let financial instabili

"Live doesn't get better by chance... it gets better by choice." - Jim Rohn Gratitude should never lead to complacency. It should be a spark to action.

"You do not find the happy life . . . you make it.” - Thomas S. Monson "The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” - Russell M. Nelson "Happiness begins where selfishness ends." - Coach John Wooden "Gratefulness arises when we experience something that is valuable and freely given." - Brother David Stendl-Rast

ARE YOU GOING TO LIVE TODAY? What are your rocks? The things you can count on. Those things that are constant, consistent, and always reliable! Rocks don't float! You choose if you are going to "live" today by where you Devote your TEARs Devote: "...to give all of something, especially your time, effort, or love, or yourself, to something or someone you believe in. THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE: use your gratitude rock or find a similar reminder to ask yourself, "Are you going to LIVE today?" Then... go live!

Let your hopes, not your hurts shape your future. “'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” – Jeremiah 29:11 “We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Watch this Video, Or Search YouTube: Dave Ramsey: You only need to know these 5 rules. "If you sow corn, don't expect beans to grow." It just might change your life. It could change your family tree.

TransforMOTION... TIME HAS NO QUALITY! Success is peace of mind that is a direct result of the self-satisfaction that comes in knowing you are doing your best to become the best you are capable of becoming." - Coach John Wooden M.O.T.I.O.N. = Moments, Opportunities, Things, Inspiration, Others, New. I knelt to pray when day was done and prayed, “Oh Lord, bless everyone. Lift from each saddened heart the pain and let the sick be well again.” And then I woke another day and carelessly went on my way. The whole day long, I did not try to wipe a tear from any eye. I did not try to share the load of any brother on the road. I did not even go to see the sick man just next door to me. Yet once again, when day was done. I prayed, “Oh Lord, bless everyone.” But as I prayed into my ear, there came a voice that whispered clear. “Pause now, my son, before you pray, whom have you tried to bless today? God's sweetest blessings always show by hands that serve him, hear me lo.” And then I hid my face and cried. “Forgive me,

Gratitude requires making more of the good we have than the good we don't. Gratitude celebrates blessings received. As long as we're consumed with blessings we haven't received, we'll never possess it.

Think to Thank. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who give so much of themselves, so we might have so much for ourselves. -- Think Family "Take things with gratitude rather than for granted." "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we get." - Winston Churchill

"Make your intentions clear. The universe does not respond well to uncertainty." "What you do today can improve all your tomorrows." - Ralph Marston

What two daily questions can you ask that will empower future generations that follow you?

Even in difficult times, perhaps especially in difficult times, we need the blessings of gratitude. The blessings come from acknowledging and vocally sharing. “Our first noble deed of the morning should be a humble prayer of gratitude." - Russell M. Nelson

What if you were 16 years old and you could have any car in the world, but it would be the last car you could ever own? When you have true gratitude (arrows out), you are more inclined to exercise regularly, sleep better, eat better, and live a fuller more meaningful life. People who display gratitude have: 16% fewer physical symptoms 10% less physical pain 25% increased sleep quality

An "attitude of gratitude" generally falls short when it comes to considering how to seed and nurture this attitude. "It is a foundational trait upon which all else can be built as it allows you to be open to continuous improvement and learning and to win the trust, support, and effort of everyone you work with." - Richard Shrapnel Achieve -- Creating a Life of Enduring Success. Humble people are great leaders!

Stop - Look - Go!! Before you get out of bed do this... "Lift the corners of your mouth" Before you get dressed do this... Express Gratitude to... God, self, and... Before you leave your room do this... be intentional consciously and unconsciously.