What Would It Be Like #44

When I think of success, I often think of something in the future; something up ahead; something just around the corner; something just over the next hill. Success is something a lot of people are chasing.

Many people believe that tomorrow will bring success. Their mantra is, “If I can only get through today, tomorrow will be better.” This focus on tomorrow reminds me of the closing words of author Margaret Mitchell in her book, Gone with the Wind. “After all, tomorrow is another day.”

Tomorrow is another day. But, in reality all we have is today. So, here are some thoughts that may help you live a life of success today.

What would it be like … if you went to work today and worked?
What would it be like … if you really enjoyed today?
What would it be like … if you smiled at everyone you meet today?

What would it be like … if you got up 20 minutes early today and thought about the things you have to be thankful for?
What would it be like … if you took a 30 minute walk after dinner and listened intently for unique sounds?
What would it be like … if you shook the hand of a service man or woman and thanked them for serving?

What would it be like … if you gave the homeless guy on the corner a couple of dollars and did not pass judgment on where he or she might spend it?
What would it be like … if you ignored the newspaper, television, your blackberry, and radio for twenty-four hours?
What would it be like … if you paid a genuine compliment to someone that wasn’t expecting it?

What would it be like… if you actually listen to someone’s argument when they disagreed with you?
What would it be like … if you did a good deed for someone and expected nothing in return?
What would it be like … if you thought of your actions in relation to eternity instead of just for today?

What would it be like … if you expressed more happiness and less regret?
What would it be like … if you did something just for the fun of it and for no other reason?
What would it be like … if you told someone that you truly appreciated them?

What would it be like … if you picked up the check for a senior couple at the next restaurant you dine and they never knew you were their benefactor?
What would it be like … if you said, “Thank You,” “My Pleasure”, “How can I help?”, “Can I get the door for you?
What would it be like … if you visited a nursing home and spent some time with a complete stranger who has no one to visit them?

What would it be like … if you read a good book and then pass it on to an acquaintance you think would enjoy it?
What would it be like … to spend twice the amount of time eating your next meal and enjoy the flavor of the food?
What would it be like … to allow someone else to have a “bad” day?

What would it be like … if you asked someone to tell you how they got into their career and then let them proudly tell you about their life?
What would it be like … if you quit swallowing the poison of bitterness and asked forgiveness of someone who had done you wrong?
What would it be like … if you went to several garage sales and just enjoyed capitalism at is best?

What would it be like … if you could be just you and be ok with that?
What would it be like … if you forgot some of the things you are suppose to forget?
What would it be like … if you did all you can do and quit worrying about what you can not do?

What would it be like … if at the end of each day, you could honestly say, “I did my best?”
What would it be like … if today you told someone, “I am proud of you?”
What would it be like … if you made lemonade out of the lemons handed you?

What would it be like … if, after eating at the Cracker Barrel restaurant you sit on their front porch and rock in a rocking chair for 25 minutes while your meal digests?
What would it be like … if you see the glass half full and pour in more water?
What would it be like … if you contributed to the solution and not the problem?

What would it be like … if everyone was like you?

HOG THOUGHT: Because tomorrow never comes, you may want to heed the advice of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “Light tomorrow with today.” Why don’t you do something today to brighten someone else’s tomorrow?

HOG QUOTE: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” —Proverbs 27:1

HOG ACTION: Live today. Sing the song of success that resides within.