Always-at all times, on all occasions.

I am the kind of person that looks for exceptions.  There are a few things that seem to be always correct. I look for themes permeating through all situations and interactions.  When looking for these themes in life, I raise my consciousness and look for things that matter.  I am finding parts of myself that have value and need to focus daily to bring more positivity. What you remember about yourself and your abilities will directly lead to the success you experience in life.  Each of us has the power within us to change the world, and it is up to you to decide if that change is a positive or a negative one.  Every day, we always have choices between one path and another, one of pure positive and one of fear.  You always make a choice.  Today the focus is on some of the forces in your life which are still at your disposal.  It begins with a look at your thoughts, the emotions that connect to them, the words that you speak to express your feelings, and the actions you choose to take in the end. Invariably these things are connected.

Always Ignore the Naysayers

No matter what you are trying to accomplish in life, there will still be people who will express their disbelief in you and what you are doing.  What is their motivation? Usually, it is fear.  If you can accomplish the goals you set and took steps towards, then the only thing stopping them is the strength to choose.  It isn’t easy to maintain excitement about your goals because someone always seems to be deterring you. Telling you the goal is impossible. They may think it outlandish, out of your league, silly, or a waste of time.  Always ignore this.

When it comes to accomplishment, the most important thing is to try. Once you make an effort, one of two things will happen.  You will succeed, or you will fail. There is a power in knowing.  If you reach then high, you have accomplished what you set out to do. If you fail, then great. You have gained valuable information about what you need to do to make whatever you are doing work the next time.  Then you get a chance to try again with more knowledge and understanding of the process.  Always this is the case. Ever none of this good stuff happens if you listen to those who dismiss things out of hand. Still, ignore the naysayers.  They are roadblocks on the path to success in anything you do.

Always Treat People Well

All people could still do, which will make the lives of everyone you deal with, will be better.  I learned a long time ago that if you treat people well, it always comes back to you.  Be honest, be kind, understand, and stay away from being self-centered about your dealings with others.  It is an easy recipe but sometimes hard to remember. I have days when I have to remind myself of this—going to the gym. Seeing there seem to be people who are just getting in my way.

At these moments, I have to take a deep breath and remember it isn’t all about me, and change my thoughts from frustration to understanding.  We are all just trying to get through our lives.  Treating people as they want to be treated is pretty straightforward. Please pay attention to what those you care about like and then provide that experience to them.  There is no time that it isn’t the best choice to treat people well, and it will all come back to you.  I have often said it doesn’t cost anything to be kind.

Always Face Your Fear

We are all afraid of something: heights, crowds, snakes, or public speaking. Something is going to make us feel frightened.  Fear has a deeper hold on most of us as well. Fear is the opposite of love.  Now our underlying concerns exist because of something that happened to us in our experience. It could have been something that happened to you or, more often, something we heard to avoid because it might harm us.  So we live our lives being afraid of something that unnecessarily causes stress in our lives.

Always facing your fear is a good policy.  Once you do, you realize that if fear can stop you from being yourself around what you are afraid of, it can control you in other ways. Face your fear.  If you are scared of snakes, hold one. If you are fearful of public speaking, do it. Whatever it is, face it, and the realization that fear is just a thought that we give power to is all that is left.  Take that power away, and you can replace the idea with something much more productive and help you accomplish your goals.

Always Sum it Up

There are many things I could put on the list of always, love, be kind, give, be grateful, which are just a few that jump out at me.  I am thankful for the people in my life.  I appreciate them all.  I urge you to think of things you always do and look for areas to improve your experience. The lives of those around you will get better as well.

It begins with raising your awareness and becoming aware of your thoughts, the corresponding emotions, the words that result from those thoughts, and the actions that spring from them.  It is always a choice to allow a view to having power, either positive or negative. Choose well.

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”  Jimmy Dean

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your sunshine.”   Anthony J. D’Angelo

“Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.”- Og Mandino.