On Tuesday, November 15^th I took the opportunity to attend a speaking event by Steve Maraboli hosted at a beautiful church in Port Washington, NY.  It was the church where Steve was baptized and he recently presented a eulogy for his mother. I don’t believe he had a formal title for his presentation and if it needed one it could be the title of one of his bestselling books, Life, the Truth, and Being Free. (Stay tuned, a new book is forthcoming soon!)

Steve doesn’t quote others much, as he embraces his own life and the experiences, good and bad, that have brought him to be the man he is today. His resume is filled with accolades, distinguished awards, three doctorate degrees and a list of multinational companies that hire him to consult with their success plans. The early recognition of his desire to study and better understand the humanities has allowed him to incorporate his own life experiences into his presentation; that translates into a very comfortable atmosphere of “learning” for the listener.

So, what did I take away from the presentation? Similar to friend that posted on a social media page, I don’t believe I learned anything new, but was inspired to reflect on what I know, deep down, to be the basic truths of the requirements for succeeding in my life personally and professionally. Steve reviewed his Four Pillar’s of Success: Intent, Vision, Action and Clarity, and I considered where I had not completely fulfilled the full definition of each in past endeavors with obvious, less than stellar, results. I will do better starting today. Like many of us, I let the words “would have”, “could have” and “should have”enter into my thoughts way too often. Steve reminded me to substitute the words “I can!” and “I will!” He also stresses the need to live today and I quote from, Life, the Truth and Being Free, “One Day at a Time”.

It seems everybody is really busy these days. I understand at times the stresses of work and family make it easy to lose focus and make each day a blur. My life is not unlike yours. I too seem to have a mountain of work to move but only a spoon with which to dig. But I want to share with you a simple TRUTH that helps me accomplish what I need to do while at the same time never losing focus.

Although time seems to fly, it never travels faster than one day at a time. Each new day is an opportunity to live your life to the fullest. In each waking day, you will find scores of blessings and opportunities for positive change. Do not let your TODAY be stolen by the ghost of yesterday or the “To-Do” list of tomorrow!

Harness the power of today. Seize the blessings of today! Make something happen, enhance your life, make someone laugh, help a friend, love, love, love!

Choose to do it – TODAY!

"Today is a new day!”

His sharing of “simple truth’s” as above, and the discussion, Tuesday evening, of the astounding difference between the concepts of “I believe” and “I know” ignited an internal fire that commands me to review the foundations of my  own “realities”. I know I need to initiate some changes in my life’s plan. I can! I will! I am acting on my plan to refocus, review and change the essence of my Life, my basic Truths, and my sense of Being Free.

Steve and I are coordinating the efforts to re-schedule the LIPO fund raiser he will co-host with Jim Fargiano in the spring of 2012. After being so wonderfully motivated by this recent event, I implore you to watch for the details of this appearance. I can and will guarantee you an evening you won’t forget.

(((HUGS)))

Maryellen

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