“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift,
which is why we call it the present.”
?Bil Keane
Why would you ever want to compromise something that’s beautiful and true to create something unpleasant and fake?
You’re lucky enough to BE; make your being count.
Lose track of the negativity and dishonesty. Live positively and authentically.
- When you wake up to a new day, BE grateful for another chance.
- When others take the easy road, BE the one who takes the right road.
- When something must be done, BE proactive.
- When several possibilities present themselves, BE decisive with your priorities.
- When achieving something is important to you, BE open about it and go for it.
- When the work seems overwhelming, BE concerned only with the next small step.
- When worries cross your mind, BE sure to focus on what you can control.
- When real problems arise, BE ready to address them upfront.
- When mistakes are made, BE okay with them and learn from them.
- When you have something to say, BE willing to speak up.
- When what has been done in the past still isn’t working, BE the needed change.
- When doubt is lingering in your mind, BE confident in your abilities.
- When others have a different opinion, BE open to new ideas.
- When others insist that it has to be a certain way, BE one with your intuition.
- When you’re feeling down, BE bold enough to smile anyway. (Read Learned Optimism.)
- When you feel stress building, pause for a moment and just BE and breathe.
- When the unexpected occurs, BE flexible and adaptable.
- When something doesn’t make sense, BE assertive and ask questions.
- When someone hurts you, BE willing to forgive and love again.
- When a relationship continuously hurts you, BE willing to let go and refocus your love and respect inward.
- When someone has something you want, BE happy for them.
- When everyone seems to be competing, BE your own competition – beat your own records.
- When you feel pressured to be someone you’re not, just BE yourself. (Read 1,000 Little Things.)
- When you aren’t sure what you have to offer, BE sincere and offer honesty.
- When you cross paths with a stranger, BE the reason they smile.
- When you feel on top of the world, BE the hands that pull others up with you.
- When someone you care about needs you, BE there without question or hesitation.
- When you truly love someone, BE loving in words and deeds.
- When it’s time to relax with your family, let go of everything else and BE fully present.
- When the day finally comes to an end, BE at peace knowing you did your best.
How do you intend to BE today?
Photo by: Hartwig HKD
Jules says
Great advice Angel. I have changed my mindset during this past year. I am being more aware of the moment as I’m living it. I am currently pursuing my passion by changing from a stressful job to starting my own small business that’s driven by passion – which allows me to be creative and to work within my talents. I am viewing negative criticism from others as a learning opportunity. But most of all I am noticing life’s little pleasures all around me, which I used to overlook. There is a lot out there to find beauty and pleasure in if you just take the time to notice. I am now looking at life as an adventure full of mystery to uncover.
Kev says
Your posts are so uplifting and inspiring. I am just out of a relationship and just back to the US after living abroad for a few years. It’s overwhelming, but this post really calmed me. Thank you. It’s time to start BEing more present and aware of the goodness in life.
Vincent Nguyen says
Point 22 is amazing. Everyone is constantly competing with one another, so why not compete with ourselves and simply improve, beating our previous selves? You shouldn’t be out to impress anyone but instead be out to improve yourself every day.
Akshay Nanavati says
Awesome Angel. I can’t get enough of y’alls posts!! Thought I would share this quote by Tim Hansel to echo this article: “Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little everyday miracles and get excited about the privileges of simply being human.”
Inspiring Citizen Rafi says
Hello Angel,
The charm with these 30 points is that it is quite practical. However challenging for a common man. You need sheer determination, focus and faith in the results when you follow these 30 points.
I agree with Nyugen ..No 22 is my favorite because that’s the whole crux of the matter. When you always better your previous perfromance you become a champion..Isinbayeva, Sergi Bubka, Hussain bolt are all hallmarks for these..!
Lawrence Calloway says
There are lessons here that I have to learn, also things I have to un-learn or remind myself to re-focus on. Thank You . Larry
Kenneth says
I think this is one of the greatest posts I’ve read on this already great website. I hope you know just how much of an impact this can have on people, including myself.
Gillian says
Thank you for allowing me a tool to start my day by grounding myself in what I truly believe. I am so clear that happiness is a skill and it is great to read these wonderful lists and create my own list from that. I have my “To Do” list with all the regular things that I check off each day. I am now going to create another list by the side of it, with thing like.. “I’ll be honest today by saying “No” kindly when I really wanted to avoid that by saying a weak “yes”!!
Amandah says
Hi,
I intend to BE grateful for my electric heater and electric blanket.
Even though spring is officially here, winter is holding on tight and won’t let go. The skies are gray and the snow’s flying. I think the groundhog lied. 🙂
I will also BE looking forward to my volunteer shift at our local animal shelter. We’ve had a lot of Happy Endings; dogs and cats were adopted into loving homes or went to rescue groups.
Thanks for the reminder about how we should always BE. Three cheers for staying present!
David Rapp says
So many good points its hard to single them out, or add to them. You covered a lot of ground very well. Just a couple from my perspective:
When everyone has been knocked down, BE the first on back on your feet.
When the wind in your life changes direction, BE the one to adjust your sails.
When you are in over your head, BE strong enough to ask for help.
ifeoma says
Well I will try to take things as they come each day going forward, and focus on positive ways of thinking. Thanks.
Cheryl says
Thank you for this great post Angel.
These 30 points are all wonderful reminders on how we can all learn to just BE in order to live positively and authentically.
Now, the challenge will be for everyone to try to put these into practice during our everyday lives.
I’m up for it, are you???
TGIF!!!
Travis says
This reminded me of a great song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gFCW3PHBws
Lynice says
Thank you for your beautiful words of encouragement! Always good to refocus and get a positive push
Carol says
Thank you Angel for the thoughtful insights. Your posts always seem to be pertinent to what I need to hear at the moment. It reminded me of two “BE” thoughts I use regularly:
“Don’t Worry…Be Happy!” from an old Bob Marley song
Don’t let Fear stop you, Be Courageous and have Faith
Kwesi Anim says
To BE grateful for a new day, a new chance to make our wrongs right. Very insightful
Inspired Reader says
Amazing post, Angel! Such a simple, yet fantastic guide to leading a happy life, thanks for inspiring us yet again! 🙂
Angel says
@Jules: Sounds like you’re on the right path. I’m sure you see and feel a positive change in your happiness too. Congratulations!
@Kev: So very true. Welcome home!
@Vincent: When we change our mindset to think this way, the sky truly is the limit. Thanks for continuing to add priceless insight to our conversations over here. =)
@Akshay: Great addition, thank you. This quote perfectly summarizes my message here.
@Jenny: Yes. That’s the way to BE.
@Rafi: Yes, determination and dedication are always key ingredients.
@Kenneth: That means a lot to me, thank you. It’s hard to compete with Marc. =)
@Gillian: I like your to-do list idea. Keep us posted on how it helps you.
@Amandah: Such a positive outlook. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your story with us. You made me smile.
@David Rapp: Great additions about positive change, as always.
@Cheryl: Challenge accepted! =)
@Travis: Truth be told, Gavin DeGraw and that song are one of my top three favorites of all time. Thanks for making me smile.
@Carol: Great additions!
@All: I personally love the positive feedback and ideas you all share with us. Thank you, as always, for brightening my day. Your words are a key source of inspiration that motivates us to write and keep this blog updated.
Tony@WeOnlyDoThisOnce says
Beautifully written, Angel, especially about being sincere. Great post.
Oyeyemi Oyewale from Nigeria says
This is the best thing to happen to me – to receive your updates and to read your blogs all the time and stay blessed and inspired. Love…
george puckett says
Everyday is a good day and I am so thankful and blessed for what God has given me, especially when I see others that are a whole lot worse off than I. I am at peace with my place her on earth and God is my pilot.
Galen Pearl says
I’ve been very restless and edgy lately, so I intend to BE still, alert, attentive, patient, accepting. Great post–thanks for the inspiring list.
Dess says
Love the simplicity of this post. Today I will BE present, diligent and appreciative.
Angel says
@Tony and Oyeyemi: Thank you for your kindness. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
@george puckett: It sounds like you have recently awakened to the true beauty in your life. And when you realize how good you have it, you get to appreciate more of it. Enjoy.
@Galen Pearl: Don’t fret. We all get restless sometimes. Best of luck in your renewed quest of BEing. =)
@Dess: Thanks.
Helene Wilson says
I like the practicality of these tips. And especially #23. I like to remember I can only be myself – because all the other spots are already taken.
Manny"the health nut" says
Hey, what a list! I can check off a few but still need some work… way to BE!
Susan says
Thank you so much for these fantastic precious pearls..
You two are more than 2 divine angels…
Marc says
Great list. “When the work seems overwhelming, BE concerned only with the next small step.” This is one I particularly need to remember now; on to the next step…
Jenny says
“When something must be done, BE proactive!” – That speaks to me.
Your website has changed my life. One of the wonderful things in my life is to have the chance to read all the articles you have written.
Thank you so much for the positive energy you put into my life.
rachid says
When the day finally comes to an end, BE at peace knowing you did your best.
Amazing post Angel. It shows us the life from a positive perspective. I really like this one too “When the day finally comes to an end, BE at peace knowing you did your best.”
Thank you for the inspiration.