Almost Over

Well we have almost come to the end of another year. As this year comes to an end I would like to remind you of a few things that are important. Many are heard quoting," I'm glad this years is over" or "This past year was not good". No matter what has happened this past year there is a reason for it all.If life got you down this year then you should not forget it. You should hold this past year close to your heart.Use the past to brighten your future. Remember the situations that held you back and think of a way to move past them. Think of the frustrations and how you can rise above them. Look at what you have learned and how far you have come. Think about what you did this past year and what you will be able to do this year. Never let go of any moment of your past good or bad. Each moment has it's own value and is important. So even though this year is almost over, it's really just beginning. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. Everyone have a safe New Years

God Bless
Jason

Treasure Every Step

Sawpit Colorado snow.

Treasure every step you take. Don't rush them, they have more value than you could ever imagine. Don't worry that you're not there yet. Part of the process to reaching a goal is the process of getting there. If things happened over night they would lack value and substance. The journey along the way has great value in deed. The more effort you put forth the more value the goal becomes. With every step you gain knowledge and wisdom. Don't be afraid of the time it will take to reach your goal. When your moving in the right direction take time to enjoy each step along the way. Be thankful that you're headed in the right direction. Don't get caught up in how long it has taken. Enjoy where you are and how far you have come. Remember you can't turn the corner until you come to it. Do the work and treasure every step it takes to get to the corner. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Look for the 2016 Jason's Thought Calendars coming soon!

God Bless
Jason

Picture Yourself

On our lake the other day was this American White Pelican.

Picture yourself in a batter place. Picture yourself with less stress an anxiety. Now make that picture come to life. You have everything within you to make this picture a reality. Change your thoughts and focus on the positive possibilities. Forget about the problems and let them go, you are now headed in the right direction. The mental picture you hold of yourself will dictate your thoughts and actions. The better the picture, the better the outcome. So picture yourself in a happy place. Picture yourself bringing value to each moment.  You can picture yourself any way you choose, so while your at it you might as well paint a beautiful picture. The way your picture yourself will affect your life and others around you. Picture yourself not in terms of your regrets. Instead, consider all the valuable lessons you've learned and start painting a positive picture today. You are the canvas and you have the tools, picture yourself today. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Thank you once again for visiting my thought today. Have fun painting your picture.

God Bless
Jason

Beautiful World

A beautiful cool crisp morning here in Colorado with Lone Cone peak in the background.

We live in a beautiful world. Beauty is all around us we just choose to block it out. Beauty is not just physical appearance it's much deeper than physical appearance.We know beauty without having to learn it.We can't define it but the more we appreciate it the more beautiful it becomes. No matter what's going on in your life make the decision today to put it behind you for a few moments. Stop relax and take in the beauty that's around you. It's a gift we can give to our self and no one can take it away. Beauty can relax, inspire and energize us.We live in a world surrounded by beauty so reach out and grab it today. Except it for what it is and dig even deeper. Beauty is often found in things that seem very ordinary and plain. Sometimes we must dig deeper to discover the true beauty. Take nothing for granted and cherish every moment. Slow down a bit and look at what's going on around you, a beautiful world in deed. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. This will be the last thought for a week as I will be away from the computer for a well needed break. Thank You for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Life Is Risky

A Beautiful Fall Colorado Day.

Life is risky in deed, but this is what makes it so valuable. With everything we do there are risks involved day in and day out. But that's OK because we have the tools to work through any situation that might arise. By working through the risks we will create value. With value comes great achievements that propel us upward and forward. Accept the risks and follow it through to the end, you won't be disappointed. With excepting the risk there will surely be some setbacks along the way. That's OK, learn from the mistakes and keep excepting the risks. Learn to except the risks and transform them into great achievements. With every obstacle you will create value and value leads to success. Take positive action and you will succeed one risk at a time. Continue the forward progress and you will find success. Don't try to take short cuts, this will only put you further behind. No one said life was going to be easy but except the risk and you will be on your way. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone will step up this week and take the risk and reap the rewards.

God Bless
Jason

Give A Gift

A beautiful fall day over Red Mountain, Ironton Colorado.

On this day and everyday give the gift of giving. Why you ask? Because you can. We all have the amazing gift to give to others. Giving is more than the offering of objects. The most important things we have to give are not objects at all. Give the gift of yourself. Try giving your time, your love, your attention, patience and respect. These are parts of yourself that you will never loose by giving. The more you give the more you will receive in return. By giving these things to others it will have a greater influence than any object ever will. By giving these few simple things you will open your heart and and bring joy to your life. The more you give the more you will have to offer to others. It's a never ending supply that we all have within us. You don't have to wait for any special day or any special time. Choose to offer this gift on a daily basis and your life will shine bright. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Have a wonderful weekend everyone and thanks again for visiting my thought of the day.

God Bless
Jason

What's Holding You Back

One from our hike last week to Hope Lake 12,445 ft.

Have you ever just stopped for one moment and thought, what's holding you back? Well we all have done this then that's as far as it goes. We seldom take action to change this situation. Often the first thing that is holding us back is blaming others. This is a very common thought process that results in many people not taking action on their goals. They get held back in the thought that it’s the fault of their parents, teachers, government or somebody else. But when we get adulthood we struggle to switch from being reliant on others to get by, to being responsible for ourselves. So, we blame others for not handing us success. We say things like “How dare the government cut my benefits, how am I supposed to live?” or “I would have decent education if I just had a good teacher at school”.
What we should be doing is looking at ourselves and wondering why we aren’t getting the pay raise or promotion or getting that job in the first place. We must put in the work to reap the rewards and not blame others for our own misfortune. Nobody is going to give you more than you are worth and just hand you success on the plate because you think that is what you are due. We need to take responsibility for our own lives and create our own success. So stop blaming others and forget about the past. Move onward and upward and change your situation. It's never to late to start so make today the day. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Have a great weekend everyone and thank you for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

A Positive Mindset

A beautiful fall day on Lizard Head Pass CO.

I'm often asked how can you be so happy all the time? Your life must be perfect? Well surprise no it's not perfect but I choose to make it perfect and not dwell or fret the small stuff. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of life, especially in today’s busy world. With so much to worry about, from work and bills to family and social life, even those who seem to have it all together can wake up and feel like their lives are falling apart. When this happens, it’s extremely important that you hit
the brakes, take a look at your life, and think about what you can change so that you’re actually living and not just going through the motions. Also make sure that your not living to work. We should work to live not live to work. Next don't get frazzled. Life is full of little annoyances that we can’t control. If we paid attention to every little thing that got in the way of us having a “good” day, we’d never be happy. You’re going to spill your coffee sometimes. You’re going to hit every red light on the way home from work some days.Once you recognize that Murphy’s Law is one of the only constants in
life, you’ll realize things could be much worse, and you’ll be able to let the little things fall by the wayside. Lastly be sure to love yourself. If you don’t love yourself, no one else will. On that same token, you should never compare your life to anyone else’s. You have no idea what they’ve been through in their life, and they have no idea what you’ve gone through in yours. And don’t worry if other people have something negative to say about you. People will talk. But it’s those people who
are unhappy enough with their own lives that they have to find the negatives in other people’s lives to make themselves feel better. Live your own life, and love every minute of it. Work on these few things and you'll be creating a positive mindset. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way.

God Bless
Jason

Celebrate Life Today

A beautiful fall hike to Lost Lake last weekend. Near Kebler Pass Colorado.

Celebrate life today. Today is the day to celebrate with passion. Celebrate each moment by giving 100% to it. Give your very best in a positive and purposeful way and you will reap the rewards that each moment has to give. Instead of wishing you had started earlier go ahead and start now. Use the time that you have in this moment and make good use of it. Even if the moment seems bleak there might be a small opportunity deep within. By taking advantage of even the smallest opportunity you will gain wisdom and strength. Often a small opportunity can quickly turn into a large opportunity so never under estimate the moment and what it might bring you. Make each day a day to celebrate and shine your light bright. You can't stop time from passing so make good use of each moment and have a reason to celebrate life. God gave you this day so celebrate. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way.

God Bless
Jason

Don't Let Others Slow Your Progress

Beautiful fall colors last weekend as we traveled Last Dollar Road in the San Juan's, CO.

Don't let others slow your progress. Distance yourself from all negative activity. Other people and things can stop you temporarily. You're the only one who can do it permanently. Often things in life will not seem fair. Often a hater will cross your path. It's all a test from the man upstairs.Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and continue your forward direction.Don't settle for just getting by either. Life is not about just getting by. Life is about reaching even higher, building one achievement on top of another, and creating real life experiences. A common stone on the ground does a great job of just getting by. You, on the other hand, are here to achieve much higher expectations. Yes indeed, you will most certainly encounter a whole lot of challenges when you make the effort to raise your world even a little bit higher. The good thing is, you are equipped to thrive on those challenges. You just have to set your mind to it in order to succeed. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Get out this weekend and check out the fall colors. Enjoy life and don't let other slow your progress.

God Bless
Jason

True Happiness

Telluride Town Park a couple of weekends ago during the Imogene Pass Endurance Run.

True happiness is something I often talk about. So many strive  for this but never seem to be happy. Well the problem is that we often look for something new or big to bring us happiness,
forgetting what we already have. Enjoying what you already have can brighten your day and bring a much more positive outcome to life. Choose to make happiness a choice instead of a conditional
reaction. Make happiness your intention and it will become reality. A positive and happy state of mind is a very powerful tool we all take for granted. Instead of looking for a reason to
be happy, see each moment as an opportunity to be happy with life in general. You don't have to have a reason to be happy. Choose to make happiness the reason. So be happy where you are
right now no matter what the condition. No matter what you think you want or need, choose happiness first. Choose this and it will drive you forward to make life even better. You might not
even realize how good you have it. True happiness might be right in front of you so don't fight it or overthink it, just let it happen. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile
along the way.

God Bless
Jason

Bring Sunshine To Your Life

Turtles enjoying the sunshine.

When you wake up, what kind of mood are you in? How strong are you on the inside? When you wake are you ready to bring sunshine to your life? Take a deep breath and awake to the beautiful promises the world has in store for you. Every moment, every hour, is meant to be cherished and to be fulfilling. Choose to bring sunshine to your life. Remember that life is more of a marathon than a sprint. You have the opportunity to start your race again every morning. This fresh start that is presented to you allows you to have the chance to get everything beautiful that you desire in life. Focus on what's within instead of what you're without. People chase dreams, money, and love. Rather than seek what joy already exists in their soul, they seek fulfillment and satisfaction from what is afar. Learn to be content and happy with everything you have, and watch your self-esteem and courage soar. Happiness is a state of mind- not what can be found in obtaining any particular possession. Start with these few things and bring sunshine to your life. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

On The Right Track

With Fall approaching I thought I would share this picture from last year.

Being “on the right track” can mean completely different things for different people. But regardless of what characteristics you want your life to have, the same basic questions apply to everyone. Ask yourself "Am I enjoying myself?" Enjoying life isn’t the only priority we should have. For example, enjoying life a little too much can lead to reckless and irresponsible behaviors. However, a much more common problem people have today is not making time for enjoyment. If you’re not careful, jobs, bills, and various obligations can end up occupying most of your time. In this case, we begin to break down like a car that has needed an oil change for too long. If you’re consistently busy, you may want to consider consciously planning out time for enjoyable activities. If we don’t do this, our minds often compensate with less healthy enjoyable activities, like eating junk food or gossiping just to blow off steam. Next ask yourself "Am I procrastinating my life away?" This is perhaps the easiest and least noticeable way to go off the right track, which makes it especially dangerous. It’s very easy to let ourselves believe in the “one day” lie: one day I’ll start exercising; one day I’ll spend more time with my family; one day I’ll start my own business. But if you don’t mean today, these things will probably never happen. Instead, you can begin taking small actions each day to bring about the changes you want. As long as you accomplish a small task, you’ll be moving toward a goal. Work on these two things and you will be on the right track. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way.

God Bless
Jason

We Follow Our Thoughts

A panorama view from our patio the other night.

We follow our thoughts no matter what they are. We follow the good ones as quickly as we follow the bad ones. Throughout the day your thoughts will change from positive to negative as issues arise. However you can choose how long they affect you and the direction you go. If your feeling overwhelmed and frustration is lurking in your thoughts,stop and turn your mind in a positive direction. Think for a moment what's right in your life and focus your energy towards this. By doing so you will add energy to them and make them even better while allowing little time for what's not right. Often we forget how blessed we are each and every day. We take for granted what we already have, getting caught up in always wanting more.The more we focus on the positives the more value they will bring. No matter what's going on in your life you have plenty to be thankful for. Have you thought about it lately? Think about how fortunate you are to be alive and follow your thoughts to a more positive place. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. Happy Monday friends and thanks for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Set An Example

Some wildflowers on our hike to Blue Lakes a couple of weeks ago.

Set an example with the way you live your life. Each day has great value, not just for you but for others around you. Every achievement and every set back has something to teach us about ourselves. Learn the lessons well and apply them to everyday life and you will be on your way to a brighter future. Your influence is far greater than you realize. Use that influence wisely to improve everything with which you are connected to. Stop judging others and start judging yourself. You can set an example by showing others whom to judge. By setting theses examples you can put your values to work, moving closer to your goals and making life a much better place for you and others around you. By making improvements in your own attitude and behavior you'll see improvements in those around you. The world around you will follow the example you set, so make it a good one. Set an example today. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Thank you for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

You're Doing Better Than You Think

Another picture from our hike to Blue Lake a couple weeks ago.

Sometimes in life, we become so focused on what we haven’t achieved that we lose sight of what we have. It’s easy to forget about all the progress we’ve made, and be discouraged by all the things in our lives that are going wrong or ‘missing’. But maybe it’s time to start taking pride in your progress. Maybe it’s time that you recognize all the accomplishments you’ve made and the true significance of these accomplishments. We spend so much of our lives searching for what we truly want. The life partner that will make our lives more meaningful. The career that will make us more fulfilled. We look at those around us and wonder why we haven’t yet achieved all that they have.
But we don’t have to base our lives on other people’s schedules. It’s okay to take your time to figure out what you don’t want. It’s okay to narrow down your choices. It’s okay to discover what you want through finding out what you don’t. You want to be happy, not just content. You’re striving to become a better person. Life is a learning curve. We don’t need to be perfect. We don’t need to live free from mistakes. If you are determined to improve yourself and to become better, then you are already halfway there. Yes in deed you're doing better than you think. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone is having a great week so far and thanks again for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Embrace Your Effort.

Our hike last weekend to Blue Lakes, CO.

 Your effort is more valuable than you could ever imagine. Even when your having to do something you really don't want to do. Choose to loose the pity and frustration and embrace the effort. Know that you will succeed no matter what the task at hand. You will get more out of any situation good or bad by embracing the effort you put into it. There will be more satisfaction gained by taking control of your thoughts and applying them towards your efforts. By choosing to see every effort as a positive you will reap the rewards.  If you constantly see your efforts as a waste of time or something not needed then you will be beaten down every time. Have the mind set that no matter why you have to put an effort forward, that it's a blessing. If it must be done then why not approach it with a positive outlook and get it done easier and faster by embracing the effort. If you put 100% into it , you will come out with a sense of accomplishment. Instead of avoiding,complaining or cursing what needs to be done, embrace your efforts and get it done. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. We used some effort to get through today, now bring on tomorrow.

God Bless
Jason

Believe In Yourself

A tall field of wildflowers on our hike a couple of weekends ago.

It can often be hard to believe in yourself, especially if you feel like you have nothing to offer or are unworthy of things. But you are worthy and you are capable. If you're having trouble seeing all the amazing things about you, there are simple things that you can do to start believing in yourself. Start with taking better care of yourself to build your confidence. Start a diet and or exercise program. Perhaps try going to bed a little earlier and waking up a littler earlier as well. You can also take stock of what you have accomplished and set goals. Set realistic goals will help you to believe in yourself and your ability to accomplish things. Make sure that you develop goals that are in line with your skills and that are attainable.Be prepared to go outside of your comfort zone now and then. Even though you are setting realistic goals, you might need to do things that you don’t normally do in order to accomplish your goals.After you set a goal, work hard until you achieve it. Don’t abandon a goal because it becomes too difficult. If a goal seems too difficult, try breaking it into a series of smaller goals and focus on one at a time. Reflect at the end of each day. Self-reflection is an important component of self-improvement. It helps you to take stock of what you are doing well and what you still need to work on. Take a few moments at the end of each day to reflect on your experiences. If you have a day where you don’t accomplish as much as you hoped you would, try to learn what you can from the situation in order to avoid repeating any mistakes you might have made. Start with the above steps and start believing in yourself today. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way.

God Bless
Jason

Know Your Limits

A waterfall on Coal Bank Pass in Western CO.

Know Your Limits

Do we ever really know our limits? I don't think this is possible unless you decide to quit. When a goal isn't reached it's because you decided on a limit. You put a limit on yourself and stopped the forward momentum. The limits we put on ourselves is a decision we make within. The person you can become is only limited by what you choose to dream. Dream big and reach for the stars, or limit your dreams and your life. Your achievements will be limited only by the efforts your put forth. Put a lot of effort into life and you will be successful. Or will you choose to limit your efforts and fall short of your goals? Your knowledge is limited only by what you're willing to learn. Where you go is limited by how far you care to reach. Understand that sky's the limit and you have work to do. Don't underestimate your limits and keep moving forward. Even when there are setback,continue to climb and eventually you will make it. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone tested their limits today, and as always thanks for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Stay Active Stay Alive And Be Successful

Our 12 mile hike this past weekend brought us to this beautiful lake at nearly 12,000 foot elevation. This is Navajo Lake at the base of Mt. Wilson and Wilson Peaks in the Lizard Head Wilderness Area.

Stay active, stay alive and being successful are very important for leading a healthy and happy life. I'm not saying that you constantly have to be physically and mentally in motion. Everyone needs to recharge the batteries once in awhile but if you get in a pattern of laying around all the time your body, mind and spirit will slowly fade. I’ve read countless articles about what successful people do on their weekends. Do you want to know the secret? It’s the same thing that they do every other day. Here are a few that I'll share.  Robert Iger: "Get up early" -This Disney CEO is not the only executive claiming to rise at 4:30 every morning. Successful people do not stay in bed until 2 p.m. on a Sunday. Or even 11 a.m. Research shows that our brains are sharpest two and a half to four hours after waking. Get up early on a weekend and you’ve got a head start on the rest of the world. Perhaps 4:30 AM is a bit early but I think you get the picture. Warren Buffet: "Make time for hobbies" He may be considered the most successful investor of the 20th century, but in his “spare” time Buffett likes to play the ukulele. Successful people are often interesting people — and their hobbies have a lot to do with that. Sure, golfing on Saturdays can be a great way to network and source business opportunities. But, even solo hobbies — knitting like Meryl Streep or oil painting like George W. Bush — can aid success through fostering creativity and relieving stress. Lastly,  Bill Gates: "Take time to reflect" The founder of Microsoft famously said, “It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” Reflection should be a daily practice but the weekends are a perfect opportunity to step back and reflect on the lessons of the previous week and to make improvements for the next. So many of us make excuses that we just don't have time then we spend half the morning in bed. Get yourself up and get moving. So this weekend set your alarm clock for 7:00 ish. Make a commitment to stay active, stay alive and be successful. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way.

God Bless
Jason

Be Successful And Be Happy

This little girl had her eye on us yesterday while we were fishing.

We often define success and happiness with money. Being financially secure certainly can help open opportunities, relieve stress, and offer some piece of mind. But successful people realize that all the money in the world cannot make you happy if you are unable to feel happiness from within. Some of the most miserable people I've met have been wealthy. To be happy start each day with a plan and a purpose. What you do mentally, physically, and spiritually sets the tone for the entire day. Next practice progress over perfection. By understanding it’s not about achieving one perfect goal, but the skills you develop from reaching several goals, you allow yourself to make constant improvements while living a life of accomplishments you can learn from and be proud of. Next keep in mind that there is energy in everything, and that includes human beings. It's easy to absorb negative energy when you are around toxic people who are always complaining, procrastinating, and making excuses.
So surround yourself with positive people that will inspire you to be successful.  Don't concern yourself with what others think of you and or how they judge others. Develop your own  values, goals, and principles without having to depend on anyone to validate them. Lastly don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Work on these few things and you will find yourself a much happier and successful life.

God Bless
Jason

Dealing With Stess

Walk by these amazing water falls a couple weekends ago in the San Juan National Forest.

Dealing with stress is no easy task yet we have to encounter this task every day.  How you feel and the way you deal with a situation is a choice. I’m reminded of a counselor who would often state “no one can drive your car unless you give them the keys.” You cannot control others’ actions, but you can be responsible for your reactions. The prayer states “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” When applied, this can be a great stress reliever. Look at the situation and ask yourself “is this something I can change?” If so, start exploring positive ways to change the situation. Our attitude has a profound effect on how we deal with situations. Negative attitudes affect our physical, spiritual, and mental well being. When in a particularly stressful situation, try exchanging attitude for gratitude. When you are running late for a meeting because you are stuck in traffic, change your attitude. Instead of being frustrated about the traffic, find some gratitude. Look around and think of all the things you can be thankful for. Sometimes you can find gratitude in the smallest things. You can be thankful for life, health, strength, friends, family, nature, etc. Focusing on gratitude can definitely change your attitude.  Dealing with stress is not easy but it is possible. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way.

God Bless
Jason

Coping With Pain

Some high mountain water on our hike this past weekend in the San Juan Mountains.

Coping with pain is a very important topic. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis nearly 15 years ago. I was almost bed ridden and the pain meds were killing me. I decided to go a different direction. I found a doctor that was against using medications. He started me off by teaching me to change my train of thought. Teaching me how to cope with the pain mentally allowed me to make other changes in my life and the arthritis has been nonexistent for the past 12 years. If you or someone you know is dealing with pain here are some ideas to make the changes needed to live a happier life.  Manage your stress. Emotional and physical pain are closely related, and persistent pain can lead to increased levels of stress. Learning how to deal with your stress in healthy ways can position you to cope more effectively with your chronic pain. Eating well, getting plenty of sleep and engaging in approved physical activity are all positive ways for you to handle your stress and pain. Next talk to yourself constructively. Positive thinking is a powerful tool. By focusing on the improvements you are making (i.e., the pain is less today than yesterday or you feel better than you did a week ago) you can make a difference in your perceived comfort level. For example, instead of considering yourself powerless and thinking that you absolutely cannot deal with the pain, remind yourself that you are uncomfortable, but that you are working toward finding a healthy way to deal with it and living a productive and fulfilling life. Next become active and engaged. Distracting yourself from your pain by engaging in activities you enjoy will help you highlight the positive aspects of your life. Isolating yourself from others fosters a negative attitude and may increase your perception of your pain. Consider finding a hobby or a pastime that makes you feel good and helps you connect with family, friends or other people via your local community groups or the Internet. Finally find support. Going through the daily struggle of your pain can be extremely trying, especially if you’re doing it alone. Reach out to other people who are in your same position and who can share and understand your highs and lows. Search the internet or your local community for support groups, which can reduce your burden by helping you understand that you’re not alone. Lastly don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Thanks for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Self Motivation

On our hike in the Escalante Canyon last week.

Self motivation is very important. Not so much that you're good at it, but at least work on it. It doesn't matter if it's just getting out of bed in the morning or climbing Mount Everest. As long as you working on self motivation and trying to move forward. Many of us find ourselves in motivational slumps that we have to work to get out of. Sometimes it’s like a continuous cycle where we are motivated for a period of time, fall out and then have to build things back up again. That's OK. Just keep moving. Keep a positive attitude: There’s is nothing more powerful for self-motivation than the right attitude. You can’t choose or control your circumstance, but can choose your attitude towards your circumstances. Next keep it simple, keep motivators around your work area, things that give you that initial spark to get going. Finally keep good company. Make more regular encounters with positive and motivated people. This could be as simple as IM chats with peers or a quick discussion with a friend who likes sharing ideas. These are the first steps to self motivation. Give it a try and you will be on your way.  Also don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way.

God Bless
Jason

Self Satisfaction

A high mountain lake in the Rocky Mountain National Park a couple weeks ago.

Self satisfaction is very important in order to be happy. Self satisfaction concerns you and only you. It doesn't reflect anyone else's thoughts or opinions. Being satisfied with who and where you are is the key to happiness. This doesn't mean that you have to stop dreaming and working for more. It simply means that you accept what is and continue on from there. Don't be bothered with what others think or say. Don't let negativity by others slow your momentum. You should be enthusiastic in what you do and you should follow your instincts. If it's something you truly want then it's definitely worth the effort to obtain. Put your heart and sole into your efforts and you will obtain your goals. Even if you fall short you should be satisfied with you efforts. Having self satisfaction will lift your life up higher than you ever imagined. Keep self satisfaction high on your list of priorities and you will see many great things. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way.

God Bless
Jason

Accept Reality

A moose last weekend on our trip through the Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park.

Accepting reality is never easy. We often spend our time searching for someone, something or some situation that will make us happy. Sadly enough one will never find true happiness unless you start with yourself and accept reality. It's one of the hardest things to do, but it's definitely worth the effort. It's easy to look in the mirror and point out the imperfections. But, instead of counting all the things you wish you could be, try counting all the things that you are thankful for. Accept what is and understand that there is a reason why it's this way. This is the first step to accepting reality. Next remember that you can choose how you react to every situation. Choose to be open minded and search for the positives instead of the negatives. This will truly move you forward with accepting reality. Then remember that no matter what you have you can cherish it and make it work. After all it's your decision. Choose to accept reality with an open mind and don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend and thanks again for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

True Happiness

Some elk we seen in the Rocky Mountain National Park last weekend.

True happiness is something I often talk about. So many strive for this but never seem to be happy. Well the problem is that we often look for something new or big to bring us happiness, forgetting what we already have. Enjoying what you already have can brighten your day and bring a much more positive outcome to life. Choose to make happiness a choice instead of a conditional reaction. Make happiness your intention and it will become reality. A positive and happy state of mind is a very powerful tool we all take for granted. Instead of looking for a reason to be happy, see each moment as an opportunity to be happy with life in general. You don't have to have a reason to be happy. Choose to make happiness the reason. So be happy where you are right now no matter what the condition. No matter what you think you want or need, choose happiness first. Choose this and it will drive you forward to make life even better. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone is making the best of this Wednesday and are doing your best to be happy always.

God Bless
Jason

Amazing Life

Spouting Rock above Hanging Lake Colorado.

Life is truly amazing. Wherever you are, whatever you're doing take a moment to realize how amazing it is. Don't be so anxious to find something new that you miss out on what you already have. If you're not happy where you are in life then make a change. Life is amazing if you choose to let it be. Be curious with everything and everyone that crosses your path. Be excited by what you see and what you learn. Pay attention to every part of your life and you will truly be amazed at what you see. Hold high expectations for what you seek and keep reaching for the stars. You will encounter many new things on your journey and experience things that you never imagined existed. Many new treasures are available so find as much as you can. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Amazing life in deed.

God Bless
Jason

It All Matters

On our walk last week down by the river, Montrose Colorado.

It all matters more than you think. Live your life as if everything matters and you will be on your way to a bright future. Every up and every down has great meaning in your life and others around you. In every corner of your life, every moment of your time, every struggle in your life all consist of where you are now and where you're headed. Without one or the other we would be truly lost. So don't be so quick to push away the bad that occurs. Use each moment in time wisely and seek out each lesson. Real success comes from who you are, you are your own actions. Every actions is very important in shaping your life. Keep your actions alive by understanding that everything matters. The sooner you realize this the easier your going to find it to reach your goals. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. After all, it all matters. Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms and thank you again for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Shine Your Light

A bunny in our yard.

Shine your light. This is one I speak of often and feel it's very important. Even on the cloudy days you can choose to shine your light. In fact when things are dark your light will be much brighter if you choose to shine. Even in the darkest times a small positive thought can lift you up higher than you can ever imagine. Shine your light in the darkest of times and even as dim as it might seem it will be noticed by others around you. Step into the moment and just do it. Don't worry about what's wrong or what might go wrong. Think what you can do to make it right. Did you know that 85% of the stuff we worry about never transpires. You will increase that percentage by shining bright and staying positive. Once in awhile we need to step out of our boxes and live a little. Don't get stuck in a box where no one can see your light. On your down days let your dreams lift you up. On your up days let them push you even faster and further than you can imagine. Yes in deed, shine your light bright. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone is having a bright Wednesday and an even brighter tomorrow.

God Bless
Jason

Be Inspired

One from our trip last week to Mesa Verde National Park.

Be inspired with everything you do. Don't let life's little pitfalls slow you down. Give meaning to everything you do. Be inspired by trying your hardest with everything you do. If you fall short be inspired to continue on. Be inspired to move forward, keep taking step after step and your life will reward you. If you be inspired now your future will be much brighter. Be inspired about making a difference in your life and in the lives of others around you. Be passionate about fulfilling your dreams. Get excited about what the future holds for you. We live in a world with many opportunities and it's your choice to be inspired by it.  Be inspired by life and it's possibilities. Don't forget to be inspired by loving always, forgiving quickly and smiling along the way.

God Bless
Jason

What's Good For You

Some baby geese on our lake yesterday.

What's good for you might not always be good for someone else. What makes it important is that it's good for you and that you cherish it and hold onto it. It's important that we seek on a daily basis things that make us happy. To create some happiness in your life  find it within yourself to seek something that's good for you. The more you enjoy life, the better you will make it. Be good to yourself and become a better person. Be nice to yourself and make a life with more meaning. So do something good for yourself today, something enjoyable and special.  You deserve it. Say something nice to yourself and you will reap the rewards. By making happiness within, you will brighten the day of others around you as well. Shine your light and shine it bright with every step you take. What's good for you should be your next move. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Thank you for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

An Opportunity

The Dennis Weaver Memorial, one of my favorite places here in Western Colorado.

We often miss an opportunity because we choose to see something different. Rather than seeing something as a limitation, see it as an opportunity. When things aren't going the way you planned choose a different approach and make it work. Be motivated and inspired with every step and know that it will work out. Use the situation as an opportunity to grow and brighten your outcome. Many things in life will arise and with this your progress might be slowed down some. But you don't have to let it stop you. Stay positive and keep marching forward. Seek out the positives in every situation and you'll be on your way. It's only a limitation if you see it that way. Choose to see the opportunities and you'll find a way around it. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone is having a great week and are seeking the opportunities that are available.

God Bless
Jason

Life Is Risky

Black Canyon National Park.

Life is risky in deed, but this is what makes it so valuable. With everything we do there are risks involved day in and day out. But that's OK because we have the tools to work through any situation that might arise. By working through the risks we will create value in our life's. With value comes great achievements that propel us upward and forward. Accept the risks and follow it through to the end, you won't be disappointed. With excepting the risk there will surely be some setbacks along the way. That's OK, learn from the mistakes and keep excepting the risks. Learn to except the risks and transform them into great achievements. With every obstacle along the way you will create value and value leads to success. Take positive action and you will succeed one risk at a time. Continue the forward progress and you will find success. Don't try to take short cuts, this will only put you further behind. No one said life was going to be easy but except the risk and you will be on your way. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way.  Thanks for taking the risk and visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Need Less

Our beautiful Black Canyon National Park on Sunday.

I have often said that there are two ways to get enough. One is to keep acquiring more and more and the other is to need less. Let go of the need to do or have. Put all your anxiety aside and let go of all the stress. Life is what it is and acquiring will not make you happy. You must first be thankful for what you already have. Every day is a gift and has value regardless of your situation. Open your eyes, mind and heart. Change your perspective and change your needs. It’s not the acquiring that brings you down and holds you back. It’s the feeling of constantly needing to acquire and possess that becomes so tiresome. Chasing what you think you need takes up your time and energy. Don't let what you think you need get in the way from enjoying what you already have. Each need is potentially a burden and most can be let go of. Don't let life's needs or drama's get you down. Set the daily drama aside and enjoy whats in front of you and need less. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. Hope everyone is having a great week and are needing less.

God Bless
Jason

Take Time To Relax

A nice spring Colorado Day.

Take time to relax once in awhile. Great achievements can be made with persistence and effort. However you must take time to re-energize your engines. If your not taking time once in awhile to relax then your actually working harder and putting unneeded pressure and stress on yourself. You're spinning your wheels faster than you need to. Sure you might feel the need to finish a job and start a new one. But pushing yourself over the limit time and time again only leads to exhaustion and in the long run it takes longer to get the job done. If your tank is only half full you will be bogged down and run out of gas before the end. By re-energizing yourself you can tackle the task full steam ahead. You can use all of your knowledge and be quick on your feet. You will have the energy to overcome any obstacle. More than likely you will finish the job in a shorter amount of time and expend less energy. We often fail an achievement because we started off on the wrong foot to begin with. So take the time to relax, smell the flowers and take in the beautiful world around you. Start off on the right foot and give yourself the best possibility to succeed. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Speaking of relaxing only 15 days left in the ski season here in Colorado and one of my jobs will slow dramatically. Then school ends in May so it will be my time to relax a bit and enjoy life. I have a few trips planned this year and a new camera is on the horizon. Looking forward to capturing some new pictures for all of you. Thanks again for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Today Has Arrived

A spring picture since we are only 3 days away.

Today has arrived and it can be the best day ever. You have the ability to make forward progress no matter what your situation is. This day has many possibilities if you choose to work towards them. Seldom will you gain ground by sitting and doing nothing. You have to put one foot in front of the other and make it happen. Imagine how you will feel at the end of the day when you know that you have moved forward and upward. Imagine it, then get going and make it a reality. Today has arrived and it can be a waste of time or you can choose to use your time wisely and make it work to your advantage. It's entirely up to you and the decision is yours to make. Don't worry about making the wrong decisions. Making no decisions are far worse than making a wrong one. To reach the top it will take time and you have a new supply of it today. There are things you can do today to move your life in a positive direction. You surely won't make it to the top today but you can be a little bit closer. Today has arrived so get to work. Wishing everyone a safe and fun St Patrick's Day and as always thanks for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Piece By Piece

Wilson Peak above Telluride Colorado.

Life is all about putting the pieces together. One by one, piece by piece a puzzle is solved. It takes more than one piece to finish a puzzle. It takes more than one piece to have fulfillment in life. Pieces come and go so never stop searching for more. If you think it takes just one piece you are sadly mistaken. Now don't misunderstand this theory. You will never find all of the pieces and this is good. Think of the let down if there were no more to seek. Finding most of the pieces should bring joy and a sense of accomplishment. Day in and day out pieces will be lost, forgotten and forever changed. That's OK, life is about change and searching for the unknown pieces should drive you forward and upward. Be happy with the pieces you have and be blessed with the pieces you will find. Never stop adding pieces and life will treat you well. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Keep searching piece by piece. I hope everyone had a great day compiling pieces and thanks again for visiting my thought today.

 God Bless
 Jason

True Happiness

View of our lake after the first storm rolled through last week.

True happiness is something I often talk about. So many strive for this but never seem to be happy. Well the problem is that we often look for something new or big to bring us happiness, forgetting what we already have. Enjoying what you already have can brighten your day and bring a much more positive outcome to life. Choose to make happiness a choice instead of a conditional reaction. Make happiness your intention and it will become reality. A positive and happy state of mind is a very powerful tool we all take for granted. Instead of looking for a reason to be happy, see each moment as an opportunity to be happy with life in general. You don't have to have a reason to be happy. Choose to make happiness the reason. So be happy where you are right now no matter what the condition. No matter what you think you want or need, choose happiness first. Choose this and it will drive you forward to make life even better. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone is having a happy Tuesday and thanks again for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Focus

Bridal Veil Falls above Telluride Colorado.

 It's easy to focus on negative things going on in your life and others. But it's just as easy to focus your thoughts on something positive. It takes the same effort either way.It's easy to be upset about your problems but it's just as easy to be thankful for your blessings. Maintaining a positive outlook on life is just as easy as going around with a negative attitude. Staying positive takes no special skills just a choice that is yours to make. It's easy and a choice that you can make right now. Choose to make your challenges your greatest opportunities instead of negative setbacks. Be happy with what you have instead of what you think you need. Don't hold onto the past unless it's in a positive way.It's Easy to stay positive if you choose to. Don't forget to forgive quickly, love always and smile along the way. I hope everyone had a focused day and are headed in the right direction.

God Bless
Jason

Make Room

The view from the Peaks Resort, Telluride Colorado.

Make room for what makes you happy. Make room for what's most important to you and surround your life with it. No matter how cold and dark life seems at times you can always choose to make it better. You can do so by excepting what is and what can be. Make room for your wildest dreams and make a plan of attack. Even if life is getting you down, you can always choose to be the best you can be. By being your best even when times are dark the light will shine at the end of the tunnel. Make room for the light and push out the darkness. When nothing has been done, there is much that can be accomplished. Where little is known, there is much to learn. When some is lost, there is no limitations on what can be gained. Make room for an amazing life that is within your reach. Make room today. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Thursday.

God Bless
Jason

Cherish This Day.

Ridgeway Reservoir reflection two days ago.  Ridgeway Colorado.

Cherish this day. This day is unique in it's own way,and there will never be another day like it. It started out well and we shall be blessed that our lord has given it to us. Cherish this day for what it is and what it has to offer. It will bring new opportunities and circumstances. This day started off great and the direction it goes is up to you. How you choose to except the new opportunities and circumstances will have allot to do with how your day proceeds. Whatever comes your direction gives you a chance to create value that will last beyond today. The troubles and obstacles will give you strength and something to build on for the future. We should be excited and eager to learn the value that this day will bring. Understand the beauty that's around you and truly love who you are and where you are. Take advantage of all the possibilities that this day will bring. Cherish this day and every day after it. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone is cherishing this day as much as I am. Thanks again for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Set An Example

Bird has his eye on me.

Set An Example with the way you live your life. Each day has great value, not just for you but for others around you. Every achievement and every set back has something to teach us about ourselves. Learn the lessons well and apply them to everyday life and you will be on your way to a brighter future. Your influence is far greater than you realize. Use that influence wisely to improve everything with which you are connected to. Stop judging others and start judging yourself. You can set an example by showing others whom to judge. By setting theses examples you can put your values to work, moving closer to your goals and making life a much better place for you and others around you. By making improvements in your own attitude and behavior you'll see improvements in those around you. The world around you will follow the example you set, so make it a good one. Set An Example Today. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. As always thanks for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

You Have A Choice

Colorado National Monument.

You have a choice. Stress seems to be a major part of many peoples world today. Well you have a choice. Life doesn't have to be this way at all. In most cases stress is what you make it.  I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way (s)he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. Stress is a reaction that you choose in a certain situation. Allot of the times we cause ourselves more stress than what is needed. In many cases the situation is because of a bad decision that we have made. Then we make it worse by stressing out. We take a situation and respond with a stressful attitude. Instead, choose to respond with love and determination and you will find life much easier. Use positive action instead of negative action. It's your choice and it's yours to make. Don't sweat the small stuff and don't turn mole hills into mountains. Take life one step at a time placing one foot in front of the other. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone is having a great Friday and are gearing up for a fantastic weekend.

God Bless
Jason

Don't Be Lazy

Above Aldasaro Ranch near actor Tom Cruz's home, Telluride Colorado

Don't be lazy. Timing is very important and our time even more so. It's the number one thing that we tend to waste. Often we put off doing things that we eventually have to do anyways. Acting early is much more effective than waiting until the last minute. And definitely more effective than waiting until it's to late. Its frustrating to get behind and always playing catch up. Besides it wears us out. Are you wore out from always working from behind. Well you can change that by working ahead. Get ahead and try to stay ahead. Procrastination is an exhausting way to live. It might seem at first that by procrastinating that your saving energy but your actually not your going to have to do it anyways. Take control of your life and get it done. Timing is actually more important than the effort put forth. Once done you can use that energy to move to the next task that needs doing. You will be thankful you did. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone is having a great Friday and thanks again for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Think Ahea

We seen some wildlife on our drive last week at the Colorado National Monument.

Thinking ahead is not over rated by any means. My parents often reminded me as I was growing up how important this is.This doesn't mean that we always practice it though. In order to put yourself ahead you must look ahead, plan ahead and live ahead. Choose to live your life so that you'll be thankful tomorrow and the day after. Bring light to your future by making the best of what you have today. Choose the long term value that lies in every moment to propel you into a better future. Use each day to prepare for a better future. A correct small action today will make a big difference down the road. Live for the moment now while creating value for the moments to come. Don't be afraid of making mistakes either. Mistakes are all part of the game. Your time is valuable so don't waste it. Consider your consequences right now so that you can determine what your consequences will be later. Think ahead, act ahead and you will be ahead. Don't forget to love always,forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope you started your Monday off by thinking ahead. If you didn't that's OK, it's never to late to start.

God Bless
Jason

Today Is A Blessing

Last weekend on our drive through the Colorado National Monument.

Today is a blessing whether it seems like it or not. In fact every day is a blessing. No matter how you feel or what you encounter during your journey be thankful for where you are and where you have been. Be thankful for where you are going to go and the journey you are on. By being thankful you create value and gain momentum. By excepting each day as a blessing you will open up a whole new world with many possibilities. It's easy to be thankful when life is going well. With a positive attitude and a little gratitude life will reward you, more positive things will come your way for sure. We often don't show gratitude when life isn't treating us right. Life's difficulties and your response to them will make you stronger and bring many more blessings your way. Just because today doesn't seem like a blessing doesn't mean that it won't bring greatness to your life later on down the road. Remember everything happens for a reason. We often don't understand why things happen but I don't thing we are supposed to understand everything. Show some gratitude and except this day and every day as a blessing and great things will come your way. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. As always thanks for visiting my thought today.

 God Bless
 Jason

Give Your Best

Dallas Divide, San Juan Mountain Range. Yesterday on my way to Telluride CO.

Always give your best no matter what you are trying to accomplish. The more you give the more you will receive in life. Give your best to life every chance you get and your life will be full and rich. Put the effort and commitment necessary to make each day meaningful. Be honest and creative to gain value with every step you take. Don't cheat life or yourself out of what you deserve. The image you have painted of your life is not to be mistaken for success. Success is the result of the way you choose to live your life and the steps you take. Choose to give your best and seek positive results. True success doesn't come from any possessions obtained. True success comes from the actions you take to reach fulfillment.  The only way to reach true fulfillment is to give your best every day. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and will start out today by giving your best. Thank you again for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason  

The Little Things

Our round house at the end of our driveway.

The little things in life are free and have no limits. The little things are often over looked and underrated. We often take for granted these very important things. To be truly happy we must keep these things in perspective and keep a close eye on them. There are no limits to faith, hope and kindness, you are free to take or give as much as you like. There is no limit on how happy one can choose to be. There is no limitation on how much you can share. Beauty is all around us in every moment and we are free to reach out and absorb as much as we choose. Your heart has no limitation on how much love it can hold. So right now today, choose to take it all in. Look at life a little bit different and enjoy it a little bit more. After all it's free for the taking so make good use of what you have. Enjoy life to it's fullest by staying positive and capturing the best things in life. Take the time today to tell a loved one how much you appreciate them. Just one kind word can make someones day. The little things in life should be your focus today and every day. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone is having a great week so far and thanks again for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Thoughts And Feelings

My drive up the mountain near Telluride Colorado.

Thoughts and feelings are very important. Not only are thoughts, but others around us are equally important. It doesn't mean that you always have to agree with them however you should honor and respect them. Allow others thoughts to strengthen you in the same way your own thoughts do. Keep an open mind and understand that thoughts and feelings are very real. Keep thoughts and feelings close to your heart but not so close that they stop you from being the person you are or want to be. Utilize them to help solve a problem or to make the right decision. Respect and appreciate thoughts and feelings, but don't allow them to dominate you. Don't be trapped by any one feeling or thought. Set yourself free by accepting them all. Allow them to give you a different perspective, perhaps see things differently. When given a chance they can lift you higher than ever before. Yes in deed thoughts and feelings are very important.  Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and thanks again for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason