Be GREAT Today!

Several years ago I began telling my kids "Be GREAT Today!" as I kissed them off to school. At this point, I do not remember where the original thought came from. What I do know is that it has evolved into a way of life for several around me.

The phrase itself seems minor. That's part of why I capitalize it, for added emphasis! I even say it with the proper capitalization - I raise my voice for the GREAT in the middle (respect the internet past). The meaning behind it, however, is far from minor.

Our life has twists, turns, and curve balls galore. Just this morning, the cross country coach at my son's school, a coach of 25 years, in his mid-50's, in far better shape than me, passed away of a sudden cardiac arrest. Very unexpected event. Obviously, news like this does not make for a good day. However, how we choose to react to is what the phrase is truly about.

We can't control the circumstances of our day - a car accident delaying our ride to work, an unexpected rain storm while our windows are down, the grumpy coworker yelling at the office. We can choose to look beyond it and act accordingly.

What we do have control over is our reactions and our efforts. When you write, do you truly give it 100%? What about when you're spending time with loved ones? Or paying attention to a movie? Are you giving your best effort, no matter what is happening around you? Are you fighting through the noise and being the best you in that moment?

We can't control what we experience in our daily lives. We can control how others experience us. As you rise for the day, sit down to post, or are enjoying the company of others, remember to always Be GREAT Today!