Early in the morning, I often think, “If I could do anything in the world today, what would it be?” Sometimes, my thoughts take me to the beach in Mexico my wife and I annually visit. Sometimes, I’m building a campfire in the back yard with my grandchildren on a perfect fall day. Still other days, my wife and I are driving along Big Sur along the Pacific Ocean in California on the way for me to play golf at Pebble Beach. To be truthful, when I am in one of those “what would I do” zones, I’m rarely thinking of the workplace.

However, I ran across a quote recently by Mary Edgar. Mary Edgar’s life was devoted to working with girls and camping through many local, provincial and national organizations. She was the author of many books, plays and hymns. In this quote, Edgar captures so many things that would encompass a great day that I felt it needed to be shared with you. Here is the quote:

“I will follow the upward road today; I will keep my face to the light. I will think high thoughts as I go my way; I will do what I know is right. I will look for the flowers by the side of the road; I will laugh and love and be strong. I will try to lighten another’s load this day as I fare along.” – Mary S. Edgar

In just a few words, she captures: a positive attitude, a favorable outlook; honorable actions, pure motives, doing what is right. She stops to smell the roses and has time to laugh and love. She desires to be strong and, finally, she wants to make the day better for someone else. Doesn’t that describe a great day! Wouldn’t you love for every day to be just like that?

Do you know that when you start your day thinking that each new day is a blessing, it changes your entire approach to the day? When each new day holds endless possibilities, a fresh start, and adventure – you start to think that you can literally do anything! When you begin your day this way, you begin as a warrior, as a victor, and a champion. Sure, the day can bring challenges and disappointments, but starting the day as a champion helps you to walk a little taller and with a brighter spirit than if you begin the day already defeated.

I have written this quote on my phone and plan to re-read it often. I hope to allow this to motivate me as I start each new day in the future. Could this help you, as well?

Have a wonderful day today! Look for those flowers along the side of the way, as you go. And, let some act of kindness make a difference to someone else.