Last week I was hanging out with a good friend of mine.  During our travels, we spotted a "parking cop" approaching a parked car in which the parking meter ran out.

We've all been there.

My friend, spotted this and jumped into action.  She ran to the meter, to beat the "parking cop" by a few steps, and went to deposit a quarter into the meter, thus saving the driver of the car from the impending ticket.

At that point the "parking cop" asked her if that was indeed her car, in which she answered  'no".

The "parking cop" then went onto to mumble that she was not "allowed" to pay for someone else and proceeded to give this person a parking ticket.

Not "allowed" to help out a stranger? You've got to be joking.

We went on our way, but it really made me think of the famous quote from Mahatma Gandi:

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

Listed below are three things to keep in mind when trying to affect positive change:

1) Tune out the "naysayers" and negative people

The world has many people who like to complain, and paint a picture of doom and gloom.  Unfortunately, we are going to face them more than we wish too.

The key is not to give them any energy, and keep focused on doing what feels good for you.

2) Catch people doing things "right"

It's really easy to find fault with others, the economy or the weather. Try looking for what is right with the world.  I guarantee you will always get what you are looking for, committ to "capturing" what is right with the world - everyday.

3) Be selective in choosing your environments

Feeding your mind  with "good" stuff is the best thing you can do for yourself.  Be very selective in who you spend your time with, and how you spend your time.  We can either "spend" our time or "invest" it.  The choice is yours.

Which reminds me of another famous quote, this time said by Margaret Meade:

"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world.  Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

As for my friend, I know with 100% certainty that the next time she passes an expired parking meter, she will not hesitate to deposit a quarter for a perfect stranger - it's who she is.

If today was your last day, would you tell someone special how you feel?

I'm a big fan of the Rock Group Nickleback.  A few weeks ago they released a song titled: "If Today was Your Last Day"

I know, you might be thinking that's a depressing title, but the song is not really about your last day, but rather about LIVING FULLY EVERYDAY!

I loved the tune the first time I heard it, and it's now on my iPod.  Below I have shared some of the lyrics with the lesson I took from them:

"My best friend gave me the best advice

He said each day's a gift and not a given right

Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind

And try to take the path less traveled by

That first step you take is the longest stride"

Focus on now, not on the past.

When bad things happen, take a rest stop. Feel your feelings, share your feelings, but then drop it and move on.Don't dwell on it or play that same song over and over again (we all know people who do that).Get right back on that highway heading towards your dreams.

"If today was your last day

and tomorrow was too late

Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live  each moment like your last?

Leave old pictures in the past

Donate every dime you have?

If today was your last day."

If today was your last day, what you you do? Would you hang on tight to your old grudges? Complain about how bad the economy is?  Feed your mind with negative images? Gossip?

Or, Would you forgive others, remember if "it" is not feeding you it is starving you. Say "sorry", and mean it. Like the song says, leave old pictures in the past. Would you call a friend or family member that you have been putting off?

"Would you find that one your're dreamin' of?

Swear up and down to God and above

That you finally fall in love

If today was your last day"

If today was your last day..... Would you tell someone special how you feel?

Wishing all a Healthy & Happy New Year!