This day belongs to you

Monday, Monday will it be good to me or prove I can’t trust that day? The Mamas and the Papas asked those questions about the time I graduated from high school. And even now we can’t predict what it will bring.

The families in Kansas whose community was destroyed this weekend, face a bleak Monday. Most of us can be thankful that we don’t live in Kansas, and at the same time we need to say a prayer for those who do, especially those in Greensburg. And while we’re thinking of them, let us find ways to help those devastated by that F-5 tornado. Although, they are such good examples. Even in the face of such devastation, they find something to be thankful for. Disaster usually brings out the best in us. Maybe it is the good times or the everyday trials we have more difficulty with?

Simply helping someone in need, whether family, friend or stranger, will add some good Karma to your work week.

Monday was always laundry day around our little Ohio farming community where I grew up. If you did not have a line full of laundry by 7 a.m., you were a slacker. And there really was a competition to see who had the whitest whites. But the point is that each Monday we arose early and washed away the blots and splotches, dirt and debris of the previous week. Everywhere you looked, you could see evidence of clean laundry. The whole town slept on fresh sheets that night.

It is a good day to start over again. To give it another try. To renew vows of oh, something like a diet challenge, and get back on track. A good day to say you’re sorry or wish someone well. A good day to start something new. Or a good day to just do the best you can.

Lyricists have made money on this day’s unpredictability: “Manic Monday,” “Blue Monday” – catchy songs. But there are a few things we can control on this Monday.

You can chose to smile instead of frown; sing instead of curse; embrace instead of snub; work instead of procrastinate; love instead of hate. Monday is the perfect day to follow that idea forming in your head – the one that tells you to step outside of your comfort zone, take a chance, and grow.

Regardless of what day it is, it is always the day to be good to yourself. Give yourself a little credit for the positive, good, smart, decent things you do, the productive accomplishments and don’t just beat yourself up. Say something nice to yourself right now. Go ahead. Now smile.

The day belongs to you, make it count.