Let now be good

Let now be good. Let now bring its unique fulfillment and richness.

Those days in the past that you remember as perfect had their problems and shortcomings. Those future times you imagine as ideal will not be flawless.

Be thankful for what has been, for all that will be. And experience each joy as its time arrives.

Now is everything you have. It is far from perfect, yet it is more than enough.

Do the good you can do, now when you can. Be the authentic person you are, now when it matters.

Let go of any longing for what might have been, or what was, or what could be, and just let now be good. Now is here for you, so be fully here for now.

— Ralph Marston

Listen to what life tells you. Act on it.

Open yourself to truth, no matter how painful or demanding. Stick with that truth.

Feel your own desires, your own fears, your potential for joy, your ability. Feel the love you have for all you care about.

Be thankful for all you’ve been through, for all you have, for all that’s possible. Express that gratitude by making use of it, by pointing it in a positive and beneficial direction.

Watch as the sun appears over the horizon. Stand in amazement at the opportunity contained in just a single day.

Then do something about it, do something with it. Create the new beauty that is waiting for you to bring it to life.

— Ralph Marston

Give to yourself some goodness. Give to yourself some love.

Give yourself some time, attention, patience, and care. Give yourself understanding and acceptance.

Know how good it feels when you are genuinely good to yourself. Then realize how easily and naturally you can expand that good feeling to others.

Be good to yourself not out of selfishness, but to gain skill and experience. Create within yourself a source and a supply of goodness that you can share with all of life.

The more generously you give to yourself the more effectively you can give to those around you. Accept and understand yourself, and you’ll further your acceptance and understanding of others.

What you have to give is what you have first given yourself. Give generously, and let that generosity expand far and wide.

— Ralph Marston

If your experience of love depends solely on being loved, you are sure to be disappointed. The power of love is in giving it.

Waves crashing on a sandy beach are wholly incapable of loving you. Yet you can have great love for them, and that love can bring much beauty and fulfillment into your life.

By letting go of your expectations about receiving love, you open yourself up to give more love. From that perspective you can fill your life and your world with the power of love.

Love inspires you to do what you would otherwise be reluctant to do. Love brings you courage, confidence, competence, as well as the energy and focus to apply them well.

You are always able to experience love because there is always some way for you to give it. It is in giving love that you find the wherewithal to live with meaning and fulfillment.

Give love and expand its beneficial power into every corner of your existence, of your world. Give love, and live at your most purposeful, authentic, and effective level.

— Ralph Marston

It might work out and it might not. The only way you’ll find out is to give it a go.

It’s comfortable and convenient to sit and do nothing. Yet it’s a whole lot more interesting and fulfilling to get up and explore some unknown territory.

Don’t just talk about what you might do, or wonder what it would be like. Take the steps, make the efforts, find a way, and make it happen.

Life is here right now to be lived. And right now is when you must live to the fullest, not someday, not when things are perfect, but right now as it is.

Though you’re certain to run into some problems, go ahead and give it a go. Though you’re often not sure what to expect, with each passing day you grow more capable at dealing with whatever arises.

There’s no end to the possibilities for achievement and discovery. Step forward today and give it a go.

— Ralph Marston