How many times have you looked back at a missed opportunity and said that? I think most of us have more than once. A few years ago, a good friend of mine died. I called him Ronnie, he called me Johnny. We had known each other a very long time.

Over the years we made many plans for things we could do together as we collected our Social Security checks. Our planning included all the activities that we both enjoyed. Kayaking, diving, bike riding, fishing, and camping were just a few of the trips we planned. Then he got sick, and died.

My Creed

His death not only left a huge hole in my heart but also one in my life. My retirement, a few years in the future, was arranged in large part around all the adventures we had planned together with our wives. I took a close look at my life and wondered why we had put all these plans off for the future. I wanted to change my life so I/We could say, “I/We did.” Not we should of. Out of this, I wrote, “My Creed.” It has helped me in troubled/painful times. I read it to get me back on track if I realize I’m drifting off. Perhaps it can be of help to you also. I have copied it here for you to use if you think it is worthwhile.

This is today, tomorrow may never come.

This is today, yesterday is history.

Every morning when I wake up, it will be today.

I will launch each day with a positive attitude.

I will not criticize anything, for it accomplishes nothing.

I refuse to utilize my limited time doing things that accomplish nothing.

Today, I know I am equal with all others in our allotment of daily time.

All of us have the same number of hours, minutes, and seconds.

Today, I will waste none of my allotted time.

The minutes I wasted yesterday are already too costly.

Today, I refuse to use my time worrying about what might happen.

Instead, I am going to use my time to make things happen.

Today, I am determined to improve myself.

For tomorrow someone may need help.

I must work hard today, so I will not be found lacking tomorrow.

Today, I must accomplish/learn something, no matter how small.

Today, I will do the things I should do.

Today, I will stop doing things I feel are bad for me.

At the end of each day, I must be a better person than I was when it started.

My worth to myself and others is proportional to the way I utilize my time.

Things are not different.

I will not imagine what I would do, if they were.

I will make my life a success with what I have now, not what I wish I had.

I will arrange what time I have, to make the most of my talents.

I will listen carefully to others for they are but mirrors of myself.

I will not wait till tomorrow to say,” I love you.”

I will treat everyone I encounter in life as a true friend.

If I do these things, today will be a good day for me and those around me.