"If you could put anything on a billboard, what would it be?" Tim Ferris often asks his guests some form of this question in his popular podcast. Tim's questioning of others has caused me to question myself. After much thought, my billboard would read...

FORGIVE[N]

...In big, bold letters against a simple back ground.

Why? Because forgiveness is truly powerful and transformational. When we forgive someone or some thing, we set ourselves free from anger and despair. We stop sabotaging ourselves internally, and we find peace. With a foundation of internal peace, we can then build ever increasing amounts of love and happiness into our lives.

To receive forgiveness from someone else is a gift that evokes great emotions. We are human and will therefore wrong others from time to time, whether intentional or unintentional. When we are forgiven by the other person, we again are set free emotionally, and often feel a great sense of relief from the internal chains of guilt and remorse. We are often overcome with strong feelings of thankfulness. Even more powerful than receiving forgiveness from another human being is asking for, and receiving, the grace of forgiveness from God.

If we want to live our lives to the fullest with the greatest degrees of peace, love, and happiness, we must learn to harness the power of forgiveness. Forgive others with humility and kindness, and freely accept the gift of forgiveness from others and from God. Simply forgive and be forgiven.

You are the captain of your own ship of life. You steer your life in ways that ultimately lead to a certain destination. A slight left turn here, a big right turn there, easy on the throttle now, then hard on the throttle at the right time...all of these maneuvers help you reach a given destination at a given time in life.

None of us has a magic wand that enables us to have everything we desire right here and now. However, we all have will power that can be harnessed and put to work along with dreams, visions, and goals. With sustained persistence, a clear vision, a positive attitude, we can eventually have the majority of what we want in life. Not absolutely everything, mind you, but certainly our fair share of health, happiness, and prosperity.

So learn to weather the temporary rough seas in life, and know that they are a nothing but a natural part of steering your ship to your desired destination. Have a clear vision of where you are going, be persistent, and remain positive and on course. Remember, you are The Captain.