-------------------------------------------------
Human Angels
During each of our journeys, there are those inevitable moments when someone comes into our life at precisely the right time and says or does precisely the right thing. Their words or actions may help us perceive ourselves more clearly, remind us that everything will turn out for the best, help us cope, or see us through difficult situations. These people are human angels - individuals designated by the universe to be of service to those in need at specific points in time. Some human angels make a commitment before their births to make a positive contribution to the world at a particular moment. Others were chosen by the universe. All human angels, however, come into our lives when we least expect them and when we can most benefit from their presence.
A few of the human angels we may encounter are in professions where helping others is an everyday occurrence. But most of them are regular people, going about their daily lives until called upon to be in the right place at the right time to bring peace, joy, help, or heal someone when they most need it. You may have met a human angel in the form of a teacher who gave you a piece of advice that touched your soul and influenced your path. The person that momentarily stopped you to say hello on the street, delaying you long enough to avoid an oncoming car or a collision, is also a human angel. They may offer nothing more than a kind word or a smile, but they will offer it when you can draw the most strength and support from their simple action.
You may be a human angel yet not know it. Your fate or intuition may guide you toward other people's challenging or distressing situations, leading you to infer that you simply have bad luck. But recognizing yourself as a human angel can help you deal with the pain you see and understand that you are there to help and comfort others during their times of need. Human angels give of their inner light to all who need it, coming into our lives and often changing us forever. Their task has its challenges, but it is they that have the power to teach, bring us joy, and comfort us in times of despair.
What do you think?
Monday, December 19, 2005
The Cold Within by
- By Author Unknown
Six humans trapped by happenstance
In black and bitter cold.
Each one possessed a stick of wood,
Or so the story's told.
Their dying fire in need of logs,
The first woman held hers back
For on the faces around the fire,
She noticed one was black.
The next man looking cross the way
Saw one not of his church,
And couldn't bring himself to give
The fire his stick of birch.
The third man sat in tattered clothes;
He gave his coat a hitch.
Why should his log be put to use
To warm the idle rich?
The rich man just sat back and thought
Of the wealth he had in store.
And how to keep what he had earned
From the lazy poor.
The black man's face bespoke revenge
As the fire passed from his sight,
For all he saw in his stick of wood
Was a chance to spite the white.
And the last man of this forlorn group
Did naught except for gain.
Giving only to those who gave
Was how he played the game.
The logs held tight in death's still hands
Was proof of human sin.
They didn't die from the cold without,
They died from the cold within.
- Author Unknown
Six humans trapped by happenstance
In black and bitter cold.
Each one possessed a stick of wood,
Or so the story's told.
Their dying fire in need of logs,
The first woman held hers back
For on the faces around the fire,
She noticed one was black.
The next man looking cross the way
Saw one not of his church,
And couldn't bring himself to give
The fire his stick of birch.
The third man sat in tattered clothes;
He gave his coat a hitch.
Why should his log be put to use
To warm the idle rich?
The rich man just sat back and thought
Of the wealth he had in store.
And how to keep what he had earned
From the lazy poor.
The black man's face bespoke revenge
As the fire passed from his sight,
For all he saw in his stick of wood
Was a chance to spite the white.
And the last man of this forlorn group
Did naught except for gain.
Giving only to those who gave
Was how he played the game.
The logs held tight in death's still hands
Was proof of human sin.
They didn't die from the cold without,
They died from the cold within.
- Author Unknown
RICHES LIE INSIDE YOU, NOT IN MATERIAL POSSESSIONS
----------------------------------------------
Wealth without enjoyment is little consolation. Your real prosperity lies in being thankful. Your real riches are riches of the head and heart. Satisfaction comes from appreciating what you have.
Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.
It's not how much you have, it's how much you enjoy.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Wealth without enjoyment is little consolation. Your real prosperity lies in being thankful. Your real riches are riches of the head and heart. Satisfaction comes from appreciating what you have.
Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.
It's not how much you have, it's how much you enjoy.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Friday, December 16, 2005
Intertwined Fates
-------------------------------------------------
We Are All Connected
There are times when we may feel disconnected from the world. Our actions can seem like they are of no major consequence, and we may feel like we exist in our own vacuum. Yet, the truth is that our simplest thought or action - the decisions we make each day, and how we see and relate to the world - can be incredibly significant and have a profound impact on the lives of those around us, as well as the world at large. The earth and everything on it is bound by an invisible connection between people, animals, plants, the air, the water, and the soil. Insignificant actions on your part, whether positive or negative, can have an impact on people and the environment that seem entirely separate from your personal realm of existence. Staying conscious of the interconnection between all things can help you think of your choices and your life in terms of the broader effect you may be creating.
Think of buying a wooden stool. The wood was once part of a tree which is part of a forest. A person was paid to fell the tree, another to cut the wood, and yet another to build the stool. Their income may have had a positive effect on their families, just as the loss of the tree may have had a negative impact on the forest or the animals that made that tree their home. An encouraging word to a young child about their special talent can influence this person to develop their gift so that one day their inventions can change the lives of millions. A poem written "merely" to express oneself can make a stranger reading it online from thousands of miles away feel less alone because there is someone else out there who feels exactly the way they do.
Staying conscious of your connection to all things can help you think of your choices in terms of their impact. We are powerful enough that what we do and say can reverberate through the lives of people we may never meet. Understanding that you are intimately connected with all things and understanding your power to affect our world can be the first step on the road to living more consciously.
What do you think?
We Are All Connected
There are times when we may feel disconnected from the world. Our actions can seem like they are of no major consequence, and we may feel like we exist in our own vacuum. Yet, the truth is that our simplest thought or action - the decisions we make each day, and how we see and relate to the world - can be incredibly significant and have a profound impact on the lives of those around us, as well as the world at large. The earth and everything on it is bound by an invisible connection between people, animals, plants, the air, the water, and the soil. Insignificant actions on your part, whether positive or negative, can have an impact on people and the environment that seem entirely separate from your personal realm of existence. Staying conscious of the interconnection between all things can help you think of your choices and your life in terms of the broader effect you may be creating.
Think of buying a wooden stool. The wood was once part of a tree which is part of a forest. A person was paid to fell the tree, another to cut the wood, and yet another to build the stool. Their income may have had a positive effect on their families, just as the loss of the tree may have had a negative impact on the forest or the animals that made that tree their home. An encouraging word to a young child about their special talent can influence this person to develop their gift so that one day their inventions can change the lives of millions. A poem written "merely" to express oneself can make a stranger reading it online from thousands of miles away feel less alone because there is someone else out there who feels exactly the way they do.
Staying conscious of your connection to all things can help you think of your choices in terms of their impact. We are powerful enough that what we do and say can reverberate through the lives of people we may never meet. Understanding that you are intimately connected with all things and understanding your power to affect our world can be the first step on the road to living more consciously.
What do you think?
"Pink" The Real Color of Christmas
--------------------------------------------------
- By Gary R. Belsaas
Today, a little boy about the age of ten came into my department carrying a pink suede leather jacket. He approached one of my Sales Associates and informed her that he would like to purchase it.
My Associate knowing the cost of the jacket asked the little boy if he knew how much the jacket cost. He said he did, and that he had plenty of money. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet and my Associate rang up the jacket for him.
While she was ringing the jacket up for him she asked him who the jacket was for. He told her that it was for him mom. The Associate told him that it was a very nice gift for his mother for Christmas. She then asked him if pink was her favorite color. He said "not really." He began to tell her in a very adult like manner that a few years ago, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and when his father found out, he couldn't handle all of the stress that was to come with dealing with a cancer patient. The father ultimately left, leaving just himself and his mother alone. His mother went through successful surgery and treatment, and has experienced a successful remission. The little boy realized at that point that he now was going to be the man of the family. He made it a point to buy his mother something extra special every year for Christmas.
This little boy would save a dollar or two from his allowance each week in order to save enough money to buy his mother this one special Christmas gift.
He knew instantly that when he saw this jacket that it was what he wanted to buy for his beloved mother.
The Associate said to him, "if pink isn't really your mothers favorite color, we have other colors that she might like better." He said very emphatically, "no" I will take the pink one. The Associate said, "You sure have your heart set on pink." "How come, if it is not your mothers favorite color?"
The little boy looked at her and proudly replied "because pink is the color for cancer survivors, and because I love my mama."
I share this story with you to help remind you of why we do what we do every day.
Sure we are going to have those customers who can be challenging, and difficult. We are working long hours, coming in early, and staying late. It's busier then we can ever imagine. The departments get all messed up. The freight never seems to stop flowing. Frustrations rise and tempers flare. I could go one and on.
The message that I want you to remember here is that the reason that we do what we do each and every day, is to ensure that we help fulfill the hopes, dreams and wishes of each and every customer that comes through our doors. Not only at Christmas time, but every day of the year.
So when things are getting you down, and you feel there just isn't enough time in the day, and the customers are too demanding, remember this beautiful boy and his mother.
Take comfort in the fact that we were able to contribute to this very special and beautiful memory for a little boy and his mother.
For on Christmas day, when she opens this present from her little boy, she will know the true meaning of this very special gift, and will cherish it for always.
About the Author:
Gary R. Belsaas is the Area Sales Manager for Robinson's May Department Stores in Phoenix, Arizona. He can be reached at grbelsaas@cox.net He wrote "This is a true story that I wish to share with your readers. It happened in my store shortly before Christmas. I wrote it and passed it out to my staff to help remind them about the true meaning of Christmas."
- By Gary R. Belsaas
Today, a little boy about the age of ten came into my department carrying a pink suede leather jacket. He approached one of my Sales Associates and informed her that he would like to purchase it.
My Associate knowing the cost of the jacket asked the little boy if he knew how much the jacket cost. He said he did, and that he had plenty of money. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet and my Associate rang up the jacket for him.
While she was ringing the jacket up for him she asked him who the jacket was for. He told her that it was for him mom. The Associate told him that it was a very nice gift for his mother for Christmas. She then asked him if pink was her favorite color. He said "not really." He began to tell her in a very adult like manner that a few years ago, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and when his father found out, he couldn't handle all of the stress that was to come with dealing with a cancer patient. The father ultimately left, leaving just himself and his mother alone. His mother went through successful surgery and treatment, and has experienced a successful remission. The little boy realized at that point that he now was going to be the man of the family. He made it a point to buy his mother something extra special every year for Christmas.
This little boy would save a dollar or two from his allowance each week in order to save enough money to buy his mother this one special Christmas gift.
He knew instantly that when he saw this jacket that it was what he wanted to buy for his beloved mother.
The Associate said to him, "if pink isn't really your mothers favorite color, we have other colors that she might like better." He said very emphatically, "no" I will take the pink one. The Associate said, "You sure have your heart set on pink." "How come, if it is not your mothers favorite color?"
The little boy looked at her and proudly replied "because pink is the color for cancer survivors, and because I love my mama."
I share this story with you to help remind you of why we do what we do every day.
Sure we are going to have those customers who can be challenging, and difficult. We are working long hours, coming in early, and staying late. It's busier then we can ever imagine. The departments get all messed up. The freight never seems to stop flowing. Frustrations rise and tempers flare. I could go one and on.
The message that I want you to remember here is that the reason that we do what we do each and every day, is to ensure that we help fulfill the hopes, dreams and wishes of each and every customer that comes through our doors. Not only at Christmas time, but every day of the year.
So when things are getting you down, and you feel there just isn't enough time in the day, and the customers are too demanding, remember this beautiful boy and his mother.
Take comfort in the fact that we were able to contribute to this very special and beautiful memory for a little boy and his mother.
For on Christmas day, when she opens this present from her little boy, she will know the true meaning of this very special gift, and will cherish it for always.
About the Author:
Gary R. Belsaas is the Area Sales Manager for Robinson's May Department Stores in Phoenix, Arizona. He can be reached at grbelsaas@cox.net He wrote "This is a true story that I wish to share with your readers. It happened in my store shortly before Christmas. I wrote it and passed it out to my staff to help remind them about the true meaning of Christmas."
TODAY IS THE TIME FOR ACTION
------------------------------------------------
You must be ready when opportunity comes before you. Luck is the time when your preparation and opportunity meet. There is a tide in your affairs, which, when taken at the flood, will lead you on to fortune and success.
By the law of periodical repetition, everything which has happened once must happen again and again and again, not capriciously, but at regular periods, and each thing in it's own period, and each obeying its own law.
As events tend to repeat themselves, the tide of opportunity will come to you. Be prepared and your chance for success is sure to come. Look around you. Seize an opportunity to change your life.
You can change chance into good fortune if you are ready. The only sure thing about your luck is that it will change.
©2005 by Max Steingart
How would you like a positive attitude today? Get a daily dose of positivity with uplifting stories, motivational articles, and inspirational quotes. Please stop by and visit Daily Motivations: http://edancel.blogspot.com
Please Forward This Message To Someone Who
Needs A Little Motivation Today.
Take Care,
Eduardo Dancel
http://www.geocities.com/edancel
Create A Little Extra Income With Me:
Lucrative Global Business Opportunity with absolutely no cost to start. Click the following link for a video presentation: http://www.freedom.ws/edancel
Do you have your own Internet address yet? If not, you should check this out right away. I was blown away by what I saw and I'm sure you will be too. There's a good chance you can still get your name as your very own domain on the Internet. I've already got mine at http://EduardoDancel.ws. Not only that, it's also a great way to make extra money online no matter where you live on the planet earth. You see, Global Domains International has no boundaries. It's truly a great and one of a kind International business opportunity. See for yourself. Visit my web site today for details. http://EduardoDancel.ws
Need more information? Call 1-800-693-6897 or if International, 760-494-4355. Online video presentation: http://www.freedom.ws/edancel
You must be ready when opportunity comes before you. Luck is the time when your preparation and opportunity meet. There is a tide in your affairs, which, when taken at the flood, will lead you on to fortune and success.
By the law of periodical repetition, everything which has happened once must happen again and again and again, not capriciously, but at regular periods, and each thing in it's own period, and each obeying its own law.
As events tend to repeat themselves, the tide of opportunity will come to you. Be prepared and your chance for success is sure to come. Look around you. Seize an opportunity to change your life.
You can change chance into good fortune if you are ready. The only sure thing about your luck is that it will change.
©2005 by Max Steingart
How would you like a positive attitude today? Get a daily dose of positivity with uplifting stories, motivational articles, and inspirational quotes. Please stop by and visit Daily Motivations: http://edancel.blogspot.com
Please Forward This Message To Someone Who
Needs A Little Motivation Today.
Take Care,
Eduardo Dancel
http://www.geocities.com/edancel
Create A Little Extra Income With Me:
Lucrative Global Business Opportunity with absolutely no cost to start. Click the following link for a video presentation: http://www.freedom.ws/edancel
Do you have your own Internet address yet? If not, you should check this out right away. I was blown away by what I saw and I'm sure you will be too. There's a good chance you can still get your name as your very own domain on the Internet. I've already got mine at http://EduardoDancel.ws. Not only that, it's also a great way to make extra money online no matter where you live on the planet earth. You see, Global Domains International has no boundaries. It's truly a great and one of a kind International business opportunity. See for yourself. Visit my web site today for details. http://EduardoDancel.ws
Need more information? Call 1-800-693-6897 or if International, 760-494-4355. Online video presentation: http://www.freedom.ws/edancel
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Finding Encouragement
-------------------------------------------------
Your True Inner Voice
Within each of us, there are numerous voices often that compete for our attention. It can be difficult to decide which one to listen to, particularly when their messages are all quite different, sometimes conflicting, and even alluring. One voice, however, is the speaker of truth. Among all your inner voices, your true inner voice is the one which encourages you, gives you hope, and pushes you to trust and believe in yourself. Conflict within oneself is often caused by dueling voices inside of each one of us. As we move through life, we get mixed messages from the various aspects of ourselves. Some of our voices, such as the naysayer or saboteur, can speak so loudly that they drown out the voice of truth. Listening to your true inner voice - often the voice of understanding, support, and self-assurance - can help lessen and even resolve internal conflict.
If you're looking toward the future but your faith in your ability to succeed in life is wavering, you will benefit from finding and listening to your true inner voice. You can connect with it by remaining relaxed and alert, while listening carefully. If you have trouble distinguishing your true voice from the others, meditation may be helpful. You may hear many voices as you meditate, but the one you should pay attention to is the one that speaks to you with love, understanding, and compassion. It will bolster your spirits and urge you to go after your dreams. And it will never cause confusion, remind you of past mistakes, or cause you to doubt yourself.
The more you listen to and believe in what your true inner voice is telling you about your value and your potential, the stronger that voice will become. And the more you disregard the voices that can interfere with your resolve to succeed, the quieter those voices will become. Saying no to the voices that are judgmental and make you feel ashamed will help you stop being critical of your failures and afraid of success. By finding and strengthening your true inner voice, you will be able to ignore internal conflict and pick out the one that speaks the truth.
What do you think?
Your True Inner Voice
Within each of us, there are numerous voices often that compete for our attention. It can be difficult to decide which one to listen to, particularly when their messages are all quite different, sometimes conflicting, and even alluring. One voice, however, is the speaker of truth. Among all your inner voices, your true inner voice is the one which encourages you, gives you hope, and pushes you to trust and believe in yourself. Conflict within oneself is often caused by dueling voices inside of each one of us. As we move through life, we get mixed messages from the various aspects of ourselves. Some of our voices, such as the naysayer or saboteur, can speak so loudly that they drown out the voice of truth. Listening to your true inner voice - often the voice of understanding, support, and self-assurance - can help lessen and even resolve internal conflict.
If you're looking toward the future but your faith in your ability to succeed in life is wavering, you will benefit from finding and listening to your true inner voice. You can connect with it by remaining relaxed and alert, while listening carefully. If you have trouble distinguishing your true voice from the others, meditation may be helpful. You may hear many voices as you meditate, but the one you should pay attention to is the one that speaks to you with love, understanding, and compassion. It will bolster your spirits and urge you to go after your dreams. And it will never cause confusion, remind you of past mistakes, or cause you to doubt yourself.
The more you listen to and believe in what your true inner voice is telling you about your value and your potential, the stronger that voice will become. And the more you disregard the voices that can interfere with your resolve to succeed, the quieter those voices will become. Saying no to the voices that are judgmental and make you feel ashamed will help you stop being critical of your failures and afraid of success. By finding and strengthening your true inner voice, you will be able to ignore internal conflict and pick out the one that speaks the truth.
What do you think?
Life Satisfaction Quiz
--------------------------------------------------
– By Thelma Mariano
To determine your degree of life satisfaction, answer True or False to the following.
1. I enjoy getting out of bed most mornings, as I look forward to starting
the day.
2. I see the problems in my life as challenges which I can learn from.
3. I am usually able to focus on what I am doing and feel energetic.
4. I experience a high level of satisfaction in my work.
5. I have a sense of meaning and purpose in my life.
6. I do not dwell on my past or future but am able to live fully in the present.
7. I experience a sense of belonging with others -- whether it's with my family, in my community, at work or in certain groups.
8. I am rarely bored.
9. I am proud of my accomplishments in life so far.
10. I am able to accept constructive criticism on my performänce.
11. I have sufficient income for my needs.
12. I take proper care of my body with a balance of good eating habits, regular exercise and enough sleep.
13. There is at least one person in my life with whom I can share my fears as well as my joys.
14. I feel loved most of the time.
15. I actively care for others in my life -- whether family, friends, strangers or pets.
16. I feel comfortable in my own skin and for the most part am content to be who I am.
17. Though I always strive to improve, I recognize my own limitations and do not push myself in ways that are detrimental to my well-being.
18. I am able to graciously receive gifts or compliments and feel deserving of a rewarding life.
19. I feel that I am making a difference in other people's lives -- whether at home, at work or in the community.
20. I can find at least five things to be grateful for in my current life.
Give yourself 1 point for each "True" response and add your points.
SCORING
0-5, Dissatisfied with my present life
6-10, Low satisfaction
11-15, Satisfied
16-20, Very satisfied
A few points to consider in order to increase your level of satisfaction:
* Get balance in your life
Addictions of any kind rob you of your ability to FEEL. Common addictions are substance abuse (drugs, alcohol), overeating or watching 5 hours or more of TV every day. You need to address the emotional issues that underlie these destructive habits and find healthy alternatives to satisfy your needs.
* Strengthen your connections to nature and other people
Regularly getting out in nature gives us a greater connection to the outer world and a feeling of well-being. If you live in the city, make an effort to walk through a near-by park or other green space as often as you can.
Similarly you need on-going, positive relationships with others to avoid feeling isolated. Whenever you reach out to help someone else, you expand your ability to give and receive love. If you lack social ties in your life, join or förm an interest group or offer your services as a volunteer. You will definitely feel happier!
* Seize the moment
Often we feel too rushed -- between commuting, working and carrying out our responsibilities at home -- to enjoy the joys of living. Make a point of stopping to appreciate a colorful sunset or the multitude of stars on a clear night. It's also important to experience pleasure on a regular basis, whether it's reading a chapter of a good book, making love or soaking in a fragrant bath.
* Give yourself credït
Many of us tend to downplay our own accomplishments. We begin to go after our next goal without giving ourselves credït for what we've just done.
Whenever you complete a task or project, take time to absorb the satisfaction of doing it. Reward yourself in a tangible way (e.g. rent a movie after clearing out the garage).
Another way to build your sense of satisfaction is to keep a "victory log" where you record your accomplishments, especially the things you found difficult or challenging.
* Re-visit your Life Values
Reviewing your Life Values and how you want to achieve them can greatly increase your level of life satisfaction.
For example, Rhonda, a 39-year-old single woman, felt she was missing out because all her friends were married. Then she did her Life Values exercise and saw that independence (autonomy) was number one on her list. She realized the benefits and freedom of her current lifestyle and why she had chosen to remain single. That understanding brought her new satisfaction.
Ask for my 3-page Life Values exercise at no charge - email Thelma@u-unlimited.ca
* Follow your Own Path
It's easy to fall into the trap of following other people's expectations, whether family or peers. You need to clearly see who you are and what makes you feel most alive. Until you embark on the path that is right for YOU, you will feel restless or discontented.
About the Author:
Thelma Mariano left the corporate workforce to follow her passions as life coach and writer. She is the founder of U-Unlimited and runs a Dream Achievers Program in Montreal. As a life coach, she helps people to align their life values with their interests and skills and to connect with their inner guidance. Her personal growth column, Take a Moment, can be found on her website. For more information, visit http://www.u-unlimited.ca
– By Thelma Mariano
To determine your degree of life satisfaction, answer True or False to the following.
1. I enjoy getting out of bed most mornings, as I look forward to starting
the day.
2. I see the problems in my life as challenges which I can learn from.
3. I am usually able to focus on what I am doing and feel energetic.
4. I experience a high level of satisfaction in my work.
5. I have a sense of meaning and purpose in my life.
6. I do not dwell on my past or future but am able to live fully in the present.
7. I experience a sense of belonging with others -- whether it's with my family, in my community, at work or in certain groups.
8. I am rarely bored.
9. I am proud of my accomplishments in life so far.
10. I am able to accept constructive criticism on my performänce.
11. I have sufficient income for my needs.
12. I take proper care of my body with a balance of good eating habits, regular exercise and enough sleep.
13. There is at least one person in my life with whom I can share my fears as well as my joys.
14. I feel loved most of the time.
15. I actively care for others in my life -- whether family, friends, strangers or pets.
16. I feel comfortable in my own skin and for the most part am content to be who I am.
17. Though I always strive to improve, I recognize my own limitations and do not push myself in ways that are detrimental to my well-being.
18. I am able to graciously receive gifts or compliments and feel deserving of a rewarding life.
19. I feel that I am making a difference in other people's lives -- whether at home, at work or in the community.
20. I can find at least five things to be grateful for in my current life.
Give yourself 1 point for each "True" response and add your points.
SCORING
0-5, Dissatisfied with my present life
6-10, Low satisfaction
11-15, Satisfied
16-20, Very satisfied
A few points to consider in order to increase your level of satisfaction:
* Get balance in your life
Addictions of any kind rob you of your ability to FEEL. Common addictions are substance abuse (drugs, alcohol), overeating or watching 5 hours or more of TV every day. You need to address the emotional issues that underlie these destructive habits and find healthy alternatives to satisfy your needs.
* Strengthen your connections to nature and other people
Regularly getting out in nature gives us a greater connection to the outer world and a feeling of well-being. If you live in the city, make an effort to walk through a near-by park or other green space as often as you can.
Similarly you need on-going, positive relationships with others to avoid feeling isolated. Whenever you reach out to help someone else, you expand your ability to give and receive love. If you lack social ties in your life, join or förm an interest group or offer your services as a volunteer. You will definitely feel happier!
* Seize the moment
Often we feel too rushed -- between commuting, working and carrying out our responsibilities at home -- to enjoy the joys of living. Make a point of stopping to appreciate a colorful sunset or the multitude of stars on a clear night. It's also important to experience pleasure on a regular basis, whether it's reading a chapter of a good book, making love or soaking in a fragrant bath.
* Give yourself credït
Many of us tend to downplay our own accomplishments. We begin to go after our next goal without giving ourselves credït for what we've just done.
Whenever you complete a task or project, take time to absorb the satisfaction of doing it. Reward yourself in a tangible way (e.g. rent a movie after clearing out the garage).
Another way to build your sense of satisfaction is to keep a "victory log" where you record your accomplishments, especially the things you found difficult or challenging.
* Re-visit your Life Values
Reviewing your Life Values and how you want to achieve them can greatly increase your level of life satisfaction.
For example, Rhonda, a 39-year-old single woman, felt she was missing out because all her friends were married. Then she did her Life Values exercise and saw that independence (autonomy) was number one on her list. She realized the benefits and freedom of her current lifestyle and why she had chosen to remain single. That understanding brought her new satisfaction.
Ask for my 3-page Life Values exercise at no charge - email Thelma@u-unlimited.ca
* Follow your Own Path
It's easy to fall into the trap of following other people's expectations, whether family or peers. You need to clearly see who you are and what makes you feel most alive. Until you embark on the path that is right for YOU, you will feel restless or discontented.
About the Author:
Thelma Mariano left the corporate workforce to follow her passions as life coach and writer. She is the founder of U-Unlimited and runs a Dream Achievers Program in Montreal. As a life coach, she helps people to align their life values with their interests and skills and to connect with their inner guidance. Her personal growth column, Take a Moment, can be found on her website. For more information, visit http://www.u-unlimited.ca
THE FUTURE IS A BIG ADVENTURE
-------------------------------------------------
Sooner or later, those who win are those who think they can. The cards you're dealt in life are less important than the way you play them. Every day you face a new deck and new cards.
Carve out a niche for yourself in your imagined future. Begin immediately to think and feel yourself as successful. To achieve your goal in life, you need to project your end result.
Focus on your future, not your past. Prepare for your future, don't live in the past. Relish your good memories and use any bad ones as lessons in life.
Think of the elation, the satisfaction, the joy you'll feel when you've achieved your objective. Carry these ecstatic feelings with you every day and they will bring your desired goals into view.
Success is waiting for you.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Sooner or later, those who win are those who think they can. The cards you're dealt in life are less important than the way you play them. Every day you face a new deck and new cards.
Carve out a niche for yourself in your imagined future. Begin immediately to think and feel yourself as successful. To achieve your goal in life, you need to project your end result.
Focus on your future, not your past. Prepare for your future, don't live in the past. Relish your good memories and use any bad ones as lessons in life.
Think of the elation, the satisfaction, the joy you'll feel when you've achieved your objective. Carry these ecstatic feelings with you every day and they will bring your desired goals into view.
Success is waiting for you.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Knowing Too Much
-------------------------------------------------
Ignorance Can Be Bliss
These days, we can know too much. And while sometimes it can be a great benefit to us to know the tiniest details of events, both bitter and sweet, there are also times when knowing less about the future, our situations, and the world, in general, can be beneficial. Being blissfully ignorant does not mean ignoring vital information or shutting out the world's tragedies. Rather, it is a way to step away from knowledge that may only needlessly have a negative impact on your life experience. It's not always necessary to expose yourself to information that will only overwhelm you, hold you back, or cause you pain. Sometimes, ignorance can be truly blissful.
While having all the information you need can help you make an informed decision, sometimes knowing all the information can be unnecessary excess. Especially when you are trying to pursue a goal, the knowledge of all the ways in which you could fail can keep you from even trying. Blissful ignorance can sometimes propel you forward because you never even knew that the possibility of failure existed. Ignorance can also be bliss when you are facing hardships. If circumstances force you to take on a job you dislike, you may enter your new situation with unpleasant and preconceived notions that can likely create the very circumstances you are dreading. Experiencing a situation with no expectations and no advanced notions can allow you to experience it as new, because your blissful ignorance prevented you from having any preset ideas.
There is nothing wrong with avoiding "too much information," particularly when the knowledge isn't going to serve you. When information is emotionally draining, impedes your progress, causes distress, and isn't necessary to your experience, consider letting it pass you by. Remember the bliss of ignorance can sometimes be a gift.
What do you think?
Ignorance Can Be Bliss
These days, we can know too much. And while sometimes it can be a great benefit to us to know the tiniest details of events, both bitter and sweet, there are also times when knowing less about the future, our situations, and the world, in general, can be beneficial. Being blissfully ignorant does not mean ignoring vital information or shutting out the world's tragedies. Rather, it is a way to step away from knowledge that may only needlessly have a negative impact on your life experience. It's not always necessary to expose yourself to information that will only overwhelm you, hold you back, or cause you pain. Sometimes, ignorance can be truly blissful.
While having all the information you need can help you make an informed decision, sometimes knowing all the information can be unnecessary excess. Especially when you are trying to pursue a goal, the knowledge of all the ways in which you could fail can keep you from even trying. Blissful ignorance can sometimes propel you forward because you never even knew that the possibility of failure existed. Ignorance can also be bliss when you are facing hardships. If circumstances force you to take on a job you dislike, you may enter your new situation with unpleasant and preconceived notions that can likely create the very circumstances you are dreading. Experiencing a situation with no expectations and no advanced notions can allow you to experience it as new, because your blissful ignorance prevented you from having any preset ideas.
There is nothing wrong with avoiding "too much information," particularly when the knowledge isn't going to serve you. When information is emotionally draining, impedes your progress, causes distress, and isn't necessary to your experience, consider letting it pass you by. Remember the bliss of ignorance can sometimes be a gift.
What do you think?
Ten Things to Do Before Year End
--------------------------------------------------
– By Kevin Eikenberry
We attach significance to the turning of the calendar, and when the calendar turns to a new year, it means more than learning to change a digit when we write a chëck - we’ve started a new chapter.
It is instructive for us to think about how we can get the most from the end of chapter 2005. Hëre are my ten recommendations for you:
* Reconnect with an old friend or colleague.
You know who I mean. The person who came to your mind as you read that sentence. Make the effort to call or contact them. But do more than just say hello. If they live close, get together for a meal or an evening. If they live further away, schedule time for a long, relaxed phöne call. However you connect, make sure that you spend time on more than just “the good old days” and the old stories. Learn about what this person is doing, their goals and dreams. And see what you can do to help them achieve those things.
* Spend one day in service to others.
Volunteer your day to a service organization. Go to a nursing home. Rake the neighbor’s leaves. Use your professional skills in a pro bono way. It doesn’t matter what you do, just do it with a giving heart.
* Read one book you’ve wanted to read.
If you are a big reader, you already have a stack to read. Pick one and commit to getting it read. If you read less and don’t have a book in mind, talk to someone you trust and admire and ask them for a suggestion. It doesn’t matter what the book is; pick it, and read it.
* Give someone a book that you have found personally valuable.
Maybe it is the book you are nöw going to read. Maybe it is something you read in January, or maybe it is your favorite children’s book. Again, what the book is doesn’t matter; the joy comes in identifying a person who will enjoy and benefit from it the way that you did. When you give them the book, make sure you share with them why you are sharing it with them -- it will mean so much to them.
* Make a list of the things you’ve learned this year.
Hopefully it is a long list! Don’t try to do this all at one time. Give yourself a place to write and a couple of days to allow your mind to find these nuggets.
* Identify the top five.
Review the list you made and pull out the five that are most important to you. Write them down and think about why they are so valuable to you and how you can benefit from them today and in the future.
* Make a list of the most fun things you have done this year.
You will have fun making this list -- and yes, I do mean make a list!
* Identify why they were the most fun so you can do more of it next year.
This only makes sense. Once you have thought about your “most fun,” figure out how to get more of it into your life -- whether it is an experience, time with specific people or whatever.
*Commit to having another experience before December 31st that you could add to your “most fun” list.
Too often fun gets sidelined, especially near the busy end of the year.
Don’t let it happen. Make sure that you have some big fun before the end
of the year.
* Make a list of things you want to learn next year.
Some things in life we learn serendipitously, and those are precious indeed. But we can also determine what we want to learn and why. Make some of those determinations nöw before you turn your calendar to the New Year.
Some of these are forward-looking tasks, some retrospective. That is intentional. It is important for us to consistently and regularly reflect, and of course when we look to the future we will see where we are going -- and correct our course to get where we want to go.
These items may feel more personal than professional. Actually they are both. If you are reading this from a professional development perspective, I urge you to do these items.
These actions will be like magic in your life. Your life will be richer and more satisfying and you will be moving in the direction of your potential when you do these things.
About the Author:
Kevin Eikenberry is a leadership expert and the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group - http://KevinEikenberry.com - a learning consulting company. To receive a frëe Special Report on leadership that includes resources, ideas, and advice go to http://www.kevineikenberry.com/leadership.asp or call us at (317) 387-1424 or 888.LEARNER.
– By Kevin Eikenberry
We attach significance to the turning of the calendar, and when the calendar turns to a new year, it means more than learning to change a digit when we write a chëck - we’ve started a new chapter.
It is instructive for us to think about how we can get the most from the end of chapter 2005. Hëre are my ten recommendations for you:
* Reconnect with an old friend or colleague.
You know who I mean. The person who came to your mind as you read that sentence. Make the effort to call or contact them. But do more than just say hello. If they live close, get together for a meal or an evening. If they live further away, schedule time for a long, relaxed phöne call. However you connect, make sure that you spend time on more than just “the good old days” and the old stories. Learn about what this person is doing, their goals and dreams. And see what you can do to help them achieve those things.
* Spend one day in service to others.
Volunteer your day to a service organization. Go to a nursing home. Rake the neighbor’s leaves. Use your professional skills in a pro bono way. It doesn’t matter what you do, just do it with a giving heart.
* Read one book you’ve wanted to read.
If you are a big reader, you already have a stack to read. Pick one and commit to getting it read. If you read less and don’t have a book in mind, talk to someone you trust and admire and ask them for a suggestion. It doesn’t matter what the book is; pick it, and read it.
* Give someone a book that you have found personally valuable.
Maybe it is the book you are nöw going to read. Maybe it is something you read in January, or maybe it is your favorite children’s book. Again, what the book is doesn’t matter; the joy comes in identifying a person who will enjoy and benefit from it the way that you did. When you give them the book, make sure you share with them why you are sharing it with them -- it will mean so much to them.
* Make a list of the things you’ve learned this year.
Hopefully it is a long list! Don’t try to do this all at one time. Give yourself a place to write and a couple of days to allow your mind to find these nuggets.
* Identify the top five.
Review the list you made and pull out the five that are most important to you. Write them down and think about why they are so valuable to you and how you can benefit from them today and in the future.
* Make a list of the most fun things you have done this year.
You will have fun making this list -- and yes, I do mean make a list!
* Identify why they were the most fun so you can do more of it next year.
This only makes sense. Once you have thought about your “most fun,” figure out how to get more of it into your life -- whether it is an experience, time with specific people or whatever.
*Commit to having another experience before December 31st that you could add to your “most fun” list.
Too often fun gets sidelined, especially near the busy end of the year.
Don’t let it happen. Make sure that you have some big fun before the end
of the year.
* Make a list of things you want to learn next year.
Some things in life we learn serendipitously, and those are precious indeed. But we can also determine what we want to learn and why. Make some of those determinations nöw before you turn your calendar to the New Year.
Some of these are forward-looking tasks, some retrospective. That is intentional. It is important for us to consistently and regularly reflect, and of course when we look to the future we will see where we are going -- and correct our course to get where we want to go.
These items may feel more personal than professional. Actually they are both. If you are reading this from a professional development perspective, I urge you to do these items.
These actions will be like magic in your life. Your life will be richer and more satisfying and you will be moving in the direction of your potential when you do these things.
About the Author:
Kevin Eikenberry is a leadership expert and the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group - http://KevinEikenberry.com - a learning consulting company. To receive a frëe Special Report on leadership that includes resources, ideas, and advice go to http://www.kevineikenberry.com/leadership.asp or call us at (317) 387-1424 or 888.LEARNER.
YOU CAN MAKE YOUR DREAMS A REALITY
-------------------------------------------------
You have the power and the opportunity to change your life. You can make anything you want of it. It's not difficult, it just takes some effort.
See things as you would have them be instead of as they are. Develop a personal plan that focuses on what you want, not on what you have.
Your imagination will show you how to turn your possibilities into reality. Visualize your goals and your subconscious will begin to work toward making those mental pictures come true. If you picture yourself vividly as winning, that alone will contribute immeasurably to your success.
Knowing your destination is all you need to get there.
©2005 by Max Steingart
You have the power and the opportunity to change your life. You can make anything you want of it. It's not difficult, it just takes some effort.
See things as you would have them be instead of as they are. Develop a personal plan that focuses on what you want, not on what you have.
Your imagination will show you how to turn your possibilities into reality. Visualize your goals and your subconscious will begin to work toward making those mental pictures come true. If you picture yourself vividly as winning, that alone will contribute immeasurably to your success.
Knowing your destination is all you need to get there.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
An Invitation To Comfort
------------------------------------------------
Creating A Serene Home
Your home is your oasis. Through your efforts, your house or apartment can become both a private sanctuary and a welcoming, serene, and healthy place to live in and visit. An organized and comfortable home can have a calming effect on you, your family, and guests, as well as be your personal escape from the rest of the world. Creating this nurturing space isn't difficult. Even a household that includes young children or multiple animals can be a serene and peaceful place. In just a few minutes, you can make a number of changes that can turn your home into a safe and comfortable haven that you can be proud to share with your loved ones and friends.
One way to fill your house or apartment with calming energy is to imbue it with a peaceful ambiance that nurtures all five senses. Soft lighting and soothing colors like blue, purple, and green can make a space feel warm and inviting, while pleasant and calming aromas such as lavender and vanilla can positively affect moods. Peaceful sounds, such as running water in a fountain or gentle chimes can uplift and clear the space, while clearing clutter and making the most of open space can ease internal turmoil and dispel negative feelings. The physical objects in your home as well as your home itself can retain the energy of previous owners or creators. You can give your household's energy a lift by visualizing white light surrounding our home, symbolically sweeping out residual energy, or smudging your home with cleansing sage.
The changes you make to your home can be as unique as you are and may involve utilization of space, lighting, new furniture, decorating, feng shui, or ritual. But what you do is not as important as being clear in your intention to set up your household as a soothing and refreshing place to be. Make your home a place of comfort, and you will feel nurtured and cared for whenever you are there.
What do you think?
Creating A Serene Home
Your home is your oasis. Through your efforts, your house or apartment can become both a private sanctuary and a welcoming, serene, and healthy place to live in and visit. An organized and comfortable home can have a calming effect on you, your family, and guests, as well as be your personal escape from the rest of the world. Creating this nurturing space isn't difficult. Even a household that includes young children or multiple animals can be a serene and peaceful place. In just a few minutes, you can make a number of changes that can turn your home into a safe and comfortable haven that you can be proud to share with your loved ones and friends.
One way to fill your house or apartment with calming energy is to imbue it with a peaceful ambiance that nurtures all five senses. Soft lighting and soothing colors like blue, purple, and green can make a space feel warm and inviting, while pleasant and calming aromas such as lavender and vanilla can positively affect moods. Peaceful sounds, such as running water in a fountain or gentle chimes can uplift and clear the space, while clearing clutter and making the most of open space can ease internal turmoil and dispel negative feelings. The physical objects in your home as well as your home itself can retain the energy of previous owners or creators. You can give your household's energy a lift by visualizing white light surrounding our home, symbolically sweeping out residual energy, or smudging your home with cleansing sage.
The changes you make to your home can be as unique as you are and may involve utilization of space, lighting, new furniture, decorating, feng shui, or ritual. But what you do is not as important as being clear in your intention to set up your household as a soothing and refreshing place to be. Make your home a place of comfort, and you will feel nurtured and cared for whenever you are there.
What do you think?
Self-Esteem and the Mind
-------------------------------------------------
– By Jem Bacchus **
Self-esteem is an extremely important factor in life. It is that innate feeling of high or low self-worth you experience and the value you attach to yourself. It shapes your concept of yourself and determines your success or failure in life.
It is well known that there is a positive and a negative side to everything, and self-esteem is not an exception. Every person has a degree of both low and high self-esteem, and it is up to us all to nurture one or the other, either to acquire a destructive and pathetic state of low self-esteem or to build a good character and self-image through the development of a high self-esteem.
I believe that self-esteem is a factor of your mind which invariably affects your ability to do what is right.
Your self-esteem is that emotion that cannot be experienced or felt by anyone else, just the same as they cannot think your thoughts, or experience your joy. However, others can influence your thoughts to instill in you a feeling of worthlessness, the basis of low self-esteem; also, by their encouragement, positive suggestions and advice, instill in you a feeling of self-worth that can cause you to develop a sense of high self-esteem and eventually a strong self-image.
Your self-confidence hinges very largely upon how much you esteem yourself. Having a low self-esteem, you tend to believe that success is out of your reach and you will nevër develop the necessary degree of self-confidence to attain your goals.
On the other hand, as long as you think very highly of yourself you will strive to attain your desires, and nothing will daunt your determination.
Life is influenced way back in childhood - by your upbringing, your surroundings, and your association with others. Parents, friends, teachers, acquaintances, the Church, television, all play a role in molding the minds of children who believe what they are told; and they eventually build their whole life upon the suggestions of others. These take root in their minds, and once instilled, it is very difficult to erase those suggestions which, as a consequence, govern their behavior in daily life.
It is no wonder that children become confused and cannot rightly discern the truth. So it is important that we as adults "train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6.
If children are told often enough that they will nevër amount to anything, they believe the worst about themselves, that they are incapable. They see themselves as nevër being able to achieve anything worthwhile.
Even through indirect negative suggestions by others, children can be made to believe that they are of little worth and can nevër play an important role in life. Consequently, they losë confidence in themselves and are afraid to be adventurous. As they grow into adulthood, they fail to develop a sense of integrity, assurance and independency.
They feel comfortable in the company of people whom they feel they can control because it gives them a sense of importance and authority. When they are in the company of persons who they believe have a higher integrity than they, they become shy and uncomfortable because they believe that they cannot cope and that they are being watched and assessed.
We see that self-esteem is closely linked to self-confidence. The higher your self-esteem, the greater your self-confidence. You feel convinced that you have the ability to succeed in whatever you decide to do; as a result, you become motivated to improve your present position or business. By building your self-esteem, you acquire a feeling of self-assurance and you are prepared to take challenges. A person who has really high (not inflated) self-esteem, by his attitude would gain respect because he would always have respect for others, be unselfish, compassionate, and honest.
However, you must be careful not to develop an inflated sense of high self-esteem and become overly confident since this could lead to arrogance and a false sense of high self-esteem. You can get so wrapped up in yourself and feel so superior to others that you become egotistic and self-conceited.
This is dangerous ground and could lead to your wanting to subdue others, expecting everyone else to honor you while you show lack of respect for them, being callous, feeling above reproof, not being quite true to your words, and feeling good about all these things, believing that you are always quite right and eventually becoming too bossy. It would not be surprising that you soon would become a bore and a nuisance to others who would much prefer your room to your company!
It is equally dangerous for your self-esteem to be really low as it is to be overly high. Having too low self-esteem you will have little or no self-respect doing things that are base and unbecoming, and have no qualms about that. You tend to become unkind and even fail to be quite upright in your dealings.
As is the case of self-esteem being overly high, having really low self-esteem you losë respect for others, but in this case although you want others to respect you, something inside tells you that you do not deserve their respect anyway.
Such persons can be very abusive, believing that they must do this to establish their seniority and gain attention. Sadly, this does not change the nagging sense of inadequacy and inferiority complex.
To overcome a feeling of low self-esteem, you must disregard all negative thoughts about yourself. Do not entertain such thoughts, make every effort to cancel them out and replace them with as many positive thoughts as will come flooding in your mind. You must be in control of your own thoughts and develop the ability to stomp any sort of negativity.
Do not live a life of misery because of low self-esteem and negative thoughts. Endeavor to entertain positive thinking only; also, speak positively and those mean negative thoughts will soon fade away. Give others a reason to think highly of you, because by your actions they will soon come to the conclusion that you have a very low opinion of yourself. Remember that if you do not esteem yourself no one else will esteem you.
Thankfully, there are great measures that can be taken to change your thought process and re-condition your mind to overcome low self-esteem and build a high self-esteem for your ultimate good.
About the Author:
Jem is author and webmaster of 1-personal-improvement.com website. Visit the site for other interesting topics on self help and get your frëe newsletter Aspects of Personal Improvement. http://1-personal-improvement.com/selfhelp.html
– By Jem Bacchus **
Self-esteem is an extremely important factor in life. It is that innate feeling of high or low self-worth you experience and the value you attach to yourself. It shapes your concept of yourself and determines your success or failure in life.
It is well known that there is a positive and a negative side to everything, and self-esteem is not an exception. Every person has a degree of both low and high self-esteem, and it is up to us all to nurture one or the other, either to acquire a destructive and pathetic state of low self-esteem or to build a good character and self-image through the development of a high self-esteem.
I believe that self-esteem is a factor of your mind which invariably affects your ability to do what is right.
Your self-esteem is that emotion that cannot be experienced or felt by anyone else, just the same as they cannot think your thoughts, or experience your joy. However, others can influence your thoughts to instill in you a feeling of worthlessness, the basis of low self-esteem; also, by their encouragement, positive suggestions and advice, instill in you a feeling of self-worth that can cause you to develop a sense of high self-esteem and eventually a strong self-image.
Your self-confidence hinges very largely upon how much you esteem yourself. Having a low self-esteem, you tend to believe that success is out of your reach and you will nevër develop the necessary degree of self-confidence to attain your goals.
On the other hand, as long as you think very highly of yourself you will strive to attain your desires, and nothing will daunt your determination.
Life is influenced way back in childhood - by your upbringing, your surroundings, and your association with others. Parents, friends, teachers, acquaintances, the Church, television, all play a role in molding the minds of children who believe what they are told; and they eventually build their whole life upon the suggestions of others. These take root in their minds, and once instilled, it is very difficult to erase those suggestions which, as a consequence, govern their behavior in daily life.
It is no wonder that children become confused and cannot rightly discern the truth. So it is important that we as adults "train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6.
If children are told often enough that they will nevër amount to anything, they believe the worst about themselves, that they are incapable. They see themselves as nevër being able to achieve anything worthwhile.
Even through indirect negative suggestions by others, children can be made to believe that they are of little worth and can nevër play an important role in life. Consequently, they losë confidence in themselves and are afraid to be adventurous. As they grow into adulthood, they fail to develop a sense of integrity, assurance and independency.
They feel comfortable in the company of people whom they feel they can control because it gives them a sense of importance and authority. When they are in the company of persons who they believe have a higher integrity than they, they become shy and uncomfortable because they believe that they cannot cope and that they are being watched and assessed.
We see that self-esteem is closely linked to self-confidence. The higher your self-esteem, the greater your self-confidence. You feel convinced that you have the ability to succeed in whatever you decide to do; as a result, you become motivated to improve your present position or business. By building your self-esteem, you acquire a feeling of self-assurance and you are prepared to take challenges. A person who has really high (not inflated) self-esteem, by his attitude would gain respect because he would always have respect for others, be unselfish, compassionate, and honest.
However, you must be careful not to develop an inflated sense of high self-esteem and become overly confident since this could lead to arrogance and a false sense of high self-esteem. You can get so wrapped up in yourself and feel so superior to others that you become egotistic and self-conceited.
This is dangerous ground and could lead to your wanting to subdue others, expecting everyone else to honor you while you show lack of respect for them, being callous, feeling above reproof, not being quite true to your words, and feeling good about all these things, believing that you are always quite right and eventually becoming too bossy. It would not be surprising that you soon would become a bore and a nuisance to others who would much prefer your room to your company!
It is equally dangerous for your self-esteem to be really low as it is to be overly high. Having too low self-esteem you will have little or no self-respect doing things that are base and unbecoming, and have no qualms about that. You tend to become unkind and even fail to be quite upright in your dealings.
As is the case of self-esteem being overly high, having really low self-esteem you losë respect for others, but in this case although you want others to respect you, something inside tells you that you do not deserve their respect anyway.
Such persons can be very abusive, believing that they must do this to establish their seniority and gain attention. Sadly, this does not change the nagging sense of inadequacy and inferiority complex.
To overcome a feeling of low self-esteem, you must disregard all negative thoughts about yourself. Do not entertain such thoughts, make every effort to cancel them out and replace them with as many positive thoughts as will come flooding in your mind. You must be in control of your own thoughts and develop the ability to stomp any sort of negativity.
Do not live a life of misery because of low self-esteem and negative thoughts. Endeavor to entertain positive thinking only; also, speak positively and those mean negative thoughts will soon fade away. Give others a reason to think highly of you, because by your actions they will soon come to the conclusion that you have a very low opinion of yourself. Remember that if you do not esteem yourself no one else will esteem you.
Thankfully, there are great measures that can be taken to change your thought process and re-condition your mind to overcome low self-esteem and build a high self-esteem for your ultimate good.
About the Author:
Jem is author and webmaster of 1-personal-improvement.com website. Visit the site for other interesting topics on self help and get your frëe newsletter Aspects of Personal Improvement. http://1-personal-improvement.com/selfhelp.html
YOU CAN SEE THE FUTURE WITH A VISION
-------------------------------------------------
Study your present situation thoroughly. Go over in your imagination the various courses of action possible to you. Visualize the consequences which can follow from each course. Pick out the course which gives you the most promise and go ahead.
Many successful people use this skill of mental visualization. They mentally run through important events before they happen.
Picture yourself in your minds eye as already having achieved your goal. See yourself doing the things you'll be doing when you've reached your goal. You can put your subconscious to work toward making your mental pictures come true. Go over your day in your imagination before you begin it. You can begin acting successfully at any moment.
See the things you want as already yours. Think of them as yours, as already in your possession. You can live your dreams.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Study your present situation thoroughly. Go over in your imagination the various courses of action possible to you. Visualize the consequences which can follow from each course. Pick out the course which gives you the most promise and go ahead.
Many successful people use this skill of mental visualization. They mentally run through important events before they happen.
Picture yourself in your minds eye as already having achieved your goal. See yourself doing the things you'll be doing when you've reached your goal. You can put your subconscious to work toward making your mental pictures come true. Go over your day in your imagination before you begin it. You can begin acting successfully at any moment.
See the things you want as already yours. Think of them as yours, as already in your possession. You can live your dreams.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Monday, December 12, 2005
Divine Resonance
--------------------------------------------------
Chanting
In many cultures and civilizations, chanting, a form of vocal meditation, has endured through the ages. Practiced by many people around the world seeking greater health, a sense of well-being, enlightenment, and a connection to the divine, chanting unites the mind, body, emotions, and breath through vocal sounding. This unification can open and nurture your creativity, lower stress levels, and teach you to become fully alert and in the moment.
Some people are naturally drawn to chant while others feel awkward using their voices in such a way. Singing along with recorded chants before chanting on your own can help dispel any nervousness. However, the chanting that will resonate most deeply and beneficially for you is the chanting you do for yourself. There are many different chants. They can be composed of names, words, sounds, syllables, or even sections of text. What you chant is less important than your willingness to focus fully on the act of chanting itself. To begin, sit comfortably with a straight back and take a series of long, deep breaths to open and flex your lungs. Then, take another breath, and with resonant tones direct your breath outward in the form of sound. Simple syllables like 'oh,' 'ee,' or 'mm' are easy to remember.
Chanting lets you raise the level of your own vibration to a higher spiritual state. You can chant as an invocation or to set intention. Reciting even the simplest chant can bolster a flagging spirit, hone the mind, and produce natural painkillers within the brain. While chanting, you may feel energy surging through your physical body or joy entering your heart. Chanting can liberate and ground you simultaneously because it allows your soul to soar freely while compelling you to focus on the here and now.
What do you think?
Chanting
In many cultures and civilizations, chanting, a form of vocal meditation, has endured through the ages. Practiced by many people around the world seeking greater health, a sense of well-being, enlightenment, and a connection to the divine, chanting unites the mind, body, emotions, and breath through vocal sounding. This unification can open and nurture your creativity, lower stress levels, and teach you to become fully alert and in the moment.
Some people are naturally drawn to chant while others feel awkward using their voices in such a way. Singing along with recorded chants before chanting on your own can help dispel any nervousness. However, the chanting that will resonate most deeply and beneficially for you is the chanting you do for yourself. There are many different chants. They can be composed of names, words, sounds, syllables, or even sections of text. What you chant is less important than your willingness to focus fully on the act of chanting itself. To begin, sit comfortably with a straight back and take a series of long, deep breaths to open and flex your lungs. Then, take another breath, and with resonant tones direct your breath outward in the form of sound. Simple syllables like 'oh,' 'ee,' or 'mm' are easy to remember.
Chanting lets you raise the level of your own vibration to a higher spiritual state. You can chant as an invocation or to set intention. Reciting even the simplest chant can bolster a flagging spirit, hone the mind, and produce natural painkillers within the brain. While chanting, you may feel energy surging through your physical body or joy entering your heart. Chanting can liberate and ground you simultaneously because it allows your soul to soar freely while compelling you to focus on the here and now.
What do you think?
Falling In Desire, Landing Whole
-------------------------------------------------
- By Trebbe Johnson
We call it FALLING in love.
When you think of it, though, love is actually the place we land in--if we’re lucky. What we fall through, in the first wild, sweet flush of a romance is desire, and it’s a thrilling ride with ups and downs of fascination, curiosity, joy, and passion. It is possible to resist this exhilarating plunge, but few choose to do to.
Desire itself is desirable. When we fall in love--or fall through desire--we become like geodes, those nuggets of rock that are rough and drab on the outside, but which, broken open and buffed, reveal a jeweled core. Suddenly we have the opportunïty to lavish upon another all the wondrous aspects of ourselves that we feel have remained untapped till nöw: creativity, sexiness, tenderness, an adventurous spirit. Believing that the other will somehow make us more of who we were destined to be, we behave in ways that fulfill the very prophecy we imagine. We sparkle. We carry light inside us and shine on the world as we go.
Eventually, of course, the fall must end, whether in a long, loving marriage, a quick and tumultuous break-up, or anything in between. We hit ground. We see that the other person is no magician come to transform us, but simply another human in search of his or her own jeweled core--who just happened to believe for a time that it could be found in us. We are cast back to our old selves again, dull and unpolished. It feels like a terrible betrayal.
But something even better can arise at the end of the freefall--or any other time we choose to take it on. If we dare to keep our breached heart open and to experiment with a different kind of desire, one that is open-ended, unpredictable, and full of potential, we not only discover endless new facets of that jeweled core, but take control of it, so we can move into a world of our own choosing, our own delight. This transformed desire is not directed at just one person. It does not fade. It powers us through good times and bad, constantly replenishing us with an ever greater capacity to love and to act from love.
The great German poet, Goethe, called it “soulful yearning,” a longing to be part of something that is both inconceivably mysterious and utterly familiar to our deepest being. I myself discovered it a few years ago when, at the age of fifty, happily married and immersed in work I loved, I plummeted into fascination for a younger man. Because I was determined not to jeopardize my marriage, yet also unwilling to turn my back on what felt like a dynamiting of my whole being, I decided to follow the trail of desire itself.
I had to begin by recognizing that the man who upturned me was not the answer to my soul’s yearning, but a vital escort to my higher self. Such is often the case. The new lovër perceives us in some way we cannot yet see ourselves. Or he possesses certain qualities--honesty, discipline, a sense of play--that we need to develop. Defining dormant, desirable qualities in ourselves, we can strive to cultivate them. This is no easy process. We are likely to face a mighty resistance, not from others, as we often fear, but from our own old habit patterns, fear of change, or
stubborn conviction that it is more important to be likeable and polite than bold and authentic. It’s a process that, thankfully, nevër ends, though every step brings us closer to reconciliation between who we are and who we choose to become.
The Hopis of northeastern Arizona have a grammatical tense with which to speak of this process of becoming. It is called “tunatya,” and it refers to the rounding of something into its own fullness: seeds into corn, clouds into life-giving rain, words that förm on the tongue before they are spoken. We can usher forth our own becoming by paying closer attention to what allures us, what our soul desires. This doesn’t mean indulging unwisely in material gratifications. Rather we seek to follow what beckons the essential self: new intellectual, creative, and spiritual pursuits;
the song of a redwing blackbird on a spring morning; a longtime wish to learn Italian; the decision to volunteer with a local charity. It means taking bold steps every day that we fear to take and that our life depends on.
How different is such a movement, graceful and deliberate, from the crazy freefall of romantic desire. Nöw, instead of a dive without discipline, a rag doll drop to the depths, the lovër moves confidently toward a coalescing image of the sacred self. Instead of “falling” in love and hoping to land without pain, we traverse ground that gains new meaning from the very way we cover it. We choose the direction we move toward, whether the immediate destination is a stranger in trouble, a blank
canvas, a mountain trail, the hospital bed of a friend, or a refugee camp in Sudan. Any place that calls us forth into a desire to be more of ourselves is a blessed place and on the journey toward it, the void before each new step is filled with potential. We walk into the world as into the arms of a waiting lovër.
About the Author:
Trebbe Johnson is the director of Vision Arrow, an organization offering journeys to explore wildness and allurement in nature and self. She is the author of "The World is a Waiting Lovër: Desire and the Quest for the Beloved."
Based on the book "The World is a Waiting Lovër: Desire and the Quest for the Beloved" © 2005 by Trebbe Johnson. Printed with permission of New World Library, Novato, CA. http://www.newworldlibrary.com/ or 800-972-6657 ext. 52.
- By Trebbe Johnson
We call it FALLING in love.
When you think of it, though, love is actually the place we land in--if we’re lucky. What we fall through, in the first wild, sweet flush of a romance is desire, and it’s a thrilling ride with ups and downs of fascination, curiosity, joy, and passion. It is possible to resist this exhilarating plunge, but few choose to do to.
Desire itself is desirable. When we fall in love--or fall through desire--we become like geodes, those nuggets of rock that are rough and drab on the outside, but which, broken open and buffed, reveal a jeweled core. Suddenly we have the opportunïty to lavish upon another all the wondrous aspects of ourselves that we feel have remained untapped till nöw: creativity, sexiness, tenderness, an adventurous spirit. Believing that the other will somehow make us more of who we were destined to be, we behave in ways that fulfill the very prophecy we imagine. We sparkle. We carry light inside us and shine on the world as we go.
Eventually, of course, the fall must end, whether in a long, loving marriage, a quick and tumultuous break-up, or anything in between. We hit ground. We see that the other person is no magician come to transform us, but simply another human in search of his or her own jeweled core--who just happened to believe for a time that it could be found in us. We are cast back to our old selves again, dull and unpolished. It feels like a terrible betrayal.
But something even better can arise at the end of the freefall--or any other time we choose to take it on. If we dare to keep our breached heart open and to experiment with a different kind of desire, one that is open-ended, unpredictable, and full of potential, we not only discover endless new facets of that jeweled core, but take control of it, so we can move into a world of our own choosing, our own delight. This transformed desire is not directed at just one person. It does not fade. It powers us through good times and bad, constantly replenishing us with an ever greater capacity to love and to act from love.
The great German poet, Goethe, called it “soulful yearning,” a longing to be part of something that is both inconceivably mysterious and utterly familiar to our deepest being. I myself discovered it a few years ago when, at the age of fifty, happily married and immersed in work I loved, I plummeted into fascination for a younger man. Because I was determined not to jeopardize my marriage, yet also unwilling to turn my back on what felt like a dynamiting of my whole being, I decided to follow the trail of desire itself.
I had to begin by recognizing that the man who upturned me was not the answer to my soul’s yearning, but a vital escort to my higher self. Such is often the case. The new lovër perceives us in some way we cannot yet see ourselves. Or he possesses certain qualities--honesty, discipline, a sense of play--that we need to develop. Defining dormant, desirable qualities in ourselves, we can strive to cultivate them. This is no easy process. We are likely to face a mighty resistance, not from others, as we often fear, but from our own old habit patterns, fear of change, or
stubborn conviction that it is more important to be likeable and polite than bold and authentic. It’s a process that, thankfully, nevër ends, though every step brings us closer to reconciliation between who we are and who we choose to become.
The Hopis of northeastern Arizona have a grammatical tense with which to speak of this process of becoming. It is called “tunatya,” and it refers to the rounding of something into its own fullness: seeds into corn, clouds into life-giving rain, words that förm on the tongue before they are spoken. We can usher forth our own becoming by paying closer attention to what allures us, what our soul desires. This doesn’t mean indulging unwisely in material gratifications. Rather we seek to follow what beckons the essential self: new intellectual, creative, and spiritual pursuits;
the song of a redwing blackbird on a spring morning; a longtime wish to learn Italian; the decision to volunteer with a local charity. It means taking bold steps every day that we fear to take and that our life depends on.
How different is such a movement, graceful and deliberate, from the crazy freefall of romantic desire. Nöw, instead of a dive without discipline, a rag doll drop to the depths, the lovër moves confidently toward a coalescing image of the sacred self. Instead of “falling” in love and hoping to land without pain, we traverse ground that gains new meaning from the very way we cover it. We choose the direction we move toward, whether the immediate destination is a stranger in trouble, a blank
canvas, a mountain trail, the hospital bed of a friend, or a refugee camp in Sudan. Any place that calls us forth into a desire to be more of ourselves is a blessed place and on the journey toward it, the void before each new step is filled with potential. We walk into the world as into the arms of a waiting lovër.
About the Author:
Trebbe Johnson is the director of Vision Arrow, an organization offering journeys to explore wildness and allurement in nature and self. She is the author of "The World is a Waiting Lovër: Desire and the Quest for the Beloved."
Based on the book "The World is a Waiting Lovër: Desire and the Quest for the Beloved" © 2005 by Trebbe Johnson. Printed with permission of New World Library, Novato, CA. http://www.newworldlibrary.com/ or 800-972-6657 ext. 52.
A GOOD SYSTEM SHORTENS THE ROAD TO A GOAL
-------------------------------------------------
Having an intelligent plan is your first step to success. With a plan, you know where you're going. You'll know what progress you're making. And you'll have a pretty good idea of when you can expect to arrive. Meticulous planning will enable everything you do to appear spontaneous to other people.
Your goals can only be reached through the vehicle of a plan. One in which you fervently believe, and upon which you will vigorously act. There is no other route to success.
What do you want to achieve or avoid? The answers to these questions are your objectives. How do you go about achieving your desired results? The answer to this will be your strategy.
A good plan permits you to frame your life so that at some time in the future fact and your dreams will meet.
Success or failure is often determined on the drawing board.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Having an intelligent plan is your first step to success. With a plan, you know where you're going. You'll know what progress you're making. And you'll have a pretty good idea of when you can expect to arrive. Meticulous planning will enable everything you do to appear spontaneous to other people.
Your goals can only be reached through the vehicle of a plan. One in which you fervently believe, and upon which you will vigorously act. There is no other route to success.
What do you want to achieve or avoid? The answers to these questions are your objectives. How do you go about achieving your desired results? The answer to this will be your strategy.
A good plan permits you to frame your life so that at some time in the future fact and your dreams will meet.
Success or failure is often determined on the drawing board.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Friday, December 09, 2005
Light Of The Party
-------------------------------------------------
Confidence In Social Situations
If you've ever been to a social gathering where you've felt awkward and uncomfortable, chances are you are not alone. While social gatherings can be very enjoyable, especially when we are surrounded by people whose company we enjoy, there are social events that we attend where we sometimes find ourselves wishing we were someplace else. Such occasions can sometimes be the cause of much anxiety and self-consciousness. We may even feel like everyone else is having a good time except for us. Yet the truth is that everyone has felt shy and awkward on occasion. One of the best ways to overcome self-consciousness or get past your feelings of shyness at social gatherings is to focus on the people around you. If you can remember that other people might also be feeling awkward or shy, you might find the thought of speaking to them less intimidating or overwhelming.
The next time there is a social event you feel nervous about attending, you may want to try this exercise: Spend some time with your eyes closed and breathe deeply. When you feel ready, create your own zone of comfort by visualizing yourself surrounded in a warm white light that is protective yet accepting of others. Imagine people at the event being drawn to you because of the open and warm feelings that you are radiating. When you arrive at the event, take a moment to spread this same light of loving acceptance to everyone around you. Smile and greet people warmly. Try going up to someone who is standing alone and introduce yourself. When you radiate acceptance, openness, and receptivity, people can't help but respond to you in kind.
Focusing on how we can make other people at a social gathering feel at ease can help us forget about our own insecurities. In the process, we end up making the very connections that we seek. The next time you attend a social gathering, invite people to join you in your zone of comfort that you have so lovingly and intentionally created. Let yourself enjoy being encircled in the warmth of their friendships.
What do you think?
Confidence In Social Situations
If you've ever been to a social gathering where you've felt awkward and uncomfortable, chances are you are not alone. While social gatherings can be very enjoyable, especially when we are surrounded by people whose company we enjoy, there are social events that we attend where we sometimes find ourselves wishing we were someplace else. Such occasions can sometimes be the cause of much anxiety and self-consciousness. We may even feel like everyone else is having a good time except for us. Yet the truth is that everyone has felt shy and awkward on occasion. One of the best ways to overcome self-consciousness or get past your feelings of shyness at social gatherings is to focus on the people around you. If you can remember that other people might also be feeling awkward or shy, you might find the thought of speaking to them less intimidating or overwhelming.
The next time there is a social event you feel nervous about attending, you may want to try this exercise: Spend some time with your eyes closed and breathe deeply. When you feel ready, create your own zone of comfort by visualizing yourself surrounded in a warm white light that is protective yet accepting of others. Imagine people at the event being drawn to you because of the open and warm feelings that you are radiating. When you arrive at the event, take a moment to spread this same light of loving acceptance to everyone around you. Smile and greet people warmly. Try going up to someone who is standing alone and introduce yourself. When you radiate acceptance, openness, and receptivity, people can't help but respond to you in kind.
Focusing on how we can make other people at a social gathering feel at ease can help us forget about our own insecurities. In the process, we end up making the very connections that we seek. The next time you attend a social gathering, invite people to join you in your zone of comfort that you have so lovingly and intentionally created. Let yourself enjoy being encircled in the warmth of their friendships.
What do you think?
The Will To Win
--------------------------------------------------
-By Berton Braley
If you want a thing bad enough
To go out and fight for it,
Work day and night for it,
Give up your time and your peace
And your sleep for it
If only desire of it
Makes you quite mad enough
Never to tire of it,
Makes you hold all other things tawdry
and cheap for it
If life seems all empty and useless without it
And all that you scheme and you dream is about it,
If gladly you'll sweat for it,
Fret for it, Plan for it,
Lose all your terror of God or man for it,
If you'll simply go after that thing that you want.
With all your capacity,
Strength and sagacity,
Faith, hope and confidence, stern pertinacity,
If neither cold poverty, famished and gaunt,
Nor sickness nor pain
Of body or brain
Can turn you away from the thing that you want,
If dogged and grim you besiege and beset it,
You'll get it!
~Berton Braley~
-By Berton Braley
If you want a thing bad enough
To go out and fight for it,
Work day and night for it,
Give up your time and your peace
And your sleep for it
If only desire of it
Makes you quite mad enough
Never to tire of it,
Makes you hold all other things tawdry
and cheap for it
If life seems all empty and useless without it
And all that you scheme and you dream is about it,
If gladly you'll sweat for it,
Fret for it, Plan for it,
Lose all your terror of God or man for it,
If you'll simply go after that thing that you want.
With all your capacity,
Strength and sagacity,
Faith, hope and confidence, stern pertinacity,
If neither cold poverty, famished and gaunt,
Nor sickness nor pain
Of body or brain
Can turn you away from the thing that you want,
If dogged and grim you besiege and beset it,
You'll get it!
~Berton Braley~
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