Self Improvement Guide

Mythical Phoenix Cries

November 30th, 2009 by aaks

The phoenix is known as a mythical bird with layers of very beautiful colorful feathers, and a tail of gold and scarlet.   It has a life cycle of around 500 to 1000 years, near the end of that cycle, it is said that the phoenix builds and creates itself a nest made of twigs that ignites; the bird and its nest are said to burn to ashes, and then the phoenix rises reborn and fresh, to live again. The new phoenix can live as long, or longer then its old self.  The tears of the phoenix are thought to contain amazing healing abilities of everything that is pure, and the cry of the phoenix is a beautiful song.

What are you crying out for?  It is very wise to look deep into yourself every once in awhile, and see how your needs are being met.  You have absolute responsibility to yourself to create a life that is nothing less then wonderful, enriching and enlightening for yourself, and for those you love, and who share this space with you in this amazing world.

Like the phoenix, I recently embarked on re-inventing some of the things I wanted to change in my life, and I also lost something I valued very much.   I began looking at everything in my life, and I also started making some changes in my personality that I wanted to shift.  It is great to learn from your mistakes, it is even better to incorporate those things you learn, and integrate them into your life, so you do not make those mistakes again.  That is why it is so wonderful to understand that we all have the power within us to change, grow, empower ourselves, and continuously nourish our hearts and soul.

Change is constant, and we have all the power within us to create the change we want.  We also have the choice of changing and growing with those around us who we love and value, or if need be, to let go of relationships that did not work with us to help each to inspire to their greatest level of wellness.

I am all about staying power in relationships, and working out issues that need to be dealt with, but when you are the only one caring and doing, you need to look at why you would settle for being treated and accepting such a thing.  You deserve the best, and until you feel that, and settle for nothing less, you will not get it.  Some things we do not have the power to shift, but you do have the power to shift your choices, decisions, and the way you let other people treat you.  Value yourself, and other people will then begin to value you as well.

1. Also know that you do not have to sacrifice something you love and cherish for something else, you can, and should have all that you want.

Be appreciative of who you are now, and of all the people around you who you love, and who love you.  Be gracious of all the good in your life, and think of ways you can help better someone else’s life.  Thanksgiving is coming, I have been donating what I can, and buying extra cans of food in the supermarket to give to those that need it.  What are you doing to help other people?

Be strong, regal and beautiful on the inside and out, and begin singing your song of acceptance, and pure love for who you are now, and who you want to be.  Come from a place of strength, and begin to reach for all that you want.  Spread your colorful feathers and sing your song.  Dig deep in your soul and soar like the phoenix to create rebirth.  Have the faith to know that you can create the change you want.

www.coachlorisnyder.com

© 2009 Lori Snyder

Lori Snyder partners with people who are ready to begin moving their lives in an upward forward direction. I believe that each person hold within them powerful inner strength, that when tapped into, can help them to create positive results towards making their lives an extraordinary one.

Lori has a degree in Sociology, and is a Certified Executive/Empowerment Coach; she is also an Accredited Energy Leadership Coach. Lori received this certification from IPEC School of Coaching. She is also a successful speaker, writer, workshop facilitator and entrepreneur.

Lori was a columnist for The Long Island Center for Business & Professional Women. And she also was on the advisory board for Newsday s Wellness Magazine; she acted as their Personal Development Coach, and also enjoyed doing a 6 month feature with the magazine, she was also featured in More magazine, and Generations magazine, and was just recently on Life Coach TV. Lori can be reached at info@lori-snyder.com or 516-708.9261.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/mythical-phoenix-cries-1519997.html

Coping Strategies - How They Can Work For Us

November 30th, 2009 by aaks

If we make an effort to begin each day by avoiding as many potential problems as we can, it will help to eliminate the stress we may have.  This can be done by planning ahead.  If we get up a little earlier each morning than is absolutely necessary, we will have time for a relaxed breakfast, to get ready for our day and to do any preparations that are required without having the worry of being late.  Having to rush first thing in the morning is never a good way to begin a day.  And often a day started in this way will continue along the same path. It is often on those days that we will miss our bus, forget our purse, or our lunch, and the coffee maker won’t work.  If we are running late, we’re also not making allowances for any unforeseen eventualities that may happen such as a traffic jam or an unexpected snowfall. I also find that waking up to music is a much better beginning to a day than to the jarring noise of an alarm clock. 

 Other problems may be that there are more bills than money coming in, too many things to do and not enough time, or overwhelming feelings of career and family responsibilities.  For these it will be important to attempt to find solutions that will work in order to resolve these problems.

 If potential problems have been avoided as best as possible, and we have attempted to resolve problems with possible solutions, our stress level can be alleviated somewhat.  But when we have stress in spite of our efforts, how do we cope with it? 

 Whether we have a negative or a positive outlook could make a difference on the amount of stress we are experiencing.  Are we blaming or are we taking control?  Perhaps changing our reaction to the situation may help.  Are we setting reasonable standards for ourselves or do we expect too much from ourselves or from a situation?

 Good stress relievers are discussing problems with a close trusted friend, attempting to see the humor in a situation, going for a walk, having an exercise work-out plan, enjoying the soothing benefits of nature, having fun, or spending time with a friend.

 The ability to be calm, even in difficult situations, will usually help us see things more clearly.  And it will help most people around us to be calm too.  When we are around someone who always seems to be stressed, it is difficult not to feel edgy as well.  To help ourselves live more stress-free lives, it is also beneficial to surround ourselves with people who are calm and have control over their lives.

Sylvia Behnish has published her first non-fiction book entitled “Roller Coaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones)” which tells the story of her partner’s first year following his brain injury. Her first fiction book entitled “His sins″, a three generation family saga, is due out early in the new year. She has also had numerous articles published in newspapers and magazines in both Canada and the United States.

Order “Roller Coaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones)” by e-mail at: orders@trafford.com
Website: www.talesbysylvia.com
Blog: www.progressofabraininjury.blogspot.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/coping-strategies-how-they-can-work-for-us-1520314.html

Tough times do last…

November 30th, 2009 by aaks

Life is a complete test of wits and nerves. Often there are times when you are helpless and things don’t go the way they should. Your moral goes down giving way to a series of depressing thoughts and beliefs which makes you slow and dismal. But this is not the end of life. It is just a beginning of a new ‘You’. From the core of one’s heart, deep down in the shackles of gloomy thoughts, arises a tiny ray of hope; that is the hope to fight the miseries and come out as victorious. This hope or the will to fight is where tough times dry down; your energies are restored and you are a new living being.

Like every other person on this piece of land, I too encountered many situations where I was forced to give rise to a new ‘me’. Problems always bring out the best in an individual and the same happened with me. Those were the times of my childhood; I was in grade 1. By birth I had inherited a physical disability; my feet were broad and I couldn’t wear normal shoes. Rather, I had to specially get crafted a pair of boots for myself. This handicapped feature hindered my growth, shawl away my childhood innocence and buried my smile. The times when children free from all worries enjoy the best moments of their life, I was to hear the chants of my elder school mates. I was all alone, had no friends, nor any well wisher who could make me learn the hard facts of life. This loneliness carved deep impressions on my soul which are still evident in me. But as it is said, life moves on and time passes away, so the same happened with me and my time flew till I was in Grade 4.

At that time, I was used to of facing the poisoned arrows of others which had withered my soul. I was grown up by then. It was during those days that I met a senior. He was a blessing in disguise, an angle for me. He made me learn the bitter facts of life. It was he who gave me the will to fight; the emergence of a new ‘me’. Slowly and gradually, bit by bit, I gathered courage and gave the first fight to my depressed soul. The fist thing I learned was that it is me and only me who has to fight and no body else. Nobody would come for my rescue but myself. This self belief was the founding stone behind all my achievements in life. Next was the will to fight and face the harsh words of others. For this, I developed a habit. Anyone who used to shout at me, was replied with a laughter or smile from my end. “By exhibiting respect for another persons opinions we may at least set the stage for a more positive future interaction with that person” (Fotis 48). This was because I learned that being handicapped is not in my control. If somebody is beautiful, its not by choice but by design. God has made everything as and how He liked. So it wasn’t my fault that I couldn’t wear normal shoes or play like other children do. This was my fate which I had to accept open heartedly and make others realize too. This lesson again became one of the principles of my life; that never to pin point any body’s physical features and always take things positively.

On the other hand, my parents had consulted few surgeons right from my childhood and I was told that I had to undergo few surgeries after which I would be normal. But during those surgeries, I had to experience lot of pain and agony. So it was suggested that we should wait till I get a ‘bit’ grown up. So that time came in Grade 4. Summer vacations were ideal for any such venture. I underwent 4 surgeries; 2 each for I foot. It took me 4 years, in fact my of 4 summer vacations to get rid of that physical disability. I still remember the day when a new dawn arose and I was able to buy pair of shoes for my self.

During the next few years, no body could judge that I was the same shy and lonely boy who used to run away from crowds. I never cursed my disability afterwards as during those times I was able to learn what many people don’t even after spending their whole life. 

I was able to deal with a difficult situation in my life which spanned over my entire childhood. However, I could do so because I developed the courage to fight, a positive mindset towards life and “Believed that for every problem there is a solution” (Peale 185).

I have done post graduation in Computer Sciences. Love to write and share my thoughts.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/tough-times-do-last-1521092.html

Self Help To Motivation - Unlock Yourself

November 30th, 2009 by aaks

Motivation involves strong mind power. It is believed that anything can be achieved using the tools of the mind! This involves using positive thinking and will power to motivate you toward a goal. In your lifetime you will you have many goals to aspire and challenges to overcome, it is important to make sure that you keep motivated in order to live life to its fullest! There are some key tips to follow when you`re trying to get motivated. And these guidelines vary, which means that some might work for you and others will not. It is important to find out what skills you can use and which ones to not bother with, so that you can begin your climb toward achieving the motivation that you want! Positive thinking is one of the key elements to getting motivated. This tool can be used in every situation. It is common when faced with a problem or challenge to think negatively about it. Usually it is the first thing that pops into the head, which makes it hard to think about it in a positive light. However, when you are faced with a concern, immediately find a positive about it. And it can be something minute, but just find it and focus on it. For example; someone who loses a job will obviously immediately focus on the negative impact; possible loss of house, car, lifestyle. Those are horrible thoughts that if left focused on, could over take your thinking and create a spin of negative thoughts and feelings. A way to detour the negative thinking is to replace the bad thoughts with good ones. Positive thoughts that could out way the negative ones in this situation would be; find a better job, use all resources, find yourself (quick so you can get back to looking for a job!), think about what you actually want to do! Some people when they lose a job will begin to think about what it is in life that they really want. Perhaps they have been in the same field for ten years or more, it may be just the thing to plan on returning to school or changing fields. Even if lifestyle changes have to be made to accommodate your new career, such as moving into an apartment or with relatives, your family will know that you are doing it for the long term and no one will judge you. Positive thinking can be used in all aspects of life, just replace a negative with a positive. To get motivated toward something you want to do, keep it small at first. Many people for example when they are trying to diet will try to do it all at once. This unrealistic plan can lead to failure. If small steps are initially taken such as cutting out the chocolate for a week and then leaving out the junk food for another week, the small steps might just add up to the ultimate goal of weight loss. Small successes are important to keeping yourself motivated. It is also not a bad idea to give yourself rewards for staying motivated. Kids get rewards all the time, but what about adults? And why is it wrong to reward ourselves? If you have worked out all week and feel great about it, why not buy something for yourself as a treat? Or even have that cupcake you have been eyeing at the bakery? Rewards are a great way to keep you happy! Motivation can be achieved and conquered…it`s all in the way you think and feel about it!

You can have access to articles about self help in portuguese language from page Self_Help

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/self-help-to-motivation-unlock-yourself-1521885.html

The secret key of good communication

November 30th, 2009 by aaks

Let’s put up some points here that differentiate you from others as a good communicator.

1. Break the silence: Believe me the silence could kill you virtually if you don’t speak, if you don’t present yourself, the world will never know what you are? Why are you there and what you want to accomplish. So please speak up with people, manager, colleague, coworker, friends because you need to make people feel your presence.

2. Respond to the questions: Sometimes a casual approach could cause a damage to your career. If you missed responding an email could cause you an increment in job, a promotion, a much desired position you always wanted or a much wanted sales lead you wanted to close. Every question thrown towards you should be replied, otherwise the questioning person will think either you are not capable or you are not interested in the opportunity he is willing to give you.

3. Stick to the point: It’s very important that you stay on track when you talk. A good communicator is not allowed to discuss about everything in the world but only the topic he started to discus. Always find the motive of discussion and take the first priority point first to discus. Do not drive yours or other person’s attention to anything else but the objective of discussion.

4. Repeat the important things: If you started to talk about something called “Topic 1”, you may have to repeat it for couple of times. The reason is if it’s a long discussion, sometimes the listener forgets the original point, so you have to remind the listener that we started with “Topic 1”, that makes your communication focused and fruitful.

5. Be Yourself : You should express “what you are” not that  “what you are not.” its easy to catch a manipulation.

My personal experience has made me believe that most successful people are always good communicating people. The one having excellent skills and no communication faces a competition if he/she doesn’t communicate well.

Speak up and make the world feel your presence.

Source Motivation Blog of Mahendra Sharma

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/the-secret-key-of-good-communication-1522049.html

Take the Challenge

November 30th, 2009 by aaks

Take the challenge. Do these words create motivation or dread when you hear them? There are undoubtedly some people who love a good challenge, and are always ready to take the bull by the horns, and dive into uncharted waters, but these people are in a minority. Many of us are willing, in theory, to take on a challenge, but when it comes to the reality, we often find any excuse- feasible or not- why we can’t tackle the daunting task that is facing us.

It is a common human reaction to avoid the unknown and the difficult even when the familiar and the easy are stifling us and making us miserable. If you want to achieve growth, fulfillment, and happiness in life though, you are going to have to choose to take challenges on a regular basis, rather than choosing to remain stuck in a rut created by fear and a craving for certainty.

In fact, security is an illusion. The only thing certain in life is change and uncertainty. Refusing to take on challenges does not guarantee security, any more than hiding under the bedcovers does. It simply stops us from learning, growing, and achieving our goals.

We have to expect to experience a certain amount of discomfort, or even pain, as we tackle the challenges that offer us the opportunities for fulfillment. Breaking free from self-imposed limitations, unsatisfactory circumstances, fears, habits, and beliefs is not easy! What is important though, is to recognize the difference between the natural resistance we feel at stepping out of our comfort zones, and pushing our boundaries, and the message of ‘stop’ from our higher selves (the spiritual part of our beings) when we know intuitively that a certain path is not right for us.

It is not necessary, or positive, to take on challenges just for the sake of it. Listen to your heart, and take action in a certain direction when you truly know that it the way your higher self is leading you. If something feels wrong, it probably is, but if something feels right but terrifying, then dig deep within you for courage, and take the challenge.

Avoiding challenges does not prevent discomfort either. Being trapped and stifled can actually be more painful, and even soul-destroying, than the brief, intense pain that can come when we break free from our shackles and break out of our shells.

Without a challenge, it is very difficult to learn and grow. We must stretch our wings in order to soar higher. If you keep doing only what comes easily and naturally, you will never develop the skills needed to conquer the more difficult tasks. This doesn’t mean that we need to leap out of the swamps of mediocrity and expect to race straight to the mountain top. One step at a time is the way to reach even the highest peak.

In any game of skill, there are various stages and levels to pass through. As a beginner, if you try skipping straight through to the ultimate challenge level, you will probably fail dismally. You won’t have had the chance to develop the skills you need. The skills and know-how that you attain as you progress, step by step, through the game.

In life, one of the keys to success is to be willing to attempt the next stage. Don’t be afraid of failing- without failure we cannot learn what doesn’t work. To achieve instant success in every challenge would be sheer luck. Whatever the situation is that you are facing, there are always more ways that don’t work, than ways that do. Be willing to experience some of those ways that don’t work- they will give you valuable insight into methods that are more likely to succeed. By a process of elimination, and with persistence and faith, you can find the route to success.

The saying goes that it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. We can expand this to understanding that it is better to have tried and failed than never to have tried. As the saying goes, ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained.’

If you try, there is a possibility that you will succeed. If you don’t try, your chance of success is zero. Even if you don’t succeed, you will undoubtedly have learned something through your attempt. And it is never too late to try again!

Whatever it is that you dream of in your life, look for ways to begin making your dreams come true. When you find an opportunity, no matter how big or small, or how scary, summon every ounce of courage you can, and dare to try. The only real failure in life is the failure to try, so make a leap of faith whenever you can, and take the challenge!

A native of Australia, Amanda Harvey is currently based in Taiwan. Working as a teacher, trainer, speaker, and writer, she has spent the last decade living in various countries throughout Europe and Asia.

Through her work and life experiences, Amanda has developed a strong passion for encouraging others to embrace their differences and become empowered to choose their own paths. In all her work, the key message that Amanda endeavors to share is that there is always a choice, and that the only right way to choose life is your way.

Amanda is the author of two books.One is a self-help book entitled Freedom from Shame,Overcoming the Stigma of Depression.
Amanda’s other title is Not My Flesh and Blood, But My Heart and Soul. To read more, please visit
http://www.choosing-life-my-way.com/index.html

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/take-the-challenge-1522056.html

By All Means… Keep Moving!

November 29th, 2009 by aaks

If you can’t fly, run; if you can’t run, walk; if you can’t walk, crawl! Whatever you do and by all means, keep moving!

Success requires first expending ten units of effort to produce one unit of results. Your momentum will then produce ten units of results with each unit of effort. Always remember that “Lift off″ takes a tremendous effort, but once we break out of the gravity pull, our freedom takes on a whole new dimension.

Where you find yourself tomorrow is a function of the positive decisions and actions you take today. Hence, everything in your past that you’ve expended must remain there as it influences and represents something in the present and the future.

What you get as a result is experience, and experience is not what happens to a man. It is what a man does with what happens to him that would either make him or break him. Your mistakes and successes must only be used as a reminder of how far you’ve come when the tough gets going in the present and the future.

Pope John XXIII advised to consult not our fears but our hopes and our dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do ~ be unstoppable! Follow your dreams!

Greg Quinn once said “No matter how small, acknowledge the achievement”. But… do not be content with past successes lest you stagnate. We have all the tools that we need within us to make our desires come to pass. Do not settle for less, just do it, boldness has genius and power in it. Let’s keep doing the positive little things we disregard as trivial, that is how we keep moving. Analyze the little things and always ask the question, how is my act contributing to my ultimate goal? Do not allow past and potential mistakes stop you from bringing your desires closer; nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little. As PJ Meyers says, enter every activity without giving mental recognition to the possibility of defeat. Concentrate on your strengths, instead of your weaknesses … on your powers, instead of your problems.

Problems and hardships are there for a reason, it is how a human being progresses and develops. They are what we call challenges, so we need to rise against them and not with them; as for kites rise highest against the wind, not with it. Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow as you’d continue flying “with” the challenges. The only chance of soaring is to rise against the challenges, the “wind”. We can only soar by using the tools we already have and use them. Use what talent you posses: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best, is the advice from Henry Van Dyke. Whatever skills or talents you slightly or immensely believe you possess, for God’s sakes employ them! This is how you keep moving…

One of the biggest challenges we have is overcoming prejudgement conferred on us by other people, basing on what we have done in the past. As hard as you may feel it is to ignore that prejudgement, go ahead by doing and concentrating on what you feel capable of doing. As Martin Luther King once said, a productive and happy life is not something you find; it is something you make. It’ll not be found readymade. Such people are prevalent and the only way to tame them is to ignore and avoid them.

You may have made mistakes and it is ok to make mistakes, just as other people who prejudge us have. Don′t let life discourage you everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was; to err is too human to do nothing about the mistake is to make a bad decision that stifles your own development. The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today, engendered by the mistakes we’ve made in the past “ignore them”. It is all up to you!

Any aspect of your life can be changed the moment you decide to. You can decide now, at this minute, of this hour, on this day, of this week; and start seeing remarkable turnarounds of that aspect of change you’re pursuing. The decision you make evokes the will to make that change happen as a result of your belief. The “will” will allow you to concentrate and consciously change the aspect you so desire to alter, remember that it is only by concentrated thought, you can make yourself what you please. Just by the mere frequency of that conscious thought, allows the entire process to be consigned to habit, and habit requires no conscious effort on your part to keep moving. So as you can see, it’s all up to you, your success and happiness lies in you… Valuable habits are formed every time we keep our resolutions; consequential or inconsequential, discriminately uphold any of your resolutions for the sake of forming good habits.

Become the Best You can Be… For God’s sakes, Keep moving!

Nyangu Simpungwe is a professional accountant, a fully qualified chartered certified accountant and holds a Masters Degree from The University of Glamorgan in Wales. He currently is Director of a company called Falcon (GB) Limited based in England United Kingdom, a newly formed company composed wholly of chartered certified accountants. He has tremendous experience in Business Process Improvements and has expertise in life coach and leadership coach.

Author of “Try Easier…” Become The Best You Can Be

Visit us @ http://www.try-easier.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/by-all-means-keep-moving-1518236.html

Are we our own prisoners?

November 29th, 2009 by aaks

Imagine a person in a prison. He/she has been imprisoned for life and will wait till death in the prison.
What can possibly motivate such a person? What do these people look forward to in their lives?
Sometimes, we are also prisoners of our thoughts and our past deeds. We also have nothing else to look forward to. We only have regrets. At least, we can do something about the conditions, but the prisoners can do nothing. Life can be depressing at times. How to inspire ourselves in such conditions?

What is inspiration?

‘Inspiration’ the word as it is commonly understood means to experience a state of mind that propels us to work happily, try to achieve goals, and feel good about ourselves and the world.

How to break open the prison?

When we are not inspired and can set no goals, we feel that we are so helpless that nothing can be done. The first step would be to try finding stories of people such as Helen Keller who overcame so many difficulties to emerge victorious. That will give us a basic thought that things are not that bad. We will open at least one door of our prison with this thought.

Then go back in your memory. Try and think of instances when you felt good because of some achievements. It could be something very small. Anything. Like coming first in the class in your second year in school, or getting a good remark from a teacher for an essay or for a math answer. That will break open another door.

Now begin counting your blessings. Do you have a functioning kidney? Can you see? Can you hear? Can you smell? Are your hands ok and so on. Will you sell your eyes for any price? No! Who said that you have no money? You are a wealthy person who is unaware of your wealth, your blessings, Isn’t it? This will open one more door.

Break the last door open by thinking of the goals you might want to achieve. Believe that you can do that. Start planning. Think of ways. Talk to people. Be ready for a long struggle but with a firm resolve that you will achieve the goals. This will take you out of the prison of your thinking and make you a new person ready to fight.

Get set to go ahead. You are a winner in making!

For complimentary video showing you step-by-step how to overcome negative thinking patterns please visit http://www.self-esteem-activation.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/are-we-our-own-prisoners-1518371.html