January 24th, 2008 by aaks
Self-improvement is always in vogue, for we can improve self until the day we pass on to that other world. Our mind can never be overfilled, and when it is filled with constructive, useful, information and knowledge we will improve.
So self-improvement is a good activity to engage in.
1. First, we need to decide in what area, or areas, we want to improve. Required is a review of our life today, not yesterday, but today. Then we will see what is actually needed to improve self.
2. Secondly, an improvement plan should not be any “pie-in-the sky” plan or effort. Discard anything that is dreamy, fantasy, or that does not serve the realities of needed improvement.
3. Look at several plans as needed, then choose the one that is most needed today. Such plans may be for personal behavior growth, family life, job enhancement, spirituality, and more. Choose the one most needed now and put all other plans in abeyance until that most important need is firmed up in a plan for improvement, and put into practice or completed.
4. Insert goals. These should be accomplishment markers that reveal points of completion as the plan is completed. These goals should not be so high that you may not be able to reach them, nor so low that apathy sets in and the plan is dropped. Goals should be challenging yet be aims that are comfortable for you.
5. Self-improvement plans need a comfortable place to follow them. For physical exercise the gym once a week may be needed, but it could be more comfortable to have an exercise machine at home in an area out of the way where interruptions are unlikely. The acquisition of knowledge may need library use, or a mentor who can engage in useful discussion with you, and surely a place at home where you will not be interrupted during a period of reading and study.
6. Implementation of self-improvement plans should be like on-campus college studies, or that job you pursue everyday. If you are working then select a time of day, 2-3 times a week for your efforts that you are comfortable with, and let it be known that you are not to be disturbed unless there is an emergency, and stick to it. At the start a schedule may be hard to keep partly because you do not see immediate results, but do not let that fool you into laziness, or missing your schedule dates. If necessary force yourself to keep at it.
7. Your intensity level should be that level that is interesting, and comfortable for you. Intensity can vary for each person, so you must set your own level. It is similar to physical exercise where too high an intensity level can result in injury. Mentally, a too high intensity level can result in burn-out. The tendency at the start to jump on it and beat it to death quickly should be avoided. The word comfortable has cropped up several times, and there is a reason for that frequency. For physical exercise one needs to allow the body to absorb the higher physical activity safely, and to thus improve physically gradually, and retain the improvement. The same is true mentally. There is a need to feed the mind new knowledge at a rate that allows the mind to absorb all the material in each session, learn it, and understand it, and thus be better prepared to implement it into your life.
8. Remember that there are no failures, except in your own mind. When you decide that it has failed, it has actually failed for you will then forget all that you have learned. But when you realize that even if you did not meet that prime goal, you did grow, and you did improve. Regardless of the outcome the program and effort was not a failure.
9. Early during such programs it may seem that you are not gaining, but that is false. Stick to it and one day you will realize the improvement that has taken place in your life. Others already have seen it, and now you see it. It is a great feeling !
10. What is left is for you to get at it, starting at the start, and then follow through to its end.
Whatever the area it is true that no matter how expert, or good, you have become, there are those better than you at it. What that tells us is that we can all improve during our whole life. Even acknowledged experts can improve. We can improve.
Have a go at it and you will be pleasantly surprised at the results.
http://www.geocities.com/mobleria/me.html list more information about the author, and provide resources that a publisher would be interested in, and some of the expertise that supports viewing his articles and these materials. Paul is interested in writing from article size to books and invites anyone interested to contact him.
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January 24th, 2008 by aaks
How many times have you blamed someone else for your own mistake? We do not like to think that we do that but take a look at yourself sometimes and hear what you are saying. You may be surprised at what you hear.
In church recently, I was making a purchase in their store and the cashier was letting her daughter press buttons on the keyboard. When I handed her my credit card she had just finished telling the daughter I was writing a check. The daughter immediately pressed the check button following the mother’s instructions. As the mother took the credit card she began chastising the child and said, “See this is why I don’t want you touching buttons” and she had to void the order and start over again. The girl stated that she had only pressed what the mother told her.
The more genuine we can be with ourselves the more genuine we can be with others. The closer we can get to know ourselves and admit that we were wrong the closer we become to self-actualization.
Here are some things to consider:
1) How often do I blame something on someone else when really it was my wrongdoing?
2) Who is it that I am blaming?
3) Do I make excuses to get out of my situation?
4) What excuses do I make?
5) Is there a pattern?
6) Why do I blame others instead of accepting my own error or misjudgment?
7) What can I do differently next time?
Other people do notice when we step into a blaming mode. We will feel better about ourselves when we can take ownership of what we do and say. Better yet, when we make a conscious decision to let go of a negative aspect of ourselves, we make room for a positive one to take its place. A win-win for everyone!
And now you are invited to receive 3 free body/mind/spirit tips on boosting your immune system at http://www.creatingbalanceinyourlife.com - You can visit her humor blog at: http://www.healingwithhumor.blogspot.com
Donna Marie Laino is a nurse, humorist, motivational speaker and success coach. She also uses humor as a holistic practitioner and Certified Laughter Leader to deal with life stress and health.
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January 24th, 2008 by aaks
Most people want to change - to do better, be better, achieve more. Many don’t know where to start. There are three things that must be present if lasting change is to take place:
- Know who you are and what you believe - this is bedrock. This is not an easy task. It takes time and attention to get to know yourself. In our world of constant communication and instant everything, this can be a challenge. You don’t have to take long periods of time - hours and hours of meditation are not essential unless you are a yogi. But daily time with you is required. Take a walk with a purpose - to learn one new thing about you. Or give yourself five minutes every morning to reflect on your strengths and, oh, yes, your weaknesses. What are your good habits and what are your bad habits? What are your likes and dislikes? Pay attention during the day for clues to this. “I just love ___________, I really would like __________ or I just can’t stand ___________, I never want to __________. This will lead you to some important information about you. What are your beliefs and disbeliefs? I had a friend who says, “If you don’t know what you stand for, you’ll fall for anything.” Cliché, but true. The interesting and challenging thing about this is that it is always changing. As you get new information and as you raise your level of consciousness, much of the self-knowing will change. Be aware of where you are and what you believe on an ongoing basis. Know what you believe about love, family, God, money, society, politics, relationships, work - all the important areas of life.
- Know what you want. This will change as you change and grow but you need to know what you want now. Have a clear vision of what it is and how your life will look when you have it. Do you want a better education? more money? a love relationship? a new house? a compassionate heart? a child? more stuff? a healthy body? happiness? Make your list. When you have your list made, ask yourself “How can I acquire/achieve these things? Are you willing to work harder? Are you willing to make temporary sacrifices for long term gain? Can you manifest it? Visualize having it - bring all your senses into play. Play with it until you can see, feel, hear, touch, maybe taste what it will be like when you have it. You may find that you don’t really want it or are not ready for it now. This process cuts down on impulsive decisions that may make a lasting change that you are not happy with. It also gives you the assurance that it will be worth the time, effort and money required.
- Take responsibility for yourself and for your life. No one, absolutely no one, can do this for you. You can get help if you need it but no one can do it except you if it to be meaningful and lasting. You can copy someone else but it won’t be real for you. I heard someone the other day complaining that his parents had not left them enough money for him to live on. Excuse me, it wasn’t his parent’s responsibility. It was his responsibility as an able bodied, intelligent, educated adult to provide for himself. Employees blame the boss for their failure. Students blame the teacher, their schedule, their parents. We’ve all heard people playing the blame game - perhaps we’ve played it as well now and then. It’s only when you are honest with yourself and take responsibility for all phases of your life that real growth will occur.
When these three things are present, most of your self improvement will be done. You just need to add the finishing touches. Yehaw!
Irene Conlan has a masters degree in nursing, a doctoral degree in metaphysics, is a certified hypnotherapist and an ordained minister. She practices holistic hypnotherapy and officiates at weddings in Scottsdale, Az and the Phoenix metropolitan area. Irene can be found at http://www.theselfimprovementblog.com
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January 24th, 2008 by aaks
Our world moves fast these days, faster than I think any of ever imagined. To keep up this feverish pace we often get lost in the pace itself. There is a saying that goes: “even if you win the rat race you’re still a rat”. When we look at our lives, so complicated, busy, and overwhelmed with data (whatever happened to that paperless society we were told about 20 years ago?). We find that it sometimes seems impossible to make a difference and if we did, who would care.
To that point, I’d like to say that the point often isn’t who would care, the point is why not do it just to do it for you. Meaning: don’t do it because someone will notice and care, do it because it makes a difference to you. Sometimes feeding our soul can be a lonely proposition but it needs to be fed and unfortunately, you’re the only one who can do it. If you wait on society to give you what you need for your spiritual growth, you might be waiting a long time.
I don’t believe that the world is indifferent. The world is a perception of what we want it to be, what we believe mirrors back and reflects on us, so why not work on a better reflection? It’s easy to become jaded when the world doesn’t seem to care but the point is, care anyway. Make the point and the effort to care regardless of whether anyone notices. Someone once said that the true measure of a man (or woman) is who s/he is when no one is looking. When you do something just to do it, because it’s good, because it can leave a little bit of goodness in the world, you’re doing it not for acclaim, fame, or recognition, you’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do.
The “things” we do to make a difference don’t have to be big. Sometimes a smile, or an extra dollar in the tip jar can make all the difference. Point being, don’t let a seemingly indifferent world make you indifferent as well. Put goodness into the world and goodness will come back to you.
Erik Quisling is the author of a book titled “Fables from the Mudd” which he calls bedtime stories for adults. Once termed the anti-Johnathan Livingston Seagull and a tonic for self-help burnouts, Fables from the Mud can also be described as a dark, adult-oriented version of Shel Silverstein. Visit Erik’s website to find out more: http://www.erikquisling.com
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October 10th, 2007 by aaks
THE LAWS OF LIFE: Twenty-One Universal Laws and Spiritual Truths” (from Inspirational Books)
“Our minds can shape the way a thing will be, because we act according to our expectations …and that’s why it shapes our reality.”
INTRODUCTION:
Submitter’s Note: Just sharing a few thoughts as I research, study and write about the human mind, spiritual principles and the Laws of Life. This article is largely based upon a chapter, “Universal Laws and Truth” from the fascinating and thought-provoking book, “The Way of the Warrior Trader” by Dr Richard D. McCall.
I believe, If we can understand these “facts of life”, anyone WILL overcome negative and consequently disabling emotions, so you can achieve your full potential in life. So this is my reason for sharing (as well as “formalising, clarifying, imprinting and manifesting” these principles and thoughts - ‘wise’ in my “top two inches”, as I do it), together with some additional points and input of my own)…
Now after that long “intro”, I’ll share the concepts mentioned in this work with you (whew, at long last!)…
*
Here are the Twenty Universal (and Spiritual) Laws,
which I believe, are applicable in ALL areas of our lives:
1. First is the Law of ATTRACTION: When you are well grounded in your life purpose, have clarity for what you desire most, and are focused on your specific needs, the Universe (God/Life Force/Infinite Spirit) will come to your aid. People who spend time each day getting clear on what it is that they want, always will be able to get what they want.
2. The second principle is the Law of CONNECTION:
I believe every ‘body’ on this planet is connected in the spiritual realm. We are all spiritual beings on an earthly existence. Because we humans have the power of intellectualisation , rationality and especially in the immense power of choices - to act, to elevate our thinking and so choose our level of consciousness, which will determine our ultimate destinies. And we activate our spiritual connection through service to others, a sense of gratitude (or an attitude of abundance and especially grace), and a shared humanity.
3. The third principle is based on the Law of SOWING AND REAPING: In more modern everyday language, this may also be known as the LAW OF CAUSE AND EFFECT (as postulated by the Greek philosopher, Socrates). First you must give, and then you will receive. The farmer plants the seed and then reaps the rich harvest.
The Law of Attraction is also closely related to the LAW OF GRATITUDE: Have an ‘attitude of gratitude’ and you’ll be richly blessed.
4 The Law of DUALITY (or CONTRASTS):
There is a flip side or opposite of everything. Every negative has a positive (and is accentuatated - big word - by the contrast). For instance, you can only know good, if there is evil. Light can only exist with the darkness. Good luck can only exist, if there is such a thing as having experienced bad luck. And to experience success you must know failure. Even severe adversity can have some benefit, if we adopt a positive attitude and grow from the experience. We can perhaps use our bitter experiences of the deepest hurts to help others.
Perhaps our dark times (the “dark night of the soul”) are there so that we can really find joy in the bright days.
5 The Law of CYCLES:
All events occur in cycles. Professional athletes and cricketers (or baseballers for you Americans) might refer to the law of cycles as streaks (”hot”).
In accepting the law of cycles, we must know how to make the most of the good streaks. And when times are bad, keep your head up and look ahead expectantly to the upcoming reversal of fortune.
6 The Law of EVOLUTION and CHANGE:
Everything evolves and changes (as pressures and the sands of life shift over time) - the ebbs and flows of life. So it is up to you to ensure you progress and move ahead; as what were once huge obstacles get, “seemingly miraculously” removed..
7 The Law of CHOICES:
The greatest aspect of the human condition, I believe is our freedom: a freedom to make choices in life: regarding where to live, occupation, how we spend our time, our leisure pursuits, who to marry, and so on. Each one of us has absolute control over the multitude of choices we make each day …and our possibilities are unlimitëd. Stop feeling trapped by your circumstances, as you are not a victim of life. If you are feeling “negatively stuck in the deep brown stuff”, make the decision to change your life and choose a brand new future. Consequently YOU have the power and freedom to control your destiny.
Linked to the above Law of Choices is:
8 The Law of RESPONSIBILITY:
You must accept the full outcomes for the various decisions (choices) you make daily.
9 The Law of INERTIA:
In physics the law of inertia states that: “An object at rest tends to stay at rest.” This law is true of life as well. Action gets momentum going! The longer you procrastinate on completing that project, the longer you go without acting, the harder it will be to get started.
10 The Law of MOMENTUM:
“An object in motion tends to stay in motion.” This second law of physics is again a reality of life. Once you get started, it is easier to keep going and make progress. After the decision has been made, one tiny first step gets the momentum going. You probably notice the effect of this law in action every day. Once you get out of bed (for me the hardest part) and into the showër (warm, I trust!), getting dressed, having “brekkie’ and even going out the door to work (’clean and shiny’) is ‘a breeze’.
Done often enough (usually 21X ‘they’ say), an action becomes an ingrained HABIT… and good habits lead to good results and good living.
“The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.”
- ancient Chinese saying
11 The Law of SYNCHRONICITY (otherwise known as “CO-INCIDENCES” *):
* I prefer to call it ‘divine order’.
This principle is closely aligned with no 1: The Law of Attraction.
You are part of the universe, not a separate entity.
We humans are all connected to a common humanity. Your actions affect those around you and determine how your life is shaped. It is important to recognize that you are inseparable from the events and situations in your life. When you see your connection to the world around you, you understand the control you have over your destiny.
N.B:
12 The Law of MANIFESTATION:
Life is like a mirror - what you put out, you’ll get back even more. Put out positive energy (vibrations) and you’ll attact positive results. (This too is closely aligned with Law One: the Law of Attraction).
You become what you think about the most (”then why aren’t I a woman!”). Our thoughts shape our reality; so we need to learn how to SHAPE our thoughts, as the potter moulds the clay. Consequently, as the old saying goes, “Be careful what you wish for - you’ll probably get it!”
“We are what we think.
All that we are arises
With our thoughts.
With our thoughts,
We make our world.”
- the Buddha
“It’s not what you think you are,
but what you THINK, you ARE.”
- minister Norman Vincent Peale, the father of the concept ‘The Power of Positive Thinking’
“Man is mind
and evermore he takes the tool of thought
and, shaping what he wills,
brings forth a thousand joys,
a thousand ills.
He thinks in secret
and it comes to pass -
Environment is but his looking glass.”
- anon
Thanks so much for sharing, dad
13 (”Lucky”) The Law of EXPECTATION (POSITIVE):
Always expect a favourable outcome - the best from your actions in whatever you undertake. Be an optomist seeing the glass as “half full” in all your endeavours!
14. The Law of INTENTION (good)
Do things in the right “heart and spirit” with a genuine desire (intent) of some action(s) to make some small difference in the world, otherwise sharing ideas to help others …and you can’t go wrong. (My reason for sharing this piece - “oh no, not another article from you, Craig!”)
N.B.
15 The Law of PROCESS AND ACTION:
Spend more time in planning and setting goals. Then spend quiet times in reflection and contemplation to review and monitor your progress. Are you moving ahead, or do you perhaps need to “change tack” (strategy).
Manifesting what we want out of life still requires action and planning. Ask, trust, and allow the Universe’s Infinite
Wisdom to send you the answers on what to do to attain our deepest desires.
BALANCE thought with decision, which leads to ACTION. Because, if you are going to move ahead in life and make the most of your potential, rather than just ponder possibilities, you will need to take some practical steps, ie. actually DO something, “Mr/Mrs/Ms Dreamer”. You have to undergo the process of taking your desired goals and breaking them down into manageable parts. Plan appropriately and follow through - then through taking action on each step, it IS definitely possible to attain even your “wildest” dreams or destination.
16 The Law of HABIT:
Good habits maketh man and woman.
“Try not to become a person of success but rather try to become a person of value.
- Einstein
17. The Laws of COMMITMENT and PERSISTENCE:
When one commits fully to an endeavour, “body, heart and soul”, nothing can stop you. The moment one commits fully to an enterprise, all the mysterious forces of the Universe, God, Providence, Life Force moves too - in bringing all the threads even the “tangled” ones) together, so that your most earnest desires WILL one day come to pass..
18. The Law of COMMAND:
“Thou shalt deem a thing and it shall be so.”
The words we use to ourselves are vital in shaping our attitudes (mindsets). So be careful what you say to yourself (especially negative self talk/chatter) ; as it might just happen - it usually does! “Speak” desired events, ocurrences and outcomes “into existence”.
and most importantly (saving the best for last)
19. The LAW (POWER) of BELIEF:
“All things are possible to him who believes.”
- Mark 9:23
Now for a few personal thoughts on “spiritual matters” (note this is NOT religion, as I sincerely believe dogmatic and fanatical religion divides humanity and is the cause of so much conflict).
Jesus Christ understood perfectly human nature (the human condition) and the above-mentioned principles of the mind - even 2000 years ago! The teachings of Christ were psychologically correct and violate no psychological laws, though original in concept and spirit. Jesus possessed a wealth of wisdom in dealing with people’s day-to-day, as well as their spiritual problems. He knew the deepest recesses of the human heart: “He knew what was in man.” The very best psychiatrist!
So
*
BELIEVE in the tremendous power of BELIEF (ie. certainty): in the form of your thoughts and imagination. Use these incredible mental tools to your advantage through your amazing human mind. Sow positive energy and you’ll reap positive results. If you think your life will be exciting and fulfilling, you WILL make it a reality.
“Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you HAVE received it and it will be yours.”
- Mark 11:24
I believe there is a spiritual solution to any problem on this planet. One just has to think “outside the square”, on another level, at/in a “higher dimension”.. . then one’s whole perspective changes.
When stuck on what particular action to take, ASK, TRUST, and allow the Universe’s Infinite Wisdom to send you the answers through the amazing power of your subconscious mind, our “doorway to God, the Ultimate Source”.
and finally, the two most powerful forces in the world…
20. THE LAW OF CREATION: God is a God of Creation, which is why we’ve all been blessed with the amazing power of the human imagination (the way, I believe we “get divine answers from “another realm”, a Higher Power. We ALL have FREE WILL: the choice to BELIEVE, or not: the FAITH to believe that your deepest desires and even wildest dreams can and WILL happen if you can just have enough FAITH.
Lastly,
N.B: THE LAW OF LOVE: It really works! Give love and you receive back far more..
The above principles, I believe, are in perfect alignment with the laws of physics and human psychology (the spiritual is just another (and ‘higher’) realm or dimension in which they operate). I sincerely hope these Truths (eternal) motivate, uplift and perhaps even inspire you to move ahead and achieve great success: To be all you can be and become… in your business, or whatever endeavours you may choose to embark on in your life.
Have FUN and BE happy as you “ride down the rapids of life”
Craig Lock (”Motivational Counsellor and Incorrigible Encourager”)
http://www.craigloc kbooks.com
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October 10th, 2007 by aaks
DISCOVERING YOUR LIFE’S MISSION (FROM THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW)
This article (in point form) was based upon notes I’ve taken from Oprah Winfrey’s most uplifting TV program from some years back. I hope that it may be encouraging, uplifting and perhaps even inspirational to you in following the unique path you were “destined” to travel. Enjoy…
*
How can you find true happiness? Ask yourself: wherever you are in your life, how would you like to be remembered? Are you truly happy? Has your life turned out the way you wanted? If it all ended today, did you live the life you really wanted?
Do you drag yourself to a job you can’t stand. To see how far you have come in your life. Chart your way to success. Be there for those in need. Think good, positive thoughts.
What do you really want to do with the rest of your life? Write your obituary. Are you on target with why you came onto your life? What do you want written on your obituary? Discover your life’s mission. We all waste precious “planet time”. If you died today, what was your purpose in coming onto this earth?
I’m happy; but I want to do more. Love, kindness to family/friends, helping others, being there for those in need, having positive thoughts, a good spirit. Start small and try to be a good person. You can later make big changes in your life. Do you want to do more? Don’t we all. The key to misery is in trying too hard to please others - think of yourself first. Don’t get in touch what what you’re thinking and feeling. To be a better person - start small. Crazy life! Purpose is not the goal - it’s the pattern all along - there’s a pattern in all of our lives. Look beneath the purpose. What does love mean, if you don’t begin with yourself?
An author on the show wrote a book: What are you doing with the rest of your life? We are all half asleep - think life’s OK. Look at our whole lifespan. We grow and develop throughout most of our lifespan and the biggest growth usually occurs particularly in the middle years. Don’t think of dying. Death is euphemistically called “passing to the other side”. Earth was a “gas” (fun). We come from a mystery and go to mystery… and don’t know either end. Recognise what we really want to do in our lives. Look ahead 20, 30, 40 years. Check and know our TRUTH. We are finite - truth is all important. Take life seriously. Everone’s life has its own patterns, plateaus, pitfalls and rythm (adulthood unfolds over time).
Strive for inner peace…and this is not a matter of “missing the boat”.
In the nineteen-fiftys the sociologist Eric Ericson (nice sounding name - alliteration said there are three stages in life:
* early
* middle
and
* late
As adults we grow and change over our whole lifespan.
1. Early: We have a choice between intimacy and isolation (sounds just like an “analytical/ /intellectual” sociologist! ). We are forced to learn to focus in and be loyal to one person…and ourselves.
2. The middle stage: Here we have a choice between contribution and self absorbtion. ‘It happens when it happens.’ Reflect on life what changes. A common example: We derive little or no satisfaction after doing the same job for 15-20 years. This applies especially to us men. That’s when we buy a Ferrari for status and ego (and act young, of course!). It’s otherwise called the ‘middle age transition’. We tend to relect on our lives and ask ourselves: Where have I been and where do I want to go? Women have this feeling too - when the children are growing up, but (like us men “stuck in our careers”, they have to stay with their job - and can’t get a Ferrari! ‘What am I going to do now?’, we ask ourselves.
There is a choice between integrity and despair. We might feel good, even though we may have made many mistakes in the course of our lives. Especially me! We can’t change life and what’s past. What can I do? As long as you feel vital and alive - the vitaliy of mid-life. You could be a late bloomer, like me. (You could even have hit “the big five-o”. Act on your own feelings and intuition. Come out of the closet (yes, even you ‘queers’) and follow your heart. Who am I really? You can still do it…even at age 65!
*
How do you put your life in order, if you had only one month to live? How would you live your life? With all the bills and worries. Instead of wasting life and walking blindly through life. What else could I have done? Wishing. How to start moving in the right direction. Recognise there’s a pattern to each of our lives and what part you’re in? There is always more. A lady on the show was diagnosed with terminal illness. She asked herself: ‘What could I impart to my son in the time I have left?’ Focus on the important things in life, instead of the trivial. Doing this makes you think differently about life. Eg. going to the movies, or going out to dinner. Like the lady, cherish the meaningful time on earth.
*
“The souls choice” - in search of our inner calling.
Each of us comes into life with a calling. The journey of life is to discover that calling. At some time certain incidents lead to this calling. Ella Fitzgerald was a dancer and changed to start singing. Something happened to change her thinking. What’s your life script?
Our children have their OWN destiny. We all have a guardian angel - our higher self.
The journey to your unique destiny develops character. It will come out, no matter what you do - it is predetermined? ??, sooner or later. Understand your destiny. What am I really meant to do with my life?
The soul’s choice: Each person enters the world called - to do something with their life. It is not necessarily to be famous, like a rock star. Your child could be good at numbers and become an accountant. It may be just being a friend, or of service to society.
Children should find a place for their specific calling. Many people associate fame with achieving their purpose in life. I believe there is no higher calling than being a good parent.
*
See life for what it really is; then celebrate it. Dying teaches us that we are finite beings.
The STEPS we should be taking: Take four sheets of paper and answer these questions:
* What do I want to DO?
* What do I want to BE? A PhD with 10 million dollars in the bank, perhaps?
* What do want to HAVE?
and most importantly,
* What do I want to GIVE?
in my years left on this planet?
Look at the stepping stones, the patterns of your life…from birth onwards, as they’ve shaped us to what we are now.
New birth in middle years.
Normally these patterns are in all of our lives. Ask yourself:
Why am I in this present situation? Who knows. God alone! Are you perhaps acting out a part; because of what others want/expect from you. Are you being judged by others??
A study showed that 90 of Americans believed that they would be happier with earning 10-20 more money.
(However; nobody could paint a dream).
Meditate frequently. What do I want to give to the world today? Thoughts. How do I want to be? Decide what kind of day you’ll have. We all have a choice. Do what you always do and you’ll get what you’ll always got. If you are stuck in a rut, it’s time to change. TIME TO CHANGE. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Love yourself for your uniqueness.
The patterns of being afraid. Like trying to please people all of the time - being a ‘people pleaser’. Throw out your self desires. What do you do to break it? Honour it. Fear is the “beacon to your truth”. Get in touch with the deepest lining of your heart, whether it is health, God or your personal goals. Ask yourself: “What am I afraid of?”. List your fears.
Then “knock them off” one by one. Realise by doing that they have no power - once you confront them, you’ll soon realise they have no fear. It’s often hard to accept joy, fear, rejection, people talking behind your back, others thinking you’re not a nice person. It hurts deeply; because you’re not in touch with your own feelings. If you are stuck in a rut and think your life is going nowhere…
Imagine you are 100 years old!
Women, the men in your life could be holding you back. You can devote your life to your profession.
The secrets to a healthy fulfilling life: Parents want only good, and usually the best for their children. Money is not ALL-important, but integrity is. Just do the best you
can; then hope and pray that other people will do the best they can.
Don’t think, “All ‘I’ and ‘me’”. The Almighty has the final say in how it (your life) all pans out. TRUST the Universe.
The housewife who won $6 million in a lottery. Did it make her happier?
Many people wanted to borrow money from her. Her marriage was wrecked. Now she wants to do something good and worthwhile with the money she won. She invested in a home for herself and her family. Money by itself doesn’t mean anything; so turn the energy produced by money into doing good in the world. Money is handy in that it pays the bills. However, money doesn’t change our spirit - it doesn’t make you a better person. Money can help alleviate (nice word) soul-destroying poverty, as well as producing soul-destroying wealth. Be rich intellectually, as well as spiritually (most important). Surveys have found
that 80 of people are unhappy in their jobs. Begin to give a little more to your job in terms of energy. Make small changes in your life at first.
Let the beauty of love be what you do (”do little things with great love”). Let life enrich you.
A few final words to summarise all that’s been written…
Aim for clarity in your thinking.
What do you want to BE/HAVE/GIVE in the years ahead?
Give a little more in your job. Take small steps to make your dream come true. How specific should it be? The people who had the greatest fulfillment believed in a Power Greater than themselves. Successful aging is a deeper truth. These people found meaning in that everything, every experience in life was valuable. Get your dream, really take hold of it.
Cherish it and make it happen.
Be happy
Craig Lock
“The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within
you…and the often seemingly difficult or even “impassible” ) path
ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit that lies
within you.”
“We have it within; but we get it all from without. There is a well-spring of strength, wisdom, courage and great imagination
within each one of us; but once we draw on this truth, it gets watered from without, by a Higher Source - the Source of Life and Love, which is God, the very Ground of our Being.”
About the author:
Craig’s mission is to encourage people to believe in themselves and
help inspire people around the world to achieve their goals and dreams in life, whatever they may be.
http://www.craiglockbooks.com
Posted in Lessons, Self-Improvement, Yourself | 1 Comment »
September 27th, 2007 by aaks
There are particular moments in life that when you wish you could depend on anybody’s self improvement advice. But even if they gave it to you with the best intentions, in case anything goes wrong, you are always going to blame those persons.
That is why specialists strongly advise you, every time you find yourself at a crossroads, to always take the decisions by yourself.
The question arising is: how can we know how to take it and which is the best solution?
No matter how young or old you are, you must have gotten to a point in your life when you have to take a big decision, which will probably affect your entire existence.
There is no doubt that there are certain moments in life when you feel helpless and disoriented and believe you could use some self improvement advice in order to figure out how to proceed with your life.
The answer is never simple. However, there is one self improvement advice that can be of great help and employed regularly will have great results.
It is called meditation and it has been used for centuries in certain rituals and by ancients civilizations. Even in old and famous books, like the Bible, people are invited to meditate, to discover and fight the evil in us and by knowledge to gain control over our decisions and our lives.
How do we proceed when meditating?
First of all, you need to be away from any source of distraction. You cannot analyze your deepest feelings and thoughts and watch a movie at the same time.
Secondly, you need to ask yourself a series of questions that will help you to better determine who you really are. The questions should relate to everyday aspects.
What do you like doing?
What made you most proud of yourself during your entire life?
What is it that you always wanted to do and you never found the time?
What role does money play in your life?
What is it more important for you, you family life or your career?
How much do you depend on others?
If you are worried about a certain decision, let all the questions be related to that issue. If you are just confused when asking the questions, think about the common topics that one has to deal with during his life.
Do not forget to write down the answers. Try to concentrate and to be sincere. After all, nobody will judge you.
All these questions will help you determine exactly where you stand and what is it that you want form life. All you have to do is to get the right interpretation of your own replies.
In order to do that, help yourself to a coup of tea or your favorite coffee and take the time to analyze them thoroughly. Mark with a red pen whatever you find pride worthy answers and with a black one the things that do not make you proud.
Post the list somewhere where you can see it more than once a day, or post it in more than one place.
You will notice that, step by step, even unwillingly, the black things on your list will start turning red. Do not forget to renew the list when most of it has turned red! It is the best way to always be aware what your expectations from life are.
Take this simple self improvement advice and see the positive results for yourself.
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September 1st, 2007 by aaks
1. Share appreciation
Tell someone how much you appreciate the faith they’ve shown in you. Thank them sincerely for being part of your life. Tell them how much they are needed.
Feeling appreciated is one of the most important needs that people have. When you share with someone your appreciation and gratitude, they will not forget you. Appreciation will return to you many times.
2. Share time
Balance your time expenditures so you can spend time with the people that you love. Support local organizations by sharing your special talents. Volunteer time for projects that benefit others in your community, country, and world.
When we slow down and observe our thoughts closely, we will sometimes uncover gifts and talents we didn’t know we had. Sharing time and talents can result in discoveries that bring happiness beyond measure.
3. Share knowledge and ideas
Tell someone about a great book that you read so they can benefit from it too. Teach a new concept or idea that you’ve learned.
One of the best ways to strengthen new concepts in your mind is to share them with others. The more often you share what you’ve learned, the stronger that information will become in your memory. Sharing knowledge also provides solutions to problems. The more knowledge we share, the more knowledge we receive in return.
4. Share friendship
Acknowledge someone’s strengths. Let them know that you are willing to be there when they need you. Visit someone you haven’t seen for a long time. Telephone friends or relatives who live far away. Introduce two friends who don’t know each other.
Bringing one individual into another’s life can result in tremendous changes for both people, and for you. We succeed with the help of others. People grow by growing together. If you’d like to have many friends, then share friendship with others generously.
5. Share kindness
Perform a random act of kindness for someone: a smile, compliment, or a favor just for fun. These will multiply and spread very rapidly.
There is a powerful quote by Stephen Jay Gould who said, “The center of human nature is rooted in ten thousand ordinary acts of kindness that define our days.” Kindness is priceless. The love, kindnesses, and value we have given authentically to others will be our remaining treasures at the end of life.
6. Share experience
Keep written or photo journals of your life: things you’ve done, places you’ve traveled, things you’ve learned. Record successes and failures. Share a happy memory. Also share the difficult times that have helped you become stronger and wiser. When shared, the value of these experiences multiplies.
Our unique experiences and perceptions of life are priceless. Sharing experiences will build one of the strongest bonds with others. Our descendants can learn and benefit from our lifetime experiences for generations to come.
7. Share enthusiasm
If you are excited about a new success, tell someone. If you’re ecstatic about a new project, show your glow. Your enthusiasm will inspire others to move forward with actions that bring rewarding achievements. Enthusiasm keeps us looking forward to the future. It brings many of those exciting days that we can savor with gratitude. That kind of glowing excitement for life is impossible to hide. It is contagious and will quickly spread to others.
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July 31st, 2007 by aaks
You may have heard about the power of thought. You may have heard that we create our own reality based on our own thought. However, you may not believe it. And I don’t blame you, and I know why you don’t believe it.
I am sure you agree that we are only interested in results and how we can get our own results in our own lives. For me, that is what really matters. The problem is that most of us use our current results to generate our thoughts. So you may be broke, in debt, have a job that you don’t like, or don’t have a job. These are the results that generate bad thoughts and you feel bad. Feeling bad, you are conditioned to do the same things over and over again, and eventually you get the same results (the bad ones). Can you see the problem? We think based on current results, or appearances.
Now, the good news is there is a way out. I am sure most of you agree that we, as human beings, are the only creatures on earth as far as we know, that can THINK, can create own THOUGHTS. Can you image a horse can do that? Can a horse think “Oh, I am so happy”. I very much doubt it. But we can create this thought. Even in the worst scenario, we can stop and generate a thought “Hey I am happy!” and start looking for the positive things out of this seem-to-be-negative situation. Isn’t it nice? This thought starts a chain reaction, leading to happy feelings, then positive actions and eventually positive results! Positive results are the TRUTH.
So to sum it up, think TRUTH (positive results, what we want) rather than think APPEARANCES (current results, what we don’t want). It is hard and laborious and sometimes painful, but we can do it! We have the power to create own thought.
This article is inspired by the ideas presented in http://livingthesecret.thesgrprogram.com
Vinh Nguyen is a free spirit writer. He is passionate about what motivates people. He believes that everyone has only one goal in life – TO BE HAPPY and everyone deserves to be happ
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