What Tough Times Require

What Tough Times Require
By Pegine Echevarria

Everyone experiences tough times, that is just how it goes. How you react to those times can change how your team produces, how your family reacts to the situation and how you feel physically and emotionally.

Tough times can be described by an isolated issue (low cash flow) or a combination of issues (child in trouble, parents' ill, low cash flow, mergers at work. It is easy to fall into the trap of going into automatic pilot and reacting as you always have. The silent treatment towards everyone, the drama queen/king, the pity party whine fest, or perhaps the stoic martyr. None of these behaviors helps to resolve the issues, in fact they just make matters worse.

Each of the behaviors described above are driven by self centeredness. It is all about me, you see! The truth is the issues aren't about you at all. You and only you are making it about you. Too often people only focus on what is going wrong in their world and not about what is working right. The merger isn't about you...its just business. You child's trouble isn't about you,it's about him and his choices. Your parents' illness isn't about you, it's about their health and the communication clash is only about you because of your own behavior towards your spouse, you can't change them, only yourself.

So what can you do about tough times?

First, as my friend Jerry suggests 'focus on the water'. Jerry kayaks and he found that when he was in treacherous waters if he focused on the rocks he crashed, yet when he focused on the open water he avoided crashes. Focus on is working right in your life, at work, in your marriage, within your own child. What is working right, what are they doing well, what are their strengths. If you can't find any, ask someone to point the strengths and good things out. You may be too blocked to see them.

Second, take time to really appreciate what you do have. My 17 year old recently went to India for 21 days. During her time there she went with a friend of ours to a poverty stricken section in a small town. She came back transformed. Before she left she compared what she had with things her wealthier friends had. She realized all that she had, she realized all that Americans have and take for granted and she is different for it. How about you? Do you appreciate all that you have? Sometimes we get so busy looking ahead at where we are going that we forget to look behind from where we came.

Third, help someone get what you want. For instance, if cash flow is low then help someone's business make money by referring business. Need a car, find someone who needs transportation and help them. Help someone succeed.

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In this months e-zine you will find:

* Pegine's Thought of the Month

* Quote of the Month

* Try-its - Simple Steps for Magnificent Rewards

* Kick Butt Actions - Strategies to make an impact

* Have You?

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Pegine's Thought of the Month:

Tough times call for tough minds. You can choose where your mind goes negative and problems or positive and solutionsPegine Echevarria, MSWQuotes of the Month:Tough times are there so you can have a good time later on-- and really appreciate it!~Anonymous

Tough times never last, but tough people do~Robert H. Schuller quotes (American Reformed Church Minister, Entrepreneur and Author, b. b.1926

A leader, once convinced a particular course of action is the right one, must have the determination to stick with it and be undaunted when the going gets tough.~Ronald ReaganWomen should be tough, tender, laugh as much as possible and live long lives~Maya Angelou quotes (American Poet, b.1928)

Quotes come from http://en.thinkexist.com

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Try-its:

1. Recall a time when things were tough. Looking back did your drama, silent treatment, pity party or anger help you or the situation?

2. Recall a story that you read about or that someone shared with you about a tough time they went through. Was it worse than what you are going through now? Did they survive and succeed? Will you?

3. Recall a time when you just knew you were alright even though things didn't look that way. Know that you are alright right now.

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Kick-butt actions:

It is time to stop the drama, silent treatment, pity party or anger. It isn't serving you and it isn't serving the situation. Here are some kick butt actions that you can take right now.

1. Call for information. If there are cash flow issues, call your bill collectors and ask what your options are, call clients to ask how you can increase your business. Call you parents' physician and get the true low down of what is going on, go with them to their doctors' appointment. Call car dealers and call friends and ask if they know of someone who is selling a car in your price range.

2. Meditate or pray. Pray to whoever is your God or Higher Power. I have a friend who doesn't believe in God but he does believe in the power of his friends. He prays to the power of his friends. He know the group gives him solutions and kudos in both good and bad times, so he prays to that power. Whatever works for you, prayer takes you out of being alone and moves you into a 'we' situation. Just know that you are not alone in this situation.

3. Make a list of your issues on one side and solutions on the other. Be outrageous in the solutions. It is in the solutions that you find your answers.

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Have You?

* Ridden a motorcycle and felt the excitement of the wind rushing your face and body?

* Taken a boogie board or surf board and ridden a wave?

* Jumped into a pool with all of your clothes on?

* Kissed a baby's cheek?

* Made a cashier smile when it looked like they were having a bad day?

* Ever told your significant other how important they were to you and how much you would miss them if you were without them?

Take time to do these things. It will make a difference in your life.

Empowerment guru Pegine Echevarria, MSW and her company, Team Pegine, transforms organizations by empowering people. You might also be interested in Pegine's networking article called, Go Fish: For Friends, Business and Opportunities, to receive a copy simply sign up for her free ezine at http://www.pegine.com Her newest book is Sometimes You Need To Kick Your Own Butt: Strategies for Your Success Pegine appeared on CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, NBC talk and new shows.

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Your Life Is What You Make Of It

Your Life Is What You Make Of It
By Steve Hill

This article describes how your life is what you make of it. If you are willing to work hard to reach your ambitions and goals, there is no reason why should not attain them. In my opinion far too many people try to take short cuts or are too willing to expect free hand outs from other people or have the credit card attitude of buy now, pay later. I hope you enjoy the read.

One of my best friends whose name is Chris turned seventeen around a month before I did. For his birthday his father bought him a very nice and sporty looking car. Chris was very pleased and showed his new present to all his mates including myself. He was unable to take us out for a spin as he had yet to learn to drive. I thought what a great gift it had been and returned home to tell my parents.

I now had it in my head, that I also wanted a car for my birthday. Chris only lived a few doors away from my house and my parents looked out of the window to view his new car. I stated to them that I would love a car for my seventeenth and my parents started to laugh and replied with, I bet you would.

Despite this negative comment, I really believed they were only joking and was convinced that they would not let me down. My birthday arrived and I opened all of their gifts. The main present they had bought me was a pair of trainers. I have to admit they were a quality pair of trainers, however I wondered where they had hidden the car. The car was not hidden, it had not been bought.

An ungrateful young man went to bed, not best pleased. I then started to take driving lessons and on the second attempt managed to pass the driving test. I came home to inform my parents of the good news. My dad congratulated me and seemed proud of my achievement. I stated that I was also very happy, however in reality, what was the point if I had no car to drive. My father did not reply to this comment.

A couple of months later my eighteenth birthday was now approaching. My father told me that because this was quite a big birthday, he was planning to spend a bit more money on my presents this year. He asked me if I had any idea of what I would like. For the second year in a row, I replied that I would love a car. Yet again he laughed and stated that he had said a bit more, not hundreds.

I really believed that because it was in his words, a big birthday, and because I was now legally able to drive, that he would buy me a car. Guess what, he didn't. Yet again I was not impressed.

I waited a couple of months and then tried the head on approach. I spoke to my parents and told them that I needed a car, they agreed. My dad stated that if I wanted a car, I should go and buy one. I replied that I had no money, and he stated that I should start to save up then.

I started to save and had to sacrifice many things. Eventually I bought a car. It was not exactly sporty but it was my pride and joy. I washed the car every weekend and am sure that I loved it ten times more than Chris loved his car, because I had earned it.

Whenever I want to achieve something in life, I am aware that I have to work very hard and am very grateful to the lesson my parents taught me, even though at the time it seemed harsh and cruel.

Stephen Hill helps to promote a number of websites including:

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10 Year Goals?!

10 Year Goals?!
By Cedric Licuanan

Have you ever noticed that you, your close family members, and friends seem to accomplish certain goals in all of our lives, whether we realize it or not? For example in grade school, we had a goal to graduate 8th grade in order to get to high school. Or how about getting our drivers licenses, to getting college degrees, to landing that first job? Maybe it was to achieve a certain level of success in our other activities and hobbies, or buying that first car or house. Whatever the case may be, we always have had accomplishments in our lives.

However, it came to my attention that the majority of us have only short-term goals. That is, a goal that we are working to accomplish within the next 6 months to a few years from now. It seems to be a rarity to see a person with a clear set of long-term goals, such as 10 years.

Wait......... did you say 10 YEARS?? From NOW?!?!

That's exactly what I said! Now, I KNOW what you're thinking. It's probably along the lines of:

So what's the point of having 10 year goals anyways? That's WAY too far off!!

Believe me, I know how you feel. As a matter of fact, that's EXACTLY what I felt when I was first presented with this concept! However, what I found was that sometimes as we progress through life, we tend to focus on what's right in front of us. I know I've been guilty of that sin!

When a person takes their age and adds 10 years to it, what do you think happens? Well naturally, that person might picture themselves looking quite a bit older (or wiser?)-which is great for what we may LOOK like 10 years from now. But have we ever wondered what we would be DOING 10 years from now? Or even better, have we even considered the type of person we would BE 10 years from now?? Wife, Mother, Husband, Father, CEO, Wealthy, Retired, Soccer Coach, Manager, Athlete, Independent, etc. The possibilities are endless, this simple concept is mind blowing!

In addition to this mind blowing concept, I was taught to try and predict the type of person I would BE 10 years from now in the year 2015 by actually writing down some 10 year goals. Absolutely crazy, isn't it??

When a person looks back on their life, they usually remember some of the great accomplishments that they have achieved. But along with all the success might come some regret as well. How many times have you thought about the person you were in the past compared to the person you are today, and you couldn't help but think,

Hmmmm.... If only I had: *saved more money *had more fun *strived harder in school/job *started that dream business/career, etc.....Things would be much better for me and my family now....oh well, it's too late now...*sigh*.

Some people tend to live in the past like this, and as a result they NEVER seem to get what they want out of life. Doesn't that stink? Sure it does! So what's a possible solution?

Well, how about this? Instead of looking at the past, and wishing that things were different-why not try and imagine your life 10 years IN THE FUTURE assuming you continued your current path, and simply attempt to predict what your regrets would be in the year 2015? AND THEN, simply digging deep into yourself to correct these 'future regrets' by taking action towards the solution right now,THIS year!

Let's look at an example: even though their current careers pay the bills, some people might not be too content with their careers. So naturally they think, I wish I got into my dream career when I was younger...oh well, it's too late now *sigh*. Well, this is certainly ONE unfortunate way to live life.

However, why not try this technique instead? Simply imagine yourself in the exact same unhappy career path 10 years from now in the year 2015. Then imagine yourself (in 2015 of course) thinking, Hmmmm...if only I had taken those extra educational courses when I had the chance, back in 2005. Things would have been much better for me and my family now.....oh well..*sigh*. And NOW, when you snap yourself out of your thoughts, you realize that it's the year 2005 TODAY!!!

With this little strategy as the catalyst and motivator towards some positive action, you can decide to start taking steps toward your dream career path, i.e. taking some extra courses, networking with others, etc TODAY. What is SO powerful about this technique is the simple fact that you might not have even considered taking action today without this little strategy. Can you imagine how this one little strategy alone could possibly save you and your family 10 years of career challenges in your lives?!

Ok....enough 'talking' already....let's actually DO something! Getting started: One of the most POWERFUL ways to start the process is to simply write some goals on paper, and to simply have them in clear view daily. Authoring your goals on paper seems to have a very powerful reinforcing effect on your subconscious mind.

The easiest way to get some 10-year goals on paper is to simply break them up into little categories. You might have health goals, financial goals, career goals, family goals, etc.... Also, try your best to emphasize the person that you will BECOME rather than what you will just do. Of course, that's up to you.

Step 1) Get a sheet of paper and pen OR open up your favorite word processing application on your computer.

Step 2) Pick out the most important categories that are important to you: Health, Career, Family, Finances, etc....

Step 3) Brainstorm for a few minutes and write down or type the first few goals that come out of your mind for each category. Remember these are goals that you will shoot for by the year 2015.

Step 4) Be creative, let your imagination run wild! Consult with a loved one as well!

Step 5) Place your name and date on your goal sheet. This way, you can hold yourself accountable. Step 6) Post your goal sheet in a highly visible place where you can view it on a daily basis-for example: on your bed stand, on your computer desktop, at work, in your wallet, on the refrigerator, etc....

Step 7) Read your goals every morning right when you get out of bed, and again at night right before you sleep.

Step 8) Take positive action towards each of your goals. Achieve your goals. Succeed, and HAVE FUN!!!

When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing -- then we truly live life. -Greg Anderson

You control your future, your destiny. What you think about comes about. By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. -Mark Victor Hansen

Cedric Licuanan is a thriving Chicago-Based Internet Marketer. He has focused on helping people achieve what they want out of life and currently maintains several success-driven websites.

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Life Can Change When You Least Expect It A True Story

Life Can Change When You Least Expect It, A True Story
By Andy Thompson

It all started early one Sunday morning in September 1997 after a two-minute encounter that would end up changing my life. It was with a man in a red pick up truck with a P.O.W. license plate. We were the only two vehicles on the road that morning.

I had no idea what I was doing with my life it felt out of control. I had just moved to Port Charlotte, Florida from Grand Rapids, Michigan just a few months before. I just picked up and moved with no money, no job - just opened a map book, pointedand moved.

I was 25 years old, super depressed and needed to get away from allthose who had defined me my whole life. I don't know what compelled me that morning, up to that point I was pretty much pissed off all the time. I felt misunderstood, judged and unworthy. I was sad.

I had no idea who I was or why I was here, but I remember feeling very lucky and grateful to be in a country where I could go off and find myself. I could take as long as I needed to figure things out and I had the freedom to try as many different things as I needed to until I found my purpose.

I'm sure I looked crazy as I pulled up next to the red pickup and motioned the man to roll down his window. He looked at me very suspiciously. I don't blame him; I was just some punk kid with aggressive facial hair and dark sunglasses.

I think most people would have hesitated, but after one more motion he finally rolled down the window. I asked him, Are you the P.O.W. on your license plate? Yes I am, he replied. I took off my glasses and said Thank you for my freedom. The light turned green and I pulled away.

He caught up to me at the next light and with tears in his eyes, he thanked me! He said Not one time since I have been back from the war has anyone said that to me, I will never forget you!

I never got the man's name and I have never seen him again, but the look on his face changed my life. The feeling we shared that day was not of this world, I felt it in my soul. From this experience my life's work was set in motion. To create a way for others to experience the feelings I felt during that chance encounter.

That day I uncovered one of the secrets to life. it's not the love you receive but rather the love you share that makes you truly happy.

Andy Thompson All Rights Reserved

Andy Thompson is a writer who enjoys the growth part of the Self Growth Process. He recommends the breakthrough 21-day self empowerment program Habit Busting and publishes a quality information packed monthly newsletter. Read more at http://www.BadHabitBreaking101.com/pow/ and sign up for our free 7-day goal setting e-course.

You may reprint this article in your newsletter as long as appears exactly as printed above including the link.

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An Unfinished Life

An Unfinished Life
By Sharon Marquart

You catch a thought, an inspiration pops into your mind. A light bulb goes off. You begin to toss it around in your head, giving it consideration. Your mind begins to wrap around the possibilities as you sit with it for a few days in contemplation. Your emotions begin to engage in this now fabulous idea. It flows from your mind down into your heart and takes on a life of its own. Each pulsating heartbeat creates a new impulse of energy, a spark that ignites a passion inside you. Your heart envisions the idea as a real possibility for your life. You become aligned with the idea: heart, mind and emotions. Your inner voice exclaims, Wow, I can do that! proclaims, I believe this is possible! and confirms What an absolutely fabulous idea!

Your silent words, your thoughts, your emotions, your passion become a prayer. But they dont go unnoticed. Theres another force listening. The Universe hears you! It begins to get all the players in place. There is a shift in the energy of the Universe. Heaven and earth are moved for you. People are directed toward you, as if you are a magnetic field. The red carpet is rolled out. The door of opportunity is put in your line of sight. The runway is lined with everything you need: information, people, places, resources. Everything you need is ready, in place and waiting for you! The Universe prepares to welcome a new magnificence into the world!

You stand on the red carpet, captivated by all that surrounds you. Chills of exhilaration run through your body as the hair on your arms stand on end with the energy of excitement. You KNOW in your heart this is it! This is the dream youve waited for, and you are ready! The Universe celebrates your arrival. Fireworks explode above you. You begin to walk down the red carpet toward the door of a new self. You are amazed at the people who suddenly appear out of nowhere to serve as your guides. Crowds form along the runway and people you dont recognize smile and pat you on the back as you walk past them. They cheer and congratulate you. You are in total awe of the words of inspiration whispered in your ear. All the puzzle pieces have fallen easily into place and you watch in utter amazement! Finally! You arrive at the door.

You know that on the other side of that door is the manifestation of your dream. It is the dynamic idea come to fruition. It is the passion of your heart; the ideal job of a lifetime; the partner of your dreams, and it is abundance beyond measure. It is a calling you have heard in your most silent moments. A calling that has taken years to be heard outside of your own mind. It is your magnificent Self! With your hand on the doorknob, you slowly begin to turn the handle, feeling it move as your heart skips a beat. The pulsing in your head has become louder. There is no more waiting. No hesitation. You are ready! YES! The time is now! Now! Now! . Then, you freeze. Everything stops. The roaring crowds who cheered you are now replaced with an all too familiar deafening silence within your mind.

The clouds of doubt surround you. I dont know arrives. It covers the vision of your heart with a veil of self doubt and confusion. Your deepest fears of unworthiness flood you. You feel as if youre drowning. What if Im making this all up? What if I open this door and nothings there? You hear the word NO screamed on the loud speaker, NO, dont touch! NO, thats not for you! NO, dont bother me! NO, youre not good enough! NO, you cant have that! NO, not this time, NO, not now! You thought all this was for you? Youve got to be kidding! Why would you be worthy of such enlightenment? The fear of abandonment and disapproval dims the energy that once burned so bright within you. You melt into a puddle of self doubt. Your knees lock, your legs begin to shake. You are frozen with fear. A hush falls over the crowd, followed by silence. You stand with your hand on the door of your Magnificent Selfparalyzed. Unfinished.

Sharon Marquart is a gifted Certified Personal Coach, inspirational speaker and author. For more than 13 years she has share with audiences large and small. She is the author of Working For God, Living With Soulful Purpose, and Creating A Wedding Ministry. Her coaching practice is Living at YES!(You Embracing Spirit) where she passionately supports clients in identifying mistaken beliefs and self-limiting thoughts. She coaches them in getting unstuck, setting intentions and living possibilities! Sharon teaches via tele-classes and facilitates tele-groups and e-courses. Her coaching clients are nationwide. Sharon is committed to bringing Metaphysical and Spiritual Truths into everyday language and applying them to everyday life experiences.

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Your Life is Worth Living

Your Life is Worth Living
By Stephanie Martinez

You know, there are two good things in life, freedom of thought and freedom of action. by W. Somerset Maugham. This is an amazing and powerful quote that everyone should stop and really think about. Theres nothing better than having your own freedom in your life. This can be accomplished by taking action and learning to manifest your life to its fullest potential. One shouldnt have to put their needs, goals, and dreams aside simply because you dont think theyre important or worth the chance of coming true. This concept that your dreams are never going to come true and its best to stick with reality, whatever that reality might be, is the easiest way out of taking responsibility of your life. Its so easy to just give up rather than have a strong soul that can guide you to your dreams. This path is a harder path to travel through, but the only path that can lead you to true freedom that you deserve.

Its difficult to try to be strong in a society that advertises so much negativity. For example, this negativity can even be found within your own family or close friends. People, in general, that just say you cant do something, its out of your reach, quit living in the clouds and come back to reality, all these comments get ingrained strongly in your mind and ultimately you fall for it and believe these comments. People have to be strong in blocking out negativity in order to be strong, have self-value, spiritual-awareness, and self-worth. This isnt an easy task to do, because in this society we have been brought up to listen to other peoples opinions and not question them. For example, we believe what we were taught by our parents and family members and just take it as it is rather than question their teaching methods. You have to learn and make a wise decision and differentiate in what to block out and what to not. If someone says you cant do that, simply because they have no faith in you well this is where your inner strength is able to shine and prove them wrong.

The concept of manifestation can teach you everything you need to know about living your dream and not wishing to be able to live your dreams. Manifestation can change your life to a more positive life thats worth living. Youll be able to have all the qualities that youve always had but never practiced. Being a positive person that thinks positively and avoids negative energies is a person that has learned to manifest their life and practices manifestation daily. You too can be part of this positive circle of energy. Live the life you want to live, after all you deserve the very best. As mentioned in the quote above, freedom is the most important thing in everyones life. If you would like to seek this and much more, then manifestation is the answer to your dreams which could be your reality.

If you are interested in manifestation and more wonderful techniques, please visit us at =>http://www.mymanifestpower.comand Don't forget about your FREE ebook.

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10 Ways to Take Back Your Time

10 Ways to Take Back Your Time
By Linda Dessau

I've divided my tips into two sections - 5 ways to manage your time and 5 ways to take back your time. Both offer daily or regular practices to try out in your life right now.

The first section focuses more on easing the time pressures in your life, to deal with all of the things you've gotten yourself into ;)

The second section focuses on making overall changes to your life. When you take back your time you also take back your CHOICE. When we're feeling time pressured and stressed out it's easy to forget that we have any say in the matter. And we do!

5 WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR TIME

1. Choose specific times to look at email during the day - seeing emails as they come in can really distract you from what you're trying to accomplish and you'll end up losing time as you go back and forth between activities.

2. The 15-minute strategy. This not only helps motivate you by breaking down large jobs into smaller pieces, it also makes good use of your time. The strategy is to spend 15-minutes on a task and then move on the next. You can come back to the first one as many times as you need to until it's done.

3. Find a system that works for you for making and meeting deadlines and appointments - a calendar or day-timer. I use a Palm Pilot and have been really happy with it.

4. Plan and cook meals ahead of time. A huge time-saver and also makes it much easier to eat healthier. It could be as simple as cooking an extra portion of dinner and having it for lunch the next day, or you could plan out seven days at a time (which is what I do).

5. Keep up with things - whether it's tidying up your papers, doing the dishes or working on a report, doing things a bit at a time (see tip #2) instead of letting them pile up to the point of taking you all day, is much more manageable.

5 WAYS TO TAKE BACK YOUR TIME

1. Set and keep your boundaries - if you work for someone else, be clear about over-time and taking work home with you. If you work for yourself, establish the times of day that are no-work zones; good places to start are breaks for meals and deciding when you will start and stop work for the day.

2. Make one day a week imeless rise and shine when you feel like it, eat when you're hungry and let your inner child (or your actual child!) plan your day's activities. Warning: This may conflict with the tip below ;)

3. Cut your t.v. time - try limiting it to one hour per day. Or try cutting it out completely for one week.

4. Buddy up and find someone to take back time with. Whether it's your spouse, best friend, family member or work colleague, if you're both committed you won't let each other bow out.

5. Take your holidays! Whether you're self-employed or work for someone else it's important to take time off to rejuvenate. You will be more productive for it in the long run.

Where do you need to take back time in your life? Where do you need to manage your time better?

(c) Copyright 2005, Genuine Coaching Services.

Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach, is the author of The Everyday Self-Care Workbook. To receive one of her free monthly newsletters, subscribe at http://www.genuinecoaching.com/newsletter.html

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Your Life Matters! Four Vital Reasons to Tell Your Life Story

Your Life Matters! Four Vital Reasons to Tell Your Life Story
By Kim Pearson

Are your children or grandchildren pestering you to write those stories down!? Perhaps you feel that you dont have time to remember your life youre still too busy living it! It is a daunting endeavor to write down 30, 50, 80 years of living. It is often an overwhelming task just to remember it.

Many of us think we will write our memoirs someday. Maybe if we do something fabulous, outrageous, something which alters the course of history. Maybe if we become famous. Or maybe just when we have the time, whenever that will be. But few of us ever get around to it. And the truth is that if you dont preserve your stories what you did, what you thought, what you felt, what you witnessed then your stories will die when you do. No one else can tell them like you can. No one else has your eyes, your heart or your mind.

Well so what? you may ask. Im just an average person. I didnt do anything important. Weve been taught that modesty is good manners. You shouldnt toot your own horn. Who are we to think were important enough to warrant a memoir? No one wants to be an egotist. Or some of us feel that were just cogs in a vast machine, with little personal power or meaning. We think only those with wealth, power or influence, can make a difference in the world.

If these are your beliefs, you are wrong. Preserving your stories is not about ego. The meaning of your life does not depend upon fame or wealth or even great deeds. We make wills to ensure our possessions are passed on to those who cherish them or can use them. But possessions are just things. Stories are alive. One of the greatest gifts you can give your descendants is the story of who you are. What were your hopes, your dreams, your fears, your griefs? What did you learn? What did you teach? Who did you love?

At this time in history, when we as a world are grappling with global difficulties unprecedented in scope, such as terrorism, plague, ecological disasters and more, it is more important than ever that we share our stories with each other. It is vital that we know our individual stories matter. If we all knew that what we do, say, think or feel no matter how trivial -- has meaning and consequences, how would we behave differently? Would we be less inclined to apathy, despair and fear? Would we be more impelled to action, and to using our power to make this world a better place?

Stories show us how we connect with each other, they allow us to teach and learn, they inspire us, and they heal our divisions and our wounds.

Stories of connection show how we fit into the great tapestry of life on earth. Today many of us feel isolated and alone. Families tend to be scattered around the globe, and many of our institutions are breaking apart. We have lost touch with our past and are afraid of the future. But when we share our experiences, we are reminded that we are still connected with each other. Each of us has a place and a part and a lineage.

Teaching stories allow us to pass along our accumulated wisdom. With technology advancing at a rate never seen before, and becoming more and more specialized, we can start to feel that we dont understand how the world works anymore. But when we tell our stories, we are reminded that we are the keepers of wisdom not machines or chemicals. That lessons on how to dream, how to love, how to laugh, can only be taught by example, and we are the only ones who can teach each other.

In this time of terrorism and disaster, with news media around the world blaring stories of violence and greed, heroic stories give us hope. They remind us that people can not only cope with disaster, but turn it into triumph. That ordinary people, folks just like us, have depths of courage, compassion and creativity. When we hear their stories, we are inspired to believe in the possibility of our own heroism.

Today fear, with its consequence of anger, permeates our society. Stories of hatred, revenge, and pathological madness abound. We have come to expect lies and secrets from our leaders. Our society is urgently in need of healing. In order to do so we need to forgive each other, and ourselves. Sharing our stories comforts us and reminds us that we can be whole. We walk along a path whose way stations are understanding, compassion, and finally forgiveness. We can be healed of our anger and our fear.

Connection, wisdom, inspiration and healing: these are the reasons we tell our stories. Telling our stories is important because we are.

Kim Pearson is an author and ghostwriter who has ghostwritten more than 30 non-fiction books and memoirs, plus authoring 7 books of fiction, poetry and non-fiction. For more information click here.

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Self Improvement Books: Valuable Guides Or Dusty Doorstops?

Self Improvement Books: Valuable Guides Or Dusty Doorstops?
By James Allen

Quite often, when someone decides to make positive changes in their lifestyle and personality, the first thing they'll do is head for the nearest bookstore and start looking through the self improvement book section. Although their desire to become a better person is honorable, there are some things they should know before selecting a self improvement book to help them on their course. If you are one of these people, please read on.

First, not every one of these books is filled with advice that will be helpful for you. Sure, the cover may be flashy, the title intriquing and the write-up on the back may hold promises of the many secrets to be revealed within. Please don't fall prey to this type of gift-wrap marketing though. Take the time to actually crack open the book and read through the contents and a few random paragraphs or pages within.

Secondly, ask yourself if the course of self improvement being offered in the book is information that you already know. As you skim the book, you may find yourself agreeing with what the author is saying. That's a good sign that you already know this information. In this case, what you need to do is take action with the information you already have, not procrastinate by purchasing another book on the topic.

On the other hand, if you find yourself having lightbulbs go off in your head as you browse through the book and saying to yourself, Hey, I never thought of things that way!, you might be onto a good find. Self improvement books that make you think on your own and motivate you to take action on your new ideas are often a worthwhile investment.

Finally, if you do discover the perfect book, don't buy it right away. Being frugal is one of the first steps to self-improvement, so you might want to consider leaving the bookstore and checking your local library to see if the title is available for free. Another option is to comparison shop at online bookstores to get the best price available.

Keeping these book buying tips in mind will not only save you time and money, they may also help you further along your path to personal perfection.

James B. Allen is the cosmic publisher behind PowerLivingPress.com. Before you spend your hard-earned cash on any more self improvement books, come explore his site. It's overflowing with free articles, tips and resources to help you enjoy life to the fullest - starting right now!

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Inspiration: Content Motivates

Inspiration: Content Motivates
By Jan Verhoeff

You wont believe what my son said yesterday! It was so funny. I was sitting at the computer typing away on my latest project and he walked up behind me and looped his arms around my neck (just like he does almost every morning) and said, Mom, what cha writing?

I calmly responded, Content for my site. And leaned back for his warm hug. I love it when he does that.

So, who did you write about this time? His voice sounded almost excited, as if he really wanted to know.

I typed in another paragraph with him reading over my shoulder including his name in the conversational dialogue. Mom, youre writing about me again. I got another hug and he was off to work on his next book. Kenton has been writing an average of one childrens book every three or four months, including illustrations since he first figured out he could be a published author and make money from his writing, almost a year ago.

How often are we inspired by seeing our name in print? Its awesome! What more could a writer want than to be quoted?

Not very long ago, I saw an article that said, According to Jan Verhoeff and a bit later in the article, referred to Jan (me) as HE. It didnt matter. Im sure the author of the article hadnt done any research on me as a writer, just on what Id written about. The quote was right out of one of my more prominent Internet documents, and well stated, fitting extremely well with the topic of the article where I was quoted. For those of you who have seen my picture, Im definitely not a HE, and for those of you who havent, but do read many of my gender specific posts, you already know Im a woman.

I ran around for two weeks telling everyone within shouting distance that Id been quoted! I think I even posted it on a favorite writer site, to hear all the congratulations and encouragement. It made me feel special to be written about.

If you want to impact your reader make them feel like you are writing your article specifically for them, about them, and to them. Put personality in the article. Get personal. Motivate your reader by bringing them into the action.

Content motivates. Inspire your reader to follow the directions included in your signature by actively inviting them to participate in the content. If not by name; at least by implication, invite your reader into the action.

Let them get to know you, and get to know them. Get personal. Get involved.

Impact your market as never before. Be seen. Be alive. Be creative in your endeavors to brand your business and consume your market. Let eBiz Blitz empower your dreams by infusing your business publications with Dynamic Content. Visit Dynamic Content Creator, Jan Verhoeff, at http://www.freewebs.com/ebizblitz

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10 Ways to Remove Stress From Your Life

10 Ways to Remove Stress From Your Life
By Natasha Munson

1. Speak and honor your truth. One of the biggest problems, especially for women, is knowing when and how to say no. Many women are born with the need to please and deal with societal pressures to be superwoman. We must learn to say no when we mean no and yes when we truly mean yes. Our truth is a gift that we must honor. We all know when we are not honoring our truth because we feel it in our spirit. Live your life so that everything is a reflection of your truth.

2. Stop feeling obligated. So many times we maintain friendships and relationships out of obligation. We feel that we must remain part of a persons life because of the length of time we have known them or what we have experienced together in the past. However, people change and you must acknowledge when a friendship is no longer beneficial and enriching. You can feel when someone is draining your life and energy. Then you must remove yourself from the equation. You must remember that you are allowing yourself to feel obligated and you are choosing to be obligated. You can also choose whom you give your time and energy too.

3. Use your faith. Understand that you need God and your faith to deal with the issues and problems that will arise in life. Then use your faith to help you endure. Our faith is like the fuel that keeps our spirits working efficiently. So everyday, read a bible verse and an inspirational message to keep your spirit replenished.

4. Get disciplined. We must lead by example. If we truly want to love our lives and keep depression and bad decisions at bay then we must become disciplined in all areas of our life. Discipline will help us have control over our life and our decisions.

5. Make a commitment. In my life I made a commitment to live a life I loved. That commitment requires me to look at life and people differently. In order to love my life, every decision I make, every friendship and relationship I have, and every opportunity I pursue must keep me on the path of loving my life. You must make a commitment to have your life stand and mean something. People should be able to see the God in you and want to know more about your joy and your life.

6. This too shall pass. We must understand that everything in life has a time, a season and a reason. Life itself is a process and people are a part of that process. When you understand life in these simple terms it gives you the ability to deal with life. No matter what you are dealing with in life, from an annoying coworker to a life-changing event, there is a simple truth that will prevail - this too shall pass.

7. No woe-is-me parties and no excuses. As a human being you will have moments in your life when you feel like saying, why me? There are also times when you will sit down with others and talk about the struggles and hardships of life. We must refuse to partake in the misery moments. You must refuse to give that negative energy power. And then you must stop blocking your own blessing and progress. Most likely if you are not receiving what you want out of life it is because you are blocking yourself in some way. The only person that can stop you from living your purpose and doing what God sent you here to do is you. In order to feel fulfilled in life, you must refuse to make excuses in your life and you must be an active participant in your life. You must do everything you can to keep your life progressing in a positive way.

8. Create a life plan. Make sure it has a time line and a deadline. Plan your life. This simple act will help you when obstacles and opportunities present themselves.

9. Take and make time for yourself. We must incorporate time for ourselves into our lives. Many times we become stressed and overworked because we are in a state of constantly giving. As spiritual people it is easy to understand why we want to be so giving. Yet we all must learn how to replenish and how to get restored. There are twenty-four hours provided in a day. Saying that you do not have time for yourself is an excuse. Not making time for yourself is a choice. So you must simply choose differently. Choose to give time to yourself and decide when and how you will take time for yourself.

10. Love your life. In the lowest moment of my life I adopted the slogan, Live a life you love! It was more than an affirmation. It was a goal I wanted to accomplish. I understood that this goal would alter my life, and it has in an amazing way. Once I committed to living a life I loved my decision-making changed. Suddenly I had to question whether I would look back on an opportunity and say I would have, I could have or I should have. I had to examine whether a decision would leave me with feelings of regret or accomplishment. I became more aware of my choices and my friendships.

We are all blessed with the ability to live a life we love. We must remember that it is a commitment that affects every area of our life, every decision that we make, and every person that we allow to be in our life. Everyone and everything in your life should be a reflection of the joy that is in your life.

Natasha Munson is the author of Life Lessons for My Sisters and Spiritual Lessons for My Sisters: How to Get Over The Drama and Live Your Best Life! (Hyperion May 2006). She is the owner of an online travel company, http://www.StarDiscountTravel.com More information about the author can be found at http://www.sisterlessons.com

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Your Life Might Be Topsy Turvy With Stress From Fear

Your Life Might Be Topsy Turvy, With Stress From Fear
By Abbas Abedi

In order for us to change the things that we are unhappy with in our lives we have to change the way that we think. If we never change the way that we think we will continue to get the same results in our lives. In order for us to see changes in our lives we have to face our worst enemy and that is FEAR (really ourselves)

About 90% of people live their lives in fear and never become the person that they dream of becoming. This simply happens because they just fail to take action. They FEAR what they don't understand. We have to look at FEAR as nothing more then a word or as a learning process. Did you ever know what FEAR was when you were a young child? Probably not, at least until someone that you trusted or looked up to told you what it was. Mankind has simply connected a word to a feeling, giving it life and in turn making people fear it. Mark Twain said it best with this quote, Do the things that you FEAR most and the DEATH to FEAR is certain. You owe it to yourself to understand this principle.

To conquer fear start by accomplishing the things that you fear the most. After doing so, you will look back and think how foolish it was to be afraid in the first place.

Learn to leave your comfort zone. When we leave our comfort zone we become a more rounded individual. When we do the things that we fear and look back at them afterwards, we see that what we feared has now turned into part of our comfort zone. This simply happens because we do not fear these things after accomplishing them in the past. The next time similar situations arise we will no longer stress over it, we will just do it.

We must set our minds on always conquering the unknown. Always hink outside the box. Look fear in the eyes and just do the task. Chances are that you will succeed and soon come to find out that FEAR is nothing more then a word. Every successful businessperson has undoubtedly faced fear many times, yet they have succeeded in their business. So can you!

Think back to when you were a child. Most of us have limitations put on our lives very early. We are taught how to think, what schools to attend, how to make a living, and finally, even how to plan our retirement. Most of us end up fearing anything that is different than what we are taught.

Once we understand and can change some of the beliefs that have been programmed into us by society, we can more fully take control of our lives and our destiny through the power of positive thought.

You to can become successful in any aspect of your life that you choose. You just have to get past one thing, YOURSELF!

When you do this you will start to become the person that you have always dreamed about. Today is the day you are going to take what is rightfully yours. It's called LIFE! We are here to enjoy every aspect of life, not just to be a part of it.

Believe in yourself and start by reducing your stress, and with it your fear.

Abbas Abedi CHtIf you are interested in natural techniques to reduce stress and anxiety in your life today, then sign up for my free eCourse titled, 4 Days to Break Free from a Stressful Lifestyle at http://www.instantstressmanagement.comInstant Stress Management

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10 Ways to Bring More Balance to Your Life

10 Ways to Bring More Balance to Your Life
By Michelle Casto

The World Health Organization has called stress a modern day epidemic affecting every person of every culture, educational status, and financial level across the world. Too much stress is the reason we end up sick and burned out. We know there must be something more than the hustle and bustle of modern-day life and yet forget to take the time to find our unique sense of balance.

Gandhi once said, There is more to life than increasing its speed. This is even more true in the modern world. It is essential then that you discover what will bring you a harmonious and balanced lifestyle. There are many ways to bring more balance to your life. Here are 10 ways I have found that work, which should get you thinking of even more uniquely suited to you.

1.Have Faith in a Higher Power
Voltaire once said, Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe. Having faith in a higher power helps you face even the darkest hours. Faith gives you peace of mind and an open heart. It lights the dark tunnel and allows you to walk forward courageously.Action Step: Choose a favorite inspirational quote about faith and put it in your wallet.

2. Assess Your Life
Human beings are similar to a computer: we both operate on programming. What we put in, we get back. And if we put in or take on too much, we get overloaded, and then burn out. Assessing where you are now will help you to know what to do, where to go, and what to leave behind. Action Step: List all the stressful events that have happened to you in the last year.

3.Live By Your Values
Choose to make life choices that stem from your core values---those things that feed your soul. Values are intrinsic beliefs and feelings that develop from our experiences, backgrounds, and culture. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that when your orient your life around your values that life is much more to your liking.Action Step: Identify and define your top 5 values.

4.Develop Boundaries
Boundaries are physical, emotional, and spiritual barriers that keep us safe, protected and nurtured. Having healthy boundaries empowers us to say no when appropriate and attract what we want into our life and keep out garbage. Boundaries show others that you love, care, and value yourself. Action Step: Set a clear boundary with someone close to you this week.

5.Change Your Self-Talk
Balanced living requires balanced thinking. When negative thoughts come up, shut them out and focus on the positive. Your personal operating software is often running off of outdated and old tapes. Consciously create a new tape and upload it to your brain!Action Step: Choose an affirmation that you love and say it out loud ten times every day.

6.Take Control
You are in control of your own life. Nobody makes you stay in bad situations. If you are in a job you despise, an unhealthy relationship, do not wait until you get fired or dumped. Choose to change. Recognize the cause of your discontent and take action. Action Step: Make a change for the better starting now.

7.Clean up and Clear Out
Your physical surroundings have a major impact on your sense of balance. So if you live and work in chaos and clutter, you will feel off center. Cleaning up and clearing out your personal (mind-set and relationships) and environmental (home, office, car) spaces brings instant rejuvenation.Action Step: Tackle a drawer, closet, or garage by the end of the week.

8.Eliminate Tolerations
If you are like most, you are tolerating way too much. A toleration is anything that is stressing you, for example: things that are undone, incomplete projects, and toxic people, places, or situations. Eliminating tolerations is a great way to unleash stored energy and power. Action Step: Eliminate 3 tolerations from your life today.

9.Practice Wellness
Wellness means having a holistic program (mind, body, and spirit). Take care of your body by eating healthy, getting regular exercise and enjoying rest. Nurture your heart and mind with good friends, fun adventures, and learning new things. Refresh your spirit by reading inspirational books, attending church, spending time in nature, etc. Action Step: Do 3 extra things to take care of yourself this week.

10.Simplify Your Life
The key to live more simply is to downsize and release unnecessary things from your life. Simple living is about living deliberately. You choose your existence rather than sailing through life. It is about finding your unique balance. Simplicity asks: Is it right for me? How do I want to live my life? Action Step: Write your philosophy of an ideal life, incorporating elements you most cherish.

There are many ways to bring balance to your life. It starts with making smart decisions and becoming more aware of what makes you happy. Stress is not going away anytime soon, so you may as well start today by creating a program to manage it. Discover what works best for you and commit to doing it on a daily basis. You will quickly learn that balance is not just a nice idea, but an actual reality!

Michelle L. Casto is a Spiritual Life Coach, Speaker, and Author of a dozen books and work books on self-empowerment. Her coaching practice is Brightlight Coaching, she helps people come up with bright ideas for their life and empowers them to freely shine their bright light to the word. Contact her for a complimentary coaching session: michelle@brightlightcoach.com.

Visit virtually: www.brightlightcoach.com www.getsmartseries.com

Michelle L. Casto is a Spiritual Life Coach, Speaker, and Author of a dozen books and work books on self-empowerment. Her coaching practice is Brightlight Coaching, she helps people come up with bright ideas for their life and empowers them to freely shine their bright light to the word. Contact her for a complimentary coaching session: michelle@brightlightcoach.com.Visit virtually: http://www.brightlightcoach.com http://www.getsmartseries.com

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Your Life's Vision

Your Life's Vision
By Larry DeRusha

As the new year begins, it is always a good idea to take alook at your life's vision to decide if you are on-track ornot. When I say life's vision I mean the vision your soulhas for your life. If you haven't taken the time to vision,I'll give you a technique to accomplish it. If you haveyour vision already use this technique to re-energizing it.

Let's make a distinction between visioning andvisualization, which I call imagining.

Imagining

This process is to visualize some thing or situation usingyour imagination. Perhaps you want a new job. Let's usethe desire for a new job and the process as a demonstration.

1. Sit quietly in a place where it is comfortable. Thisplace should be relatively dark and quiet so your senseswill not engage in the outer world so easily. Then as youare sitting take a deep breath and let out all the air. Now breathe normally and close your eyes. Allow youawareness to focus on your breath. If your mind is busythinking of all kinds of things you may want to chant - usethe word elax. Just repeat it over and over until yourmind is quiet your breathing steady.

2. Next, imagine yourself in this new position/job.

3. Imagine all of the detail in this picture. Look aroundin your mind's eye picture and notice the detail. Noticecolors, what if anything is being said what it feels like.If this is a still picture see if you can turn it into amovie.

4. Once you have this picture and detail the next criticalstep is to experience what it feels like when you areworking in this new position. To do this look at thepicture/movie and notice how wonderful or fulfilling itfeels. Notice this in your body right now as if theexperience is actually happening.

By combining what you see hear and what you feel in yourimagination, you present to the mind a circumstance-a moldinto which the universe pours reality. Imagining is veryimportant to the creation process. Being able to imaginewhat it is you want to create is a necessary part ofconscious creation. You may want to practice this severaltimes. I sat for two weeks on and off doing this processuntil I just couldn't any more. The results showed upwithin two weeks.

There are several cautions. If you have doubt about thecircumstance you are imagining you are actually impedingits creation. The more doubt, the less likely the creationwill take place. The reason why you create what you havealways had is you have faith in what you have alreadycreated and believe it to be your truth. The second cautionis not to expect too short a time frame. It will happenwhenever you have fully accepted your desire as true ofyour life. The time it takes to clear your doubts is theamount of time that will pass before you experience whatyou wish to create. Practice this process daily to chipaway at your resistance to having what you desire.

Visioning

Unlike imaging, visioning is a function of the intuitivemind. It allows you to tap into your soul and see yourfuture. Visioning is sitting in the silence of meditationand allowing yourself (ego) to dissolve into the somethingbeyond the conscious mind and beyond the Local Story to theGreater Story. It is from this place that you can seeyour life and how it unfolds for the highest good. Thisgives your life a reference point to determine if you areon-track.

When I first visioned my life, I sat in a quiet placewhere I wouldn't be disturbed for at least three hours.This would give me time to quiet my conscious mind and moveinto the silence. Some people take longer and some lesstime to accomplish this same thing. When I sat and foundthe silence I saw parts of a movie playing. The overalltheme was helping people to find deeper meaning in theirlives and to use my intuition to open people to theirvision.

If you haven't captured your life's vision yet, begin bytaking this question into meditation: What is the highestgood that I can allow to come through me? This questioncan open the door as you move into a deeper, more relaxedmeditative state. If the vision doesn't come the firsttime you sit - try again. It may take several sittings.Few of us have cultivated our intuitive powers. Is it anywonder then why the first time or two or three we come upblank?

Furthermore, your purpose in this life can be more readilyunderstood when you catch your life's vision. This visionis the internal picturing of your purpose unfolding-thereason why you exist. When you create a life plan orblueprint for your life part of the plan must be to visionyour life. Take the time to catch the vision of your lifeand watch the miracles happen.

Larry DeRusha is Chairman of CSBN, a TV network for the self-directed spiritual seeker. He is also a minister and author. Finding your life purpose is one of the themes ofhis program, The Roar From Within - Your Destiny Calls, released in December 2005. More details about the program can be found at http://www.roarfromwithin.com.

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Your Mindset Determines Your Success in Life

Your Mindset Determines Your Success in Life
By Sopan Greene

To keep at the top of your game you have to keep a clear head. You can't afford to fill up on news and negativity. The world's overflowin' with it and the only way to be a winner is to be in control of your thoughts.

Your thoughts become words, your words become actions and your actions become your destiny. Someone else came up with that, but I've always remembered it because it's true. Our actions show who we truly are and how shallow or deep our character is.

Where you are today is a direct reflection of the words, thoughts and actions you took days, months and years ago. No matter how much some people blame their parents,teachers, where they grew up, television, the government or anything else, the truth is that nobody got them where they are today but themselves. The longer we choose to not take responsibility for our lives, the longer we'll living uninspired lives that we don't love.

I've heard 40 year old adults who complain about their lives and take no responsiblility for what they've created. Give me a break. If you think you're on the recieving end of life you're mistaken and too lazy to do anything about it.

Simply think about the pictures you've seen on TV of people in third world countries. When I start to get mad about having to stand behind two people in a line at the grocery store I remind myself that a lot of people don't even know where their food will come from tonight. This shifts me from anger to gratitude.

The next time you notice yourself getting frustrated or angry about something in your life I invite you to shift your focus onto what's great in your life. It doesn't matter if you think you don't have enough money or you're mad at your dog for chewing up a shoe. Remember how much love you get from having your dog in the first place and how your weekly earnings are more than some people make in a month or year.

Keep your focus on what is working - for you and for others. We are bombarded with negative input all day long. We need to watch what goes in because our livlihoods depend on what we creatively crank out. Our heads need to be full of positive inspiration or free space where we can dream.

A recent study revealed that the people who watch the most television news are the most fearful in our society. Crime has been going down in America for over a decade, but since the news focuses on it and repeats it over and over, a lot of people are receiving multiple messages that the world isn't safe. These people end up being less confident and less successful as a result of being emotinally paralyzed to a degree by their fears.

Remember the old phrase garbage in, garbage out? If you Were asked to be on television based on the person you are today would be on Jerry Springer or Oprah?

Yeah, I know. You're probably laughing or snickering right now. I can practically see that questioning look of disbelief on your face.

You may even think that you wouldn't be on either one. Just imagine that there's a guy at your door and he's going to put you in a limo right now and you have to pick one show or the other to be a guest on or you'll be locked in your house for a month. (It's silly, but you get the point, I want you to get into it).

There's a definite difference between Oprah guests and Jerry's guests. Oprah's guests radiate confidence and have taken responsibility for their lives and have created lemonade out of lemons. Jerry's guests radiate low self esteem and think they're victims of life. Even worse, they think they have a right to inflict their negative self-defeating attitude on others.

Oprah people know that they're on the creative end of life. Jerry people choose to think they're on the receiving end of life. And the truth is that if that's what they beleive then thats what they get. It's an easy cop out to settle in life and a lot of folks do it.

It's important to keep a positive mental attitude nomatter what your life is like because nothing is more important than your thoughts. They determine how you'll experience the next minute, hour, day, week, year, decade and century. Rid your life of people and circumstances that don't inspire and enliven you. Life's simply too short to put up distracting drama and complainers who never change anything.

We all throw around phrases about how life is too short, but we don't live that way. Take at least one action today to reaffirm that you're creating a life you love.

Fire a friend who drains your energy. Read from an autobiography of a person who inspires you. Turn off the TV and write your goals and values. Take a walk in nature or with a friend who supports the best in you. Write a note to someone who has impacted your life in a positive way to let them know you're grateful for having them in your life. Rub your dog's belly and watch a doggy smile of ecstasy come out to greet you.

You're building a powerful future. Study successful people and you'll notice they all surround themselves with other inspired and successful people. Your life is your show, choose to be an Oprah person and aviod the Jerry people who show up in your life. Or better yet, treat the Jerry people you meet like they are the Oprah person buried inside them so we can all shine together.

Let your positive mental attitude infect everyone you meet and we'll all enjoy better lives.

About The Author

Sopan Greene, M.A.

http://www.AngryEnoughToChange.com

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Inspiration: Some More Life Lessons I've Learned Along the Way So Far

Inspiration: Some More Life Lessons I've Learned Along the Way So Far
By Jeff Herring

• I don't know anyone who has not thought of a great idea for a product or service and then someone else make lots of money with it later. So next time you get a great idea, put it into action.
• I have just one question for husbands, or wives for that matter, who don't believe in marriage counseling: Do you believe more in divorce?
• People who talk on cell phones should be made to clean up the floor after the movie, using only their bare hands and tongue.
• The more I do this counseling thing, the more I realize how very much I do not know.
• Most parents of teenagers play human alarm clocks every morning, trying to get their kids out of bed. Research shows that teenagers need more sleep than adults. At the same time, there could be several factors contributing to your teen being too tired in the morning. One possibility many parents do not consider is that some time between bedtime and the morning, their teen has snuck out of the house and then back in again. Check for exit signs above the window.
• Thoughts and ideas have consequences. We try to think and act as if this is not true, but the sometimes painful reality is that it is true.
• Wouldn't it be cool if teachers coming out of college were treated like star athletes? You know, multi-million dollar contracts and signing bonuses.

Visit The Internet Article Guy for more leading edge tips and tools for writing articles that bring you prospects, publicity and profits. You can also subscribe to our monthly Article Writing & Marketing Tips Newsletter. You are also invited to visit my Express-Start Article Writing Program for more information on the next article writing tele-seminar.

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Your Most Important Opportunity says a top UK Personal Development Coach

Your Most Important Opportunity says a top UK Personal Development Coach
By Jo Ball

For some people this article will turn out to be one of the most important things theyve ever read.

I say this because some people are ready to get to grips with life. In the next year some people will put their lives on the map. Theyll know clearly what they intend to have happen and, more importantly, why.

Do you want to be part of the crowd making the switch to the dizzying heights of happiness and when I talk about happiness, I'm talking about real Happiness? Do you want to feel good after a fulfilling day at work? Do you want to live a dream relationship? Do you want you to be building wonderful bonds with your children, easily, and taking the steps to reach your full potential as a human being?

If you do, the good news is this: change can be easy. Here is how

First, stop ignoring your instincts: that slumping feeling or that feeling of nausea or the little voice in your head that says:

'I want more out of life than I'm getting.'

Accept it as part of you and welcome that feeling. Is it telling you that youre not being rewarded or is it saying you are not being fulfilled in work?

Or is the feeling hinting something else is not right the relationship with your partner or your children?

When you listen to your instincts and accept that things are not right you put yourself back in the driving seat where you can recreate situations and get to grips with life.

When you ignore them, they return over and over again, often increasing in intensity until you have to deal with them.

Sooner or later you will have to deal with all the issues in life. Why wait until they get to the point of danger where you feel ill or you feel like your world is falling apart? Deal with them while the pressure is not too intense. Deal with them now.

If you leave it too late you wont be in the best frame of mind and youll more than likely handle it poorly.

Your instinct is your greatest opportunity. It is there to help you navigate through life, like a rudder on a ship. The problem is all too often we ignore it and try to navigate using logic, which is more like snapping the rudder off and hoping for the best.

I don't want my newsletter readers to be the envy of their friends and family. I want them to be the example! If you want to earn more, be happier in your work, have a better sex life or a fitter body then join my free newsletter. Well even send you a free e-book on finding greater happiness our way of welcoming you to our fast-growing readership.

Join us now at http://www.unstoppablelife.com

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