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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