You Are The Average Of Who You Meet & Keep In Life (By Dash Trembley)

This morning, while I was working out in the gym, I overheard a very interesting conversation that reminded me of the very wise old saying that, "you're the average of the 5 people you hang out with." So there's this man in my local gym who's always taking up one machine for long blocks of time, and I often see him on my workout days. He saw his "Gym buddy" coming over from the other end of the room and started a "conversation" with him. He complained about how much he drank the day before, and how he still feels like throwing up and that's why he's not doing his squats today. He went on incessantly.

Then "Gym buddy" joined in on complaining even more about his own current work and life on top of the man's drinking escapades yesterday. The man cut "Gym buddy" off in the middle of the conversation, realising he's not talking about him anymore and he wasn't ready to listen or provide his two cents so he invited him to go outside to take a "smoke break" instead. "Gym buddy" said to him, "I'm actually trying to quit smoking. I started yesterday." Then the man looked at him with a long disbelieving pause that was half-filled with genuine shock but I can tell he really wanted him to join him for a smoke. So "Gym buddy" made another feeble attempt to convince him once more, but this time in a much weaker tone, and he said again, "I'm serious. I'm really trying to quit." The man asked him "Why?" like it was a bad decision and foolish thing to do.

So this man started to tell him his own story about how he tried to quit for 4 (short) weeks suffering from all the most horrible withdrawal symptoms and then went back to smoking again. Even though there was no real moral or value to his story, he continued to justify and lay out all his reasons for quitting in great enthusiasm. Then "Gym buddy" turned to asked him, "Then what happened?" He simply said to him, "Nothing. I just went back to square one." "Gym buddy" paused for a split second and then said, "Fuck it, let's go." And they both started discussing about the brand of cigarettes they smoke and suggested to share and split it.

In just less than 2 minutes of sharing his experience of how he tried to quit and fail (in just 4 weeks) he has influenced and convinced someone else to give up their goal and intention in just less than 24 hours. The scary thing is, that was just an acquaintance he probably meet once a month at the gym. There was a period of time I actually preferred my customized workouts from home just so I didn't let in any chance to even come in contact with any energy that was negative. I became a "vibrational-snob".

I remember when I started my outdoor runs, (and by that, I mean my short sprints) strangers would just give me all sorts of funny looks like I lost my marbles. A few even came up to me and told me to slow down. "Don't run so fast." Perhaps it did come with good intentions, but sometimes, people who're offering you the most "opinions and advices" are the ones who're nowhere close to being happy, healthy, or abundant, to even be offering their two cents. They're usually the ones who're out of shape, emotionally, and mentally bankrupt. Can you imagine if that person was a friend or even a family member, which usually is the case, who's constantly talking you out of change? The good kind of change? Is someone in your life holding you back from becoming the best version of yourself?

https://ezinearticles.com/?You-Are-The-Average-Of-Who-You-Meet-and-Keep-In-Life&id=10115595

Reason Why Your Attitude Will Determine Your Altitude

Ever notice your attitude will determine your altitude? Can you find a reason why? Read on to find out.

Consider the following two scenarios.

Scenario 1:

You are near a beach with your housewife. You have three children playing in the sand. You play with them for a while and come and lay beside your wife and bask in the sun. You hold a fun conversation with her. You are in harmony with your family. They can do nothing for you and yet, you are the earning member of the family and provide for your family lovingly. You even thought of bringing them to this great summer vacation and spending time near the beach.

Scenario 2:

You are at home fighting and disputing with your wife. Your children are crying helplessly. You are not earning enough for your family while you wife wants food on the table for the survival of the children at least. You quarrel more grumpily and have lost hope. How to provide for my family, you reflect. You ask, why is there so much scarcity in the family?

Given the two scenarios, the man in the first scenario treats family gently and well. He earns enough to provide for his family, all of whom depend on him helplessly. Yet, he is kind at heart and looks for ways to meet their needs. The Universe looks for ways to give further to this man since the Universe finds him the right vibration match to equip him further and carry him further up the ladder of success. The man's attitude has been tested by the Universe and he has passed the test. That is why the Universe is bending towards him to give him more. This is the magic of life, and attitude is the root of all.

In the second scenario, the man has a scarce mindset. He does not seem to know how to provide for his family and meet their needs. He suffers in silence. Yet, his attitude is responsible for his situation. He should work on to improve his skill set and get a higher paying job. He should encourage his wife to work also at whatever level she can. Together they can thrive and be a happy family. If he follows this attitude, the Universe will shower them with more abundance and wealth. The man initially needs to replace his scarce mindset with an abundant one. Soon money will flow in and they will be one of the happiest families in the neighborhood. The man needs to ask the right questions, have the right mindset and above all, have the right attitude and everything falls together then.

Summing up, the two scenarios help us to understand how attitude determines altitude for a man. He can rise up the ladder of success with the Universe magnifying him every step of the way only if he cares to have the right attitude. Because that will determine how much he will soar and the altitude he will reach. Gotcha?

https://ezinearticles.com/?Reason-Why-Your-Attitude-Will-Determine-Your-Altitude&id=10149762

Building Confidence Is Easier and More Exciting Than Most People Think

One of the biggest obstacles in your way of having abundant confidence to go after what you really want in life is not having anything you are moving towards that really means anything to you.

We are so often controlled by that gut wrenching fear when we enter a new environment or try a new experience. New social settings can bring on a tight chest or knot in our stomach. Maybe a lump is felt in the throat as we attend an event held by our kids school, or the office party that is outside of the normal boundaries of turning up and sitting at the desk. Can you relate?

Lack of confidence stops so many people from doing so many things they know they should do or they simply want to do. The conversation you feel compelled to start but chicken out and walk away. The job you want to go for or the business you really want to begin but you're terrified of being rejected or failing and being criticized by your friends, family or colleagues. The class you want to go to but are scared you'll embarrass yourself or everyone will judge you because you won't be able to do it.

I've felt the pain and insecurity of low self-esteem and confidence too. I remember turning my back and walking away from a girl when I was 16. Why? Because she smiled at me and said hello! How could she do such a thing?! I was terrified. I remember panicking, scared stiff that if I said hello back I would have to think of something fun, charming and witty to say next. I felt my whole body overtaken and frozen by panic and simply turned and walked away, without saying a word.

I can look back and chuckle now. But that was a real challenge for me 20 years ago and being able to overcome that sort of self-doubt and lack of confidence has made a huge difference to how I live my life and who I have become.

So what can people do about their low self-confidence? Life seems so overwhelming and challenging when your first thought about anything is always a fearful one, figuring out how you can make it through the upcoming situation without blushing and becoming shy and awkward. Thankfully, wherever you are right now in your confidence levels, there are many wonderful and simple ways to boost and build your confidence and belief in yourself.

One of the most profound and long lasting ways to help your confidence grow and stick around too, is to get clear on what you really want in your life and start, nice and steadily, moving towards it.

It seems, as a society, we have created a way of living where getting an education, securing a career, getting married and having kids, buying a house and retiring in our 60's, with a sprinkle of annual summer holidays and a nice car to travel the journey in is, in sum-total, a 'fulfilled and well lived life'.

Now, if you are doing the thing that lights you up inside as a career then bravo! However, statistics show that as many as 84% of people surveyed in the developed world, are unhappy and unfulfilled in their chosen work. 84%??!! Isn't that an incredible number?!

One of the major reasons people suffer with low confidence is they get stuck in a rut. They've stopped pursuing and moving forwards. After a few knockbacks, their confidence can hit the downward spiral that pulls them further and further away from their true self, taking them into the pits of fear, doubt, insecurity and self-loathing. They have had their spark (that place inside them that is real and true and alive and vibrant) dulled and covered over. The expectations of the world have been put upon them. They have brought into the ideas of everyone around them about who to be, what to do, how to behave, how to think, where to work, who to spend time with. All these well meaning advisors have pulled people further from their centre, further from the truth in their own heart. One of the surest ways to have our confidence knocked out of us is to lose touch with that unique and beautiful spark inside each of us.

Therefore, one of the quickest, easiest and most important antidotes to lacking belief in yourself is to get clear on something you really want, something that lights you up inside and fills you with excitement and passion and begin taking small steps towards it. Now, it doesn't need to be your life's work, your big heart filled mission in this life time (although if you know what that is, then get focussed on that for sure) but it does need to be something more important to you than simply paying the bills and getting through each month tired and warn out one heavy step at a time, always feeling like you are stood still and never moving forwards. Or worse still, fighting hard but feeling like you are slowly slipping backwards in one or more areas of your life.

Building your confidence isn't just about helping you with quick and simple techniques (although there are plenty of quick and simple techniques that can double or triple your confidence in the blink of an eye), the goal is to help you have an inner transformation which taps you into a deep and lasting well of confidence, which will open you up to more possibilities than you can even imagine right now.

How would it feel to be able to pursue everything you want in life? Every time you see something you'd like to try or someone you'd like to speak to or an experience you'd like to have, how incredible would that feel to have the confidence to do it?

Can you imagine the moments of life that would take on deeper and richer meaning and feelings? Even if your confidence is at an all time low right now, you can probably relate to this because you've almost certainly had times in your life when you did go for it. You've experienced those moments when you threw caution and fear to the wind and chased down the person or experience you really wanted.

Regardless of the outcome, you've felt that rush of excitement, joy and aliveness which comes with knowing you are being true to your hearts desires and pursuing what matters to you. You will barely recognise the new you who is thriving and enjoying life, no longer concerned by what everyone is thinking of you, no longer worried about how you look or sound, no longer feeling that tightening in your chest or stomach when you try and take a step forwards.

The new you will be someone who is ready to say yes to almost anything in life. Adventure, playfulness, openness, joy, passion, excitement and self-belief will become the normal regular experience of day to day living. If you're having a hard time imagining this right now, stay with me. I would love to help you if you want to get deeper into this process and experience even more confidence and excitement as you take control of your life and pursue your dreams.

When this more confident part of you takes control of your life, everything begins to change. As your confidence grows and you begin to go after the things you've always wanted in life, but never had the confidence to go for, every part of your life begins to grow in response to your feelings about yourself. Your career either changes or evolves. People often find promotions and other possibilities more in line with what they really want start opening up. Relationships improve or the perfect partner shows up. The confidence to start the new business, to rescue the current one or simply double or triple your current profit, the belief in yourself to demand more income for your time from a place of confidence and worth rather than fear and insecurity.

The weight people always wanted to shift finally starts coming off as they feel better about themselves and make choices that support their growing self-image, rather than trying to force themselves down the road of the next almost impossible diet whilst still feeling crap about themselves inside.

The emotional habits we get stuck in, like anger, resentment, jealously, overwhelm, depression, anxiety and any manner of emotions we experience in life begin to subside and shift into healthier emotional habits that support your growth and development as your confidence continues to grow. You won't even recognise yourself a year from now if you decide to begin the sacred work of developing your belief in yourself now.

So, where do you start? Right here and right now is probably a good time and place, wouldn't you agree?

Isn't it time you gave yourself the gift of deciding what you really want to pursue next? What is it that really matters to you in life? Not what is expected of you by your society, parents, siblings, partner, kids, colleagues or friends. What is it that really matters to you? For a life changing shift in your confidence and belief, get in tune with that part of you that truly knows who you are and what you want and begin taking small but firm steps towards it. You will hardly believe how different your life will look when you truly step into that timeless confident part of you that knows what it really wants.

Give yourself the gift you deserve. Take a step or 2 in the direction of a dream or goal that matters to you. Keep the steps super small and easily achievable and watch your confidence begin to grow astronomically.

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Are You Passing Your Addictive Behaviors to the Next Generation?

In the past, I wrote an article about second chances. In the article, I talked about the need to coach, guide or train people before you give them a second chance. Otherwise, they will most likely repeat the same mistake. They may repeat the same mistake because they may have retained the same mindset they had for the first chance. This first chance mindset is not only possessed by the individual it is passed on from one generation to the next. This article will address an unintentional knowledge transfer.

If you live long enough or study history, you will notice that history repeats itself. Many mistakes made by one generation are made by the next. War is a solution for peace in the same way divorce is a solution for a so-called incompatible marriage. Supposedly, war and divorce are intended to make a better life for the future.

Many parents raise children with the hopes their offspring will have a better life than they. They also guide them so they don't make the same mistakes. Yet, many children from a divorced household find themselves divorced as adults. The same cycle occurs for poverty. Furthermore, if you look at the USA, of the 241 years of existence as a nation, they have been involved in wars for at least 222 years. Marriage, poverty and war are only three examples of how the pattern continues, despite our best efforts to guide the next generation to greener pastures.

How can we continue to make the same mistakes? We are beyond second chances. What are we unintentionally passing on to each generation? While many may argue conspiracy, I would like to offer another perspective.

There was a time when mankind was at the mercy of nature - weather and dangerous animals. During that time, it would have been wise to embrace the mindset that said security is scarce. As a result, parents would have prepared their children for the dangers of life.

To mitigate this danger, people would have begun to live in communities. That would allow men to hunt in large groups to ensure safety from other predators. With more people, you could also build bigger, stronger homes to protect them from weather.

Even though these communities experienced safety, they did not delete the old mindset that said life is dangerous. Therefore, they continued to pass on an obsolete mindset to children who never experienced the dangers of the past. While the physical dangers have disappeared, the mindset of "security is scarce" remains today. That mindset has become psychological. Parents, teachers, leaders and the media consistently teach children the mindset that there is something wrong. The patterns of those thoughts are the following: is something wrong with me, something wrong with him or her and something wrong with it, the system.

When people engage in the "something's wrong mindset", they automatically protect themselves by becoming defensive or invalidate others. Some of you may be having that reaction to this article. In other cases, they will prove you are wrong while they are right. The "what's wrong mindset" leaves very little room for discourse and learning. People would rather hold on the beliefs they inherited, as though they were addicted to them. The outcome of defending your beliefs with a closed mind can easily turn into an argument, fight, war, divorce or abuse. This mindset can also close one's mind to counterintuitive possibilities. For example, Nikola Tesla created technology that allowed everyone to receive electrical power in their homes for free. He said energy was abundant and everywhere. So he made towers equipped with wireless technology that could send energy to everyone. For some reason, "free" and "abundant" have not been embraced by society. Tesla's free and abundant energy is seen as wrong. Some would rather be right about their point of view and believe Tesla's technology will destroy industries.

If society really wants to pass on wisdom to future generations, we will have to dismantle an obsolete mindset that may have been appropriate eons ago. In the face of teaching new and improved information, society must come to grips with the "security is scarce" paradigm that is inadvertently passed on to each generation. In current society, we are safer than ever. Except, we live as though everything is a threat, including "hello". To do an effective knowledge transfer, society will have to reverse engineer our current mindset and unlearn it. Then and only then will we be better positioned to pass on the good stuff to future generations.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Are-You-Passing-Your-Addictive-Behaviors-to-the-Next-Generation?&id=9847996

Decide What You Want Out Of Life, Then Create Your Life

An excellent truth about how to create the life you want to live is in understanding the deep space of thought. It's how successful people grow, but what many others don't understand is that we bring about, whatever it is we map out within.

Your ideas born of your thoughts are producing a potential scenario for you while your feelings are creating more thoughts.

It is unbending in its operation for you to create the life you want to live.

The knowledge that you have the power over what do you want out of life is really thrilling. Have you began to bring in to you those things that ran out of reach before you understood it?

I will help you with a road or a guide map, if you will, and give you the essential tools needed to create the life you want to live.

From here you can begin to create the life you want to live.

Do not simply skim through this thought-provoking article, but use the methods that are offered in it to create the life you want to live.

There are a few essential elements that are missing in the average world citizen's approach to figuring out life and the power of reflection.

- Most people cannot get specific.

"I want to be abundant", "I desire a new vehicle" or "I want a relationship". Just how much cash does it take to be abundant and get the life you want?

You should realize that there is no shortage of new vehicles however who makes the one you desire and what color does it come in?

- Many want to manifest their dreams and at the best time-frame for it to take place.

It understands how best to manifest your desires and it knows the best ways to do it a lot faster than you do.

Get really particular about your desires, down to elaborate details, but be really versatile about the method which that desire will manifest!

Deep inner-awareness is eternal and infinite and is boundless in a number of ways deep thought and awareness might send your desire to you.

- A cause of failure, to accomplish results with the Law Of Attraction, for many, depends on the failure to generate visualization.

The required feeling when visualizing, affirming or just thinking about their desire is important. You must stimulate the feelings that are related to your desire.

Why do you want that specific car and truck, because particular color?

- You need to take some action. Action is necessary.

This entire Universal vibrating energy is an ocean of love and movement, to create the life you want to live.

The Course in Miracles states, "This world is causeless, as is every dream that anyone has dreamed within the world."

In order to receive what you desire you must align. Take some small actions towards your goal of what do you want out of life, even if it's just hanging a picture of that brand-new car or truck, or trying to find a brand-new house.

The Course in Miracles further states, "The dreamer of a dream is not awake, but does not know he sleeps."

When you have established a plan to attain, manifest or attract something, give the timing of it to your inner Guide working diligently in your deepest inner-awareness.

When you actually get clear on what do you want out of life, start the manifestation procedure and begin utilizing the power of reflection to bring it to you.

To getting the life you want!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Decide-What-You-Want-Out-Of-Life,-Then-Create-Your-Life&id=9826410

How To Simplify Your Life With Gratitude

Simplifying increases your gratitude. And more gratitude makes you want to simplify even further. Why? Here's a few reasons why it works in life.

#1 It keeps you focused on what you have, not what you want 

It's easy to focus on what we want. After all, we are told to set goals and strive to get what we want. But there's a lot to be said for appreciating what you have and where you are in your life!

When you simplify, you have more time to appreciate the little things in life-a child's laughter, the sunset, and even a decadent dessert! Having and doing less makes it so much easier to appreciate what you already have.

#2 It reminds you that the best things in life aren't things 

We've been conditioned to buy, buy and buy. We've come to believe expensive things and having a lot of stuff are what everyone is striving for.

But image the simple joy of coming home each day to a streamlined evening route, pre-planned meal, and a clutter-free house! Getting rid of all the extra, unnecessary stuff gives you the time and energy to enjoy the simple things in daily life.

#3 It helps you see how much you already have 

In the West, we often take for granted how lucky and abundant we really are. Most people around the world survive on a few dollars a week, while we think we are destitute if we can't get the latest iPhone! But if you really think about what you need, you probably already have it.

Do you have a safe, warm place to come home to? Do you have an income, even if it's not as large as you'd like? Is there going to be food for the whole family to enjoy today? When we pare down our busyness and take a look at what we have, we can start to realize how blessed we truly already are.

#4 It makes you think about those who have very little 

When you de-clutter, it feels amazing to donate your stuff, knowing that it's going to go to someone who needs it and will truly appreciate it. If you are finding it challenging to donate things because they are still good or it feels wasteful, think about the homeless person, for example, who will end up with a warm coat this winter... thanks to you.

If you are still having trouble, spend some time finding places to donate that are close to your heart, like animal shelters, veteran organizations or a local domestic violence shelter. When you compare what you still have to what they do, you will feel instantly grateful and generous.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Simplify-Your-Life-With-Gratitude&id=9583182

All Is Already Yours, Now: Action

Keep in mind a 3-part system to help YOU REALIZE All is Already Yours, Now:

Part 1 INTENTION: Clarity about what it is you seek

Part 2 ACTION: Deliberate steps forward realize what you seek

Part 3 BEST LIFE: Embracing all that is ALREADY YOURS, NOW

When you clearly set your INTENTION you amplify your desired outcome.

In summary, using the F.A.S.T. technique you choose to Feel, Act, Speak and Think AS IF you've achieved your desired outcome. What we choose to focus on is exactly what we get more of. In other words, by telling the universe (and yourSELF) exactly what you want you WILL attract more of 'what you want' immediately in your life.

For example, if I feel resentment, continually check my bank balance, talk about the lack of my financial resources with friends and think this is never going to change - I will most likely create more resentment, see my bank balance dwindle, struggle with a lack of financial resources and block opportunities that may create wealth. If, however, I feel abundant and grateful, write a large check to myself and tape it to my mirror, tell friends about a vacation I am looking forward to and think about what charities I could serve, I will most likely create more feelings of abundance and gratitude, receive gifts from unexpected sources, be invited on a getaway and so on...

In either case, what we choose to focus on... will be CORRECT.

Sometimes even with the best INTENTIONS we can feel stuck and unsure of what our next steps should be. This is completely understandable because this uncertainty is always and in ALL WAYS due to fear. So before we move from INTENTION to ACTION it is important to highlight and address that the biggest barrier is often that we are fearful. We may or may not even be aware fear is blocking our success to our Best Life NOW. The reasons why we are so fearFULL and how to shift that is grist for another article.

Let's just suffice to say that we may be:

• fearFULL to make a mistake
• fearFULL to make ourselves a priority
• fearFULL to fail
• fearFULL to succeed
• fearFULL of the unknown
• fearFULL about what others may think
• fearFULL that I am a phony, too young, too old, not deserving, not smart enough, not important enough and so on...

Which of these do you relate to? Acknowledge the fear and do it anyway!

Often we do not know which action to take. So let me assure you that when you choose to amplify your INTENTION (such as with F.A.S.T.) your intuition is heightened. You will have a finely tuned awareness, an ability to truly notice things in your life. You will attract opportunities to you. These opportunities may not look like your desired outcome but truly, they are your road map. They may be opportunities to network, to learn, to be of service, etc. Saying "YES" to these opportunities is your ACTION plan.

All you desire is already yours, right NOW.

Consider:

As your energy about your INTENTION amplifies so does your intuition and your opportunities.

Acknowledge your fears. Explore their origins. Challenge them.

Often what we seek is sent to us in the form of opportunities to take ACTION by simply... saying 'yes'.

For example, as stated before, if I feel abundant and grateful, write a large check to myself and tape it to my mirror, tell friends about a vacation I am looking forward to and think about what charities I could serve, I will most likely create more feelings of abundance and gratitude, receive gifts from unexpected sources, be invited on a getaway and so on--

I acknowledge I am fearFULL that I am too old to make any real changes in my life as this financial pattern has gone on too long. I've bought into a lot of misinformation about when my 'success expiration date' is and listened to naysayers and other fearful people. This does not have to be so. I am not only deserving but capable of huge financial windfalls___

I receive an email about taking an online course an introduction to Art Therapy. This field is intriguing to me. I follow-up with a fact-finding phone call to learn more about the course, the cost and the opportunities. *

When we get out of our comfort zone by setting our INTENTION, acknowledging our fear, and taking forward ACTION by saying "yes" to the opportunities that NOW present themselves we create our Best Life, NOW. I would love to hear what you notice and what opportunities you say "yes" to.

I remind you that your happiness does not need to wait another minute. It is yours to embrace today, in this very moment. It is already yours, right NOW. The fact that you are reading this article is no coincidence. You ARE ready and more importantly, deserving, NOW.

*These general examples are used to help illustrate the process, however, it can be successful for most transformational situations.

http://ezinearticles.com/?All-Is-Already-Yours,-Now:-Action&id=9378023

7 Things to Start Doing Today to Be Happy

1. Decide to be happy.

Make a decision today to be happy. Then start doing things that will make you happy.

Stop settling for what others expect of you and start going after what really matters to you.

Have the tenacity to get over fear barrier and really chase after those things that matter to you.

Most of all, don't just decide. Really decide. You'll know it when you feel it in your guts. You've made decisions like this before, where you will do whatever it takes to make things happen because you're committed and able.

Decide. It really is as simple as that.

2. Practice affirmations daily.

What's the difference between an affirmation and the negative talk that goes on in your mind constantly? Nothing.

Affirmations are no different than the negative thought patterns that pop up whenever you're about to do something that scares you and excites you.

So, start off small, with just one affirmation. Recite it at least a hundred times a day for the next week, until you start to reflexively say it in your mind whenever something comes up that would have normally had you going to negative thoughts.

Most of all, make sure that you're at least slightly emotionally invested in your affirmations. You'll have to feel good about it in order for this affirmation to become your new paradigm. You might even find yourself in disbelief the first few days or weeks that you start reciting it.

As long as you can get to the point where you start believing it and start feeling good about it, you're on the right path.

3. Practice gratitude daily.

Start being grateful for what you have rather than what you lack. When you practice gratitude, you put your mind in a different vibration.

Gratitude reframes our mind and starts helping us see what's possible and what's abundant rather than what's impossible and scarce.

Most of all, even practice gratitude for the things that you do not have but want. When you start thinking on this wavelength, invariably your mind will start coming up with creative ways to help you get what you really want.

4. Meditate daily.

I have to admit that affirmations are hard when you are first starting out. A big part of the challenge is just generally lack of belief and investment. Being in a positive frame of mind is such a shift when you have been living a life of lack and scarcity your entire life. So, it does take quite a while for your affirmations to take hold.

You, however, can help yourself along by practicing meditation. Meditation not only sharpens your focus, it also quiets the mind and helps you to become impartial and non-judgmental to the random thoughts that enter your mind. I've heard somewhere that we have about 30,000 to 50,000 thoughts a day! Imagine trying to control it all.

Here's something that will surprise you about these thoughts: Many of them occur at the unconscious level! By being able to dismiss these thoughts without judgement, you stop feeling bad about things.

5. Stop blaming other people and start being more proactive.

Successful and happy people learned a long time ago that ultimately the only person that they can blame and subsequently change are themselves.

Everything they have in their lives is a result of themselves, both the good and the bad. When you realize that you yourself are ultimately the only one to blame for your circumstances, you also realize that you alone have the power to change those circumstances.

There's another word for blaming other people and the environment for your problems: It's called the victim mentality.

And here's something that will shock you about victim mentality. It comes fundamentally from poor self-esteem and self-hatred.

6. Make time for yourself.

While life is best lived in the service towards others, you have to ultimately make time for yourself. You have to eventually face the music.

By making time for yourself, you learn more about yourself. Do things that make you happy. Work on your affirmations. Daily, write out ten things for which you are grateful. Meditate to help you focus and be more successful in reciting your affirmations.

7. Start a Journal of Healing.

When you have time to yourself, consider writing into a Journal of Healing. Simply put, you write down the things that are bugging you.

When you are able to concisely and clearly put your thoughts into words, you can exactly define what's bugging you.

After you've ranted and vented, start another section in your journal called Healing. In this section, discuss some of the things you can do to start the healing process. It could be to verbalize your problems, think of how different people perceive the problem and potential solutions, talk to a friend, just write more later to vent (believe it or not, this one actually helps over time in helping you to let go), or perhaps go hiking or do something physical to help you take your mind off these thoughts.

Conclusion

So, start doing these 7 things today to be happy. First, make the decision--really make the decision--to be happy. When you feel it in your guts, you know that you have really decided. Next, practice affirmations and gratitude daily. If you need to, write down your affirmations on a small card and carry it in your pocket so that every time you put your hands into your pocket, you'll feel it and pull it out to read it.

Next, stop playing the victim and start taking responsibility for the things that happened to you in your life. You alone have the power to change things. Make time for yourself and start a Journal of Healing to help address some of the past issues that are keeping you from being happy.

So, you see. Happiness is a decision you have to make. Then, you have to start doing things to get you towards that happiness.

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