Message of the Universe: Your Personal Journey in Life

"Now let me get this straight: You want things that you don't yet have, people in your life who you don't yet know, and events to take place that haven't yet occurred, so that once these "things" come to pass, you'll feel happy, confident, and fulfilled; accomplished, desired, and appreciated; treasured, adored, and like a-beautiful-sight-to-see?

But... wasn't that your rationale for all the other stuff you wanted that you now have?

Green light!

The Universe"

Yes, life is a cycle. We are born, we live our life and we die. In every tombstone, you see year of birth- year of death and basically, the eulogy is shared with people who knew the deceased and the way they lived their life in the DASH. Just like everything else, we observe, we wish to have, we sometime get it, and once we do, we look for something else to achieve. It is a constant process that puts many in the verge of suicide, because we seem to never be satisfied with anything in life. It is a constant pursuit for what we call temporary happiness, until something better comes along and we need to get it. Just like many avid iPhone users saving for the new version X, waiting in life for 2 or 3 days to pay 1000 dollars of their hard earn money to exchange their phone that works perfectly fine to fulfill that so called limited happiness. Once they get their new device with apps they will never use, they go back to using the phone for the basics of calls, text and web use.

So here you go about dreaming and receiving but the outcome is always the same. Your happiness doesn't rely on obtaining the item, but more on the anticipation of achieving the goal. If you manage to stay on that state of constant euphoria without the need of spending 1000 dollars for no particular reason, you will remain in your happy state and achieve more spiritually than materialistically. We always want more but not for the reasons of living in a bigger home, or having nicer cars, but more because of the feeling we get that we were able to achieve our creams. Happiness is felt from within and many have various definitions to happiness. It is not always about how many digits you have in your bank account, but more about how generous you are with others who do not have the ability to be like you and as motivated to achieve their dreams in life.

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Lucid Dreaming Approaches for Beginners

Any time a person is dreaming and she or he understands their dreaming it's called a lucid dream. When a strange dream makes a person stop and question reality is when it typically occurs. Lucid dreaming has an interesting aspect to it, and it's the ability to regulate the dream and make some other reality in the dream state, which is the reason why lots of people learn the fundamental lucid dreaming steps.

A lot of cultures from ancient times took lucid dreaming very seriously. For instance, people living in ancient Egypt thought that dreams opened up the eyes of a person to truths, solutions, and advice that were hidden. In fact, lots of temples were devoted to dream incubation by ancient Egyptians. A lot of time in learning the numerous lucid dreaming steps, different states of consciousness, and out of body experiences was dedicated by ancient Egyptian so-called masters of secret things. They firmly believed that individuals can get an altered state of consciousness from the lotus flower.

It is new age, it has to do with dark arts, and it advocates escapism are some of the many misconceptions concerning lucid dreaming. Contrary to what people believe, there are a lot of significant benefits to lucid dreaming. It can have a favorable affect on an individual's walking life by improving problem-solving abilities, bettering creativity, helping men and women deal with their fears, and bettering confidence level, and also allowing individuals to explore other realities and plenty of other positive aspects.

Lucid Dreaming Tips

The techniques involve basic memory exercises and also complicated meditation. Training the subconscious mind to follow brand-new rules is the main objective of the different lucid dreaming steps. The very first step when it comes to learning is to cultivate a solid commitment to mastering the skill. The standard learning process takes a little while, research, and mental preparation, although the subconscious incubation technique can have fast results.

It's essential to keep a dream journal if someone is a rookie to lucid dreaming. The awareness of the dream state of a person is enhanced by the journal and makes it much easier to get up while dreaming. A person will encounter roughly 5 dream cycles nightly, which is the average. A person will experience a period of rapid eye movement sleep or REM in abbreviation as each sleep cycle concludes. The REM sleep is a whole lot longer as it gets nearer to the morning, giving a person the ability to remember dreams quickly after they wake up in the morning,, which is the best time to write inside the dream journal.

When it comes to keeping a dream journal the steps involved include things like choosing a journal and keeping it near the bed, which is essential as lots of dreams disappear quickly upon arising, which means it's a necessity to write them down immediately upon arising. Writing a step by step description of the dream in present tense and noting the dream's date is the next step. Next, analyzing and identifying the themes of the dream is what the person should do. After that, one needs to determine any significant real-world problems taking place at the present, and then finally, give the dream a name.

Not only should the person keep a dream journal, but also novices must do at least 10 reality checks every day. Reality checks bring about more vivid and lucid dreams by building better self-awareness during the morning hours. Reality checks give one the ability to identify the difference between a dream and a waking reality. Utilizing reality checks in the waking reality gives people the power to do them during their dreams, giving their conscious mind the ability to know when they are dreaming.

As an example, a fairly easy reality check could be counting the fingers on each hand and will them to be more or less than 10. During the waking reality, ten is the total amount of fingers on each hand, regardless if a person wills it or not. However, when it comes to a dream willing the amount of digits to change is possible the majority of the time, which is a very clear sign that the individual is having a dream. Performing about 20 minutes of meaningful meditation everyday is the final method of inducing lucid dreams for novices.

As the benefits of lucid dreaming become more popular among people, a lot of experts have developed different tips for lucid dreaming that should yield great results. One of the most popular methods is the Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams, which involves lucid affirmations, dream recall, visualization of the dream, and reality checks.

Mastering the method of waking up during a dream isn't that simple, which is just like many other things worth doing. Time, patience, focus, and practice are the things it requires, which anybody can learn.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Lucid-Dreaming-Approaches-for-Beginners&id=8296309

The Addiction of Turning Ideas Into Reality

How many ideas do you have a day?

Now... A curious question - I wonder how many of them you have actually created and made real?

Really, I challenge you to take a moment and consider that.

If this sounds like a silly question to you, then perhaps you've never entertained the idea that you are the creator of your reality, but as Goethe said, 'whatever you can dream of you can create.'

What are you dreaming of I wonder?

Now I don't know about you, but the first time I heard this I thought - well if this is true then why am I creating so much crap?

And the answer - I wasn't paying attention, nor was I consciously choosing what I desired to create. It was like I was running the same programmes over and over, wondering why they were never taking me to where I wanted to be. I was unconsciously copying the people around me.

Now I believe that we can have a life of total adventure if we choose it, but many years ago I would have been sceptical.

So if this is you, I totally get it - but what if what you believed wasn't so, what space could that make to create something else?

I recently heard Josh Littlejohn speaking at TEDx talks in Glasgow. His speech was filled with loads of great and inspiring stuff of all the things that he has done (his story is a great one, especially when we talks about Social Bite) and how he was making a difference in the world. The most profound thing he said that really stuck with me was this, 'I realised that I could have an idea in my head and that I could make it real and that has become kind of addictive!'

And with everything he creates he is asking what else is possible? What else could I create?

Imagine if we all lived from that perspective?

Gary Douglas, founder of Access Consciousness says, 'Imagine not having to be entertained by things external to us, but being totally entertained by our capacities and our creations.'

That is the world that I would love to live in. A world where we don't complain and bitch about how hard done we are, or what's not working, but instead a world where we are all excited to talk about, and share the magic and awesomeness we are creating.

How utterly cool would that be?

And here is the thing about creating your reality, you have to play with it. Sort of like you are 5 or 6. Totally engaged with what is in front of you from a space of wonder and curiosity and asking questions.

Even questions like 'what else is possible?' or 'what's right about this I am not getting?' will begin to create a shift in your world.

And when that small voice jumps in, before you have even begun that tells you that you can't, it won't work and there is no point?

What if that voice isn't any more real than any other thought that you have... but that's an article for another time.

Putting your ideas into action can be addictive!

Wanna play?

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The Power of Your Mind: Use Your Mind to Reach Your Goals

Do you truly know the power of your mind?

If you decide that something is true in your life, how does that affect you and the outcome of your actions? Are you reaching your goals on a regular basis? Before I discuss the power of your mind I wanted to share my inspiration for this post. The 2016 Olympics.

Do the Olympians believe they can do it? Of course they do! As I was watching some of the Olympic trials I was intrigued by how the athletes that were selected to go the Olympics would answer the interview questions after an event. The one common thread I heard was the belief that they could win and that they worked so hard to get to the Olympics. Some of these athletes shared how they have been dreaming (visualizing) themselves at the Olympics since they were children. I know that all of those athletes worked long and hard for their success. How did these athletes make it to the finals to be considered contenders for the Olympics? In addition to the hard work, I know there are many theories about the genetics, training, nutrition and coaching, but I truly believe that even after all those external factors their mindset and belief that they can win is a huge factor in their success. These elite athletes who are in peak physical shape have to keep motivated everyday in order to train for hours, they must forego all the trappings of life as a young adult so they can reach their goals. If they can reach their goals, so can we, but we must begin by starting with the belief that we can.

People often ask me why work on their thoughts, feelings, and subconscious mind. They would rather just take action and see what happens. My answer usually goes to the explaining the Placebo effect. In clinical trials there has to be a group of people that are given the equivalent of a sugar pill and told they are given the drug, and some of the participants improve their condition. How does that happen? That is the power of their mind. The placebo effect and the Olympic athletes are great indicators of the power of your mind. So what do you want to accomplish? What has been in your way of succeeding? What is stopping you from reaching your goals?

The answer is you and your mind. How do you change your mindset? What can you do to finally reach your goals?

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Power-of-Your-Mind:-Use-Your-Mind-to-Reach-Your-Goals&id=9523968

How To Overcome Being Unmotivated And Uninspired

Being unmotivated and uninspired is, unfortunately, a very easy pattern to fall into and can also be a harmful way of living. You begin to lie to yourself, make plans but never follow through. You make resolutions but then repeat the same habits. So how do you overcome this and get motivated?

Do you dislike taking the initiative, working or even going to the gym? Do you hate getting up early? Do you not have time for anything? Do you keep postponing the work you have to do? And often ask yourself why you keep procrastinating?

If any of these habits sound familiar to you, then you are unmotivated, uninspired, and even becoming a never-do-well. These patterns are the behaviors of a failure, and that is what you will be if you continue on this path. But why is a person lazy, unmotivated or uninspired?

Well, one of the reasons is because you are happy with dreaming. You want to be famous, rich, dating sexy partners, buy a yacht or a jet, own a luxury car, have a house, get a vacation home, and yet at the same time, you do not want to do anything. It is just a deep wish inside your fantasy!

Countless of people do not want to do anything, but they want to have everything.

You hate work. I understand. Just the idea of work makes you start throwing fits and building plans on how to avoid doing it. When you were a child, you hated waking up early, going to school, doing homework, studying but were forced to do all of these things by your parents anyway. Under their supervision, and over your young years, these habits were set up in your brain.

Nowadays even technology comes into play. No matter if personalized or not, it is created to make you feel unmotivated or uninspired most of the time. The reason I say this is because it has a downside. Its purpose, after all, is to reduce all hard work and get you things faster, easier and with minimal involvement.

The Path Full of Hopeful Intentions

The path to lacking in enthusiasm is full of hopeful intentions. You might say that you are going to get more done tomorrow, but feel just as uninterested and unimaginative when you wake up the day after as you did today.

These days, you can buy food, clothes, liquor, groceries, medicine, films, taxis, meetings and even sign agreements without moving from your couch. You can even talk to anyone from anyplace in the world visually, verbally, or textually.

So, are all of these things making you more or permanently unmotivated or uninspired?

Of course not! Because you still playing sports, hanging out, partying, going to pubs, meeting your friends, going on vacation, on dates, shopping, and all kind of other things in the name of fun.

Now, you realize that your laziness is selective. It is prejudice. It only focuses on certain aspects of your life, which you honestly find annoying. You dislike working, studying, learning, researching but love doing everything that is fun. So it is all about preference.

Being Unmotivated and Uninspired is an Excuse

Being unmotivated and uninspired, by definition, is not a disorder. It is not something you are suffering from but is rather an excuse. The truth is, you want to be successful, but you do not want to work for it.

But let's take the case of a dog chasing you, lazy or not lazy, you are going to run your ass off. Why?

Walking unmotivated or lazily, in that case, is not a choice. Here is a typical guy's example: If a girl calls you and says "Come on over" or "My parents are not home," you do not stay there wondering what it is you should do, you get up, take a shower, and make a run to her place. The laziness again disappears. Why? Well, this time is for fun!

So to be lethargic or unproductive is ultimately just a habit. People are unmotivated or unproductive when it is convenient for them. It is a personal choice based on the freedom you have. It is like when your boss orders you to finish and submit some work in two hours, you do not have the same convenience, so you do that work, or else you will get fired.

Likewise, if you study on the last day before your exam because you ran out of time, now you find yourself having no choice, or you will fail. Therefore when you do not have a choice, you are not unmotivated and uninspired anymore. But when you are on your own, you find it convenient to sabotage your own life.

Are You Truly in Charge

As a result, when it comes to things where you are in charge, which is your life, most of the time you seem not to care much. Despite what you feel or say, you do not want to be successful in reality, because those who do are working like hell.

Being lazy and uninterested takes advantage of your willpower. It is okay to feel down at times, and you might probably miss a day or two every once in a while, but you have to get back on the horse. You need to remember that not feeling motivated or inspired is a habit, not a personality trait.

But be honest with yourself. If you can work hard to get laid, maintain relationships, hang out with friends, party, actively be part of a social life, chat on Facebook, and play video games for hours on end, and the only things you are avoiding are somehow work-based, then you are lying to yourself.

So the truth is that most of us are unmotivated or uninspired because we have not yet taken full control of our lives. We are still unconsciously waiting for some authority, supervision, guidance or a manual to make us do things. We do not realize that we have moved past that phase, and it is not going to happen.

Three Ways to Change Your Patterns

There are at least three ways to change your unmotivated and uninspired patterns by creating particular habits that you can add to your routine to transform it.

Accept Control of Your Life

You are on your own. Your parents now are your supporters, and your friends see you as only an element of fun. Most of them have no interest or investment in your success. They do not care. They will be sad for a minute if you fail, but they will most certainly move on.

Therefore, unmotivated and uninspired, your life is right now in your hands only. You are its master. You are the captain! As a result, accept control of your life and actions.

Remember What You Have to Do

Remember what your parents had to do to get you where you are right now. Even then, you did not want to study or do chores. You rather desired to sleep and only have fun, but they pushed you.

So now, in their absence, since you are the master of your destiny, you have to push yourself. The responsibility is now yours. Get yourself up. Scream on yourself if need be or if you are wasting time. Punish yourself if you have to.

If you have plans for the day or tomorrow, but did not study, work or do whatever you were meant to, then drop those plans. Discipline yourself. Being unmotivated and uninspired is a choice. You are choosing not to work or study. And by making that choice, you are going against your evolution.

End the 'Being Unmotivated and Uninspired'

Usually, whenever you have some work to do, you tell yourself that you will start later, in 30 minutes, the afternoon or tomorrow. Meanwhile, in that time frame, you text messages, check out pictures or look at your social media.

You are surrounded by millions of choices, options, and sources which are pushing their content on you. It is addictive, great, compelling content and these companies' goals are your permanent subscription, and to get you hooked on it.

Now, these people are doing a fantastic job because it is their job. But because of them, you are screwing up your work and your life. You are being unmotivated and uninspired to do your stuff. But still, the blame falls on your head because you are the one who has to manage your time.

The truth is that most of us are consistently good at lying to ourselves. What do you gain from lying to yourself? You are in charge of your life. It only proves that you do not value yourself enough, that you see yourself as a has-been or never-will.

Tips to Overcome Laziness and Lack of Inspiration

• Look forward to doing the work as it is the fastest way to get more done.
• Get enough sleep and try to get on a regular sleep cycle.
• Start your day with positive self-talk and affirmations.
• Figure out when it is your best time to work and then do most things during those times.
• Stay away from social media to avoid being unmotivated and uninspired to act on more important.
• Exercise at least three times a week to release endorphins which improve your overall mood.
• Use a goal tracker to set specific goals for yourself and mark off when you do them.
• Eat healthy as it can affect your overall energy.
• Get help if you feel stuck.
• Go easy on yourself as there are days that won't feel right.
• Listen to energetic music that makes you feel active and productive.
• Break your work into small steps, so you do not get too overwhelmed.
• Change your environment to stay motivated and inspired.
• Surround yourself with productive people who inspire you.
• Expand your interests and skills not to find yourself being unmotivated and uninspired.
• Fix a schedule for working and breaks.

The only way to overcome these habits is by taking action. You have to understand the value of time. If not, someone else will take your place or create your idea because they are not playing around. Remember that there are no excuses and surely no cure for being unmotivated and uninspired. The only solution is you and self-discipline. So start now!

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Awaken The Dying Dream

Start, take one step after the other and don't stop till it's accomplished.

Just like everyone else, on more than one occasion you and I have had this wonderful dream; a dream to travel across the world and visit interesting places, to wine and dine with prince and princess, to be a worldwide-known celebrity and spend your time as you please; a dream to one day write a book, publish it and sell it to millions of people across the globe or perhaps to be that celebrity chef. Your dream might even be to be the richest man in the world. Too bogus? Why not? Ever heard of the popular quote 'if you can think it, you can be it'? Trust me, it's no lie. Everything you want to be all starts from the mind, your deliberate actions towards it, your level of discipline, how much dedication you have and your resilience, amongst other things.

Often times than not though, most people whose dream is to become the richest in the world have the origin of their dream from a rather selfish perspective. When I say most, I mean over 95%. The richest men and women in the world certainly didn't start with a dream of being the richest, they set out to serve. To put themselves and all of what they have to offer out there and reach as many people as possible. History has proven over and over again that it handsomely rewards service to humanity. Above all you'll feel a great sense of fulfilment and happiness. Perhaps your dream is to finish University and be the best in your field or to start up a business and grow it to a multinational company. The reality is that the bulk of us are not living this dream, we are not even close and worst of it all we stopped making efforts.

Thinking about it now we may want to ask, what happened? How did that dream die?

We grew older, the economy got worse, lesser money in circulation to go round, we stopped dreaming and we started accepting whatever the society has to offer us rather than demanding what we want. The society sold us the lie that we can't have what we want instead we should settle for what we can get. I strongly disagree! I don't believe in conformity. I believe we can be whatever we want to be.

What then do we do? Here's my approach;

1. Start dreaming again. You definitely can still be what you want to be. Where life exists, hope does too. 

2. Once you lay your hands on that thing which you've dreamt of being, write it down. A written down idea is an idea in traction. Writing is a form of action, thinking and pondering isn't. 

3. To inspire you, find someone (or people) who is successful at that which you dream of being. How did he/she start? What does he/she do as a routine? What are his/her habits in relation to this? The way he/she walks, talks, what he/she reads, how he/she dresses etc When you know this, it will be easier to get started. Modelling something already in existence, gives less for mistakes and also could make things get done at a faster pace. 

4. Within your means, what are the first steps (or step) you could take towards actualizing your dream? The simplest, easiest step you could take. Write it down. 

5. What could be your limiting factor and what resources do you have towards this first step? What skills or resource would you need to acquire? 

6. After steps 1 - 5, start! And don't stop. Take a leap of faith. Put one foot forward. Take one step after the other. 

7. As you progress, keep learning more about that which you want to be. Read books about it. 

8. And finally watch yourself gradually becoming and doing that which you've always had a dream of. More opportunities will surface as you continue on your journey.

I wish you all the best on your journey towards awakening the dying dream.

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Being Happy - Dreaming Ahead 5 of 365

We Must Practice -

When you lose that passion or that feel production and many other subjects begin to drive down. It becomes clear that the more you love what you are doing the more productive you will be. Even better, the more passionate you are about a project the less you will want to sleep and eat.

This truth comes from the many that have accomplished a certain amount of greatness. A person must truly believe with all their heart and they will overcome any obstacle. As a business one may ask will you ask customers if they will buy with you again and if not why not. Learn exactly what you have to learn to get where you want to be.

We can set up measures to know how we are doing. Listing the amount of money, you will want to make is not enough. We have to come up with ideas that will support your goal. For a better relationship you may choose to compliment your significant other on a daily basis. Maybe you will pick up that relationship book because you are choosing to increase your relationship happiness. Reading personal development books is yet another way to really increase one part of your life.

Next we will list 3 things that you are grateful for.

1. _________________________

2. _________________________

3. _________________________

The aim here to realize that you can be happy for those things that you are grateful for. One of my primary grateful feelings comes when I think of family. My wife, my children, my parents, my sisters and brother. Thinking of these people brings about great feelings within my heart. I am so passionate about those people.

Become the change that you want to see in your life. If you are not acting like that how are other people supposed to know how to act. It is time for some action. You have some idea brewing in your head right now. Act it. In this very moment stop reading this part of Dreaming Ahead and take one action to working on your dream. Set up a schedule. Call someone. Begin a conversation. Meet a new group. Grab a book and start reading about what you are trying to accomplish.

You still might be reading this and that is okay but I am not going to give you anything else until you begin taking action. Come back tomorrow.

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Dreaming Ahead 16 of 365 (By Matt Collinson)

Being Zen About Things Helps

A moment to moment decision must be made. Are you going to enjoy what you are doing right now or are you going to be upset about it? A lot of people will say yes, I want to enjoy this moment but... Here is where you can begin to choose it and live with that enjoyment. The reason is up to each of us. Decide why you are doing what you are doing.

If what you are doing makes you completely happy, those around you happy and general society happy then you are probably doing the right thing for your life. Each action that we take toward our future is decided by what we are doing. As we pick small actions that bring us closer to the future we want joy will begin to blossom. Even doing chores around the house can become a thing of enjoyment if we realize why we are doing those chores.

A cleaner more organized lifestyle helps. This doesn't mean that you will not have messy areas in your life. We are given those messy areas because we need those challenges to help us become a better version of ourselves. Throughout our entire life, we are given the opportunity to grow whether we want to or not. To choose that you will grow daily will help your life to become more enjoyable.

One thing I learned while doing some Zen readings was to dive into what I am currently doing. This could be writing, chores or spending time with my kids. It is important to be in the moment when you are trying to be happy about life. Empty all other feelings. Let those feelings go that are hindering your progress. One of the harder feelings that I have yet to get rid of was a temper. For a long time, I would just explode and had no idea why. It became a realization in my life that if I wanted to be a good example for my children I best calm down.

By reading daily I have come to an understanding that I had been looking for. Everything that goes on in my life is up to me. It is my choice to take responsibility for my life. It is my choice to love this life that I get to live. Take the time to appreciate the time that we get to have here on this beautiful planet. Look at all the great creations that mankind has come up with.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Dreaming-Ahead-16-of-365&id=9589260

How Gratitude Exercises Will Make You Happier and Change Your Life

Many of us it seems will spend a ton of time daydreaming about things we want. Maybe you imagine yourself with a six pack, or perhaps you dream of the day you win the lottery. It's perfectly normal so don't feel bad about it, but is it healthy?

The problem is, that even if you were to win the lottery and to get a six pack, you might well find yourself still being unhappy. Why? Because you'd now be dreaming about investing in a stock that made you a million dollars, or you'd be dreaming about having massive biceps. In other words, we take what we have for granted and we instead long after the things we don't have.

This is where gratitude exercises come in. These are about taking the time out to think about the things you have and the things you're happy for. This can completely change your life.

How Gratitude Exercises Work

To start doing gratitude exercises, you need to first set aside some time out of your regular routine to practice them. This could mean that you do gratitude exercises once a day in the morning before work or before bed, or you could try to do it before every meal.

A basic exercise to start with then, is to take the time to think of three to five things that you are grateful for. For instance then, you might think you are grateful for your health - even if you have aches and pains think how much worse it could be. Think of the people suffering with terminal diseases or the amputees.

Next, you might choose to think about your family and your friends and how grateful you are for them. Think how nice it is to have people around you who love you and who support you and think how much worse life would be without them.

You can also think of material things. Perhaps you love your computer. Perhaps the simple fact that you know you can play a computer game tonight and escape into another world is enough reason to be grateful.

There are other types of gratitude exercises you can use too. Some people will write the things down they're grateful for, some might work these exercises into their prayers. Whatever you do though, being mindful of the things for which you are grateful for can help you to appreciate what you already have and to be much happier as a result.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Gratitude-Exercises-Will-Make-You-Happier-and-Change-Your-Life&id=9720402

Your Face Pressed Up Against the Window Pane

A child staring at a puppy, a young woman captivated by a magical wedding dress that will surely transform her to a princess, a young man gazing at his dream car in the showroom; these are fragments of our lives momentarily wondering free as we stare through the windows envisioning a new reality. This is life as it was intended to be lived. Standing transfixed; we wish, we hope and we dream. Something deep within is stirred. We mentally experience living our dream.

How long has it been since you pressed your face against a window pane allowing something to captivate you and invite you to dream? Children have an inner sense that keeping their time and energy focused on something they love is the path to receiving it. Their mind is filled with the vision of it becoming theirs. They talk incessantly about it and even demand it if they think it will prod their dream to reality. They understand the magic and innocence of dreaming; they are unafraid to demand their dream come true.

The detours and bumps in the roads we navigate in our life cause many to scoff at magic. They become practical, never demanding more than will fit into their budget. Their future is limited by a disparaging outlook on life. They are frozen on the ladder of life, their dreams never extending beyond the steps they can see. They would never dream of demanding more from life. They can't, because they don't believe in anything beyond what is before them and in their control. They have forgotten how to dream, how to demand their dream from life and how to believe in anything bigger than themselves.

When life loses its luster, it's time to take a walk past closed storefronts. Let your mind wander free and see what captivates you, what invites you to take a closer look and peer through the windowpane, your nose pressed close to see even better. It's time to invite the child within to come out and find joy in something, to find a hope and dream you will not discard. It's time to demand more from life and believe it will be!

Why is this so important? It forces us to envision something that matters as a part of a new reality. When we see the perfect car we mentally drive it. We mentally 'wear' the perfect outfit and dine in the restaurant we dream of eating in. An open house with the perfect home allows us to walk through and imagine living in it. It allows us to rekindle desire and longing back into our lives, reminding us to dream again. The mental exercise of envisioning the reality forces us to focus again. The whole process restarts the engine to receiving good back into our life. So simple a child can do it; so important adults must never forget it! This process ignites our inner perception that guides us to success in life.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Your-Face-Pressed-Up-Against-the-Window-Pane&id=9722202

This Is My Choice Today

I opened my eyes. It is cold and it is dark still. Early morning during the winter is one of my less favorite times. It is cold, really cold. It is so warm and cozy in bed, to get out is a mission on its own. As I lie there thinking to myself. Thinking about the choice I have to make right at that very moment. The choice of getting up and writing to you, or I can just set my alarm clock for another hour and a half later and go back to sleep. After all it is winter and it is cold and who would know? Everyone else is sleeping warm, cozy and sound in their beds.

I am the only one crazy enough to get up at 4 am in the morning to write. I am the only one crazy enough to think that the extra time in the morning, before everyone starts to stir and before the sun start to rise for the day, that I will use this time to my advantage and make a difference. Not just a difference in my life but for my son as well. He deserves the very best I have to offer, and that includes me, the very best of me, the successful me.

As I sit and think about the choice I choose to make today, to rather get up earlier, using the extra time to push myself towards my goal. I think back over the past few years, and I realize how many times I have given up... How many times did I choose to sleep a little more, how many times I choose not to take action but rather to blame others for what happened to me, all the stuff that went wrong in my life. It was never me, never my fault. Always someone else's fault, everyone else did all these things to me, they caused every bit of discomfort and heartache, when in fact as I look back I know I caused everything myself. I made the wrong choices. I made the wrong choice every day.

Many things could have been so very different. Some of these make my heart ache when I think of them. How is it that I didn't think, how is it that I didn't know this before. How is it that I messed up my life so bad. Sometimes it still feels that I will never get it back again, any of the stuff I made myself loose. That I messed up my only chance of happiness. I know what I did wrong, I have forgiven myself. Sometimes the regret do come back, then I feel the hurt inside me. But I only let it linger for a little moment, not too long, just a short while. Just long enough to remind me of what it is that I never want to do to myself and to my family ever again. Real honest regret is one of the worst feelings to experience. The moment is over now, got to move on and change the feeling to one of hope and happiness. What's done is done. I can decide today to learn from the past thus making the future a better place.

Today is my choice, I can choose to get up and go, or I can choose to lie back and sleep some more, only dreaming of a better future, not actually doing something to change it. Today is my choice; I will decide what I want to do with the time I am given here. I decide to make a success; I decide to get up earlier and to use the extra time to do something great. I decide to do one great thing today, just one. One is a good start, one is already halfway to two, and two is already halfway to four, do you see where I am going with this? Make one good choice today, tomorrow make two and that is exactly how we grow and that is how we succeed.

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come, but today is here, right here, right now. Today is my choice, just like today is your choice. Choose to make today the best of your life so far, choose to make today the first day of the rest of your amazing life. Then tomorrow you improve on today. You are the creator of the rest of your life right now. And if you really think about it, right now is in fact the only time that really counts, make it count then.

I should have made better choices before, I know. I also know it doesn't help me at all to dwell in the past and regret all the mistakes I've made. I know now to use these past mistakes to make a better today, thus creating a better future. I deserve success, I deserve love and I deserve money, loads of it all. I deserve all the stuff I chased away out of mere ignorance, stubbornness and the greatest of all selfishness. Never realizing I am the one who is creating my own masterpiece. I threw many of the good usable parts away, stupidity and ignorance. But today I see into the future and I see all these things for myself and a whole lot more in abundance.

Therefore I choose today to change my entire existence. To change what I keep and what I throw away. The universe is on my side, smiling down at me, proud of me and proud of my recent good choices. I can feel the universe changing and moving to my advantage. I have forgiven myself, the universe has forgiven me, my choices is made and now I can start to live life the way it was intended.

You and me, we have the same choice the moment we open our eyes in the morning. Right there, this moment is when you make the biggest choice of your life. Whether to get up and tackle this bull by the horns, or lie back and relax some more. My choice is to get up and give it the best shot that I can; then some more. Success is in that choice. You and me, we decide what to do with the time we are given.

Decide what it is that you want, then believe you can have it, believe that you deserve it, believe it is possible, then take action together with your decision. You are a strong amazing wonderful person, just decide and make your world the best place it can possible be. I can, I will, and so can you.

http://ezinearticles.com/?This-Is-My-Choice-Today&id=9450072

Manifesting 101: What You Need To Do First!

Is there any area of your life in which you feel like you're in a rut? You find yourself thinking, doing, and saying the same things over and over and - predictably - you're getting the same old, frustrating, unsatisfying results? You've probably heard it said that the definition of insanity is doing the same things and expecting different results. Yet, it's surprising how often we do this.

So, perhaps, you decide you really do want something different. You decide you are going to manifest better health, a better relationship, or more money to do the things you really want to do in your life. Do you have a clear picture of what it is that you want?

What is it exactly? How will you know when you have that? What will it feel like? Specifically, how will your life be different?

Now, those may seem like obvious questions, but in reality they're the ones that get many of "hung up." Do you really know what you want?

Unfortunately, it's all too common to be so used to doing what we think we "should do" or "have to do" that we lose touch with what really lights our fire. When we constantly push ourselves and force ourselves to do what we don't want to do, we dull our inner senses. We lose our ability to feel the passion that pulls us forward and the signals that guide us there.

Do you ever wonder what would really make you happy?

Have you given up even asking that question?

Have you settled into settling?

Have you rationalized that with spiritual pleasantries like, "Just be happy with what is," while, inside, you just feel bored with what is or afraid to venture something new?

What if you are equipped with an inner guidance system that is constantly sending you signals that would break you out of your ruts? What if your body is guiding you with sensations which tell you exactly what you want and how to get it? What if it was just a matter of paying attention and learning to discern what those signals are telling you?

In my experience, it can be as simple as pausing my busy-ness and following my interest.

What if you took a conscious break from your "shoulds" and "have tos?" What if you gave yourself a period of time every day in which you did exactly and only what you were really interested in doing? It doesn't matter how long you do that, just that you make it a top priority and do it every day.

For example, what if you've been dreaming of being on a beach and went to TripAdvisor.com and looked at possible destinations? Or, stopped at that yoga studio on your way home from work and picked up a class schedule? Or, browsed through the bookstore for a magazine or book that catches your eye? Or attended a meet-up focused around a subject you're passionate about?

What might happen if you took time to indulge and participate in something that interests you-no matter how pointless it seems? What if you followed wherever it led you? What new experiences might open up? What new paths might appear?

If you did that, when you got to the end of each day you could look back on whatever happened and say, "Today, I took a step to manifesting something new!"

When you participate in anything that interests you and follow where it leads, for even a few minutes every day, you grow new possibilities. You take the first step to manifesting a new reality.

Enjoy your practice!

Are you ready to be free from negative thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that keep you stuck repeated the same old results?

http://ezinearticles.com/?Manifesting-101:-What-You-Need-To-Do-First!&id=9372897

Dreamers Solve More Problems

Some believe dreams are our imaginations at work, while others maintain that dreams are nothing more than a basic brain reflex, generated by the brainstem - whose function is to control sleep. Still others, like Deirdre Barrett - in her book, "The Committee of Sleep: How Artists, Scientists, and Athletes Use Dreams for Creative Problem-Solving - and How You Can, Too" - believe dreams can solve problems, and produce masterpieces of literature, art, music, scientific discoveries, and more.

Barrett, a Harvard psychologist, describes dreaming as your mind thinking in more of a heightened state than when you are fully conscious, and proposes the practice of "dream incubation" to use dreams to for problem solving and creation. People can dream solutions for any subject (according to the author), however they're most effective in instances where visualization is key to solving the problem, and also when thinking beyond conventional solutions is required to tackle the issue at hand. There are many in the psychological community who subscribe to Barrett's theory, with some variations on technique. Below are some steps you can take to use dreams to solve problems.

When you are relaxed in your bedroom before you slumber, consider your problem or desired outcome. Focus specifically on what the crux of your problem is. Either ask yourself a question, or make a request with your goal in mind.

Jot the question or request down. Be clear and simple so your brain can easily process it with no confusion. Then ponder this question or request for several minutes, and then set down the piece of paper in a journal on your nightstand (a dream journal), or place it under your pillow and go to sleep.

Relax, acknowledge, and trust that your subconscious mind will be able to take over while you are asleep and figure it out. This act gives your conscious mind permission to let go of the issue so it can "shut down" and get some rest.

When you wake up from a dream - no matter what time it is - write it down immediately in your dream journal. Use as many details as you can recall, as quickly as you can, to log the dream. Go back to sleep

Finally, don't get impatient. The answer may be immediate when you wake again, or it could take days, weeks or months for a solution to be revealed to your conscious mind.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Dreamers-Solve-More-Problems&id=9458920

Most Know What It Takes To Be a Success, But Just Won't Do It

I've been contacted by many, many people over the years. Most ask me to tell them the one thing they need to do or need to think about in order to become successful. Now I don't specifically know what's gotten into these people. Each January I can understand that maybe it's the annual New Year's resolution thing rearing its head, but the rest of the year it baffles me.

The fact is that there isn't one single magic bullet that will turn someone who doesn't really earn much from their efforts and then transform them into someone who is a prolific money-making success. The reality is there are a number of things that have to work together in a synergistic way that will help tremendously in getting on the royal road to prosperity and success.

Of course, we've all heard about the necessary success components needed to make it all happen: having the right mindset, dreaming big, mixing and associating with the right people, learning and studying, taking action, being persistent, focus, concentration, immunity to criticism, all of that, and much, much more. Now the thing is, we all already know all of that; we know what it takes to become successful and financially well-off, so there really isn't a missing piece of the puzzle. And frankly, I know some people are really disappointed when I say to them that:

"You know in your heart-of-hearts what it takes to become successful; you're just unwilling to do what you know."

You see, most people I meet feel that there's something out there that's being hidden from them, that somehow everybody else knows about this hidden secret to wealth and prosperity and it's been kept from them. Sadly, most people will still continue to believe this myth for years and years and still hunt out this missing piece.

Let me give you a few examples of what I'm talking about here:

A number of friends have told me they've wanted to get much fitter and healthier for a long time now, but they just can't seem to get to the levels of fitness they want. Now however we look at this, there isn't anything missing here, is there? I mean, there are different exercise programmes and various exercise equipment and apparatus one can use at home. There are gyms, personal trainers, fitness coaches, DVDs, nutrition plans and programmes, you name it - there's nothing secret about it. There isn't any missing information here.

In a similar way, there are people who honestly believe that they're missing a huge piece of information when it comes to making a really good online living. They honestly believe that someone is hoarding a valuable hidden piece that's part of the online money-making equation.

The fact is, there are hundreds, if not thousands of people making tremendous online fortunes. And, most likely each and every single one of them have documented exactly how they've done it from start to finish - whether they've shown it via eBooks, seminars, DVDs, personal coaching or mentoring, training packages, whatever. There are no secrets! Their formulas are all laid out in the open.

Amazingly, many have asked me if there is something more to it than what I teach via my information products, seminars, workshops, membership site, etc. Again, they honestly think I'm holding something back and that they've not got the full story, that there's a golden nugget, a silver bullet I'm keeping all to myself.

The truth is I've given up trying to convince those deeply stubborn and disbelieving people who refuse to act on the message that they have all they need to know about being successful in anything they choose to be. Trying to influence and educate someone who isn't open to possibilities, who isn't coachable, who doesn't want to change the very nature of their own thoughts about things: all of that is a thankless and fruitless exercise.

Nothing comes out of it except an inordinate waste of life's number one resource - time.

If after reading this you have realised that you've not been fully honest, that you've not been playing full-out, that you've not got where you've said you've wanted to get to, whether in your business or personal life, then the refreshing news is that you have all you need to make a marvellous success of anything you want to.

Simply get committed to act on what you already know and you'll truly surprise yourself at the results that begin showing up in your life. That, I can promise you.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Most-Know-What-It-Takes-To-Be-a-Success,-But-Just-Wont-Do-It&id=9438697

Happiness - Alignment to Let Life Flow Freely

You probably notice in your life the resistant effort when you expect too much or when you are upping the ante to have more to be happy. You become frustrated and irritated. That resistance reduces the flow and returns back to you what you most don't want.

What are we striving for and how can this be realized in our life?

For a number of us there is a deep gap between the life we are striving for, the individual we perceive ourselves to be, and seeking more to get what we want.

Let's first define the word 'want'.

According to Middle English: the noun means 'lacking'; the verb be lacking' with the original notion of 'lack' extended to need or a sense of desire.

There is an excess of energy spent on the areas of our lives spending more time doing tasks or exercises that we may not so much want to do but genuinely feel persuaded to do so to achieve what we desire believing that this will make us happy.

When you achieve that one goal, you set another one making the goal achieved giving temporary happiness- searching for more.

When you get that ideal job that you have been searching for, happiness looms for a while.

So you start again, dreaming even bigger ideals for gratification and happiness. So what do you hear the most out there?

Think Bigger - Set your Intention and Go for It!

When you become attached to an outcome it actually does the reverse. You begin by manipulating actions to achieve a result you are seeking. We are afraid it won't come to pass so we keep trying.

Our ego is strong continually pushing us to strive for more. We live out of fear that if we don't get what we want and won't be happy or accepted. If our energy is continually being expended to seek for more we are projecting this as an attachment for external gratification -- the doing results will be --- you know -- only temporary.

Would you call this a freeing experience?

Honestly, it is what we have been taught.

How can we escape this trap that has been projected on to us that having more puts us at odds with happiness?

Non-attachment is a hard practice to follow in our society given our environment of consumerism, desire, expectations, orientation to taking action and achievement, we think we need. But it can be done, even in the all the pressures of media and social change. It only takes awareness and a shift of perspective.

So how can we become more aware?

We need to stop attaching ourselves to the outcomes and start relying on our inner selves, our higher guidance, which is the real source of all the answers we will ever seek. The issue here is learning how to discern what truth is and then take the necessary steps forward.

Become aware and a witness to what is going on around us. Here is where you can make the choice not to engage in what everyone else is doing.

Notice what is happening around you, you may even witness your own response, exercise your will and take responsibility then choose to not allow your mind to go down its familiar path.

Holding expectations about what is to happen is certain for temporary happiness. . You may intend a certain result. But do not become attached to it.

There is freedom here, even for something else to occur, maybe even better that the one you might have got engaged about.

You can allow life to flow and to trust that what you really need will come to you.

"Everything can be taken from a man but the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way" Victor Frankl

http://ezinearticles.com/?Happiness---Alignment-to-Let-Life-Flow-Freely&id=9434371

Sky Shouldn't Be The Limit

As children we have lots of dreams, becoming pilots, lawyers, rich and famous and even astronauts. But as our days and months turn into years and life happens we suddenly lose touch of our dreams, even worse we stop dreaming altogether.

After personal experience and watching people around me I have come to discover some truths, some of which I wish to share with you, hoping that you would reap the benefits.

Don't Be Afraid To Dream

Why are we afraid to dream? Why are we conditioned and brought up to be in a society that fights progression and stand in the way of dreams? As adults we put a bar on our dreams, we limit ourselves to what we could reach and confine our dreams to walls and ceilings not to outgrow the normal accepted standards. But I tell you even as adults' dreams should live on, and shouldn't be confined to what is possible and what is not. If you can dream it, then you can believe it, then you can find a way to achieve it. Don't stop dreaming and don't limit your dreams.

You Are Your Worst Enemy

So you have a dream you wish to make it a reality, but instead you let the demons in your head get to you first. The could I's, the what if's, the there are many out there like me, why would I be successful? I will tell you just STOP! Stop these negative thoughts and stop beating yourself down. If you have a dream and a passion to do something, it doesn't matter if a thousand or even million others are doing it before you, that shouldn't stop your drive to follow your own path and give it a try. You might feel scared, you might not know where to start, but with the right planning, organization and research you can build a foundation to put you on the right path to work on your dream. Just stop self-sabotaging yourself and believe that you too can do it, and even do it better than others!

Shut Out Negative Voices

When you share your passion and desires with others, wanting to spread your wings and fly, most likely you will hear many telling you "don't do it, why do it? You will waste your time for nothing?" Don't blame these people for saying so as they too were conditioned like you, not to believe in pursuing dreams, and are afraid of the unknown, and God forbid that you might actually succeed and leave them behind. When people bombard you with let-downs, walk away, don't listen and most important don't take it personally, it is not a measure of your capabilities it is a measure of their lack of confidence and fear. Instead use those negative comments to feed your desire for success even more and push you even further towards your goal. Instead find the people who support you and believe in you and pick you up when you fall down.

I Will Need An Arm And A Leg

Another thing that might be stopping you from working on your dream is finances. So you don't have the cash. Well sure that can put a damper on any project, but the truth is to start your own business you don't need that much initially. You could start at home and use social media platforms to help promote your product or business and with profit you make you can put back in your work and slowly grow. Don't think to be a millionaire you have to start out like one and don't forget that most successful entrepreneurs started from home.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

The best advice is to do your best. Work with all your heart and soul; don't get lazy because you are not getting a salary at the end of the month. Learn to discipline yourself in setting goals, targets, deadlines and stick to them. Work ethically and work hard, eventually you will see the fruit of your efforts.

Patience is Virtue

Perseverance is key to success. Even if you get rejections, even if you don't succeed at first, keep at it. If you believe in something and you put the work into it, then no matter what, you will eventually taste the sweetness of success even if it is something as self-satisfaction and gratification for trying. It will not happen overnight, and you will get moments of doubt, and feel it is easier to give up. But don't! You will never regret working hard but surely you will regret not trying your best and giving up too soon. Success takes time, so be patient it will be worth it in the end.

Enjoy The Ride

You do realize this is Your Dream we are talking about? And you are the one trying to make it come true, so there is no sense in pushing yourself to the point you lose sight to why you started in the first place. Learn to enjoy your journey. Every moment good or bad, is an opportunity to learn and grow, so might as well have fun doing it, in the end you are making memories to keep for life and things to look back on and smile not cringe.

And as Richard Branson once said, "A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts." So I say don't be afraid to dream.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Sky-Shouldnt-Be-The-Limit&id=9365298

3 Simple Steps to Success

Think back to your last vacation and what made it possible. It started with dreaming about the places you might go, then selecting the destination, and finally putting a plan in motion. You made reservations, booked a flight, and so on. In the days and weeks leading up to your departure, you began to experience the simmering pleasure of contemplating the joys to come.

Now compare your vacation planning experiences to your efforts to solidify your career, support your family, or secure your financial independence—concerns that will perhaps affect you as long as you live. How much thought and planning have you devoted to these and other important areas of your life? Be honest. Just like that vacation, none of these goals will be realized unless you first connect to whatever is most meaningful to you, and then lay out a sequence of short- and long-term objectives that will bring your vision to life.

The truth is that the magnitude of your success is directly correlated with setting and achieving goals. Everyone knows this truth. Yet very few follow through on it. Why is this?

Perhaps the very notion of planning sounds intimidating. But it needn’t be. It can be done in three simple steps: Dream, Declare, Do.

Step 1: Dream.

Start fresh, blank canvas. What would you like to accomplish a year, five years, or even ten from now? Envision exactly what you desire. What would you wish for? Maybe you want to learn to speak Italian, run a marathon, or just lose 20 pounds.

Dream big. Allow your imagination the freedom to play. Your dream could be something as grand as heli-skiing in the Himalayas or racing a Formula 1 car to victory at the Italian Grand Prix.

Now, dream even bigger. Dream of a future unencumbered by the past. Be willing to conceive of something that might take longer than a lifetime, something greater than you alone can manifest. Make 50 billion dollars and then give it all away. Create a foundation to bring clean water and sustainable power to every impoverished village in India.

As you begin to formulate your vision, imagine what might be possible if you were to discuss your ideas with others and find ways to collaborate. A good vision will memorialize your dreams, but a great vision inspires others to act. Such a vision not only galvanizes existing allies but emboldens stakeholders who have been waiting to show up—stakeholders whose roles support your vision, and who feel pride in their connection to it. Who knows—instead of just fulfilling your own dreams, you might actualize ambitions that will echo onward through time.

Step 2: Declare

Whatever your vision, speak it—or even better, write it—to give it life. Making it explicit and concrete transforms a dream into a real possibility.

A declaration can be as practical as describing what you will do in the next hour or the next week, or as audacious as what you will accomplish over the next ten years or even in a lifetime. If, for example, one aspect of your dream is to become physically fit and healthy, you can focus on the precise steps you can take today to advance toward your goal.

Today I will go running with a friend.

Today I will choose to eat healthy foods.

Today I will share my fitness goals with my family.

Setting and achieving measurable daily goals not only builds the confidence that you can achieve the same goal tomorrow but maybe even a greater long-term goal.

Step 3: Do

Talking and brainstorming is easy. Without action, though, goals and intentions are nothing more than passing dreams. “Action” describes more than physical movement; yes, action can mean walking, writing, creating, destroying, building, healing, or protecting. But action also involves heart and mind—committing to a clear path toward accomplishing something important. Your vision declared, begin each day by reflecting on your short- and long-term goals, and then committing to action.

For example, if you start by saying, “Today I will choose to go running with a friend,” then commit to that choice in concrete ways. Set aside an hour for that run. Bring your running shoes to work with you—and call your friend a few hours in advance. Clear a path for yourself, starting now.

That’s all there is to it. You’re on your way. In effect, your plans serve to create a call from the future you desire, while marking the path toward your destination.

With clear vision, you are better able to avoid crises, as well as overcome your fears of the unknown. Stick to the plan…and then one day look up and find that what once was a dream has now come true.

http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/3-simple-steps-success/