What's Stopping You From Dreaming Big (By Chris Atley)

This was taken right around the time that my big dream to move to California was born. This was on a family trip to Disneyland & Universal Studios in California when I was 8 years old. At the time I was reading the Sweet Valley High books - remember those?! - where Jessica and Elizabeth lived in Malibu and drove around in a red convertible Fiat!! "THAT sounds amazing", I thought!!!

And so the dream was formed!

Funny enough my Mom found some of my old journals recently, where I had written down what I wanted to do when I grew up. Helping poor people and owning the Humane Society were written down. I was watching a TON of those commercials where the German Sheppard was basically crying, and they went on to tell us how much he'd been abused:(

I remember thinking that I was going to own all of the dogs in the world and live on a huge fenced in lot by the beach in Malibu, where people would have to be interviewed by me to see if they were fit to own a dog!

Some things never change. You can count on me to always let you know what is fair and what is not. I'm working on that...

What is that dream deep inside of you that's pulling at your heart strings? Read today's article below to learn where I landed on my dreams, what tends to get in the way of people making their dreams come true, and that it's absolutely okay to course correct along the way!

What's Stopping you from Dreaming Big?

See if you can tune into what you were wanting to do when you were little. I had the memory of California and the humane society, but I didn't realize I had also said that I wanted to help poor people! I remember saying in grade 6 (so age 11ish), that I wanted to either be a lawyer or a model, but not that part.

Well I definitely believe I'm doing my part to help poor people - I'm going to reframe that into helping people live abundant lives! - but the latter - the dog part - came about in a really interesting way!

And no, I don't own the humane society or all of the dogs in the world!

BUT I did work with a client once who is a K9 trainer who helps medics around the world care for the dogs who are on the job. Think guys jumping out of helicopters and landing on jet skis - she helps those types of handlers! Her training has helped to save countless animals, and as we worked on growing her business she was able to help even more dogs and people. When I was working with her awhile back, the realization set in that I was actually helping to make a difference in dogs' lives. It was a cool realization.

Throughout my childhood, whenever I felt "sad" I would think of going "home", which to me was palm trees, sunshine and the ocean. I'm not sure where this came from, but it was there. Like a knowing.

And being able to manifest something like that - that was such a big dream for me - has truly become my purpose - showing others we absolutely can be, do and have anything in life! We truly are limitless!

So what gets in the way?

Well a couple of things.

I do remember dating someone once and I shared with his parents that I wanted to help animals. I was pretty much shamed because they said there were so many people to help and why would I help animals instead?

Hmmm...

Insert doubt. I pretty much felt like a bad person for wanting to do that.

How often do we listen to other people and then talk ourselves right out of something as a result?

Don't get me wrong, feedback and validation are important, but not when it works against our dreams! Not when it talks us out of going after what lies in our hearts.

Our desires are given to us for a reason. It's how we know what our purpose is.

Most people spend tons of time and money trying to figure out their purpose, but we already have the answer inside of us if we would listen. It's our heart's desires, it's what makes us happy and what brings us joy. All we need to do is follow that and let it the rest unfold.

Which brings me to another reason people don't follow their dreams. They can't see "how" their dreams will happen and so they give up. This is one of the biggest areas to let go of in order to use the law of attraction to manifest our dreams and desires. It's not up to us! Look at the K9 medic story! I never could have dreamt that up in a million years!

Which leads me to it being okay to course correct. Our childhood and adulthood desires might look a little different, and that's okay.

I remember a friend saying to me once that I didn't actually make it to Malibu, but I was close! At least that's how I heard her say it anyway.

If we're being that knit picky we've lost sight of the whole thing. The dream was palm trees and the ocean in California, to which I achieved. I consciously chose which area I wanted to be in after living in California for 4 years. We visited San Diego a few times and absolutely loved it and the more laid-back lifestyle. It's what worked for us (insert also thinking about husbands and kids too - which I definitely didn't have at 8 years old;-)

It's absolutely okay to course correct and adapt your dreams as you go. I never would have thought I would be paid to be a speaker or start a second business in real estate investing when I first started my entrepreneurial efforts!

If we're shown the entire picture all at once it would be wayyy too overwhelming to bring to fruition anyway. But if we keep saying yes, one step at a time, to what brings us joy and what we're interested in, we will always be on track with creating a happy and purposeful life!

We just have to go for it!

xoxo

P.S. I don't know about you, but I have been so tired these last few days. I think something to do with a full moon?? Anyway, as I was sitting down to write this article it felt like pulling teeth. I didn't know how I was going to do it. But as I got started, I was reenergized writing about this topic. I got so excited writing about manifesting our dreams that I got a total energy burst! Another sure sign that we're on track with doing what we love ?

https://ezinearticles.com/?Whats-Stopping-You-From-Dreaming-Big&id=10295416

A Global Solution Begins With a Personal Responsibility

Whether we like it or not we must all accept personal responsibility for the state of the world we are now living in. A global responsibility that equates to a social awareness and ultimately a personal responsibility to bring about the changes necessary to guarantee a world fit for future generations. Packing our bags and moving away from the problem isn't an option, and if the time ever came when a space age Ark 2 became a possibility, current human nature being what it is its fair to say places would be allocated not with the intent of saving the species but based on position, power and status. Premier VIP class would be the order of the day, and everyone else written off as expendable and left to fend for themselves among the ruins of civilisation.

If you feel this kind of decision would never happen simply open your eyes and you will see these judgement calls being made every single day on a global scale. Life has become a very cheap commodity unless you have power wealth and prosperity to protect you from the realities of life in the 21st century.

We are a human race living in a large global village that is shrinking by the day. Where once upon a time travelling large distances would take weeks and months, the same journey is now completed in a matter of hours, and information takes longer to type than it does to travel around the globe. The more technically advanced we become the more ignorant and unconcerned we appear to be about the consequences of our actions, and the effect they have on the planet that sustains us. Politicians, world leaders and financial power brokers are making short term decisions in order to generate further wealth and prosperity for themselves, decisions that will have lasting and long term negative effects on generations to come.

War, corruption and the pollution it creates in the hearts and minds of those it touches is big business. When war generates trillions of dollars worldwide peace has no value in the eyes of those who see no further than the profit to be made from the next conflict. When pollution is seen as an acceptable price for progress and the destruction of wildlife, tree's rivers and oceans, is written off as nothing more than collateral damage, conservation is simply viewed as an irritation that is paid lip service for the sake of public relations, and then totally ignored and its business as usual.

Division is a means to an end. It is generated and manipulated, created in order to divide influence and control. Politics, religion and wealth are the great dividers that segregate and alienate. Once we buy into this belief it becomes easy to convince us that we have something to fear from those who we are conditioned to believe are different from us. Colour, creed race and religion are just some of the many categories and stereotypes used to reinforce the belief that we have nothing in common with the people we share our home with. This planet is our only home and the people we share it with are not neighbours to be ignored because we think they are not our kind of people, they are our family we must learn to get along with if we want to secure a life and tenure for future generations.

Each one of us has the power to make a difference and that difference begins in our own minds and the way we think. Education is the key to change and the mind that can think for itself and has the courage to break free from its own ignorance and fear is the greatest threat to those who would seek to control the world's resources, the environment, society and the world as we know it. The individual is only powerless as long as they believe themselves to be, each one of us can bring about change in our own lives which must then impact on the lives of those around us. In a universe composed of energy a small solitary action on our part has the power to create a ripple that has a lasting effect and far reaching consequences.

In standing up for what we believe to be right; in speaking out for those who are unable to speak for themselves, in helping those less fortunate we make a difference. Every time we refuse to accept bigotry, hatred and abuse we give strength to others and help them make a stand against insidious forms of injustice. There may be times when we are a lone voice and find ourselves standing alone against what appears to be overwhelming odds but it's at those times we come to realise what's important to us and what we are prepared to take a knee for, or stand up and be counted.

The planet we live on is the only one we have and whether we like it or not each and every one of us has a duty of care to do our bit to look after it. A responsibility to leave it in a fit state for those who have to come after us, a responsibility that we can't negate for it's our life and we alone can live it. We are not asked to become environmentalist overnight, or political activists ready to overturn governments, we simply need to become more aware of the world we live in and make changes in our own lives that reflects a new level of consciousness. We are energy beings whose fabric is that of the universe, any changes we make no matter how small must affect both the global and universal consciousness for in reality there is only one conscious mind on this planet we call home, and we are it.

https://ezinearticles.com/?A-Global-Solution-Begins-With-a-Personal-Responsibility&id=9934318

How to Brighten Someone's Day - Ways to Be Kind

Ever felt the need to brighten someone's day who was less than and freaking? Ever wanted to reach out to them and make them happy by acts of generosity? Then this article is for you. It will answer the opening questions in profound ways and more. Read on.

How about your maid servant? You literally find her depressed and gloomy. Make her work less that very day and leave her to enjoy the rest of the day. You may even tip her to buy a cup of tea for herself. Surely, she will have regained her spirits by the next day.

You come across a beggar on your way to work lamenting for alms. Hand over a Tk 10 on his bowl and make him smile.

Your toddler child has been meaning to have a toy car that he saw in the toy shop the other day. Yield to your child and make him happy by purchasing him the toy car he desires so much. Let him bounce in joy and let him play happily with it for a few days while you can attend to other household chores.

Help a newcomer stranger to the city who seems lost and doesn't know where to turn. Volunteer to give him directions so that he is relieved and gets back on his trailing path. He will remember your act of kindness for life.

If you see your wife all quiet and remorse by herself, brighten her day by giving her a bouquet of roses and taking her out to a restaurant and giving her a good treat. She will be grateful, change to a happy mood and be equally nice to you.

Visit a Cancer hospital and watch for yourself how kids and adults alike are suffering from the disease. Donate to the hospital and talk cordially to the patients, giving them an array of new hope. Let your presence make a difference in their lives.

When a tornado or flood erupts near about your area, reach the victims by donating a good sum of money to their fund and also distributing loads of relief material. They will be tearful and touched by your generosity and your love for helpless victims like them.

You notice a sulking colleague getting all hot and sweaty over his project at work. Calm him down and give him a hand and make him cheerful. He will remember this act of mercy upon him and repay you someday with equal kindness and efforts when you need it in future.

Pass a genuine compliment to your boss about his haircut, his get up or his new laptop by showing spiritedness and actual interest while complimenting him and make him feel good and give him a few minutes to smile during an extremely busy and hectic day. Your boss will treasure your compliment and repay your act of kindness in a way that will make you happy and feel worthy when you need it the most perhaps sometime in future.

Life is all about people and how you make them feel. They will not remember how successful, dutiful and hardworking you were years later. But forever they will remember your kind words if you ever uttered to them in times of their distress and transformed their bad days to hopeful and shiny moments when they badly needed the boost. Gotcha?

https://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Brighten-Someones-Day---Ways-to-Be-Kind&id=10159668

Using Personal Development To Discover The Source Of Your Anger

There is an entire industry that focuses on people's inability to control their anger. Some people do need therapy to deal with these issues and that cannot be ignored. However for most of us simply finding the source of that anger and then choosing to take action on dealing with the source will be enough to make a difference in our life.

I am confident in saying that the source of your anger is usually not the external factors you believe it is but you. You are the source. That is what we are going to explore today - how you are creating your own anger.

Control

You see I believe that all emotions can be controlled. We choose what to laugh at, cry at and be inspired by. Anger is no different in the fact if we get angry it is because we consciously chose to be angry. In most cases no one forced us to yell, pound our fists, flip off the guy in traffic or storm out of the room.

Getting angry over things we cannot control or believe could happen but haven't is detrimental to our happiness. A lot of anger comes from a place of feeling like we should be able to control something we can't. This is such a waste of our time and energy. Try to let go of the things that make you angry that you have no control over.

This includes the traffic, the weather, the news, Bob at the office or the anger you feel anticipating that something might go wrong. Anger is usually something you are a manifesting inside long before anything actually happens. Let's use traffic as an example of an uncontrollable.

Before you even leave the house you are angry at how traffic is going to be. Why do we get angry at the traffic? How does it make sense to be in our car giving it to the traffic people whoever they are and wherever they are? They can't hear you! What a waste of precious energy. Why not look at traffic as the mini vacation it can be. Listen to a personal development audio CD, comedy or whatever but you have the choice to make it what it is.

You have the power to change how you look at life which in turns changes how you live that life.

All those little things that bug you at the end of the day are just all you. You cannot change those things in life but you can seek to improve your outlook on them. Do you know who is really bugging you? Yourself and that little voice inside you that is telling you to be angry.

The Little Voice

Let's quickly examine this little voice just to be clear on how it plays a part in our anger. Is your voice saying you should be mad because...

• You don't make enough money
• You don't have the career you deserve
• You don't have the body you want
• Your boss doesn't appreciate or understand you
• People don't treat you right

The list can go on forever but I am here to let you know that you control what that voice is saying. The little voice wants to blame everyone else for why you feel angry and take no responsibility. Stop blaming everyone else for what you don't have and see if it shifts the way you look at things.

At the end of the day everything we have is a direct reflection of the effort we were willing to put into it. Maybe you are angry that you know you could try harder but just don't. I can't be angry at myself for not being a millionaire if I don't want to put in the time and effort to become one. Maybe I will just be mad at the universe for not handing me the money. Ya right!

Positive Anger

How can something as negative feeling as anger have any positive attributes? Well the fact is anger is not always a bad feeling to have if you use it to create a positive outcome. We assert ourselves better with a hint of anger but become aggressive when we let anger control us.

Turn your anger into something positive that helps other people. If you take a look at how a lot of change is created in the world it can usually be traced back to someone choosing to be upset by an event in their life. If it wasn't for those people feeling a need to take action on that anger vs. dwell on it we may not have people who work toward world peace, a green earth, join protective services or combat cruelty to animals.

Using your anger to take action in a positive way is the best method for dealing with that anger.

If you are not looking to change the world you can also exercise, exercise and then exercise some more to combat the effects of anger. Once you become fully self-aware as to why you are angry you will handle it better in the moment but until then you need an outlet for all that anger.

This is especially true if you used to be physically active all the time and are not as much anymore. People do not realize the benefit the regular exercise was giving them because they never attributed exercise to reducing their anger.

Find something you love like running, yoga, martial arts or whatever you find gives you that release. Your body will not only benefit physically but your emotional health will shoot through the roof. If you are going to choose to let things anger you then you might as well benefit from it.

Simply by adding back in the type of exercise you used to love to do you may find some of that anger disappears. Who knows you may discover that the reason you were angry with yourself is because you had given up a physical activity you loved in the first place. You most likely will discover what you are blaming for "making" you give it up.

Acceptance

First ask yourself are you angry at the fact you feel angry? The angrier you feel the angrier you get. This is like adding gas to a fire expecting it to go out. Now is the time to forgive yourself for feeling angry, for the outbursts and the needless hurt you have caused others. Holding onto this will not allow you to make progress.

Accept the fact you are angry and that you are responsible for your anger. That may make some of you defensive and it is not meant to. I want you to feel a surge of personal power instead now that you realize you are the master and commander of your anger.

By acknowledging that yes you are angry with yourself for something you wish you would have done or something you did that you wished you hadn't you can be at peace with it and start fresh. You will never deal with your anger by avoiding admitting you are angry.

Do not be ashamed that you are angry because out of that feeling you will become afraid to fully express your emotions in any way. Even when you have mastered your emotions you will still feel anger sometimes but it will come out as positive self-assertiveness not as a self-destructive behaviour like yelling or overeating.

Accept yourself for what you are right now and move forward.

The Internal Source of Your Anger

I will be so bold as to say almost all of our anger has nothing to do with what is going on around us and everything to do with what is going on inside of us. We are usually angry at ourselves for something. Blame your lack of money on your career all you want but realize that it is you who wakes up each day to go to that career. No one is forcing you but you.

But Darrin, what about the bills, my family and my obligations? Yes we all have those but that doesn't mean you have to be unhappy to fulfill them. If you are unhappy with an area of life get to changing it. This may involve you leaving your comfort zone, taking on new skills and becoming someone you don't believe you are capable of becoming. I believe you can.

It can be difficult to break out of being routinely angry but I want you to see it for the routine it is. If you wake up feeling angry before anything has even happened to you yet then you need to discover the internal source of that anger. You are preplanning being angry.

We all tend to apply all of our past feelings to situations and always want to believe we already know what will happen so we can justify your anger. Just because it happened yesterday doesn't mean it will happen today. Even if it does that doesn't mean you have to react the same.

You never give yourself the opportunity for those situations not to happen or to deal with them in a different way by starting your day angry. Even waking up tomorrow choosing to only plan on reacting to everything in a positive way is a good first step to take.

What you have is the responsibility to not let others anger you through their actions. You are most likely angrier at yourself for letting them make you feel that way vs. their actual act of angering, you intentional or not.

We are angry at ourselves for letting other people control how we feel.

Wake up each day and treat it exactly like it is - a new day. Free of the past and only full of the future you choose to create. What would a day without anger feel like to you?

Today we explored how the main sources of anger could be:

• You have given up something you loved doing; you believe you should be something more than you are, you are trying to control the things in life you have no control over and you are letting others control your emotions.

There could be others so keep digging deeper until you find the source of your anger. It could end up being one main source that has controlled all of your anger. You never know until you take the time to do the work.

The only feelings we feel are the one's we allow others to make us feel. Realizing you have that type of control means you can consciously choose your life.

Take Action Request:

As you can see this is one of the more lengthy posts I have written and this take action request will be more in depth also. If you struggle with anger please take the time to do this.

Get out your journal and write down everything that makes you angry right from the career you hate down to the fact your wife puts her socks on left foot first. Every little thing you can imagine that you know rubs you the wrong way. Now with that do the following:

• Ask yourself why that particular thing makes you angry
• Then ask yourself why exactly that particular answer makes you angry
• Then keep going until the last answer sounds like "The reason I am angry is because I... " this is where you find the source of your anger and can acknowledge and take responsibility for it.

What I hope you discover is how you are choosing to let those things anger you. This exercise should also help you come to the realization at how silly some of the things are that you get mad at and really is just a matter of letting go.

Your Life Your Choice Your Design

"Anger is a killing thing: it kills the man who angers, for each rage leaves him less than he had been before - it takes something from him." - Louis L'Amour

https://ezinearticles.com/?Using-Personal-Development-To-Discover-The-Source-Of-Your-Anger&id=7693923

Dabble! You Have To Start Somewhere (By Sarah Schwab)

"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced." - Vincent Van Gogh

Content can take many forms. Of course it can be written, but now it can also be on video, podcasts, teleclasses, webinars, blabs, periscopes, the list goes on and on.

New platforms and new ways of creating content can be intimidating.

Saying "I can't... " is a surefire way to guarantee that you won't create something, that you won't grow, that you won't make a difference.

Even Van Gogh wasn't born being a professional painter. He had to start somewhere.

Dabble!

As adults, we often stop ourselves from trying new things because we think we won't be good at them immediately. We have high expectations right from the beginning. And that often means we never give ourselves the chance to try and to learn and to improve.

To dabble in something has a different feeling.

When we dabble, we lower our expectations. We give ourselves some space to just give it a shot.

Painting Bars

There is a great bar in Milwaukee that serves up canvases with their drinks. (They do sessions led by artists, and other cool things too).

One night, I was there with my husband during "Gallery Night." It was a public event in the area, so lots of people were out and about checking out places in the neighborhood. A couple of guys walked into this bar and ordered a beer.

One of them looked skeptically at the people who were painting, including me, and asked what was going on.

The bar tender explained how it worked and offered him a canvas and some paint. But he declined with a half smile that looked simultaneously embarrassed and "too cool."

But he kept watching other people painting. His friend encouraged him to give it a try. And finally he said, "Okay, why not?"

It was such a treat to watch him (and eventually my husband too!) dabble in the world of painting, something they had zero experience with.

And the result?

It turned out to be a lot more fun than they thought, and the end product was far better than they ever expected.

That's the magic!

Now, those men may never paint another picture again. But they can no longer say that they "can't" do it.

New Possibilities

This painting bar has grown a successful day-time business of hosting corporate groups for team-building and leadership events. It's hugely popular because when people are made to dabble in something outside their norm, new possibilities open up.

They become more vulnerable. They support each other differently. They take risks in ways they otherwise might not.

Many years ago, I thought that when I started my own business, it would be one of those "Paint Your Own Pottery" shops because I love encouraging and witnessing people dabble in new forms of creativity.

Now I do that in a different way, working with entrepreneurs on creating content. The similarities are striking.

Rather than stepping up to a blank canvas, you are stepping up to a blank computer screen or a video camera or a smart phone. In any of these cases you must be willing to put something on it and see what happens.

When you start by dabbling, you open the way toward improvement, new creations, and growth.

What is the thing you've been wanting to try for a while but haven't done it? How can you dabble in it? Get started!

https://ezinearticles.com/?Dabble!-You-Have-To-Start-Somewhere&id=9295791

Turn Your Life Story Into a Coaching Business (By Dr. Shauntel Peak-Jimenez, Ph.D)

Are you a natural encourager? Are you able to inspire others? Are you a good listener? Are you empathetic? Do you love to motivate others to succeed? Do you enjoy when you see others achieve their goals and dreams? If you have the heart to make a difference, the passion to see others live their best life possible, and the spirit of perseverance then you should consider becoming a life coach. Life coaching is a billion dollar industry annually and it is continuing to grow by leaps and bounds.

Helping others makes us feel good and when they show us gratitude for our services that is such a rewarding feeling. There are people in the world who could be yearning for your solution to their problem, but they will never find you if you don't show up. So isn't it time that you show up in the world and let others know that you can help them transform their lives from ordinary to extraordinary?

I remember having the feeling that I was supposed to be doing more than what I was currently doing, and I just felt stuck. I felt like I had a lot of big dreams inside of my head but I wasn't sure how to manifest them into physical reality. My heart seemed unsettled at times because I wasn't really enjoying life the way I knew I was born to enjoy it. I was working a job that I absolutely loved but yet it felt as it my potential was being limited.

And it wasn't until after I unexpectedly lost my job that I really began to see exactly what living fulfilled felt like. Now that doesn't mean that life is always a "bed of roses" for me, but what it does mean is that my life is full of more beautiful rose petals than thorns. I have had faced major challenges like loved ones passing away, but I had to make up my mind that where I was going to was better than what I was going through, and I decided that no matter what I was facing I must stay focused. I wanted to share that with you because often times we encounter challenges and obstacles while we are pursuing a goal or a dream, but that doesn't give us permission to give up or quit.

I am not going to tell you that becoming a life coach or launching a coaching business is easy, because it is not. But if you stick with it you can see phenomenal results manifest. That is personally, professionally, and financially. And the financial aspect can be very lucrative. You can earn hundreds and even thousands of dollars a month. When you are great at what you do you become a client magnet and being a client magnet means you are able to generate a nice income. And the ability to make more money means different things for different people. So imagine how generating additional income could change your life. What would that look like for you?

If you are a creative individual you will love the opportunity to let your creativity flourish as a life coach. You can create group programs, seminars, workshops, books, activities, exercises, and tools all based on your creativity and the needs of your client and clients. Your programs and products will empower your clients to break through obstacles, unleash their potential, and achieve their goals and dreams.

As you can probably tell by now, I absolutely love the field of life coaching. It is my passion and it is my purpose. I enjoy what I do every single day and I am so grateful to God for blessing me in such an amazing way. When I lost my job in 2009 as a corporate nurse due to corporate downsizing, I never imagined that I would be called to do something that touches my heart and soul in such a beautiful way. And when my mother passed away unexpectedly I didn't imagine that during the worst time of my life when I felt hopeless, that one day I would be blessed to help others find hope.

And I couldn't imagine at the time when I was burying my grandson with tears rolling down my face that I would ever feel so much passion for life again. And I couldn't imagine back in the 90's when I was a single mother of 5 living on government assistance that I would one day have a national and international coach training company that teaches others how to live in financial abundance.

Don't look at all that you have going against you, look at what you have working for you, and never let anything stop you. You have the inner power to transform obstacles into opportunities, struggles into success, and your life story into a wonderful coaching business.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Turn-Your-Life-Story-Into-a-Coaching-Business&id=9796326

Spring Cleaning: For Your Head, Not Just Your Home

Spring is here! That means cleaning our homes - but what about our heads?

We clean, organize and beautify our homes; yet we clutter our heads - our most intimate space - with the emotional equivalents of trash, dust and junk. We hold onto anger, resentment and frustration. Why do we make more effort to clean our physical spaces than our heads?

Cleaning our heads starts with understanding how we relate to the world through our relationships with ourselves, with others and with what we do. In terms of ourselves, we listen to our inner chatter more than anything else. It is the voice that drives our decisions, draws our conclusions and makes us believe nonsense: I am not good enough. I am not attractive. I am not smart. Nobody wants me...

There is not much difference between how we relate to ourselves and how we relate to others. We make decisions about them too. Our inner voice finds evidence to condemn them. They are inconsiderate, unreliable, uncaring, uncommitted...

You probably think that's not you - that you always try to find the good in people. But be honest - you must own your darkness as well as your light. You cannot love anyone unless you love yourself, and you cannot love yourself unless you own your humanity wholly - the good, the bad and the ugly.

If we are brave enough to look, we will see all the relationships we have abandoned, the dysfunctional family relationships, the jobs we have left or lost because we couldn't get along with others.

Now let's look at what we think about what we do - about our jobs: Hard. Unfulfilling. We feel unappreciated and misunderstood...

Now consider your relationship to the world itself, to the world we have created. It's a world we've been trying to change for a long time, but that so far has left us unhappy.

We see that world as a place that is unsafe and intimidating, where we're trying to make it, trying to not get hurt; where we're resigned, where there's no possibility...

When we really dig into the inner chatter that consumes our minds, don't you think it's time to pick up a broom and get to work?

You might think, where should I start? It's too hard. It will take a long time. You might be right, but consider your options: Do what you have always done, or choose a new way of being and make a difference in your life, the lives of others and, ultimately, in your experience of life itself.

Neither choice is good or bad, right or wrong. But each will have drastically different consequences.

Change takes time, determination and practice. You already have years of practice becoming who you have become. So it will take practice to master who you want to become next.

What kind of experiences do you want in life? Would you rather merely not fail, or do you strive to succeed? Would you rather settle for just okay, or do you want to go for great? The difference will live in the cleaning you decide to do... or not!

If you are resigned and think you can't get rid of that clutter, think again. Try this approach:

1. Acknowledge that you have dis-empowered yourself and others and that you have been a complainer.

2. Determine the benefit of holding onto those complaints.

3. Contemplate the excuses you use for not letting go of those complaints.

4. Clean up by forgiving yourself, contacting others and "cleaning" with them, and make up your mind about how you will live your life.

When you compare the benefits of letting go of your complaints with the cost, it's obvious that you are holding onto something insignificant, and that you're wasting precious life over it.

You can let sunlight stream through your windows, create surfaces that sparkle and breathe air deeply that is fresh and clean. It's possible if you pick up a broom and tackle the clutter in your head.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Spring-Cleaning:-For-Your-Head,-Not-Just-Your-Home&id=9541255

Message From the Universe: It All Starts With You

                       

"It's not that some people in your life are mean-spirited, shortsighted, and ignorant; it's that they're grand, brilliant, and magnificent. Fellow adventurers who, at the peak of their glory, in worlds before this one, asked to dance with you in time and space, however briefly, so that they might learn a bit faster than otherwise.

And you know how you love healing.

In the presence of greatness,

The Universe"

You will encounter over 10 000 people in your lifetime, and sometimes more. You will come across evil individuals, jealous, vindictive, but also kind and generous and sweet people that will make you forget about the bad ones. No matter what it is, as long as you contribute positively to society and give your time to help others, you will definitely make a change. Unfortunately for us, the good people, many others will take advantage of others kindness to take advantage and benefit from it. Distance yourself from these people and be careful how you trust people. Never give more ammunition until you are 10000% sure you can trust that person. IF your personal details are in the hand of the wrong person, it can be detrimental to you if you stay on the defensive. It is important that you keep all your private information private, AT ALL TIMES. Be smart but stay kind.

The world is not the same as it used to be. With so much violence, riots, terrorism, human trafficking, murders, rapes and so much more, it feels like another Sodom and Gomorrah. just like the two cities in ancient history, and we all know what happened to these cities (Armageddon). Nevertheless, being who you are isn't dependent on others. You are your own person but it is obvious that you need to defend yourself at all cost when facing danger. It is a must to live your life the best possible way so you can feel accomplished. If you want to make changes in the world, you need to look from within. Pay it forward whenever you can and the rest will follow. When dealing with the wrong people, you will end up being cheated, being taken advantage and if you do pay that behavior forward, the next victim will feel like you felt and will do the same to others. This is how the cycle begins. It has to be broken somehow or it will never stop. All of the good can start with you. Make the difference and make that change that we all desperately are looking for.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Message-From-the-Universe:-It-All-Starts-With-You&id=9602811

Discover What's Already Inside of You That You Are NOT Using

You don't have to stay stuck in a job that you don't like. You don't have to live a life that is not in total alignment with your true desires. And you don't have to just rely on one source of income. You have phenomenal gifts and you were not born to sit on them you were born to share them. There are people who need and want your gift of inspiration and encouragement. There are people praying for you to show in their life. And there are people whose purpose is connected to your purpose.

We were all born with a unique gift to make a difference. And our unique qualities help us to stand out in a crowded world of others who are serving others. I believe that there are an abundance of gifts that you haven't even tapped into yet. I believe that God has purposed you to do something so amazing for humanity that it can catapult you into a new dimension of personal, professional, and financial success. Now we know that money is not everything, but money is a wonderful tool to do wonderful things for those you love and causes you care about.

Do you feel like you have something bubbling in you that is about to explode in a good way? Do you feel like you are under-utilizing your divine gifts? And do you desire to turn your passion and purpose into products and programs that can help others to succeed? There is a great chance that you can step into a career as a life coach and experience a life greater than you have ever imagined. And it will cost you less than a college degree and you don't have to have any specific experience, just a passion to help others, a story, be purpose-driven, and a heart to serve, encourage, and motivate others to achieve their goals and dreams. If you have a story or a testimony that has blessed your life, why not bless the life of others?

God didn't allow you to make it through what you have made it through to stay quiet. He empowered you so that you may empower others. No longer can we stay quiet. No longer can we sit on our gifts. And no longer can we put things off until tomorrow. The time to become a change agent is now. If you continue to wait, that is one more day that you are out of divine alignment, that is one more day that you are not serving those you are called to serve, and that is one more day that you are not living the life you were born to live.

Many of us know what we need to do but taking action to get it done must be implemented. Because nothing happens until you take action. You have the power to create change. So are you willing to do what needs to be done?

http://ezinearticles.com/?Discover-Whats-Already-Inside-of-You-That-You-Are-NOT-Using&id=9742266

How Do You Make A Difference? (By Shirley Taylor)

I'm a big believer in lifelong learning, and I feel something that we must never stop continuously improving is our communication skills. The way we communicate can often mean the difference between success and failure in getting a job done, building or busting a relationship, making or breaking a friendship, or indeed getting that promotion!

"Good morning" makes a difference!

I remember one morning quite early I met my two assistants for a training programme. Just as the lift door was closing on the ground floor, a guy rushed into the lift. He did not acknowledge us, turned around, and pressed a button. I then said, much more cheerfully than I felt, "Good morning!" This guy almost jumped out of his skin, but he half-turned towards me and nodded his head. When the lift approached his floor, he walked out, and after three steps he turned around, smiled, and said, "Have a great day!"

Wow! Bingo! Two things happened here. Even though it was early and I wasn't feeling particularly cheerful at that moment, I did something that made a positive difference to the guy in the lift. And he also made a positive difference to me and my assistants. And who knows who else he acknowledged or spoke to for the rest of the day to continue making a difference to others.

A smile and a kind word makes a difference!

This incident reminded me of something that had happened several months ago when I was training overseas with a colleague, Marianna Pascal. Marianna and I were waiting for the lift to head down to breakfast. As the lift doors opened to reveal about 8 or 9 people, Marianna walked in, smiling broadly, and said, "Good morning everyone!" Well you can imagine the shocked faces! But what happened next was magical. Marianna and I did not immediately turn our backs to the others. We stayed facing them, and we started chatting. Everyone started smiling and chatting back. Where are you from? How long are you here? What convention are you attending? Which of the sights did you enjoy the most? By the time we all got down to the main floor, we were all laughing and having a great time.

Did we make a positive difference to these people? We certainly did! Did we make a difference to their day? Absolutely! And who knows how many of those people subsequently went on to do something similar to make a positive difference to other people's days.

How do YOU make a difference?

Whether you think you do or don't, trust me, you do make a difference! However, sometimes it's not always positive. And trust me, when you make a negative difference, people will remember you - but for all the wrong reasons!

It's not hard to make a positive difference. Sometimes all it takes is a smile or a kind word.

So how will you make a positive difference today? I'd love to hear from you!

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Do-You-Make-A-Difference?&id=9739560

The Magic in Your Smile

When was the last time you allowed a beautiful memory to keep a truly good smile on your face? One of the things you should press to do and keep daily is your smile. You'll be amazed to know what keeping a smile on your face is already helping you have.

Dale Carnegie mentioned that "the expression one wears on one's face is far more important than the clothes one wears on one's back". You could not agree less with the words in this quote.

Ever wondered why most people never seem to be aging? What makes you feel more relaxed with some people and not others? How did you feel that day you had a sour morning and your colleague beamed a smile at you? A smile is the cutest thing anywhere in the world.

In a Swedish study, subjects were shown pictures of several emotions: joy, anger, fear and surprise. When the picture of someone smiling was presented, the researchers asked the subjects to frown. Instead, they found that the facial expressions went directly to imitation of what subjects saw. It took conscious effort to turn that smile upside down. So if you're smiling at someone, it's likely they can't help but smile back. If they don't, they're simply making a conscious effort not to.

A smile has special powers and you need to believe that! It can quickly calm fear, insecurity, hurt and anxiety, not only in your self but in the lives of everyone else experiencing those feelings.

Smiles are contagious! Give it to the world and you'll get it right back.

You can make a difference in your life and in the lives of others simply by smiling. Have a look at this, each time you smile at a person, their brain coaxes them to return the favor. You are creating a symbiotic relationship that allows both of you to release chemicals that make you feel good in your brain, activate reward centers, make you both more attractive and increase the chances of you both living longer, healthier lives.

Again it is of utmost importance to know and remember that it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown. Nobody wants to have wrinkles, so ensure somehow that your smile stays on your face.

It'll amaze you to know that smiling is a key for establishing healthy and genuine friendships. A smile from a person to you indicates that they like you. Your smile also can also offer encouragement to the people you meet and talk with.

Do you want to make a lasting and beautiful first impression? Smile. You look better when you smile, people treat you differently and you're viewed as attractive, reliable, relaxed and sincere. Attempt thinking of a beautiful memory and put on that beauty you got.

Make it a priority to smile. Attempt to make it a new decision today.

Smile... The world is so much better when you do.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Magic-in-Your-Smile&id=9863578

3 Clues to Your "Why"

If you want to make a difference and live a life of significance, you find your why. You need to tap into your purpose. Everybody has one. Your why is the life's blood of your ability to achieve significance.

If you know your why and focus on going there with fierce determination, you can make sense of everything on your journey because you see it through the lens of "Why". Once you find your "Why", you will be able to find your "Way". How do those things differ? "Why" is your purpose. "Way" is your path. When you find your "Why", your path automatically has purpose. And life becomes much more meaningful and complete because you have context to understand the reason you are on the journey the first place.

Does the "Why" always comes first? Can you find your way and then find your "Why"? You may be wondering. What has to come first? The good news is that either can come first. But if the "Why" comes before the way, your ability to tap into power of significance will come more quickly and immediately be more effective.

Think of it like this. Have you ever wondered why people often find great joy in packing for a vacation? They spend weeks building up great anticipation, looking forward to those warm days on a tropical beach or trips down the slopes of their favorite ski resort. So they pick out each item that goes into the suitcase with great care.

When you get ready for a great trip, almost all your effort is focused on your purpose of the trip. That's why it's a lot more fun to pack for a trip than it is to unpack afterward. This concept applies more broadly to our lives. Whatever path you travel, you are going to be able to do things more significantly because you understand your purpose for being there.

When you start your day with your "Why", you will find yourself continually doing things that inspire you. Finding your "Why" gives you the focused and driven energy.

If you tap into your "Why", your life will open up to significance. It will be within your reach every day because you will be able to do simple things that matter. Significance is usually not a result of anything spectacular. It is based on small steps in line with purpose. Knowing your "Why" helps you to know what to do and to follow through.

Know yourself and settle your "Why", and you will have the capacity to focus on others.

Knowing your "Why" gives you great security and comfort in everything you attempt to do That confidence and self assuredness is usually appealing and reassuring to others because most people long for it.

The first question you must ask yourself is this: How can I add value to others? If you can quiet yourself enough to listen for that answer from within yourself, you will begin to understand your why.

I have to tell you that this question has been the foundation and driver of every significant act in my life. Did you get that? Having a life that matters comes from the ability to add value to others. This is where significance starts. Let that idea stir within you.

So here are three questions you can ask yourself and which will help you to find your "Why".

Here we go. Here is question number 1.

Question number 2 and 3, I will share with you in the following weeks.

Question 1:

What do you cry about?

This first question asks you to look inside yourself and think about what breaks your heart. What disturbs you? What inflicts emotional pain? What causes you so much discomfort that you are motivated to take action and do something to bring healing to that situation?

So, what makes you cry? What makes your heart break? What touches you at the depth of your soul? Do you already know the answer? Or is it something you need to start exploring and thinking about?

When trying to figure out what makes you cry, you can look at your personal history. You can think back to your childhood. You can tap into social justice issues that get you angry. You can think about the last thing you got highly emotional about - or the thing that you always get emotional about. Any of these things can be clues to what makes you tick. And they will help identify your "Why".

Question 2:

What do you sing about?

What always makes you happy? What puts a bounce in your step? What makes you jump for joy or spontaneously break into song? Emerson said: "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well".

Doing acts of significance brings you more deep satisfaction than any other work. It fires you up and keeps you going. As the saying goes, work is not work unless you would rather by doing something else.

What do you sing about? What gives you great joy? What feeds your passion? What feeds your soul? What gets you excited?

When you ask other people "What do you sing about?" many people respond by thinking about what entertains them. There is certainly nothing wrong with being entertained or having fun. But what we really talk about is something that makes contented joy spontaneously rise up within you. It's the kind of thing you would do for free, just because. Once again, these are clues that help you to understand your purpose and know your "Why".

http://ezinearticles.com/?3-Clues-to-Your-Why&id=9955696

The Only 2 Places You Should Spend Your Time On For Maximum Achievement

We all know time is valuable.

Ever since we were kids, we've been taught that we should never waste time because life is precious.

We were taught that we should treasure our time with our family.

We were taught that we should enjoy school more because life will be tough when you join the work force.

We were taught that we should live fully, love openly, and make a difference today.

However, even knowing the truth that we can leave the world at any minute, how many of us are really spending time on things that matter?

Therefore, I propose that there are only 2 places where our time should ever be spent, especially if you are an extreme achiever who wants to "get it all".

Place #1 Your Production

The game of life is not to remain idle. You will feel empty if you don't produce.

We are meant to be creative beings, we are here to create more value for others and elevate the overall quality of life.

Productivity is the essence of an extraordinary life.

It requires you to accumulate and assimilate the wisdom from your ancestors so that worthy ideas can be passed along.

It requires you to push yourself to overcome fears and challenges so that you grow and become a more valuable person.

It requires you to commit to never-ending improvement so that you know how to leverage resources and produce maximum results with least money, effort and time.

Ideally, your production should be the kind of work you are passionate about, something that you desire to make a change so you feel a deep sense of meaning and contribution.

It is commonly viewed that people should spend 8 hours in each of these 3 areas: sleep, work and recreation. But I believe that it all depends on your life stage, your own desires, your passions and your lifestyle.

If you are at your early 20s and trying to build a 6-figure business within 6 months, working 40 hours a week just like an ordinary employee doesn't seem to be enough.

However, if you are already a multi-millionaire and things are going well in your company, it is justifiable that you spend a 2-week vacation to travel around the world with your family.

The point is that no matter where you are right now, you've got to engage yourself in the production process instead of getting stuck in the consumption.

The amount of time you spend there can be merely 2 hours a day or a hardcore 14 hours straight when necessary, the key is to never "retire in producing" but always allocate time and create something worthy for the greater good.

Productivity is one of the natural medicines to your well-being that you never want to cut out.

Place #2 Your Rejuvenation

I'm glad that you understand that in order to enjoy any fruits of life, you've got to work for it and produce value in return. That's why every one of us should schedule time for our rejuvenation.

Realize that you have a human body that works according to the natural laws of life.

You cannot survive if you lack food or drinks for a month.

You cannot survive if you jump down from the 20th floor of a building.

You cannot survive if you don't sleep for a week.

Rejuvenation is part of the equation that allows you to keep producing.

Things like proper nutrition, adequate rest, physical exercises, healthy hobbies, social interactions, having fun etc. are all essential to your optimal daily performance.

If you truly want to achieve as much as you can in life, you've got to schedule time for your rejuvenation too.

It doesn't matter if it's a 20 mins daily thinking walk, or a nice evening meal with your mentor, or a weekend mediation retreat. All that's required is a strategic planning of how you want to unwind during the day, the week, the month and the entire year.

Again, too much of a good thing normally turns bad.

Excessive rest can become an excuse for laziness and your productive momentum can be lost during the period. Thus, watch yourself carefully and get back to work once you've recharged.

So, these are the 2 places that super achievers spend most of their time in.

Any activities outside production or rejuvenation are likely to be things that are dragging you away from an extraordinary life.

Next time you login to Facebook, or scroll through what's new in CNN, or click to watch another YouTube video, make sure you know it's the best thing for you to either create or consume.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Only-2-Places-You-Should-Spend-Your-Time-On-For-Maximum-Achievement&id=9488726

Compassion at the Heart of Emotional Intelligence!

I am certain that a lot of us have heard this before by Maya Angelou, 'It is my observation that in the future, they will not remember what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel.'

Feelings are a part of the emotional repertoire and the next step after feelings are emotions, i.e. when I put that feeling into motion.

At the heart of Emotional Intelligence is Compassion. When we understand what compassion is in contrast to Compulsion, we understand what Maya Angelou says.

Compassion has an emotion attached to it and this emotion is different from the 'think emotion' that we so incessantly have all the time. When we think that we need to do something, it is not Compassion but compulsion and that is where most of us are caught up in, in today's world.

According to Wikipedia: 'Compassion is the emotion that one feels in response to the suffering of others that motivates a desire to help'. 

And to that I add, 'make a difference'!

Compulsion means: 'the action or state of forcing or being forced to do something'. Many a time, I attend functions that I don't want to, do something that I don't feel like or comply with actions that are not necessarily mine.

The force that Compassion has is internal, it is something from within that makes me want to make a difference and this gives me tremendous energy! When I am told to do something against my will the force is external, I do it more as a requirement and obligation rather than free will and this drains me.

This external force might be family, social pressures, environment, a boss or whoever!

From this we understand that both compassion and compulsion have a bodily response to an emotional action. I can differentiate my actions by the output that my body generates at the end of that action. I can feel the output through my body!

While this is applicable personally, the person on the other side of the fence who is a recipient of doer's behaviour is also capable of recognizing whether the doer is being compassionate or is doing it out of compulsion.

All of us have in us the infinite wisdom to recognize motives; we can instinctively feel whether it is heart felt or head conceived!

When we act in compassion, we are acting from the spirit, when we act out of compulsion we are acting from the EGO.

Go ahead and make a conscious choice to celebrate the joy of the spirit rather than be bound by the drama of the EGO!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Compassion-at-the-Heart-of-Emotional-Intelligence!&id=9002258