Daily Inspiration 9-30-09

"A strong man cannot help a weaker unless that weaker is willing to be helped. And even then the weak man must become strong of himself. He must, by his own efforts, develop the strength which he admires in another. None but himself can alter his condition."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh


I love this paragraph. It demonstrates clearly what must happen to change. Willingness. There are many who do not have it and don't want to be a part of it because they think it may show weakness. This quote from James Allen indicates to me that being weak with willingness is really strength needing a touch of guidance--that willingness is a strength.

It is that strength that the last line finds its truth: "None but himself can alter his condition." From that realization, we need only a willingness and at long last a decision. It is this catalyst that focuses the strength into power.

How many times I have tried to help someone who did not want help. I found that frustrating and abnormal. Many times I would find myself in the situation of wanting help from someone else and many times I would not be willing to accept help, let alone seek it.

There is a very popular Bible verse, "Ask and ye shall receive." It doesn't say wonder and receive, or trust and receive, desire and receive, or even expect and receive. The word 'Ask' is a sincere willingness and it demonstrates strength and determination.

Next time you need help with an issue or situation, receive your strength from asking for help. It is the best way to receive! "None but himself can alter his condition."


Have an awesome day!

Spread some joy today--smile!

Daily Inspiration 9-29-09

"Men are anxious to improve their circumstances,
but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh


Most of my life I was anxious to improve my circumstances and I did that mainly by complaining about them. I really wanted things to change, but I really wanted to wake up in the morning and have it all done for me during the night.

I've read a lot of books trying to improve myself and very little action in making the changes. Why? Because it is hard to change. And who really wants to anyway? No one wants to be uncomfortable.

I would go through fits and starts at making changes--many fits and few starts and even fewer finishes. Heck, I quit smoking at least 10,000 times, and I was serious about changing until the next morning when the desire kicked in. So many starts, so many times. I got really good at making changes that didn't have any lasting effect because nothing changed very much.

Sound the least bit familiar?

Here's what happened to me to improve myself and get unbound: Decisiveness. I began with desire and a plan of any kind, and made a firm decision to do it, whatever it was. I kept on deciding to decide and getting stronger all the time. Think about it, there is not much worse in feeling powerless than not deciding. Fretting about making the wrong decision, what other people will say and many other things that don't really and truly matter. It is just fear. Decision chases fear away like no other action.

You want to improve your circumstances? Decide you will do it. Decide you will improve yourself. Pick up the books, take the courses, get the info and get going. When a question comes up, just chase it way with your strength of character! You're in charge now! You are a decisive person! You can change your world!

There is only two more powerful phrases than, "I CAN." They are "I WILL" and when you really get there: "I AM."


Have an awesome day!

Spread some joy today--smile!