Daily Inspiration 10-31-09

"After a time, you may find that 'having'

is not so pleasing a thing, after all, as 'wanting.'

It is not logical, but it is often true."

- Mr. Spock, Star Trek

When I read this quote, I related to it immediately. It is often very true for me.

Some recent (last few years) examples: I wanted a very special and very rare electric guitar. I found one, bought it. Then I never played it and sold it. I wanted a treadmill, bought it and I have used it about 5 times in three years. Mostly it takes up space by owning it. I could probably list almost every possession I have and it would be that way, though most of them are just here or in storage, again not being used.

I've thought about this often and it feels kind of weird to want things, finally get them and then not care about them any more. I think Spock is right: "It is not logical, but it is often true." Of course, I also have things I love and use and continue to take pleasure in.

The thing for me to reconcile is that it is natural and okay to want things. It is also okay to get them. And, if I no longer really want them, or they no longer hold that value I thought they would have, it is okay to let them go again. Sort of like catch and release fishing. It's that the things are just not that important, but the desire is.

This made me think of advertising by P.G. & E., our local electric and gas provider. They advertise that they encourage people to conserve power as if that is critical. The government encourages the same and I'm sure that P.G. & E. does this mostly due to government encouragement. But conservation is not the answer.

I see a lot of ads by Shell Oil and Chevron about conservation, using less fuel and how good a thing this is for everyone. That's like a car dealer saying don't buy so many cars. It's so stupid to hear them say that when this is diametrically opposed to what they do as a business. Conservation is not the answer.

The answer is not conservation, it is desire and expansion. The energy solution is new types of energy, and especially cheaper and renewable energy, instead of doing same things and expecting a different result (insanity). Desire for something new, creates expansion until something new arrives.

The same is true with us. We are desire-driven creatures. Desire is good. Holding it down and beating it up is not good. Expansion is good. Believing that abundance exists is good. Creating shortages and promoting that concept is not good.

Play with your desires: I ran across this from Bob Proctor and others. It is big fun and quite rewarding. Take out a few sheets of paper or a notebook. Now, write everything you want until to have at least 101 things. Trips, places you want to go, things you want to do, people you want to meet, situations you want to happen, businesses you want, anything you want regardless of its size or cost. Pay no attention to any of the 'how' part, just focus on what pleases you when you think of it. Pay attention only to 'what' you want, as if the 'how' did not really matter at all.

This will be a powerful thing for you to read again and again and watch what gets crossed off. It is really fun and you will be amazed how many get crossed off in a relatively short period of time. We are desire-driven. You are in charge!


I Will Get My. . . Satisfaction. I Will Get My. . .

Spread Some Joy Today--Call One Or Two Special People And Tell Them You Love Them. Out Of The Blue Is Cool.

Daily Inspiration 10-30-09

"I've developed a new philosophy. . . I only dread one day at a time."

- Charlie Brown (Charles Schulz)


"It is not work that kills men, it is worry. Work is healthy; you can hardly put more on a man than he can bear. But worry is rust upon the blade. It is not the movement that destroys the machinery, but friction."

- Henry Ward Beecher

Every day I hear someone speaking of worry. It's the economic times, the lack of sales, the recession and where it is positioned (over or not over), paying or not paying their bills, the cost of this or that, where the country is headed, the flu pandemic, the state budget shortfall, and an unlimited number of other things that some people worry about.

It's no wonder. We are conditioned to worry. All the headlines in the paper condition us to worry. The television news (how many channels now?) condition us to worry globally. Open up msn.com or aol.com and there are more things going wrong. Take it in and indeed, the world is in a big mess with no end in sight.

If you survive that, there are the personal worries to get through. How are the kids doing in school, what about the neighborhood, the crap going on at work and all that stuff? It's enough to worry a person to death.

And, really, what good is it? By worrying about any of these or a million other things, are you able to change them for the better so that worry is no longer necessary?

Businesses worry too. I see managers worrying about the lack of sales, what's going to happen if it doesn't turn around soon, what to do, what to do, what to do. I think I'll eat some worms. . .

Tell you what: Keep on worrying and keep it to yourself. When I hear you complain or worry, I excuse myself to take that important call or something I've got to do. Or, worst case, I shut my ears and just nod my head.

It's all glass half empty stuff and you can have it. I choose HOPE! I choose ABUNDANCE. I choose JOY. I choose EXCITEMENT. I choose INNOVATION. I choose GRATITUDE. I choose SUCCESS. I choose FAITH. I choose LOVE. I choose ENJOYING TODAY ANYWAY EVERYDAY IN ALL WAYS!

Doesn't that sound so much better? Damn, it jacks me up just writing it! I choose SPREADING THAT WORD! It serves us both equally!


I Choose! No One Else. I Choose.

Spread Some Joy Today--Purposely Interrupt Anyone Complaining Today. Change The Subject For Them.

Daily Inspiration 10-29-09

"Henry Ford, poor and uneducated, dreamed of a horseless carriage, went to work with what tools he possessed, without waiting for opportunity to favor him, and now evidence of his dream belts the entire earth. He has put more wheels into operation than any other man who ever lived, because he was not afraid to back his dreams."

- Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

I love Henry Ford. In my heart, I have always sort of been a Chevy guy, but I love Henry Ford. The quote above is a good part of it. He believed in himself and he had strong desire. He had to have said to himself many times, "I'm going to get 'er done, no matter what it takes." Well maybe without the drawl. . . However, he has been known to say, "I want it and I'll have it!" Now, that is pure power right there. Pure power. Desire, commitment, determination, follow through. An amazing man.

Have you ever felt so strongly about anything you wanted? If you did, you must have received it. There is so much power in the decision. To say, "I'm going this way!" And, then confidently, going that way. Believing all the way.

Or, beginning on a project knowing full well you don't have everything you need and doing it anyway, expecting it to all work out. That, my friends is courage!

I've heard people say, "you have to count the cost," or, "wait until you're ready, the time is not right," or, "what do you know about ______?" A lot of dreams and ideas get washed away like a wave covering the sand on the beach with those comments.

Here's an idea for you: Any of you have children? Did you have it all planned out up front before the moment of conception? All the issues were covered and consulted with experts? All financial preparations made prior to the need, like college, tutors, braces, etc.? How about all the emotional coverage? The spiritual stuff too?

How about the marriage? Was all that planned out ahead of the need and the funds set aside for the home, furnishings, transportation, children, etc.? The emotional issues? The spiritual issues? The daily issues?

All good, right? Yeah, sure!

Well, you found a way anyway, didn't you? You dealt with it as it was happening, right? You might have even enjoyed the process of the transitions from one place to another. You also made mistakes. Plenty of them. And, of course, you had many, many successes. You dealt with all of them in real time.

So, what's the deal? If you can take two of life's biggest challenges like marriage and children and figure it out, you can do the same with business, your career, the things you've always wanted to do and have put off year after year. If that doesn't give you a bit of confidence, I don't know what will.

YOU'RE GOOD. YOU'RE SMART. YOU CAN GET 'ER DONE. YOU'VE ALREADY DONE IT. YOU'RE WORTHY! YOU CAN ENJOY THE JOURNEY TOO. SO GO 'FER IT!

TODAY! START NOW!


Give Yourself The Praise You Deserve!

Spread Some Joy Today--Give Someone Else Some Well Deserved Praise (Or Just For The Heck Of It Praise). The Practice Will Help You Praise Yourself!

Daily Inspiration 10-28-09

"There is a difference between wishing for a thing and being ready to receive it. No one is ready for a thing until he believes he can acquire it. The state of mind must be belief, not mere hope or wish. Open mindedness is essential for belief. Closed minds do not inpire faith, courage, and belief."

- Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

This is an interesting quote to me. I think I know the difference between wishing and believing, but it is only in the last couple of years that I have been getting my head around "being ready to receive. . ." He states that "no one is ready for a thing until he believes he can acquire it." That statement would be good to let bounce around for a while. Ponder it carefully. Do you think that is like "knowing?" Is there a difference?

Many of us were taught so strongly in early years that it is better to give than receive. The truth is they are both equally good and we need to be open to both equally. Being open to receive is critical.

You know how you compliment someone and they shuffle it off. I used to be very nervous about accepting compliments as if I wasn't supposed to feel good about myself or something. Something about being good enough or that "w" word: worthy. If you've ever felt that, let me tell you that everyone is worthy and that would include you. I am worthy. And, I have learned how to accept compliments with a thankful heart. It has made a difference in doing so.

Of course believing in what you are doing has everything to do with believing in yourself and feeling worthy, doesn't it?

Then he says, "open mindedness is essential for belief. Closed minds do not inspire faith, courage and belief." What that line makes me think of is the "h" word: How. I think believing in yourself and what you are doing and believing that you can and will succeed is essential; however, having an open mind would mean being open to "how" that will happen. With an open mind to how it will happen, you are open to help and flexibility, which increases your success ratio dramatically.

I love the sign on my wall and look at it often: WHAT is my job. HOW is God's job. That puts it all into perspective for me.

Are you ready to receive? It's coming!


We Are All Worthy, Of Worth, Of Value, Priceless!

Spread Some Joy Today--Pick Up A Little Stone, Put It In Your Pocket. Everytime You Touch It Today, State Something You Are Thankful For. It's Called A Gratitude Rock.

Daily Inspiration 10-27-09

"O. Henry discovered the genius which slept within his brain after he had met with great misfortune, and was confined to a prison cell, in Columbus, Ohio. Being forced, through misfortune, to become acquainted with his "other self," and to use his imagination, he discovered himself to be a great author instead of a miserable criminal and outcast."

- Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

I absolutely love these kind of quotes and stories of people who became very famous, yet some were very late bloomers. It ain't over, till it's over!

Long ago, I bought a huge collection of business books on tape and most were biographies of famous business people like Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and famous businesses like Xerox, IBM and so on. There is one that stood out for me with this aspect of late bloomers. It was Col. Harlan Sanders and Kentucky Fried Chicken. He didn't even begin to become successful until he was 65. He failed so many times that he stopped counting and just kept going. It's an amazing story.

Abraham Lincoln failed at everything he tried until after age 40. Edison, Charles Dickens, Helen Keller, Robert Burns, they were all failures until they were successes. And the list goes on and on and on.

Just because you fail at something, that is no reason to believe that you will fail again. Failing is not a problem. Giving up is. Edison tried over 10,000 times to make the electric light he dreamed of in his head a reality. He failed that many times and more before he succeeded. Reggie Jackson is a star baseball player who happens to lead the pack in career strikeouts at 2,597. Nobody talks about his strikeouts.

You will be served well if you allow yourself to fail. If you are willing to fail, you have a far greater chance of succeeding. I have made and continue to make mistakes. I used to brood about them, now I learn from them. Yet, I am willing to make more of them because I know that each failed attempt, or missed target is an opportunity. I learn and grow and become more.

There's an old saying, "wisdom comes from experience and experience comes from making mistakes." And, of course, learning from the mistakes.

Give yourself the gift of hope and patience, along with a good dose of eagerness. Be willing and keep trying. Some of the world's greatest people were still trying at a late age and I'm sure that we are all glad they kept trying.

It's all good. You're covered. Take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back!


There's Always A Way!

Spread Some Joy Today--Treat Yourself To Something You Want. People Will Notice That Look On Your Face!

Daily Inspiration 10-26-09

"Hide not your talents, they for use were made.
What's a sun dial in the shade?"

- Benjamin Franklin

Everyone has one or more talents. I think we all have several talents and Benjamin Franklin says they should be out and being made of good use. He should know since he was a multi-talented super star.

Sometimes people's talents are beneath the surface and other people can help bring them out. I know in my life, that I have had some people nurture a talent in me through the sincere use of encouragement and praise. It is just amazing what that can do for someone who is feeling unsure of him or herself. I became a much improved and confident songwriter and musician from such encouragement and I am forever grateful for their help and support. It made a huge difference in my life.

Other talents that I have, I work (such a harsh word. . . it's not really work, you know) at expanding and finding outlets for. One is writing. I love thinking on paper and sharing insights and thoughts with others--especially, if I can be of encouragement to them.

Some talents require a major commitment, but may still be of quite good value. I've been in sales since 1972 and early on, I worked very hard at learning the trade. I continue to study it so many years later, and it continues to serve me well.

So, what are your talents? What are some of the ones you keep behind closed doors? Are you a rock band super star? I went to a concert a few nights ago put on by the Solano Winds Community Concert Band. It was very enjoyable. What I enjoyed the most was realizing that all these people have day jobs. Some are bookkeepers, insurance salesmen, clerks, business owners, repair technicians, and many, many other job descriptions. Yet, here they are, doing something they love and have a passion for--and yes, made a commitment to--outside of their normal day to day life. Bravo! I praise them all for their willingness to expand and touch others in the process.

Time to dust off your hidden passions? Benjamin Franklin is encouraging you. I'm encouraging you! Let's dust it off and ROCK OUT!!


You Really Are Multi-Talented! You Know It's True!

Spread Some Joy Today--On purpose--and with feeling!

Daily Inapiration 10-25-09

"The subconscious mind. . .makes no distinction between constructive and destructive thought impulses. It works with the material we feed it, through our thought impulses. The subconscious mind will translate into reality a thought driven by fear just as readily as it will translate into reality a thought driven by courage, or faith."

- Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare not, you don't
If you like to win, but you think you can't,
It is almost certain you won't

If you think you'll lose, you're lost
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will--
It's all in the state of mind

If you think you are outclassed, you are,
You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!


Yes I Can Can, I Know I Can Can, Yes I Can Can . . .

Spread Some Joy Today--Give Praise To God (or whomever you might think is responsible) For Everything You See Today!

Daily Inspiration 10-24-09

". . . any impulse of thought which is repeatedly passed on to the subconscious mind is, finally, accepted and acted upon by the subconscious mind, which proceeds to translate that impulse into its physical equivalent, by the most practical procedure available."

- Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

A famous criminologist once stated, "When men first come into contact with crime, they abhor it. If they remain in contact with crime for a time, they become accustomed to it and endure it. If they remain in contact with it long enough, they finally embrace it, and become influenced by it."

It could be a crime, or just unhappiness, depression, consistent negativity (seeing what is wrong everywhere). Many "become accustomed to it, and endure it," as it is "reality." It's time to realize that one person's reality is not another's. There are people who ignore all of that negative information and call the place without it, "reality."

Can you constantly be reading the paper, listening to talk radio on the way to work, catching up with news of the day on the Internet while at work, news-talk radio on the way home, then TV news programs before bed, and have an upbeat positive attitude? You might as well look in the mirror every 5 minutes and say aloud to the person in the mirror how ugly they are, then go to work on feeling good.

Remember the quote: ". . . any impulse of thought which is repeatedly passed on to the subconscious mind is, finally, accepted and acted upon by the subconscious mind, which proceeds to translate that impulse into its physical equivalent, by the most practical procedure available." That's a really fancy way to say "Garbage in, garbage out."

Taking control of your own input is critical. Find ways every day to feed yourself good, enlightening information and plenty of positive, uplifting praise. Look around you. The vast majority of people are receiving and absorbing so much negative information. The only reason is they choose to allow their thoughts to come by default instead of on purpose. It is as simple as that, really. When you choose, you win!

So, what will you choose to think today? How will that make you feel? Good. Let's get started!


You're the CEO of Yourself! Lead!

Spread Some Joy Today--Watch others. You will learn amazing things.

Daily Inspiration 10-23-09

"All down the ages, the religionists have admonished struggling humanity to "have faith" in this, that, and the other dogma or creed,

but they have failed to tell people how to have faith.

They have not stated that "faith is a state of mind, and that it may be induced by self-suggestion."

- Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

Faith is one of those interesting words. We have been told to "have faith" all our lives--to believe. It is interesting how many times I have either read or heard about faith and believing in yourself, and yet, as the quote above states, "they have failed to tell people how to have faith."

Oh, I have tried to believe; to have faith. I have tried really, really hard. I have prayed for it and wanted it and thought about it and yet, it was like some magic thing that only the really cool people actually got or the "truly faithful." That is all about not having any power or control over anything. Wishing and hoping again.

The quote above gives me such a grand feeling of empowerment because it answers a long mystical question of how to have and develop faith at will: "faith is a state of mind and it may be induced by self-suggestion." With this, I can and do develop and have faith.

What you tell yourself is so much more powerful than what others tell you about you. If you rely on what others say about you (or maybe, might, potentially, say about you) it will be so hard to have any faith at all. Your best choice is then to say the things to yourself that build you up toward faith and belief rather than constantly shake it.

It starts with the mirror in the morning. Here's a poem that may help put it all into perspective:

That Guy In The Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
and the world makes you king for a day,
then go to the mirror and look at yourself
and see what that guy has to say.

For it isn't your mother, brother or friends
whose judgment you must pass.
the person whose verdict counts most in your life
is the one staring back in the glass.

You can go down the pathway of years
receiving pats on the back as you pass.
but your final reward will be heartaches and tears
if you cheated that guy in the glass.

What do you say to yourself about yourself? Do you pick apart your flaws? I know a lot of people do. Start today, by changing that and telling yourself that YOU'RE A SUPERSTAR!!! YOU ROCK!!! YOU'RE IN CHARGE!!! YOU'RE THE CEO!!! YOU ARE UNSTOPPABLE!!! NOBODY ROCKS LIKE YOU ROCK!!! YOU'RE THE ENCOURAGER!!! YOU BUILD DREAMS!!! YOU ARE!!!

Do it tomorrow and the next day and the next day and the next. In a very short time, you will have plenty of faith! And, why the heck not!? If you're only going this way once, go with gusto! Have some fun! You are so much cooler than you think you are.


You're A Rock Star Today--So Rock Out!

Spread Some Joy Today--Find at least one thing to compliment everyone you talk to today and don't forget to mention it to them!

Daily Inspiration 10-22-09

"The outer world of circumstances shapes itself to the inner world of thought, and both pleasant and unpleasant external conditions are factors which make for the ultimate good of the individual. As the reaper of his own harvest, man learns both of suffering and bliss."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh

At first, it was a bit hard to reconcile the concept that our circumstances are dictated by our thoughts, rather than accepting the more well accepted premise that things can and do happen to you that you have no control over whatsoever. It's sort of the "bad things happen to good people all the time" scenario, or "as fate dictates," or "when your number is up, your number is up," and other such fatalistic thought patterns.

However, once I started studying, As A Man Thinketh, and many other books that teach that there is one thing that we do have total control over and that is our thought, and I began testing and observing, I have been thoroughly convinced that I have the power to control circumstance and that I am, indeed, in charge of my life via what I choose to think.

Accepting this premise is amazingly empowering. It is empowering because I no longer have to wait my turn, hope for luck, wish for success, get in line. Instead, I choose to think the way I want it, I expect it, I am thankful and I am okay with the way things are as I look toward what I want next. That is empowering. I have control.

It is also empowering in that I no longer have any need or use for anxiety. I cannot express how powerful it is to let go of needing anxiety. Anxiety is fear and I have no need for fear. Why would anyone have fear when you have control. Fear is about not having control, isn't it?

How many times have you noticed in your own life and of many around you when you had anxiety about things. Worry. Fear of what might happen, etc. It's all such a waste of great talent. It has no usefulness, provides no value.

If no other reason directed you to accept the premise that you shape your own circumstance by your thought, letting go of anxiety forever should prove to be such a powerful motivation. It will leave so surely as you practice and I guarantee that you will not miss even a second of it.

You have the power! Ain't it GRAND!


Choose To Feel Great Today!

Spread Some Joy Today--Let Someone FEEL Your Enthusiasm. It's Contagious!

Daily Inspiration 10-21-09

"I am always doing that which I can not do,
in order that I may learn how to do it."

- Pablo Picasso

This is one of my all time favorite quotes and I just ran across it yesterday. It speaks to me personally right now, so clearly and so succinctly. It is powerful!

Until late September of 2007--just two years ago--I knew nothing about building websites, using HTML newsletters like this one and many, many other Internet items. Then, I just made a decision that I not only had to learn it, but that I really wanted to learn it because it would really serve me.

October 10th of 2007, my first HTML newsletter went out. October 15th, 2007, I built my first website. Two months later, I had my own business doing these things. Can you believe that? I can hardly believe it myself. It is flat amazing what happens when you make a decision to do what "I can not do." What happened? I learned how to do it.

People who are waiting until they have what they "need" are going to be forever waiting. Starting a business with all the capital you need and all the right people and all the ideas and all the customers and all the support is the fairytale land of the extremely foolish (although. . . it does sound appealing. . .). Starting out oh so slow and building it up in a conservative way so that you don't lose anything is also ridiculous. It will NEVER get built, I assure you. Building it requires focus and energy, and the most important thing of all: commitment to its success regardless of what others may say or do.

The excuse I hear the most is, "I don't know how to do that." That's easy, you can learn. What is most required is the decision and then the committed step toward. How is of little importance, really. How will certainly come and it will come as needed. Jack Canfield explained it very well when he said, "it is like driving from Los Angeles to New York in the pitch dark of night where your headlights only show you about 200 feet in front of you, yet that is all that is needed to arrive. It's 200 feet at a time for 3,000 miles."

Pablo Picasso knew this so well and stated it so succinctly: "I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it." Bravo!

For you it may not be a business, or even what you do for a living, yet there might be something or some things you have been waiting to do, not knowing how you can do it. There is no time like the present. What have you been waiting for?


An Awesome Day Is In Your Control!

Spread Some Joy Today--Buy Someone Lunch and Listen To Them!

Daily Inspiration 10-20-09

"A man can only rise, conquer, and achieve by lifting up his thoughts

He can only remain weak, abject, and miserable
by refusing to lift up his thoughts."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

I have learned that one of life's best teachers is watching other people and really paying attention to them in what they say, how they say it, how they interact with me and others. Are they uplifting or downgrading? Are they whining and complaining or are they thankful and encouraging?

It has become one of life's best teachers because I get to see myself in others. I have learned to recognize myself in them and see what I either look and sound like now or what I looked and sounded like in the past. Either way, it is an awesome spectacle and immensely worthwhile.

I can see in others if they are choosing their thoughts, or if they are going with the flow of reactionary emotion. It is also interesting who plays along when watching their interactions with others.

Sometimes, someone will complain about something, then the other chimes in, then it goes back and forth like a tennis match, each contributing a shot. I used to play it well and I catch myself every now and then getting on the tennis court and then. . . I actually hear what is coming out of my mouth and sometimes, I will stop in mid-sentence and say to myself, "this is not what I want to do."

Lifting up my thoughts is totally my own choice and it is done on a moment to moment basis. It's not just about "positive thinking," but more about asking myself, "is this what I want to do? Do I really want to think this way?" The answer is now always a definite, "no."

I can "only rise, conquer, and achieve by lifting up my thoughts." One way this is strengthened is by me asking myself, "what is right about this?, or what are the benefits of this?, or what could be good about this?" So, when you're broke and not currently able to pay your bills on time, or maybe not even at all for the moment, ask yourself, "what could be good about this?" Some people have been losing their homes and though it may be initially difficult, ask yourself, "what could be good about this?" If you say, "nothing," you are refusing to lift your thoughts and you are, at least for the moment, stuck where you are. You can change any second you decide to. I can make you a list of what could be good about that situation, and hopefully you can try to do the same. It will empower you!

To me, "lifting up my thoughts" means that I focus on what I want instead of what I do not want. It means focusing on solutions or potential solutions instead of the problem. It means paying attention to what I say to myself about situations and events. It means finding ways to be grateful instead of frustrated or unhappy. Events and situation DO NOT dictate thought. It is the other way around.

Here's to the new and improved, empowered YOU!

It Is Make Your Own Decision To Have An Awesome Day Day!

Spread Some Joy Today--Focus On What Is Right Or Good About Everything Just For One Day. You Are The Ultimate Judge!

Daily Inspiration 10-19-09

"None but himself can alter his condition."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

This is so, so true. For many years I tried changing other people to no avail. When I realized that the only person I can change is me, it was a revelation. As a result of that, I have focused on my own learning, mental and spiritual growth.

At the same time, we absolutely do have an effect on other people. The question is what kind of an effect? We have total control over that effect since we are in total control of our own thinking.

Here's an example of what I mean. I realized some time ago, one of my main passions, and it is this: I am an encourager. I love that about me and that is something that gives me energy and drives me and fulfills me. I love lifting others up. If I can brighten someones hour or day with a kind word, I am thrilled. If I can offer a thought that helps someone to think better about themselves, I am overjoyed. When I can encourage someone to see how powerful they really are but are not currently recognizing, I am ecstatic.

We don't all have this passion, but I know that everyone has one or more passions which if not now recognized, are under the surface waiting to be exposed to the light. Once exposed, exposing it will change them forever. I can only be a catalyst, but the change is up to them, for truly, I can change no one but myself. And, yet, I know that I can be an influence. I take that seriously, and. . . boldly.

What kind of influence are you? "None but himself can alter his condition."


Help Someone Else Have An Awesome Day!

Spread Some Joy Today--Smile a lot. People will wonder what you are up to. If they ask, tell them it's JOY!

Daily Inspiration 10-18-09

"As the physically weak man can make himself strong by careful and patient training, so the man of weak thoughts can make them strong by exercising himself in right thinking."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

What hope there is in this. Yes, the hope is that we can change. We can change our body for the better by exercise and better nutrition, and in the same sort of way, we can also change our experiences for the better by changing our thinking. It's all so logical and I love that it is logical. It makes perfect sense.

Of course, who hasn't struggled with proper exercise and better nutrition? It's sort of like a diet, isn't it? Make a decision, put forth the effort, make a commitment, and stick to it. Sounds so easy, doesn't it? And, we all probably know that it isn't quite that easy.

Yet, the good news to me is that changing my thinking is sooooooo much easier and less stressful than exercising and paying strict attention to my nutrition. It is fun in comparison!

Here's something that helped me get going down the road to thinking differently (better): I used to get so upset when people would pull in front of me on the road, or do some other stupid move. Or, maybe they were just slow when I was in a hurry. Who knows? It was always something, and I always reacted to it.

Then I heard about a different way to handle it. I respond. I choose a response that is kind of fun. I might say aloud or to myself, "Wow! I wouldn't have thought of doing it that way. How interesting!" Or, "That is interesting. I hope their day gets better." I just kind of make light of it in a creative way, changing the response as I feel inclined. And, you know what? I changed. I no longer get upset or angry with people on the road no matter what they do. Who are they to dictate the way I feel anyway!

So, that was like step number one for me to begin to think differently. It is so much more interesting and fun now and it serves me instead of stresses me. That is a good thing.
The hope is that I can change and a little at a time is okay. I keep exercising my better thinking and it continually provides better and better results in how I feel--and that is serving me very, very well.

Here's to you!


Take Your Day All The Way To Awesome!

Spread Some Joy Today--Send 3 praise emails to 3 different people--Change a life!

Daily Inspiration 10-17-09

"Having conceived of his purpose, a man should mentally mark out a straight pathway to its achievement, looking neither to the right or the left.

Doubts and fears should be rigorously excluded. They are disintegrating elements which break up the straight line of effort, rendering it crooked, ineffectual, useless.

Thoughts of doubt and fear can never accomplish anything. They always lead to failure. Purpose, energy, power to do, and all strong thoughts cease when doubt and fear creep in."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

Don't we all, deep down, know this is true, yet many of us have a tendency to allow those doubts and fears to creep in. Many may even come from well-meaning friends, relatives and co-workers.

Since starting my business, I have not had any doubts about it succeeding. I don't allow them. I may not know how to achieve something, but that is very different from having doubts about my purpose. Frankly, I have to admit openly that there is much that I do not know how to achieve. For that, I look to the sign on my wall: WHAT Is My Job! HOW Is God's Job!

I like how James Allen says, . . ."a man should mentally mark out a straight pathway to its achievement, looking neither to the right or the left." I totally get that. If you have a vision of WHAT you want (the Purpose), focus on successful accomplishment of it ONLY. Do not allow any doubt or fear to mess with you and your purpose. It is okay, and it is normal to not know how to achieve your task. Know this: You will achieve your purpose if you keep it at the forefront of your thoughts and believe you will achieve it. That is your job.

Do it with gusto! Who does fear and doubt think they're messin' with, anyway? Just march forward and forget about what is on the right and the left. Focus on the straight pathway, for all you need to know is that you will do it. The rest will come. Hey. . . and have some FUN along the way!



EVERY DAY is Awesome!

Spread Some Joy Today--Go buy 3 greeting cards, put a short, special note of love or encouragement and SEND them!

Daily Inspiration 10-16-09

"If you would perfect your body, guard your mind.

If you would renew your body, beautify the mind.

Thoughts of malice, envy, and disappointment, despondency,
rob the body of its health and grace.

A sour face does not come by chance; it is made by sour thoughts."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

Know any devil's advocates? Who wants them? Naysayers, complainers, gossipers? What good do they do? People who are always having things "happen to them" with no fault of their own? Victims. Persecutors. Rescuers. Around and around they go and what good they do, no one knows. Know someone who sees everything that is wrong and almost nothing that is right? Like a newscast, only in person? Should, should should. Worry, worry worry. What good is it?

See any sour faces as you travel your day? "A sour face does not come by chance; it is made by sour thoughts." Forget about them and all their petty little (monumental, catastrophic) problems. Ask yourself, do I want to be like them? Of course not! Not when you can see the cause and effect so clearly. And, you know that there is a cause for every effect and an effect for every cause.

"There is no physician like cheerful thought for dissipating the ills of the body; there is no comforter to compare with goodwill for dispersing the shadows of grief and sorrow."

Ever walk around smiling most of the day just because you feel great today? Ever had anything really good and special happen that just filled your mind and heart with love and gratitude?

Remember those thoughts and create some more! Do it daily. Your smiling face depends on it. Look for something right and praise it. Learn to be thankful regularly. Here's a real treat: find a sour face and tell them something you like about them. Give them some praise. I tell you this--they will respond to that as if they were dying of thirst in the desert and you just gave them a drink from your canteen. Do it often and you will find a new friend. Such a simple thing and oh so rewarding! It is life changing for both of you.


Ain't It Just Awesome!

Spread Some Joy Today--Tell Several People Something You Notice and Like About Them. You Choose, Then Tell Them!

Daily Inspiration 10-15-09

Today is lighthearted, laugh at yourself day. There's nothing quite like Yogi Berra to get your laughter tuned up.

Below is a small selection of great Yogi-ism's.

"Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded."

"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical.""He hits from both sides of the plate. He's amphibious."

"I don't know (if they were men or women fans running naked across the field). They had bags over their heads."

"If people don't want to come out to the ballpark, how are you going to stop them?""I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did."

"I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?"

"I never said most of the things I said."

"It gets late early out there."

"I think Little League is wonderful. It keeps the kids out of the house."

"It's like deja vu all over again."

"Nobody goes there anymore because it's too crowded."

"So I'm ugly. I never saw anyone hit with his face.""The towels were so thick there I could hardly close my suitcase."

"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going because you might not get there."

"We made too many wrong mistakes."

"When you come to a fork in the road, take it."


Tinker With Your Awesome Day!

Spread Some Joy Today--Laugh Outloud With Friends and Clients!

Daily Inspiration 10-14-09

"A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out to accomplish it. . .

. . . Those who are not prepared for the apprehension of a great purpose, should fix the thoughts upon the faultless performance of their duty, no matter how insignificant their task may appear.

Only in this way can the thoughts be gathered and focused, and resolution and energy be developed.

Once this is done, there is nothing which may not be accomplished."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

It is so easy to see in other people how they feel about their lives and work. You might even be seeing the way you used to be and didn't realize it at the time. T.G.I.F. is a mantra. I'm sure you see it every day somewhere.

A great purpose changes that completely.

So, do you remember being asked as a child, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" Then, remember how it changed year to year? I wonder how many are doing what they envisioned then. Many may be doing something to earn money but now feel stuck where they are and feel they cannot do what they really want for a long list of reasons.

This quote above demonstrates a way out: ". . . should fix the thoughts upon the faultless performance of their duty, no matter how insignificant their task may appear. . ." Okay, it's the Army slogan, "be the best that you can be," isn't it? Yet, if you really think about it, that really is the way out, isn't it? Focusing on doing the best that you can do with what you have to work with at this point in time is always and forever going to be the best strategy!

"Only in this way can the thoughts be gathered and focused, and resolution and energy be developed. . ." You know this is true too, right? Don't you always feel better when you have focused your thoughts on what you are doing and giving your best to the effort? Also, doesn't it feel so lousy when you just are going through the motions? So, by focusing on doing your best in your present circumstances, more is attracted to you and your energy and your own resolution is enhanced and defined.

And, ideas come and opportunities begin to develop and you may very well end up doing what you really want to do after all. "Once this is done, there is nothing which may not be accomplished."

Get on with your bad self!


Make Someone's Day Awesome!

Spread Some Joy Today--Gratitude Is The Best Way! It Lights Up Your Face!

Daily Inspiration 10-13-09

"Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom . . .


. . . A man becomes calm in the measure
that he understands himself as a thought-evolved being . . .

The calm man, having learned how to govern himself, knows how to adapt himself to others. And they, in turn reverence his spiritual strength. They feel that they can learn from him and rely upon him. The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good."


- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**


I mentioned in another Daily Inspiration that Bob Proctor said that, one can Respond to circumstances, or events, or one can React to them. The outcome is dramatically different. He says, "It will soon become obvious to you, the people who are enjoying the most in life do not react to the obstacles they face, they respond to them. They study them and realize there are opportunities buried in every obstacle, and lessons to be learned. They actually view most of the obstacles as pretty interesting. Conversely, those who are struggling are generally stopped in their tracks and consequently never realize their dream."

How many times have I heard someone say something and I was immediately angry or upset. A reaction. How many times an event happened, like something breaking or something going wrong, or receiving a poor quality product, and I would be instantly frustrated or angry. Another reaction. I now think of the way I used to react as if I were a pinball in a pinball machine, just bouncing from one bumper to the other, racking up point after point in frustration and unhappiness.

Now, I choose to respond. I am a work-in-progress. My goal is to the the calm man and I am getting closer every day. I have realized that I am a thought-evolved being and I can see how that has worked perfectly all my life even knowing that choices were made by default.

Wisdom is not just knowledge and experience kept and sorted. It is not just confidence. It is these things and more: It is calmness. When I first read the quote above, I was amazed at it. It made perfect sense to me and I knew immediately that this was to be one of my top goals for the rest of my life.

I think of this phrase quite often and relish its simple power: "The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good."

Take Your Day All The Way To Awesome!

Spread Some Joy Today--Tell someone how much you appreciate them--in detail!

Daily Inspiration 10-12-09

"Your circumstances may be uncongenial, but they shall not remain so if you only perceive an ideal and strive to reach it.

You cannot travel within and stand still without."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

This is a powerful message of hope to those who have felt the sting of unwelcome circumstance.
The hope is twofold. One, having a strong desire or ideal to strive toward is hope in itself. Viktor Frankl's book, Man's Search For Meaning showed how powerful hope is. If you haven't had the chance, it is a must for your library. Hope only exists from strong desire of something. It gives life purpose.

Two, once you make the decision to expand your thinking and realize that the thought world is the real world, your exterior world can never be what it once was. It must have an effect. In addition, one effect is to increase hope by virtue of focused thought.

Circumstances haven't got a chance. You have them right where you want them: in control and doing your bidding. You go! Get your dream board ready! Little do they know the awesome power of the thoughtful, purpose driven!

Make Your Day Awesome!

Spread Some Joy Today--Give Much Larger Tips--Just For One Day!

Daily Inspiration 10-11-09

"It has been usual for men to think and to say, "Many men are slaves because one is an oppressor; let us hate the oppressor!" But there is amongst an increasing few a tendency to reverse this judgment and to say, "One man is an oppressor because many are slaves; let us despise the slaves."

The truth is that oppressor and slaves are cooperators in ignorance, and, while seeming to afflict each other, are in reality, afflicting themselves."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh

I love this piece. It makes me think of a fish jumping out of the water tail first. What an interesting sight that would make! Actually, it makes me think about the car business which I have been involved in for over 40 years in one way or another. Specifically, it makes me think of salespeople and the big bad sales manager, especially the one that likes to "keep them under his thumb" to always have control. I call them the blowhards.

The truth is, the sales manager has only the power the salespeople give them. Hitler had only the power that the people gave him (another blowhard. . .). Yet we relish in persecuting the oppressor and assigning blame. The fish really does jump out of the water tail first, doesn't it? Take away the followers, the blowhards have nothing at all.

It's hard to accept the possibility that the oppressed are a co-creator of the situation, but when the oppressor and the oppressed are all in the same room, they all breathe the same air and share the same space. . .

A better way: Accept the notion that you are completely responsible for your situation. After accepting this, it is easier to become grateful for the knowledge and then you get to make better, more powerful decisions that will change your results. No struggle, instead: empowerment.

"A perfect knowledge perceives the action of law in the weakness of the oppressed and the misapplied power of the oppressor. A perfect love, seeing the suffering which both states entail, condemns neither; perfect compassion embraces both oppressor and oppressed."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh

Relax In Your Awesome Day!

Spread Some Joy Today--Give Everyone You Meet Some Love!

Daily Inspiration 10-10-09

". . . beautiful thoughts of all kinds crystallize into habits of grace and kindliness, which solidify into genial and sunny circumstances.

Pure thoughts crystallize into habits of temperance and self-control, which solidify into circumstances of repose and peace.

Thoughts of courage, self-reliance, and decision crystallize into manly habits, which solidify into circumstances of success, plenty, and freedom.

Energetic thoughts crystallize into habits of cleanliness and industry, which solidify into circumstances of pleasantness.

Gentle and forgiving thoughts crystallize into habits of gentleness, which solidify into protective and preservative circumstances.

Loving and unselfish thoughts which solidify into circumstances of sure and abiding prosperity and true riches."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

YES!

Celebrate Your Awesome Day!

Spread Some Joy Today--Act Differently--Maybe Childlike!

Daily Inspiration 10-9-09

". . . what, then, is the meaning of "fighting against circumstances?" It means that a man is continually revolting against an effect without, while all the time he is nourishing and preserving its cause in his heart."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

We are taught to fight, fight, fight--to fight against crime, drugs, cancer, communists, city hall, homelessness, disease, and a few hundred other things. Of course, they constantly change.

The interesting thing is--and this is not taught in school or the media--is that you get more of what you think about and especially that which you give emotion to. The subconscious mind does not understand "not," or even "is." It just accepts what you give it. Consequently, fighting against something creates more of it, not less. As an example, the "war on drugs" has not reduced drugs, but has actually given more attention to drugs. The fight against cancer has not reduced cancer, but cancer has increased. So, we fight harder. . . to no avail.

We are taught that to create what we want, we must take away all the things we don't want. We have learned from years of training to look at all the things we do not want and to be unhappy (give emotion) about that condition. Just pick up a newspaper or turn on a TV or radio news program and it will show that we relish what is wrong. We love to fight against circumstance. We have been well trained in what's real. ". . . While all the time he is nourishing and preserving its cause in his heart."

We have it backward.

What we need to do is focus on what we do want rather than what we don't want. Don't fight disease, instead, focus on health. Don't talk about the down economy, instead, focus on prosperity, etc. When you look around you, notice what is right and "good" rather than what is wrong and "bad." Find things to be grateful and joyous about rather than things to be unhappy and resentful of. I guarantee it will change your life as if you had a whole new life. What good is the other way after all? Has it helped you at all? It didn't help me.

It's time to soar! Never fear! You can always go back to the old way. . . well, I seriously doubt that once you soar that the old way will have any value to you.
Tickle Your Awesome Day!

Spread Some Extra Joy Today--Your Supply Is Limitless!

Daily Inspiration 10-8-09

"Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

My goodness that is a powerful, delightfully brief and yet full sentence. It works even better as a question: What are your circumstances revealing to you about yourself?

Don't like your circumstances? How you respond will reveal yourself. It is in realizing that the only method of changing circumstances to be pleasing would be to change one's thinking that creates them. We have the power. We only need awareness, understanding and conscious choice.

In this we are all absolutely equal. No one has an edge. You have the power and you are in total control. Feels great, doesn't it? Like the rock star you are!
Feel Your Awesome Day!

Spread Some Joy Today--There Is No Limits To Joy!

Daily Inspiration 10-7-09

"Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

Labeling things 'good' and 'bad' is totally a judgement call of the person naming them. In reality, there is no such thing as good or bad, only results, circumstances, events and people. How we label that is totally up to how we think about them. It took me a long time to learn this, but it is a turning point, for sure.

I think what James Allen is saying so well in the quote above is that the fruit we create is an absolute and direct result of our choice of thoughts. We cannot think of things we do not want and get what we do want. Think about that for a moment or two.

Have you ever been broke, low on cash or had bill collectors calling you? You cannot think about those things all day and then expect prosperity. More than anything, prosperity is a mental attitude. It certainly is that prior to the money actually showing up.

How about thinking about all the things you dislike about your job and then expecting to get promoted or get recognized? That won't fly. All you will get is more of what you are thinking about, so you will find more things to dislike about your job.

It was really hard for me to accept this concept at first, but I do now understand it and have gotten pretty good at implementing it; i.e., creating better results by changing my thinking about things. For example, instead of focusing on what I dislike about my job, I focus on what I do like about it. This allows me to be grateful. When I am grateful, I create joy for myself and I get more of what I like about my job to the point that what I previously didn't like about my job fades away. Indeed, it not only fades away, but in my habitual gratitude, I find myself being grateful for things that I used to dislike, but no longer feel that way about.

I know that is a tough concept at first, and it is so true. Try it in earnest and you will agree. "Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit." Yes, and Amen!
Every Day Is An Awesome Day!

Spread Some Joy Today--You Will Get It Back Tenfold!

Daily Inspiration 10-6-09

"Every thought-seed sown or allowed to fall into the mind, and to take root there, produces its own, blossoming sooner or later into act, and bearing its own fruitage of opportunity and circumstance."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

When I read this I am reminded of a brief conversation I had this morning about the definition of insanity: Doing the same things and expecting a different result. How many times have we all done that!

In this case, I see a similar situation: Having the same thoughts and expecting better results. Of course the quote is indicating that whatever the thought-seed that is allowed to grow will bear that fruit, good or bad, in act, opportunity and circumstance.

It matters not whether those thoughts are intentional or not. If you think about that, it would seem that choosing your thoughts would be so much more productive in positive act, opportunity and circumstance.

I underlined the active part: "blossoming sooner or later into act." We generally don't think about that aspect, but thoughts do become things.

This all leads me to this: Better thoughts produce better acts, and more positive opportunities and circumstance. The best place to start is with gratitude. It just gets so much better from there.


Expand into an awesome day!

Spread some joy today--Because it is contagious!

Daily Inspiration 10-5-09

"Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become.

Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.

The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream. The oak sleeps in the acorn; the bird waits in the egg. And in the highest vision of a soul a waking angel stirs.

Dreams are the seedlings of realities."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

I absolutely love that line: "Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become." What powerful, abundant encouragement that line holds. I recommend that you print it in bold letters and post it on your wall for even more encouragement.

So many people I have known have had dreams and let them go because of the cares of the day to day like, food, shelter, clothing, rent, electricity, car payments, being a deserving person, etc. The biggest crusher is not knowing how in the world it could happen. As Mike Dooley says, "stay away from the cursed how's".

The dream is your job. If you keep your dream in your mind, the how's will come. Frankly, in my experience, the less I get involved in the how's, the better it works. I act on inspirations as they come and I move forward. Let the power of the Universe go to work for you. Don't argue for your limitations, you will get to keep them.

Let me expand on the last line of our quote: "Dreams are the seedlings of realities." Never listen to people who try to "bring you into reality" by telling you that your dream is "unrealistic" or "impossible." James Allen says that your dream can become reality if you continue to dream it, picture it, focus on it and allow it. "Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil."
Create an awesome day!

Spread some joy today--On purpose!

Daily Inspiration 10-4-09

"Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals.

Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts. For out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment;

of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

I highlighted a couple of sentences and broke apart this paragraph to make it easy to comment. The first underline is "Cherish your visions." I do and I hope you have a vision of what you want--something that drives you. There is nothing on earth so dear.

Here, I try to write some insights that come from my mind, heart and experience (as well as some third party spiritual help. . .) to encourage and have you think. I intend that it is instructional and uplifting. A perfect result for me would be that you would say, "that is exactly right. I needed to read that. Thank you." In this explanation, I am cherishing my vision to write, instruct and inspire. The urge to do so is very powerful in me. I do it throughout my day with people I interact with and I do it like this, a bit more formally. It delights me to do this and I hope you enjoy the offering.

The last line is underlined: "of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built." I've written all my life, but I haven't stuck with it until recently. Periodically, it has been a fantasy, and now it is a reality--but even more, is a commitment, and a joyous one. There is no substitute for persistence. First having a powerful one, then holding on to that powerful vision is of key importance to success. No matter what anyone else says, including relatives and friends. Remain true and it will come to pass.

This I also know. The more powerful your vision, the more you will remain true to it. Start firmly and confidently by completely ignoring 'how' you will do it, and just focus on 'what' you want in the greatest detail possible. The more clear the what, the faster the when. Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals. Delight in your power to choose. More important, delight in your creative abilities. You have powerful creative talent at your disposal.
Choose an awesome day!

Spread some joy today--smile!

Daily Inspiration 10-3-09

"There is no physician like cheerful thought for dissipating the ills of the body; there is no comforter to compare with goodwill for dispersing the shadows of grief and sorrow.

To live continually in thoughts of ill will, cynicism, suspicion, and envy, is to be confined in a self-made prison hole.

But to think well of all, to be cheerful with all, to patiently learn to find the good in all--such unselfish thoughts are the very portals of heaven, and to dwell day by day in thoughts of peace toward every creature will bring abounding peace to their possessor."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh


Perhaps you know someone who always seems to have something going wrong with their body. They have this symptom and that disease and take several types of pills to keep things in control. They complain of feeling tired, sore, worn out, overworked, stressed, and persecuted. And, I will bet that you rarely hear a cheerful word from them.

They love the drama, the excuse that the "reality" of illness (because a "doctor" prescribed something, or acknowledged a name for their condition). It makes it legitimate to complain because they have diagnosed symptoms, perhaps with statements like it is hereditary. That takes the blame clearly away they think, but it is a self-made prison. Almost anyone who is really watching and listening can see that.

Now, think about someone who is almost always cheerful, upbeat, complimentary, excited, enthusiastic, or generally grateful and happy. They complain about little or nothing and their health shows it with a glow that is unmistakable.

Is the difference genetics? It is a choice of thought. I know it extremely well because I changed mine and it changed me.

In today's world, there are so many things each and every day that could get you down if you would let it and many do. Those same things can also give one a grateful attitude, a cheerful disposition, or even joy. The things did not change, but only the thoughts about the things. As human beings, we have absolute control over but one thing: thought.

I underlined one sentence in the quote above: "to patiently learn to find the good in all. . ." because it is a powerful tool to lead one toward being cheerful and happy. It isn't easy necessarily, but it is very doable. I now strive to be thankful for and find the good in every person, situation and thing. I can assure you that some are a serious challenge to my commitment, and some take longer, but I am getting there step by step. It takes practice. You don't just wake up one morning and find yourself there. You decide to be there and accept the challenges with the easy. The good news is more are easy and less is challenges as time goes forward!

Bob Proctor taught me a good way to help this along. He said, "React? Respond!" If you allow yourself to react to people, things, and events, you will be challenged often. If you respond instead, you have control. When I was a kid, my mom used to tell me to count to 10. Some take more than 10, but that strategy works too.

All in all, the best way is to spread joy yourself. It catches people off guard and is a powerful strategy for you as well. It is delightfully contagious!

Have an awesome World Rocking day!

Spread some joy today--smile!

Daily Inspirations 10-2-09

"Man is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature of outside conditions,

but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and that he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being out of which circumstances grow;

he then becomes the rightful master of himself."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

The powerful messages of this book continue to excite me. As I was on a walk a few days ago, I recalled something my ex-wife said to me many years ago. She said, "If you ever truly start believing in yourself, there will be no stopping you." I never forgot that moment. You see, I thought I believed in myself then, but it was obvious to her that I was just putting on a show, yet she could see enough to see that the power was there waiting for direction and focus. That was 30 years ago. . .

The time has finally come all this time later and even though I took my time, I am so grateful for that remark. To me it was huge encouragement and I have remembered it many times through the years--not ignoring it, but thinking about it.

The truth is that I didn't really know what believing in myself really meant. Hell, I taught it every day as a sales manager and I was going through the motions, but it took until a little over two years ago to finally cross the threshold and go for it. Though I am learning more every day, I think I really get it now and in that, I can be a more effective teacher as well.

"Man is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature of outside conditions. . ." I sigh a relief of having passed this on to understanding so clearly now that I wonder how I believed the old way. I look around and see so many who complain of circumstances which are controlling their lives and I see myself. It was always something, you know. Always somebody in the way, somebody's attitude, the boss, the weather, the stock market, the interest rates, gas prices, strikes, whatever. No more.

". . . BUT! WHEN HE REALIZES THAT HE IS A CREATIVE POWER, and that he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being out of which circumstances grow. . ." So here's the line that does it. Get a strong understanding of this line and you too will believe in yourself. You have such awesome power to control and create circumstance.

The good news about that is that you can choose what to create! You have control! You have the power! I guarantee that understanding will rock your world! You will make decisions that you have never had the courage to do before. You will open the floodgates of your creative thinking and the world will never be the same. Does one person have power? How about Abe Lincoln? Theodore Roosevelt? Bill Gates? Andrew Carnegie? Absolutely they have the power and you have the same exact power. They just believed.

". . . he then becomes the rightful master of himself." Amen and amen. I wish that for you--even if it takes you 30 years. . .

You are an awesome creation. Go rock the world! TODAY!


Have an awesome World Rocking day!

Spread some joy today--smile!

Daily Inspiration 10-1-09

"A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life.

And he adapts his mind to the regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts;

ceases to kick against circumstances, but begins to use them as aids to his more rapid progress, and as a means of discovering the hidden powers and possibilities within himself."

- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**

To me, this is one of the most powerful short paragraphs in As A Man Thinketh. I have known a serious number of complainers. Heck, I was party chairman at one time and always on the hunt for new party members. Complainers need each other, for without each other, all they have are hope, joy, achievement, satisfaction and some of those other things that the rich who get richer have.

It slowly evolved in me in becoming responsible for my own thoughts and life. I can't put a point on when exactly it happened. I think it has come mainly from listening to wise people on audio programs like Jim Rohn, Bob Proctor, The Secret, Earl Nightingale, and many others and in reading books like Pulling Your Own Strings, As A Man Thinketh, Think and Grow Rich, Awaken the Giant Within, Psycho-Cybernetics, and a few hundred others. (You can do it reading only one book by studying it thoroughly: As A Man Thinketh.)

This I do know: it was worth every second of every day moving toward accepting responsibility for myself instead of delegating it to other people and events. I had the power, and just needed to realize it and use it. So do you.

If you were anything like I described myself, try using an affirmation I got from Bob Proctor: "I am responsible for my life, for my feelings and for every result I get." Say that aloud about 10 times a day for 30 days and you will be on your way.

I broke the quote above from James Allen into three sections. First, stop complaining. Second, stop blaming others or circumstances for your situation by thinking better thoughts. Third, stop fighting against things and learn to take a lemon and make lemonade. Use what comes to your advantage. Discover your hidden powers.


Have an awesome day!

Spread some joy today--smile!