Daily Inspiration 3-31-12

"Let everything you do be done as if it makes a difference." -- William James

That is just so well said and so full of meaning, I will leave it alone.

Viva La Difference!

Spread Some Joy Today--Because it matters, and someone's got to do it. . . it might as well be you!

Daily Inspiration 3-30-12

"Compared to what we ought to be, we are only half awake.

We are making use of only a small part of our physical and

mental resources. Stating the thing broadly, the human

individual thus lives far within his limits. He possesses power

of various sorts which he habitually fails to use."

-- William James

I love this quote except for the phrase 'ought to be.' Everything in our life as far as I can see is a choice that we make, and so many times, they are made by default without our conscious knowledge or understanding. Yet, once we do, there are no more excuses. And this quote shows how much we leave on the table.

I have done so much and yet, I have done so little. The difference is what is and what I could have done. The good news is the vast potential of all of that. At any moment, there is so much more available should we choose it, as well we could see so much less should we choose it.

I Cannot Help But Choose More And This Is What Drives My Own Motivation. I Choose Expansion.

Spread Some Joy Today--by realizing how much you have to give.

Daily Inspiration 3-29-12

"The optimist sees the doughnut,

the pessimist, the hole."

-- McLandburgh Wilson

 

Do you know any people, perhaps even someone that is in your life pretty regularly that no matter what is presented them, they have at least one negative comment. Maybe it is something missing, or something not to their liking. They are more than just complainers, but have a perpetual pessimistic outlook.

I love this doughnut and doughnut hole quote because it clearly shows what I'm talking about here. What is missing versus what is there. Here's a couple of other similar quotes that say it just a bit differently that I like:

"Two men look out through the same bars: One sees the mud, and one see stars"

-- Frederick Langbridge

"The pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist, the opportunity in every difficulty." -- L. P. Jacks

I generally try to avoid these people just like I avoid the news media, but sometimes that isn't a clear option; however, just because they may have this view, doesn't mean we have to justify our view, or be upset by our association. Though the idea of pessimism and optimism are opposites, doesn't mean that we have to be that way with each other. There are plenty of ways to come together should we desire to do so. This becomes the key to seeing other people's point of view without necessarily giving up our own.

By allowing other ways, other attitudes, other views, even opposite views to exist in our midst, and at the same time, stop all judgements of good or bad, we can learn to appreciate how others claim their position while viewing it from our own.

 

"Yes, We Are All Different, But Not So Different That We Cannot Get Along With One Another. . . If We Will Disagree Without Being Disagreeable."

-- J Martin Kohe

Spread Some Joy Today--Lighten up.

Daily Inspiration 3-28-12

"There is no truth. There is only perception."

-- Gustave Flaubert

It fascinates me how I as a service provider and they as a service receiver can see the truth of those services sometimes in a completely opposite view. We could argue long and hard and have no movement beyond defending our own position on the view of truth. We can even use the word of truth stating it as if that were something in and of itself was a pure and singular, as so many do from the hilltops and valleys and boardrooms. How many times have we argued truth only to have that frustration of disagreement, which to us is actually impossible when it comes to truth. After all, there is only one truth we say. We say there can be many perceptions, but there can only be one truth.

This idea is hard to let go of, and is the brunt of the world's problems whether from a moral or more realistic view. We see them as wrong and we as right. We have truth and they have the lies.

At some point, it will be helpful to change our thinking about that concept. If we begin to see that there is no such thing as truth as I've just discussed, but there is only each persons perception of truth, we can find real empathy and also growth within ourselves. As we hold to our truth dearly without any other considerations, growth is pretty much impossible. What it will also improve is communication and then the relationship can be more beneficial to each.

In so many cases I have found and am finding as I practice this, that it really doesn't matter what I think, it matters more what they other thinks. It's not that I have to leave my position to join with theirs, but that I am open to see it from their position in order to attempt to understand how and why those differences might exist. As I understand their position, I more fully understand the real meaning of compassion.

 

According To Google, There Are Currently 6.8 Billion Truths. That Can Either Be A Serious Argument, Or An Ocean Of Love. . .

Spread Some Joy Today--At our core, we are love. Let us peel the layers of cares and find it again and share that joy with every one.

Daily Inspiration 3-27-12

"There is an ongoing battle between conscience and

self-interest in which, at some point, we have to take sides."

-- Robert Brault

I worked for others for just over 40 years, and for myself for about 9 or so. Most recently I've worked for myself for the last 4+ years. There is one thing about working for myself that stands out more than anything else and that is the ability to make choices in policy and make decisions on the spur of the moment and to do what I think in my heart is the right thing. What's even so much better than this is having real partners who think the same thing.

I worked in the car business for over 25 years and it is notorious for self-interest. Even as much control as I could get as a manager wasn't enough. I remember having to make choices that I had a very hard time with and all of them were focused on saving money. The really funny thing is that in almost every case, it ended up costing them much more money to get it finally resolved. Their fear of loss and instinct for protecting themselves ended up being the thing that cost the most in the end.

And now, I get to choose and the buck stops here with us. We get to choose to do what we think is right even if it costs us money. In fact the money is almost insignificant in the mix. Going with our heart of hearts is the best instinct every single time. As I look back on some of those choices, I see how clearly this was the best choice.

Here's a quote from one of the world leaders in customer service and retention, Nordstrom's: "Rule #1 - Use your good judgment in all situations. There will be no additional rules. - Nordstrom's Employee Handbook."

 

 

Make Your Best Choices Regardless Of What Others Think: Go With Your Heart.

Spread Some Joy Today--You can sit right at your desk and in a moment go into joy. Just think of something funny! Maybe something like the campfire scene in Blazing Saddles. Oh, that's just a guy thing though. . .

Daily Inspiration 3-26-12

"The only person you should ever compete with

is yourself. You can't hope for a fairer match."

-- Todd Ruthman

Assuming you're going to compete at all, this is the way--and I think the most meaningful as well.

As a sales manager, I hated all those contests that focused on the top 20% pretending to be motivational to the rest. The truth was that anyone could win, but it was rarely someone outside the top 20%. What's the point of that?

So I always tried to develop contests that would have one showing a certain improvement level over where they were in the past and it certainly made for a more interesting and effective contest. There was also participation by the majority whereas before, so many would give up right out of the gate.

I don't like the idea of competition, but I do like the idea of growth, of becoming more that I was and desiring to get better at what I do. I like contests that everyone can win rather than the top person.

We Are All Winners! In This, There Are No Losers.

Spread Some Joy Today--See what you can do to make your coworkers feel like winners.

Daily Inspiration 3-25-12

"At this very moment, you may be saying to yourself

that you have any number of admirable qualities.

You are a loyal friend, a caring person,

someone who is smart, dependable, fun to be around.

That's wonderful, and I'm happy for you,

but let me ask you this:

are you being any of those things to yourself?"

--Philip C McGraw

Most of us have probably been trained since childhood to think of others first. Parents have a way of instilling this "getting along with others is the ideal thing" idea. We may have even been trained in the so-called Christian ethic of forsaking ourselves for the benefit of others. Women in particular are often trained to be submissive by putting their family and/or spouses first as a moral security in keeping things together and functional. We may have even been taught that pampering or paying attention to ourselves is selfish, especially if we do this ahead of our prime directive of thinking of others first.

At some point in our lives though, we realize that though we may keep all the balls in the air with the best of them, we are broken and tattered inside. We've looked outside of ourselves to get reinforcement through praise and love and may not have received that which we have craved.

It's time to ask ourselves, how is that working out for us? Probably not as good of a plan as our well meaning teachers, preachers and coaches put forth. It is most likely high time that we gradually and consistently let go of that old, worn-out, ill-fitting plan for a far better one of taking care of ourselves first. Yes, first.

As we follow our own desires, our own internal guidance, our own lining up with our source, though our resulting well-being, we can be the better servant, encourager, supporter, friend and lover. We will also be far better leaders and teachers for others and hopefully stop the propagation of these old broken ideas of self-sacrifice being some moral ideal. As we love ourselves, we open a floodgate of love possibilities. As we appreciate ourselves, we multiply and expand our appreciation of every one and every thing around us. It is without a doubt the best place to begin.

 

It's Not Only Okay To BE ME, It's Okay To LOVE ME.

Spread Some Joy Today--As always, it begins with us. Seek and allow your joy and in your joy, it is automatically shared. Remember that your joy is not dependent on anything anyone else says or does, but only on what you think. You have all the power, and the only power.

Daily Inspiration 3-24-12

"Enjoy your own life without comparing it with that of another."

-- Marquis de Condorcet

Have you made $250,000 in a year yet? How about $150,000? How about a million? How many luxury vehicles do you have? How many square feet in your home? Is it over 3,000? How much is in your retirement account so far? $500,000? $100?

There are a zillion ways to compare ourselves with someone else and they are all a complete waste of time and energy. It really doesn't matter what someone else is doing since it isn't your life, it's theirs.

Many times we compare ourselves to some point in the past or some potential point in the future. This too is a complete waste of time and energy.

The only thing that makes any sense to me is to ask instead, 'How have I grown? What have I learned? How have I loved? How have I shared?' In other words, what have I become? It is pretty much impossible to not be more than we were yesterday, and likewise we will certainly be more in the future. It is better to celebrate our becoming and our experiences and our more-ness.

Whatever that is for you and me is worth celebrating along with the rest of the world and whatever they have become.

 

Things and Accomplishments Become Less Valuable Over Time

Spread Some Joy Today--Relax in yourself, who you are, the power of your choices, the joy in your life. Celebrate yourself.

Daily Inspiration 3-23-12

"Just let awareness have its way with you completely."

-- Scott Morrison

It is such a simple thing and yet I've paid so little attention until recently. I am so much more aware of what goes on around me, in me and through me. I've always had eyes and yet didn't really see so well. Now I see a completely different world. It didn't change, but I did. The change is simple and cosmic at the same time. It is that I began to practice seeing the world, and especially the world from where ever I am at the moment as perfect, wonderful and not broken. In so doing, that is exactly how it is and it brings me peace of mind and joy.

I used to see what was wrong. I would complain about it to myself and to others. I would even make those things and other things outside of myself as reasons for my unhappiness, discomfort, or lack.

To be fair, I am practicing this every day and getting so much better as a result. Today for example, I went for a walk and it was awe inspiring as I just allowed myself to experience the weather and fully enjoy myself and everything that I saw. Earlier in the day I watched two Junco's in the back yard and I watched them take turns diving into the swimming pool on a shallow dive and then come up and out and back up to a branch. I've never seen anything like that before in 25 years of watching birds around our home.

Today was a special day and I am learning to allow awareness to have its way with me. I also have to add that I watched no news on TV, read no newspapers, saw no news on the Internet, heard no radio. It should not be amazing how much this helps the cause.

 

Enjoying Life's Simple Pleasures. . .

Spread Some Joy Today--Have fun! Enjoy your day, your surroundings, and the people around you. It really is a choice to do so or not to.

Daily Inspiration 3-22-12

"If we clearly realize that the creative power

in ourselves is unlimited, then there is no reason

for limiting the extent to which we may

enjoy what we can create by means of it."

-- Thomas Troward

I was brought up as the eldest of five in an environment of lack. The common complaint was that there wasn't enough, yet the reality is that there was always enough. A better way to say it was a lack mentality, or there was a focus on lack, or always looking at the glass as half empty on its way to empty.

I didn't really know any better than to think those same things and then throughout my own life, I chanted similar sentiments, continually reinforcing the lack. Luxuries were a rare event for sure, but looking back, I see clearly that there was always enough and that it was this attitude, or way of looking at things that created a consistent flow of more of the same.

It is only now that I am thinking differently about this by ignoring what is, and focusing on opulence and generosity, which naturally means that there is more than enough so that there is plenty to give away. One thing that has helped me is a short piece by Thomas Troward called, The Spirit of Opulence. I've shared the entire piece previously, but today I want to share just a bit to reinforce what I am saying about my purposeful change in attitude.

I'll start with this short quote with bold highlights that are mine: "The spirit of opulence--the opulent mode of thought, that is--consists in cultivating the feeling that we possess all sorts of riches which we can bestow upon others, and which we can bestow liberally because by this very action we open the way for still greater supplies to flow in. But you say, "I am short of money, I hardly know how to pay for necessaries. What have I to give?"

"The answer is that we must always start from the point where we are; and if your wealth at the present moment is not abundant on the material plane, you need not trouble to start on that plane. There are other sorts of wealth, still more valuable, on the spiritual and intellectual planes, which you can give; and you can start from this point and practice the spirit of opulence, even though your balance at the bank may be nil. And then the universal law of attraction will begin to assert itself. You will not only begin to experience an inflow on the spiritual and intellectual planes, but it will extend itself to the material plane also."

I have taken this wonderful advice written in approximately 1921 to heart and have concentrated in the last several years on practicing the spirit of opulence by giving most generously in many ways other than in dollars. There are many who concentrate on nothing other than dollars, and I think this is so limiting. I am so wealthy in so many ways and it is sheer joy to share any and all of that wealth in the spirit of opulence.

I Highly Recommend This Practice!

Spread Some Joy Today--Realizing that you have spiritual wealth is the embodiment of joy sharing capacity. Focus on your wealth to realize you have more than enough to share.

Daily Inspiration 3-21-12

"The best way to inspire people to superior performance

is to convince them by everything you do and by your

everyday attitude that you are wholeheartedly supporting them."

-- Harold S Geneen

I've learned so much from studying businesses great and small, and it is in this quote above that I see them succeed or fail the majority of the time.

Some business leaders (I should say 'those who are in control' rather than leaders), seem to think that the company means something in and of itself. It is absolutely nothing without its most valuable asset: the people who do the work. Just as on a football, baseball or any other team, it is the people and they way they work together that makes or breaks them.

In this, it saddens me every time that I see businesses who are forsaking, undermining, and otherwise manipulating their employees. I also cannot leave out vendors, because they are also an integral part of performance and quality. I've also seen many businesses who grind up and spit out their vendors to their demise.

People will rise to the occasion, to superior performance if encouraged and supported and cared for. It isn't always about money either. I've seen people perform like super stars at very low pay, because they see something far greater than immediate monetary reward. Just think what it can be like to surround yourself with these super stars.

Valuing people in a business is the single most important quality of a successful company, product or service. Those who ignore this basic concept do so at their own risk.

"Leadership Is Practiced Not So Much In Words As In Attitude And In Actions." -- Harold S Geneen

Spread Some Joy Today--Appreciate yourself first, then find others to appreciate. You won't have far to look.

Daily Inspiration 3-20-12

"The principle part of faith is patience."

-- George MacDonald

Of course! The principle part of faith is patience. Yet, somehow we missed that in Sunday school, and certainly at home, and then at the office. Mostly, it seems that we have been taught that faith and patience are two separate things. Now I see them as one in the same, or that patience is faith in action.

I think we also think of patience as lack of action, but I see patience as action as in a commitment, belief, faith, solidarity. Some might think of patience as weakness, and I see it as strength. Indeed, I see patience often requiring great strength.

When we want something so much, or we have worked for a long time to have something come to a certain circumstance of fruition, it is our impatience at work that can undue a lineage of effort and caring that brought us to this place that we are now. In our rush to make it happen, this is where the decisions can go awry. Staying the course, with patience and conviction that it will come true is the best course. When the time is right, the inspiration to move will be so clear and feel so good that there will be no doubt about its correctness. When the time is right, doors will open, things and circumstances will change to bring about the clarity we've been seeking.

When we feel rushed whether from the outside or the inside, it is up to us to renew our goals or intentions in order to add more clarity and then remind ourselves that our faith is put into action by our patience in the belief that it will come as we have imagined.

Demonstrate Your Faith - Have Patience!

Spread Some Joy Today--You cannot be denied. Seek joy and joy will be yours. Once it is yours, it is then yours to share.

Daily Inspiration 3-19-12

"I believe that every single event in life happens

in an opportunity to choose love over fear."

-- Oprah Winfrey

I had yet another opportunity today to test my patience and to test my calmness, or my ability to not get very upset. I won't go into details about the situation too much, but it was about a cell phone bill and having just purchased a phone and having all the numbers different than they were explained. That's the kindest way I can say it.

I made an appointment and went back to the store where I bought it and even ended up talking again to the person who helped me in the beginning. I was explaining the problem and I was tinkled that I even had to deal with their obvious error, and he went to work calling HQ to try to resolve it.

I demonstrated controlled dissatisfaction, and did my best to remain as cool as I could while he tried to solve the problem. It finally got solved and wasn't exactly what I would have hoped for, but was substantially better, he apologized and I was on my way.

It was after I got in my truck and was driving away that I thought that I should get him a thank you card and deliver it personally. He did an excellent job of getting to the bottom of the issue and following through to a conclusion with a polite and professional demeanor. So, I thought, what more could you ask for?

Now, I look at this as another opportunity to demonstrate that I can deal with something unpleasant and keep it together, and at the same time gain new respect for the person I was dealing with. And, if he should happen to feel good about resolving the issue satisfactorily, it would be win-win all around. What more could you ask for?

Another Day, Another Chance To Practice!

Spread Some Joy Today--by lifting yourself up, praising yourself, maybe even a couple high-5's. Everyone around you will be happy with the runoff.

Daily Inspiration 3-18-12

"Man is made or unmade by himself.

By the right choice he ascends.

As a being of power, intelligence, and love,

and the lord of his own thoughts,

he holds the key to every situation."

-- James Allen

I love this quote and I have come to know this in my own life so clearly. I choose how things happen because I choose my own thoughts. None are chosen for me. In this, it is the ultimate responsibility and joy.

No matter how you may want to look at a life, it should be obvious that it is fleeting at best. There is no spare time to be unhappy and down unless we desire this. The hard thing for many of us to realize is that many do desire this. There is reward in unhappiness for many, as strange as this sounds.

If you look around you, it is visible in many ways in many people you know. It may even be visible in the mirror. You might even see these things repeated again and again and be amazed that it continues. You may see a string of circumstances that are lined up like a series of storms, yet they are created, rather than issued to the unlucky.

And, it is all okay. It is enough to realize that we each have the power to change our thinking at any time for those of us who choose to do so, while it is also as much a choice of those who choose pain as a victim of circumstance, who choose that. In all it is a choice.

It is hard also sometimes to watch someone make tough choices and desire so much to help them see a more harmonious way, yet as individuals in life, we have the power of choice and it is in our allowing of others to choose as they may, that we can love them truly.

The only real way that we have any power to guide them to a different choice is by our own power of choice and example. We must then allow them to then make their own choice and find our joy in their power to do so, regardless of how we might choose. This is, after all, the essence and practice of unconditional love.

We Cannot Choose For Another, Only Be An Example.

Spread Some Joy Today--by allowing others to choose what they may, while you choose your own joy.

Daily Inspiration 3-17-12

"Work like you don't need the money.

Love like you've never been hurt.

Dance like nobody's watching."

-- Satchel Paige

These are some life-changing thoughts for enjoying life to the fullest. Perfect quote to record and view often, don't you think? I'm sure we could all use more reminders like this one!

It Really Is About Joy When You Think About Living To The Fullest.

Spread Some Joy Today--Let go and let yourself out of the cage.

Daily Inspiration 3-16-12

"Now, each of us has his own special gift

And you know this was meant to be true

And if you don't underestimate me

I won't underestimate you."

-- Bob Dylan, from Dear Landlord

Yesterday I was talking about reacting to people, and having negative emotions about them and how that was a common thing to do, yet it is not self-serving. The challenge is to not react and to instead find things to like about those who at first seem obviously unlikable.

It is another habit that many of us have had in underestimating people for a wide variety of reasons, whether it is their looks, their speech, their vocabulary, their excessive slang, or other surface things. The truth is that we are all so much more inside that we often show on the outside. Though it is easy to underestimate people sometimes, it is really more like the two ways to have the tallest building. Become known as a destroyer or a builder. The underestimator is a destroyer. They don't know any better.

I find the most fascinating things about people just asking them questions to know more about them. I might find that they are a painter, a poet, a musician, a volunteer to worthy organizations, a marathon runner, or that they have a doctorate in something I can't even spell.

People are like icebergs in that only about 10% of who they are is visible. There is so much more underneath and all are worthy of a better estimate than we might make seeing only with our eyes.

One thing that is helping me think better about this subject is the idea that we are all from the very same source and are all having a human experience together.

 

We Are All More Than We Appear, And All Worthy.

Spread Some Joy Today--Celebrate our sameness and differences at the same time.

Daily Inspiration 3-15-12

"Optimists are right.

So are pessimists.

It's up to you to choose

which you will be."

-- Harvey Mackay

The more I know intellectually and spiritually, the more I know that there is only choice. It isn't a matter of right and wrong, left or right, up or down, in or out, it is simply how we choose and how we feel about our choices.

Some who are optimists, natural or learned, think that pessimists are part of the whole of the world's ills. It is only in accepting the choices of others as valid choices that our own becomes as valid. The desire to be right is off the path. The desire to find wrong is off the path. The condemnation of anything is off the path. There is only our own choice for whatever reason we may have and all reasons are individual and perfect.

It's easy to say such things and a bit more difficult to live this way, so I find that I am a practicing lifer. I see someone who pisses me off, who I would think is an idiot, brain-dead or worse, I then begin to see my choice as not serving for either of us. I must find things to like about them, as difficult as it may sometimes be. And, frankly, sometimes it takes me a while, but I know that I must practice if I am to become that person I want to be.

It's not about being good, generous, kind or magnanimous, it is simply choices that I feel good about and serve me or feel crappy about and do not serve me. Don't we all know that when we feel negative about someone, we feel crappy? Of course. We are moving away from our own true selves.

As the Beatles said, "love is all there is." Everything else is off the path. I am frequent to remind myself and my negative emotion brings it clearly to my attention.

I Choose Harmony. Most Of The Time. . . Working On The Rest Of The Time. . .

Spread Some Joy Today--practice makes perfect, right?

Daily Inspiration 3-14-12

"Not everything that can be counted counts,

and not everything that counts can be counted."

-- Albert Einstein

 

This quote and the idea surrounding it is one of the most important things I have ever learned and I continue to learn from it regularly.

As an example, in our business, we see some who want to quantify and measure as if that number, whatever it may be, is something truly important. It is a very rare situation where that number actually matters at all, other than to have some sort of bragging point. Plus, one thing I've learned about numbers is that we can find ways to have them say whatever we might want, or to justify things with our own spin.

I've found influence is far more important than any counting and measuring. It is something that is not always visible to the naked eye, or even the eye at all. It is often only felt as a sense of something important or profound in our heart or our vibration. There are also so many ways to be of influence.

So, let me ask you a question. Is it more important to be influential or to have a certain set of numbers such as monthly sales, dollars earned per month, year, or earnings gross or net, the killer domain name, an exclusive Fortune number, etc?

And, how do we become a person of influence? I have found that it is by simply being the best you that you can be, acting on your intuition, staying on course when you feel strongly about something, and practicing and sharing love constantly.

 

Though It May Not Be Able To Be Counted, At Least To Me, Influence Is What Counts.

Spread Some Joy Today--Open up and let more of the real you out. Love yourself enough to do that and you will find more joy as a result.

Daily Inspiration 3-13-12

"When you blame others, you give up your power to change."

-- Robert Anthony

I was looking at some quotes about blame and many say not to blame others, but instead blame ourselves. I think that doesn't work so well as it is intended to. I think the whole problem is not who or what to blame, but choosing to blame at all.

When we blame, we are on a fault finding mission intended to exonerate us in the process. As a result, we are just like the news on TV, radio and in print. That is 95% of what they do and it is obvious in the wording, photos and video. It's all about what's wrong and who's to blame. As we continue down this path, there is no growth and absolutely no enlightenment, let alone any good feelings.

So, let's play a little, What if? game. What if everything happened for a reason? What if everything worked out perfectly? What if there was no one and nothing to blame? What if all there was is well being? What if we were thankful instead of disgruntled? What if we gave praise instead of blame? What if we looked for what was right and good instead of what was wrong and bad?

What if this changed our thinking for the better? What if our circumstances improved too? What if we sought joy?

What If It Started With ME?

Spread Some Joy Today--by just turning your focus on what is well, pleasing, good, encouraging, and loving. Even when others may think you strange for it. There is joy enough in that too.

Daily Inspiration 3-12-12

"Painting is a faith, and it imposes

the duty to disregard public opinion."

-- Vincent Van Gogh

 

If you're an artist, whether a painter, writer, singer, actor, dancer, athlete or any other, it is more important to hear your own opinion of yourself and how you feel about what you do than from anyone else outside. We have to feel good about ourselves before it means much of anything that others do. We have to hold on to what we think even when others disagree.

But, why should artists get all the public opinion? If you're a person, a human being currently on this planet, your opinion of yourself carries more weight than all the world's opinion should they even have one. It is far more important that we feel good about ourselves and what we are doing and who we are than anything anyone else could possibly think.

No one, not anyone, not even the closest to you know you and what you are and what you go through as well as you know yourself. Take joy in that and celebrate that you are the absolute best judge of what you choose and desire and are.

Keep The Faith!

Spread Some Joy Today--Even when it seems easy to criticize and complain, it is joy to find something shiny instead. The fact that it isn't always easy to see, makes it all the more worthwhile.

Daily Inspiration 3-11-12

"Life is to blame for everything."

-- Robert Musil

 

Well, we've finally gotten to the bottom of it! It's all life's fault! Life is to blame! All that stuff wouldn't have happened had it not been for life.

I love this quote and it is an instant hit on my wall. Of course. If we want to blame, it may as well be the whole enchilada.

Of course, we could look at that quote on the wall, see the humor in it and realize that it is indeed life that has given me all these blessings that are so many I cannot possibly count them, along with massive amounts of love and joy.

It's All Life's Fault And I Stand In Appreciation!

Spread Some Joy Today--Let's see. . . JOY!, pain, JOY!, pain. . .tough choice. . .

Daily Inspiration 3-10-12

"Tired minds don't plan well.

Sleep first, plan later."

-- Walter Reisch

 

I found myself out of sorts today. In fact, I was irritated several times, pissed off a bit (maybe more like tinkled. . .), feeling a bit down and noticing it all almost as if I was on the outside looking in at the same time as experiencing it.

Some people think I am Mr. Positive and up all the time and that I don't have off days, but I do. But, I do feel so much more enlightened now than at any time in my life, and I find that the problem (assuming such a thing exists) with being more enlightened is that when you don't feel right, you can never go back to the old way of blaming everything else or everyone else. Bummer. I have crossed the line and now I have to own it, accept that I am feeling it and since I know the way out now, I cannot stay down for very long. At least, that's what I realized today. You just can't go back to the old justification routines.

Nonetheless, I realized that the reason I was off today is that I am tired from the trip and just need some rest. Things just don't go right when you're tired. Fortunately, there is an easy solution to that: sleep! I think also a bit of kicking back is in order.

 

It Will All Be Here Tomorrow And The Next Day, Don't You Think?

Spread Some Joy Today--Chill.

Daily Inspiration 3-9-12

"Adopt the pace of nature:

her secret is patience."

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

It's been a while since I've travelled far by air, and having just come back from a long trip, it is easy to see that patience is a most beneficial attribute. The airplane is a tight fit, the cab or bus is a tight fit, and there are delays and rushing to catch the connecting flight and plenty of walking, and more. All of them opportunities to be up tight and unhappy.

I did this trip one year ago and this year was different. This time, I found myself enjoying much more of it. I took moments to just calm my mind while waiting for something to begin. I relaxed in my experience where I found myself at the moment. In other words, I let go. I didn't try to fill the time with busy work or thinking, though I did read a little bit, but mostly just experienced patience in the experience of travel.

It wasn't perfect, but an improvement from the last time. What more could we ask of ourselves? Of anything or anyone?

By The Way, I Had A Very Good Time!

Spread Some Joy Today--When you can find enjoyment where ever you are when ever you are, that is a joyous place to be. Others cannot miss it in your eyes and smile.

Daily Inspiration 3-8-12

"You do not become good by trying to be good,

but by finding the goodness that is already

within you, and allowing that goodness to emerge."

-- Eckhart Tolle

This is where people get confused about action. It's like forcing something and expecting a good result. Not too likely.

One of my favorite authors when I first got into sales was and is Frank Bettger and his book, How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling. His mantra was conceptualized as this: "To become enthusiastic, act enthusiastically." Although I agree with it in theory, it is the actual practice that falls short with most people. Jim Rohn, another mentor used to make fun of this by saying, "after you're done jumping around, there is some work to be done."

Based of Frank Bettger's plan, the way to happiness is acting happy; the way to health is to act healthy and so on. This might create a bunch of maniacs on steroids depending on their commitment to their goal.

The way is not to act, but to allow. That sounds easy and quaint, but here's a practical way to do that. Allow yourself to open up and let the real you out. Most of us have stuffed that real person deep down inside and covered it with ego and lots of dressing. Next, be open to inspiration to act when it comes upon you; however, don't wait for it to act. Initially, act in this way: find things that you like. No matter how down a person can get, they can find things to like. Maybe a puppy. It doesn't matter what, just begin to allow yourself to like it and begin expanding that like by appreciating it.

You know, compliments are good. Many of us are so in tune with the news and the stuff going on around us that we forget to find things that we like. Maybe it is the color of someone's hair, their smile, the peace they exude, the love in their touch and their eyes. Appreciate it inside and as the inspiration encourages, say these things aloud. You'll be amazed at how hungry people are to hear it and how blessed you become in speaking and thinking it.

It All Comes From Within, Not Without.

Spread Some Joy Today--Find something or things to compliment at least three people on today. It doesn't need to be big. Small works just fine.

Daily Inspiration 3-7-12

"I cannot tell you any spiritual truth that

deep within you don't know already.

All I can do is remind you of what you have forgotten"

-- Eckhart Tolle

I am a teacher and in this I am blessed. It is something I have always wanted and loved to do and have done it in many ways throughout my life. Some readers of these daily inspirations find great joy and even enlightenment. I find this in writing them, and I too find sources of daily inspirations for myself through other teachers.

As I remember this, I remembered the above quote by Eckhart Tolle from his book, The Power of Now. I am very much in synch with what he says because I feel that within me when I read a powerful quote or inspiration. I feel in deep within me, at the same time knowing that I already knew this and I also knew it to be true. It resonates in a powerful way within me.

Eckhart Tolle goes on to say that essentially, there one true source within and that the best a teacher can do is to say something in such a way that the cloud of mental resistance is moved enough to allow the truth that you already knew to resurface and become part of you again.

As I share my daily travels and experiences and thoughts and love, I hope that you find that which you have always known and that it's resurfacing is a blessing to you.

Thank You For The Privilege Of Sharing

Spread Some Joy Today--As I find joy in sharing, I hope you find the same.

Daily Inspiration 3-6-12

"There's a difference between solitude and lonliness.

I can understand the concept of being a monk for a while."

-- Tom Hanks

One of the things I love about quotes is that the really good ones are understated in such a way as to be a powerful tool to opening one's mind just a little bit more.

I understood this one immediately. Solitude is a choice of releasing self to enjoy that part of us that we seldom pay much attention to. In this we often see things and other people as part of us.

But, loneliness is a very different thing. It is fear, lack of self-love and self-confidence. It is more like despair. It is seeing people as very separated from us.

The fastest and most effective way out of loneliness that I am aware of is to begin at once to find things to appreciate, regardless of how small or insignificant they may at first seem. Then, move up the ladder of appreciation until the loneliness is gone. We first need to rely on ourselves by loving ourselves, and then expand outward.

It Is Difficult To Love Others Until We Love Ourselves.

Spread Some Joy Today--Treat yourself to some personal fun. It usually brings some joy, and maybe enough left over to share.

Daily Inspiration 3-5-12

"The difference between Socrates and Jesus?

The great conscious and the immeasurably great unconscious."

-- Thomas Carlyle

Now that I have run across this wonderful quote, I've never heard that idea expressed so well. Bravo!

The Difference Between The Brain And The Mind

Spread Some Joy Today--Call someone you haven't talked to in a long time and share uplifting thoughts with them.

Daily Inspiration 3-4-12

"Love and kindness are never wasted.

They always make a difference.

They bless the one who receives them,

and they bless you, the giver."

-- Barbara de Angelis

Practicing loving people is so much fun and so rewarding as well, though I seek no reward. It is built from the simplest compliment to flat out telling someone that you love them. And, what is also interesting is that it gets easier and more fun with the practice.

Every time I speak a compliment or any other loving thought to someone it is always 100% sincere and in that it has much power. When I first began this, I had to look harder for something to compliment and now, it is very easy.

Some are more fun than others. I love to see someone, especially a female who looks like some famous person. Many people might say, 'you look just like so and so,' and I have more fun doing it the other way by saying, 'you might not know this, but so and so looks an awful lot like you.'

Another thing I decided to get out of my self-imposed comfort zone on was saying 'I love you' especially to other men. Men are generally way too macho to say such things so blatantly, but I find it very fulfilling and releasing.

Love and kindness in all forms are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who received them, and they bless you, the giver.

Practicing Every Day Now And Loving It

Spread Some Joy Today--Truly, love and kindness top the list of creating joy in others and in yourself.

Daily Inspiration 3-3-12

"You do not have to get something for nothing,

but can give to every man more than you take from him."

-- Wallace D Wattles

Some time ago, I read the book, The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D Wattles. I bought the audiobook and listened over and over again. I loved the simplicity of it and the depth of it at the same time. It is so short and yet profound that it really does require repetitive study to understand it better. It is in my opinion a powerful book. You can get a free pdf copy on the Internet or on a Kindle.

Since that time, there have been some ideas from this book that really stuck with me and one of them is about the value that we give in return for what we take or receive. In the competitive world, the only reason for competition at all is the assumption of lack of enough for everyone. When we believe that there is plenty or abundance, the whole idea of competition is ridiculous. In his book, Wattles refers to moving from the competitive plane to the creative plane, or from scarcity to abundance.

Here is a section that stood out for me and is the foundation for the businesses that I am involved in:

"When you rise from the competitive to the creative plane, you can scan your business transactions very strictly, and if you are selling any man anything which does not add more to his life than the thing he gives you in exchange, you can afford to stop it. You do not have to beat anybody in business. And if you are in a business which does beat people, get out of it at once. Give every man more in use value than you take from him in cash value; then you are adding to the life of the world by every business transaction."

This is also the foundation of many of my other mentors like Jim Rohn, and Brian Tracy who say to always do more than required.

No More Need To Look Over Our Shoulders

Spread Some Joy Today--"Since you get more joy out of giving to others, you should put a good deal of though into the happiness that you are able to give." -- Eleanor Roosevelt

Daily Inspiration 3-2-12

"Argue for your limitations,

and sure enough they're yours."

-- Richard Bach

I love this line by Richard Bach. I loved his early work, particularly Illusions, which was enlightening to me.

It is easy and true to think about how we set our own limitations in what we are willing to do, how far we are willing to go, how high we are willing to rise, and so on. I'll call those the bigger things of life, such as career objectives, deciding to go into business and to potentially succeed at it, etc.

Yet, I think it applies more so to those little things of life that we allow to legitimize our limitations based on ordinarily accepted circumstances. For example:

•I'm so busy.

•I have no time.

•I have to do this.

•How about next week?

•I'm booked all week.

•There aren't enough hours in the day.

•Send me an email and I'll look at it.

•I have so much to do.

•It's the last two days of the month.

•I've got no one to help me.

•I have to do everything myself.

•They just don't appreciate what I do for them.

•I know it's important, but I just don't have the time or energy.

•etcetera

All of these common and accepted statements are indeed arguments for our limitations, aren't they? We think they sound good, but when you look at them on this page, they look like they are: excuses and self-limitations. How can we deal with any of the big issues when we allow the little ones to clog up our life?

Try letting go of excuses. Keep your schedule flexible enough to accommodate minor changes. Remember some of the more important things and save some time and energy for them because they are important and will help you to move forward. We are much of the time like a car revving its engine but not engaging the transmission, so we just sit there with no forward movement, yet burning lots of fuel and energy.

Choose To Live In A Room With A View

Spread Some Joy Today--"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intent." -- Kahlil Gibran

Daily Inspiration 3-1-12

"This is a do-it-yourself test for paranoia: you know you've

got it when you can't think of anything that's your fault."

-- Robert M Hutchins

 

When I was a young boy, I had my tonsils out and they also took out my adenoids. It took nearly 50 years longer to lose my paranoids. . .

. . . I went from never being at fault to being totally at fault, or a better way to say that is totally responsible.

It doesn't have to take that long. I was just a stubborn one. . .

 

I Highly Recommend The Operation Regardless Of Age.

Spread Some Joy Today--"There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward." -- Khalil Gibran