Daily Inspiration 2-28-13

"It's impossible to consistently behave

in a manner inconsistent

with how we see ourselves.

We can do very few things

in a positive way if we feel

negative about ourselves."

 

-- Zig Ziglar

In looking through a few quotes tonight, I tripped over this one by Zig Ziglar. It got my attention because of the way it was phrased and how it made me think about my own accomplishments, successes, so-called failures, and my own consistent behaviors over time.

It seems that when I don't truly believe in my abilities or my positive future due to negative, questioning self-talk, that I can't seem to get out of my own way. When I am able to believe in myself and the successful outcome of current and future scenarios or events, things generally go well.

I am talking to myself so much and I realize when that talk is going well and when it isn't. So, when it isn't going so well, I can step in and shake things up a bit by taking charge and restating things. That helps a great deal.

There was a time when I didn't step in, but just let the talk go its way. Those were not good times in my life. Having learned that I have the power to pay attention, and the power to step in and change things has made a huge difference.

It all comes down to how we see ourselves and our self-talk is a perfect and clear indicator.


"No Factor Is More Important In People's Psychological Development And Motivation Than The Value Judgments They Make About Themselves." -- Nathaniel Branden

Spread Some Joy Today--Make an encouragement call. Send an encouraging card. Encourage someone today. You know how much you like it, so share it.

Daily Inspiration 2-27-13

"You will never change your life

until you change something

you do daily."

 

-- John C Maxwell

Don't ya just hate it when people say brilliant things like the quote above? I mean, duh! I get it. But, the hardest part is actually doing it and sticking with it long enough to have a different result. Maybe I'll wait until tomorrow. . .

My clothes don't fit anymore. I've been heavier than I should be according to the charts for a long time, but other than my pudgy belly, the clothes fit okay. But last October, I dove into the Halloween candy and there was so much left over that I couldn't waste. I was taught to never waste food because of all those starving kids in China and other places. Truth is that I was enjoying the leftover candy so much. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Yum! Hershey's Milk Chocolate. Double yum.

So then there was Thanksgiving and all that glorious food, along with chips and dip and so much more. It's amazing how far ahead of time the preparation and actual testing of all the foods takes. Same thing with Christmas. The leftovers go on for days. Then, I also love sandwiches with mayo and cheese--big sandwiches with lots of chips.

Enough! I've had more than enough. I've exceeded my capacity. Many of my clothes barely fit and some don't at all. Time to change. So, a friend and I started Sunday on a new adventure of unloading the 50+ extra pounds we have so carefully added to our bodies. I procrastinated until Monday morning, but I think I'm on a roll. If two days could be considered any kind of roll.

Nonetheless, I have found some very low calorie things I like and have not exceeded 1200 either day. When I look at what I have eaten in the past two days, I know I had to have been consuming over 3,000 a day on average, with peaks around 5k. I see a new body on the horizon. One that I can feel more comfortable in and especially when that guy in the mirror is looking at me.

As John says, nothing will change until I change something or things I do daily. For years I somehow thought there was a different way, but I'm in now. Thanks, John.


Encouragement Is Always Accepted!

Spread Some Joy Today--Here's your mantra for the day, courtesy of Abraham: Today, no matter where I'm going and no matter what I am doing, it is my dominant intent to see that which I am wanting to see!

Daily Inspiration 2-26-13

"When there is scarcity, we worry a lot about

our fair share--what goes to him doesn't go to me.

The harvest becomes fraught with danger and competition.

 

When we worry more about planting, though,

sharing the harvest gets a lot less complex.

 

Plant enough seeds and the scarcity eases.

In fact, if you plant enough, you'll never

have to think twice about harvesting."

 

-- Seth Godin

Scarcity is always our impression. It's a judgment call of things seen and the future predicted, and of course, considering all of this creates fear and worry. Knowing this about ourselves, it is easy enough to turn away from that train of thought and choose something else: abundance.

Seth says that we can create abundance by turning from the powerless position of worry, and acting on the idea of abundance by planting, or doing, shipping. Then, when we develop this new way of being into a habit, there is no more reason to worry about the harvest, or the goal, or the outcome. It is a foregone conclusion of abundance.

Whether in my previous profession of the auto business, or as a consultant, or any manager, or employee, I've always worked toward partnering with people rather than attempting to compete with them. That in itself is a statement of abundance. Helping each other help ourselves and each other. There is plenty to go around. Rather than compete for a share of the pie, create a larger pie so everyone can increase.

Does it work? Like nothing I've ever experienced, and it worked that way from day one. Now, it is something I gravitate to immediately. I have a very long list of successes as a result of this attitude and choice. It is all about abundance, and if for some reason I don't feel that way from time to time, I know better and can choose to turn away and turn toward abundance again.

Wherever I am, I am planting seeds. I plant so many seeds and so much of that work I don't earn a dime from, but they are seeds that will sprout and grow and create more and more abundance in so many ways.

Next time you're thinking about lack, that there isn't enough of whatever, allow yourself to turn away, seek partners, see to add value, seek to plant seeds and abundance will seek you.


I Don't Think It Can Be Said Any More Simply or Elegantly As Dr. Wayne Dyer Has Said It: "Change The Way You Look At Things And The Things You Look At Change."

Spread Some Joy Today--Create some partnerships. Help someone else and let them help you.

Daily Inspiration 2-25-13

"You cannot change

your destination overnight,

but you can change

your direction overnight."

 

-- Jim Rohn

I've come to realize that destinations can be illusive. What is so much more powerful than a destination is making a decision to more toward something. Although, some may think that we need to move away from things, it is the choice of moving toward that is most powerful.

In reality, the destination is a moving target. It changes with the wind almost. But, that doesn't really matter. It is only the inspiration to action, and the significant action is the decision, and the movement toward is the faith and commitment. Once moving, the destination can change and it doesn't really matter because you're on your way and all growth--indeed, all life--is in a forward direction.

I told someone the other day that at age 58, I jumped off a cliff and I am learning how to put my parachute on as I am falling. Falling is the wrong word, but it flows with the cliff scenario. The thing is that I made a decision and I stepped out in faith. I have a destination in mind, but that is not important. What is more important is the act of doing. It is not trying. As Yoda has said, "do or do not. There is no try." The choice and activity is the main event. THAT is what we can control. The rest is not entirely in our control.

Though this may seem unrelated, I think that my choice to stop blaming makes a big difference. Katherine Hepburn said it well: "We are taught you must blame your father, your sisters, your brothers, the school, the teachers--but never blame yourself. It's never your fault. But it's always your fault, because if you wanted to change you're the one who has got to change." So, when I think I want to blame someone or some situation for whatever is going on in my life, I turn to gratitude instead and it makes a world of difference.

I may not be able to change the destination so quickly, but I am empowered to be able to change my direction at a moments notice.


If The Direction Doesn't Feel Right. Make A Different Decision Until It Does.

Spread Some Joy Today--Celebrate what others use to be sad. What is the point of being sad? Get excited!

Daily Inspiration 2-24-13

"The fact is that five years ago I was,

as near as possible, a different person

to what I am tonight. I, as I am now,

didn't exist at all. Will the same thing

happen in the next five years?

I hope so."

 

-- Siegfried Sassoon

Growth is life itself. It is interesting from time to time to look in the memory at time passed and see the changes and growth that has come to expand us. Expansion is the right word. I have expanded, become more, changed, have more awareness of life around me. I have become more passionate and compassionate, calm and peaceful and at the same time filled with excitement. I have become more joyous and at the same time, more successful. I have defined success for me and it is different than it was five years ago.

I live more in the present moment than I ever have and when I look at the future it is generally with anticipation, and I rarely look at the past anymore without gratitude of what has gone before to have me landing where I am. I see all this change going on in my life as perfect and as if I chose it on purpose regardless of whether it feels good or not good. I see nature around me as so magnificent. Often, it is as if I were seeing it for the first time though I may have gazed upon it hundreds of times before.

The person and frame of mind I am now has never existed before. What was before is not what now is. To imagine that five years hence I could have the same or even greater growth and change is too much to comprehend right now.


I Celebrate Change. I Celebrate Growth.

Spread Some Joy Today--Try this: Here and there throughout your day, take a few minutes to re-energize by doing a quick meditation. Sit, close your eyes and breathe calmly and deeply. Consider gratitude, and relax. When you come back from that, you will be instantly renewed and it took only a couple minutes.

Daily Inspiration 2-23-13

"You never change things

by fighting existing reality.

To change something,

build a new model

that makes the existing model

obsolete."

 

-- Buckminster Fuller

I love this quote by Buckminster Fuller, and I have also found it to be very true and have used it in my business with great success. But, one of the best stories to make this quote ring true I recently read in John C Maxwell's latest book, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, under the Law of Pain, and I will shorten the story here and thank John for sharing its wonderful message.

There was a chicken farmer whose land flooded every spring and he didn't want to give up the land and move. Sometimes he couldn't get all his chickens out in time when the floods came and he suffered great losses from time to time. One spring the flood was so devastating that he lost his entire flock and he told his wife that he had finally had it. He said also that he can't afford to buy another and he can't sell this one and he didn't know what to do. His wife replied, "buy ducks."

Sometimes there isn't much you can do with reality than to accept it for what it is and if reality isn't what you need, you can make other choices if you can learn to let go of the situation that is capturing all of your attention long enough to see other possibilities. It is certain that you don't have eyes for the solution when your eyes are glued to the problem.

I think the key of our growth, and certainly the effectiveness of it depends on how long it takes us to stop struggling or tugging on the rope with little or no success in order to pause long enough to allow another point of view to infiltrate our mind, whether through others or from the Universe at large. It may be just a twist that is necessary--just a little something added that makes it all work together. It may be an entirely different thing that was exactly the right choice.


If The Ego Is In Control, I Will Be Out Of Control. It Is Open Minds That Rule.

Spread Some Joy Today--Are you holding tight to something that hasn't been working? Try letting go, even if for just a short time. It will open new possibilities.

Daily Inspiration 2-22-13

"If you want to change attitudes,

start with a change in behavior."

--Katharine Hepburn

I'll never forget working with a salesman at the last car dealership I worked at. As the sales manager about 35 years old, I was trying to help one of the best salespeople on the staff to adopt a different attitude to help make sales. He was in his fifties and was happy doing things the way he did. But, to his credit, he was willing to change.

I asked him to say that it was "in the warehouse" the next time we didn't have the vehicle the customer wanted and close the sale based on that. The first time he did that, he came to me and said, "OK, it damn well better be in the warehouse!" I said, "no problem." Then I did a locate with other dealers, found the vehicle and made the switch. Everyone wins.

Trust is not a theoretical thing, it is an action. When we risk to trust, we are acting on success, though we may certainly hold on to a bit of skepticism. His attitude was changed. He now believed he had more power, more control, more ideas, and he made more money. And, I had developed such a relationship with other dealers, that it was a no brainer to me.

I've used this idea in many ways. One is when trying to help an auto dealer move into the realm of commercial trucks and we talk philosophy for a while, but it is the actual behavior change of stepping out and acting by doing and trusting that changes the attitude. Words don't teach. Actions speak louder than words.

I've used it on myself. My attitude about a thing may well be that it is hard and it's not going to work, and so on. My attitude is negative and skeptical and fearful and unkowing. Then, I decide to act. I trust. I move. I try. I do. This is how I built my first website in 2007 after many years of having that poor attitude about it. Then, I started an Internet company. THAT was a serious attitude change! And, I have a long list of things where my attitude was unsuccessful no matter how I thought about it; that is, until I changed my behavior. Then everything changed.


I Can Trust My Way Into Behavior, And Behave My Way Into Believing.

Spread Some Joy Today--Whenever you have the opportunity, forget about percentages and just overtip. It is amazing how that will feel to both of you.

Daily Inspiration 2-21-13

"It's not that some people

have willpower and some don't. . .

It's that some people are ready

to change and others are not."

-- James Gordon

I see it all around me--people that need to change. Sue Grafton said it in an interesting way: "You can't save others from themselves because those who make a perpetual muddle of their lives don't appreciate your interfering with the drama they've created. They want your poor-sweet-baby sympathy, but they don't want to change." Then, there's that very old phrase I've used many times, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."

No matter what I think, people will change when they decide they want or need to change. The best I can do is to attempt to inspire them, remind them, and even sometimes guide them, and the rest is totally up to them.

This is as it should be. As I live my life, I find things that work and incorporate them into my life, with that change, I may share my experience and others will do as they will with that. One of the things that I have to constantly remind myself of is that there are so many ways of doing a thing, and whatever I have chosen is a way. I remind myself as often as necessary that there is no way, there is your way, my way, and their way, and they are all ways.

As a result of reminding myself about the ways, I see Sue's comment, which I've agreed with many times, and I see in it that as we say "those who make a perpetual muddle of their lives," is entirely judgmental and not in a positive way. It's true that "they don't appreciate your interfering with the drama they've created," because those are their choices and the drama is their payoff probably. So be it. And, they often want sympathy. So be it. However, we can let them choose their way, and choose our own by walking away.

One last perspective. I so enjoy hearing others share their "way" and what they've learned. I especially love their passion when I hear it and see it.


There Is Plenty Of Room For Each And Every Way.

Spread Some Joy Today--If you can, take a break and find a place with people around and just watch them, see the different ways they act, clothes they wear, shapes of their bodies, voices, everything. It is so fascinating.

Daily Inspiration 2-20-13

"Do I contradict myself?

Very well, then,

I contradict myself;

I am large--I contain multitudes."

-- Walt Whitman

Somehow many of us get it into our heads that once we believe something or do something a certain way over some period of time, that there is an expectation that we remain true to that. It really doesn't make any sense if you think about human experience and the fact that change is a rather constant given. Sometimes those changes may be subtle and even unseen in others, but they are occurring nonetheless.

I studied Walt Whitman for a while when I was studying the Civil War a few years ago. Here is a man like no other that I have found in history that was living how he felt and really felt how he was living. It was as if he wore his feelings on his sleeve, and he didn't care who knew it or even much of what they thought about it.

I love the quote above and particularly the last part: "I am large--I contain multitudes." What a wonderful thought. I am large and I contain multitudes. There is so much more to me than meets the eye, critical or otherwise. There is so much going on below the surface, even hundreds of thoughts a minute. Many of them are contradictory. So be it.

The one thing I've come down to more than anything else is that I find a way to relax and enjoy--truly, enjoy my time all throughout the day. Changes? Take them in stride. Contradictions? Allow them in. Presence? Absolutely!


I Have Never Enjoyed My Life As Much As I Do Now Every Single Hour Of Every Single Day. That, My Friends Is What I Consider Success.

Spread Some Joy Today--Wherever you are today--be there. There is joy where you are and it will find you if you just allow it to be.

Daily Inspiration 2-19-13

"How would your life be different if. . .

You stopped worrying

about things you can't control

and started focusing

on things you can?

 

Let today be the day. . .

You free yourself

from fruitless worry,

seize the day

and take effective action

on the things you can change."

 

-- Steve Maraboli

I'm looking out of the 19th story hotel room in Las Vegas. Not your average desert wasteland, but you can see it from this height and it looks beautiful and strange in comparison from where I live.

For those who don't believe I actually write these inspirations every day, you'll see this one is latet because I arrived last night in time to get it done, but the hotel Internet was inop. They were going to send a technician but that didn't come to pass. Time for plan B, and that was to relax and go to sleep. Plan B couldn't have come at a better time. I was ready for it.

The quote above is on a theme that I write about often. The reason? I need all the reminders and help I can get. It seems to me that plugging into glitches and temporary problems, and even larger problems is so counterproductive. I know that now and have for many years, but my memory is in constant need of reminding. That may not be an issue with you, but it appears by observation that I am not alone.

It's fun now to make a game of it. Oh well, this happened, I can't seem to do anything about it, so. . . what can I do that would be fun and interesting? Or, just start doing something else; anything else.


 Even When It Seems I Don't Have Control, I Find That I Actually Do and Always Have.

Spread Some Joy Today--Be cool.

Daily Inspiration 2-18-13

"Life is a series of natural

and spontaneous changes.

Don't resist them;

that only creates sorrow.

Let reality be reality.

Let things flow naturally forward

in whatever way they like."

 

-- Lao Tzu

For most of my life, as things have changed unexpectedly around me, I had responded as being upset, even often angry at those changes because they weren't supposed to happen. I didn't like it and I showed it in various ways, and always complaining about it to whomever would listen. No more.

I began giving this unhappiness away several years ago, and now changes--even last minute changes are barely a blip on the screen in comparison. That has brought my blood pressure down and made life smoother.

Now, I go with the flow so easily, change to plan b and c without a hitch that it amazes me when it happens. Life really is a series of natural and spontaneous changes, and if I don't resist them, the change flows.

I think I learned the most about this from Dr. John Demartini. His books are full of this kind of wisdom. Wayne Dyer was also a strong influence, and of course, Lao Tzu and other Eastern masters.

All I can say is how grateful I am to have walked down this path seeking something better.


Ask, And Ye Shall Receive . . .

Spread Some Joy Today--Consider how far you've come and how much more joyous your life is as a result.

Daily Inspiration 2-17-13

"The night I graduated from Sevier County

High School back in 1964, all the graduates

had been asked to stand up and talk about what we

were going to do with the rest of our lives. . .

When it came my time, I stood up and said,

'I'm going to Nashville and I'm gonna be a star.'

Well, the whole place laughed out loud"

 

-- Dolly Parton

 

 

 

"I strive to do great things.

Maybe that's what makes me work so hard

and why some of the things I have done

that have lived up to my dreams

make up for the others that haven't. . .

I will never retire. . .

I hope that I drop dead right onstage

one of these days, doing exactly what I want to do. . .

I just hope it doesn't happen today or tomorrow--

but I know it will someday. And when it does,

just know that I went happy, because

chasing my dreams is what I do love to do.

 

I want you to chase your dreams.

So if I have but one wish for you,

it is to dream more."

 

-- Dolly Parton

 

 

I watched the YouTube video of Dolly Parton's University of Tennessee commencement address from 2009. Last year she published a book based on that speech. It is a short, and wonderful little book, titled, Dream More - Celebrate the Dreamer In You. On the back cover it says, "If I have a wish for you, it is that you: Dream more, Learn more, Care more, Be More, Love Dolly." If you get a chance, the book is well worth a quick read. It has some very inspiring thoughts.

 

 

I Dream!

 

Spread Some Joy Today--Take someone to lunch today and really enjoy their company. That is a very special treat.

Daily Inspiration 2-16-13

"I find that, as a rule,

when a thing is a wonder to us

it is not because of what we see in it,

but because of what others have seen in it.

We get almost all our wonders at second hand."

 

-- Mark Twain

Influence is an interesting thing. I have been influenced by so many and in many different ways. It then becomes even more difficult with time to determine who's influence has influenced me more or less. As if that really matters. . .

This morning, my Internet service was down for a few hours. For someone who manages an Internet business, that can be a challenge and potential frustration, but I found it a fun opportunity to not stare at the computer screen for a while. As I was enjoying myself in my office, I was glancing at a huge bookshelf with so many business, motivational, and philosophical books in my collection. Some authors I had several of their books, others only one. But, I didn't feel that any one of them was so much more influential than another--just different.

If I believe that I attract what I want and need at the time I want and need it, then all of them came into my life perfectly. Some of them I devoured and thirsted for more from them, later to be left on the shelf with little interest in reading any more from them. Some I got into only partially and closed the door. Many were studied and are full of highlights or underlines and notes in the margins. Many also have matching audiobooks so I can read them while driving.

Each and every one is influential in some way. Which caused me to wonder, which one would I leave out? To me, it is sort of like asking which one of my children would I send away? I say NONE! I love them all. Each is unique, yet in some ways they are all the same. Each has helped me bridge a gap, reach a new mark, expand my comfort zone, titillate my wonder.


I Am Grateful For All Of Them.

Spread Some Joy Today--Allow yourself the joy of learning. Buy a book or audiobook and renew your wonder.

Daily Inspiration 2-15-13

"With a single act

I managed to make

a mess of. . . everything.

The thing is though,

that the mess feels better

than life did before."

 

-- Will, played by Patrick Wilson

in the movie, Life in Flight

 

 

I know EXACTLY how he feels. . .

It's What I Call "A Perfect Mess!"

Spread Some Joy Today--Give someone a hug today that you care about other than your spouse and family (but hug them too!).

Daily Inspiration 2-14-13

"There is a voice inside of you

that whispers all day long,

'I feel this is right for me,

I know this is wrong.'

No teacher, preacher, parent, friend

or wise man can decide what's right for you.

Just listen to the voice that speaks inside."

 

-- Shel Silverstein

Found this good quote by Shel Silverstein the author and artist. I have just a little problem with it, so I have to modify it to match my experience. I have more than one voice talking inside my head--or, rather, it speaks out of both sides of its mouth in that there is a bit of an argument often of what to do.

I, of course, am the impartial judge. . . and in that capacity, I always get to choose the right way for me, even when it's wrong. I used to hear that voice a lot back in the day when I smoked. 'I should quit. I'll quit right after this one.' Then the other voice would say, 'it will be the first of the month in three days, that's a better time. I'll wait and enjoy these last three days. . .' You know the drill. I can't imagine I'm alone in that.

But, back to Shel Silverstein's idea. The line in his quote that makes the most sense and I think could be emphasized greatly is, 'I feel this is right for me.' In my decades of listening to these voices and often choosing poorly, I have found a new ally in paying far more attention to how I really and truly feel, than what my ego finds safe and cozy.

In my words, it has to resonate with me, my values, and my vision of my best self. When it resonates, feels wonderful, it will always be the right thing. When it just feels okay, or ego-satisfying temporarily, it isn't resonating, and it certainly is not matching up with my values or my vision of my best self.

It's not about what God or someone outside of me wants for me, it is what resonates with me, and when that lines up, it lines up with my best self and that always lines up with God. This keeps me out of using those outside of me as scapegoats. I have my own extremely accurate and effective inner guidance system.


Nice To Know The Depth Of The Wisdom Within.

Spread Some Joy Today--Do you think that other people get tired and bored with hearing your gratitude or your love? Seriously, I don't think that is at all possible. You're now off the hook. You Are Free To Move About Giving Gratitude Freely.

Daily Inspiration 2-13-13

"Inner peace can be reached

only when we practice forgiveness.

Forgiveness is the letting go of the past,

and is therefore the means

for correcting our misperceptions."

 

-- Gerald Jampolsky

The past can be such a burden. In fact, this is a perfect way to visualize what goes on in so many lives. They have these issues with other people, problems unresolved, hurts and offenses they've accumulated, and just imagine that they are all in a bag carried on the shoulder. Today, that bag is heavier than ever and only getting heavier because we keep adding more to the bag by reliving those memories and adding more detail. With that increasingly heavy load, it is no wonder people break down.

The solution is simple, yet may not be easy to some. It can become easy with practice, but basically, we just need to drop the bag. Let it fall off the shoulder and let it just hit the ground. Listen to the noise! Watch it splat on the ground as all those things are pressing hard on each other. Now say, "See ya!" and walk away. That is forgiveness.

Forgiveness is letting go. There is no longer a requirement for you to deal with that stuff. It is gone. Doesn't it feel great? All those things that your perception says were done to you by others. Gone. All that negative self-talk about you not being good enough, and hundreds more. Gone. Just let them all go. You're released.

This can only be done right now. It cannot be done in the future. The White Knight is not coming. There's no need for him anyway. The only thing there is that can be done are two things. One, hang on to your bag of pain and hate, or two, push it off your shoulder and walk away leaving it behind. That's how simple the choice is, and it is only yours and yours alone to make.


I Am In Complete Control Of Me. Including The Acceptance Of And Exercise Of That Control.

Spread Some Joy Today--If you could read only one book in your entire life, I would recommend Love Is Letting Go Of Fear by Gerald G Jampolsky, MD.

Daily Inspiration 2-12-13

"Every thought of yours

is a real thing--a force."

 

-- Prentice Mulford

"Everything that's coming into your life you are attracting into your life. And it's attracted to you by virtue of the images you're holding in your mind. It's what you're thinking. Whatever is going on in your mind you are attracting to you." -- Bob Proctor

I attracted The Secret by Rhonda Byrne into my life in April, 2007. There isn't any one thing that I can think of that has had such a profound effect on me and how I view life--that of others around me, and my own too. It's not something that anyone needs to believe or not believe, but it is nonetheless. It certainly explained volumes about my own life to me, and it opened my eyes to those around me and how their choices of thought explained their circumstances and events.

There's a lot of argument about the Law of Attraction, as well there is a lot of argument about so many things, yet however we argue, and whatever side we choose to take as a belief or non-belief, it really doesn't change any of the facts. We don't need to believe. All we need do is observe. Watch. See what people do. See how they sabotage themselves by attracting people around them that help them in that process and more. It's really pretty interesting to watch it in others.

It is also quite easy to see it in others. The challenge then, is to see it, and recognize it in our own lives. That idea was what The Secret video, book and audio was all about. How to recognize it in others, but more importantly, how to recognize it and make better use of this Law in ourselves.

In that respect, it is such a worthy study. Having studied this one publication, The Secret, after developing a far better understanding of the subject and a better understanding of how I have used it for the betterment and detriment of myself, I moved on to study many other works on this theme. It has been the most engaging and enlightening study of my life and it goes on today; albeit, not with the same volume of material as in the last few years.

Once I got the idea down really well, I began do the previously unthinkable and accept responsibility for what I was attracting into my life. I began to accept and appreciate that I created it, and this changed my attitude about what was going on to be so much more positive and uplifting. It gave me hope and a better vision for the future, but accepting today as having been created by my past thinking. Now I can choose something different, or not--but now it is a clear and responsible choice.


It Is Absolutely Amazing What One Book Can Do.

Spread Some Joy Today--Take the time to understand so that you can see the big picture and help others to perhaps make better choices, as with yourself, of course.

Daily Inspiration 2-11-13

"An Interesting Collage"

 

 - John C Maxwell
Developing the Leader Within You

 

"For True Success, ask yourself these four questions:
Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?"

 

-- James Allen

As I was looking for quotes and ideas, I ran across the James Allen quote above which I've heard and seen several times in various ways, but then I was looking at my bookshelf and then put the quote and the title of the book together, and I was instantly inspired.

I think everyone can benefit from developing the leader within each of us. Surely we cannot all be leaders of the free world like they say our President is, and maybe not even a CEO of a multi-national company, and perhaps we won't even do much in the way of public talks, but there are so many ways to be a leader that don't require a lot of followers.

Here's some things that I have learned about leadership in my travels, study and practice. First, I think it requires a bit more boldness than many of us are used to. You have to step out of your comfort zone a bit. I am always stepping out of it, feeling uncomfortable, then comfortable, then do it all over again. Second, it requires a bit of confidence. Not that you have to be all confident, but more like believing in yourself more and being willing to speak your mind intelligently. (I'm still learning that!)

It also requires, or at least it has for me, to continue to study the art of leadership, because the more you get into it, the more you will realize that it is indeed an art. Fortunately, in today's Internet world, there is so much material to choose from that you will never run out of fresh ideas and methods. John C Maxwell is about as good as they come from my own study, and he has a wealth of material in his over 60 books.

So, why? Because it matters and it makes a difference in you and in others. Why not? Start with a book a month. At least it's a beginning. Why not you? Life is all about growing and living so go for it. Why not now? Try www.Amazon.com. Or www.bn.com, or go to the public library. Build your own library. There's no time like the present.


I Lead By Example. It's A Great Strategy.

Spread Some Joy Today--Today is a great day to shower a bit of love on someone you know but haven't talked to in some time. Heck, kick in a little extra. Be extravagant.

Daily Inspiration 2-10-13

"Everything you want

to be, do, and have

is already so."

 

-- Alan Cohen

Out on a drive today up the Napa Valley, I was noticing all the huge homes up on the hilltops, poking out of the side of the hill, hidden in the trees, along with the wine estates, and all the homes and ranches, farms and properties on the travel to and from. It was so diverse. There was something of everything.

I started thinking about having various places I was seeing. Although the thought was interesting, it just wasn't me. Some people are really into fancy homes and picking out the perfect sinks and faucets and all. I know of some who love to put homes together and add value to them, and then sell them and move on to the next fixer-upper. It seemed to run the gamut of all the things possible with homes and places to live, yet I know it barely scratches the surface.

Some people are very clear about what they want when it comes to these things. The clearer they are, the more they have what they want it seems. I could be happy in thousands of them as much as I am where I live now. But, though homes don't excite me much, I get passionate and focused on other things. The thing is that we all have the opportunity to be, do, or have whatever we want so long as we can be clear and focused, and the good news is that it already is done pretty much. If they can, anyone can. So much of the time, people are not clear or focused and though they may wish to be somewhere else, it is empty because there is no clarity, no drive, no ambition, no focus.

Take a new look around today. See what is already been done, and is being done. New businesses, new types of employment, new ways of working, new ways of living, new designs, fresh approaches. There is so much to be, do, or have as we have the desire and the wherewithal to put some energy into that. Or not. Loving where you're at is pretty cool too.


The Power Of Choice Is Still In Your Control.

Spread Some Joy Today--Send someone a special note as you think of them. It is amazing what a difference it can make to them. And you.

Daily Inspiration 2-9-13

"At every moment

you are rich

in something."

 

-- Alan Cohen

Whether you believe the quote above, or not, take a few moments and consider it as if it were absolutely true. Now, periodically throughout the day today, ask yourself, "what am I rich in right now?"


Delight In Your Answer.

Spread Some Joy Today--Why not?

Daily Inspiration 2-8-13

"It is through contrast

that clarity is enhanced."

 

-- Albert K Strong

It is early February and I love where I live. I can drive ten minutes or less in any direction and be in the countryside. It is so refreshing to see wide open spaces while having the conveniences of the city.

We were on a ride a few days ago 'over the hill' the back way into Napa valley. It is always such a beautiful drive and the scenery is second to none. We never tire of that drive, and part of the reason is that the scenery is always changing and each time it looks a little different. It was on this last drive that I had a sort of epiphany.

Buds are just about to pop out on some trees, the grass is very short, but has turned green again, and all of a sudden I noticed that the contrast of the green and other colors of the bushes, trees, fence posts, and more was adding so much clarity that I could see things that I did not normally see. I could also see detail further away. I was amazed that everywhere I looked it was as if I were seeing it for the first time.

Then it came to me that it was the contrast and nothing else that was showing me that clarity, for without the contrast, the colors are all so similar that they blend together. That led me to think about how much life in general is that way. It is with the value of the contrast that we are awakened to a new clarity. It may be a new way of seeing a subject as if I were seeing it for the first time. It may be the sudden clarity of being able to make a decision and feel good about it. It may be just a bookmark in life noted as an "ah-ha" moment; a learning plateau; a personal delight.

How very interesting to continue seeing and learning new things--even in what may easily be considered commonplace situations. Without contrast, they would indeed be commonplace.


I Find Joy Every Single Day!

Spread Some Joy Today--Hey, that's a great affirmation: I find joy every single day!

Daily Inspiration 2-7-13

"Only the brave know how to forgive;

it is the most refined and generous pitch

of virtue human nature can arrive at."

 

-- Laurence Stern

Sometimes I put up quotes that I don't agree with just for fun and a different perspective. This is another of those. Only the brave know how to forgive? Please. . . It's purely the ego that is holding on and there is always a payoff in holding on. The rest of the story is just made up justification and ego bs.

To forgive isn't nearly that magnanimous. It is more a release than anything else. Think of it as if you're playing tug-rope. There's you and the rope in your hands and you're resisting or pulling against this thing that bothers you; this person that somehow damaged you; and all the stories that are ever-changing all the while. Sometimes you're pulling hard and sometimes you're getting yanked a bit and you struggle to pull harder to try to win. It's impossible to win this game. It can't be done.

There are two possibilities. One, you carry this burden with you, or two, you let go of the rope and walk away. It is always that simple and it is always purely a choice and you are always the chooser. Pick up the rope and battle the demon, or let the rope go and walk away. Which will it be?

There is no bravery required. It only requires letting go and that only comes from a decision to love yourself, and love the other(s). Love is the only power you need and it is always within you and in your power to use and express at any point in time. The lack of forgiving, or carrying the burden of persecution, feeling victimized and such is all about a lack of love and mainly it is a lack of loving yourself because carrying that burden is far heavier on yourself than on any other party. Let go of the rope. Just drop it on the ground. Turn and walk away. Leave it be and let it be and return to your natural state of love.


Peace Is Release; It Is Ease. Forgiveness Is Release; It is Ease. Love Is All Really There Is. The Rest Is Stories.

Spread Some Joy Today--Whatever grudge or victimization, or distress you are holding on to. Today is a great time to let it go. Just think of all the free time you'll have.

Daily Inspiration 2-6-13

"One looks back with appreciation

to the brilliant teachers,

but with gratitude to those

who touched our human feelings.

 

The curriculum is so much

necessary raw material,

but warmth is the vital element

for the growing plant

and for the soul of the child."

 

-- Carl Jung

I stand ever-grateful for a handful of special teachers in all of the many schools I attended over the years. They were the ones who made a big difference in my desire to learn. They are often the unsung heroes of youth.

I've been to a huge number of training classes, seminars and the like where, so often, it is facilitators doing the training. Maybe they have never even done the work, but were good enough at presenting material that they qualified for the task required of them. And, just like the training classes and seminars after school was over, most of the teachers in school were facilitators devoid of passion for what they were doing.

Oh, they were qualified and certified and licensed and approved, but that means absolutely nothing to a child eager to learn, or even an adult looking for some guidance. What we all want I think is the passion of conviction and barring that, at the very least a passion for the subject matter and for the task of teaching.

It's interesting that in all that I have done, it is the passion for teaching, for simplifying and creating a new understanding from varied perspectives that feels so right to me and influences all I do in one way or another. I think it is the influence of those handful of teachers (including my grandmother) when I was young. I owe them all for their special touch and in their encouragement to find learning fun.


Thank You To The Passionate Teachers. You Touched Me For Life.

Spread Some Joy Today--What can you do to thank someone in a special way today?

Daily Inspiration 2-5-13

"Most people spend more time

and energy going around problems

than in trying to solve them."

 

-- Henry Ford

I'm a little too young to have had the opportunity to meet or get to know Henry Ford, but I sure would have loved to. He was never one to dilly dally around. He was a get it done now kind of guy from everything I've seen. And, the quote above is true with many of us I'm sure. Well, I don't know really about anyone else, but I know it is true with me.

I have taken procrastination to a fine art and make use of such things as mulling it over, considering the options, why me and all sorts of tactics to keep the solution at bay. Of course, if it is someone else's problem, I'm Johnny on the spot with a host of solutions, expounding on my personal favorites and doing a good selling job too. But, for myself, well. . . I want to be sure I'm doing the right thing. . . that is, whenever I actually get around to doing a thing. Most of the time, I'm so busy thinking a thing that there isn't much time or energy left for actual doing.

Yet, I also know that after I drop the numerous colloquial expressions, and decide to get on with it (just one more. . .), then I seem to always find that the solution was so much easier and faster than I would have thought


I Guess It Is A Matter Of What I'm Focusing On . . .

Spread Some Joy Today--Laughter is the best medicine. You're sick today and you need a bunch of it. Come on, get happy!

Daily Inspiration 2-4-13

"You want to change your world?

Stop being unhappy when things

don't go your way, and instead,

allow yourself to have joy."

 

-- Albert K Strong

I live in 49er territory, yet I'm not much of a fan of football, but have been known to watch a playoff game here and there, and the superbowl can be interesting. This one was very interesting, and the 49ers came very close and certainly had the opportunity, but just missed.

Then, at the end of the game, the scene is always the same regardless of which teams were playing. There are the jubilant winners, and the sad, tearful, sullen, disappointed, depressed, angry at themselves, feeling like the losers they are as the losers of the game. I just want to go slap them all and wake their sad faces up. My goodness, you got to go play in the superbowl and here you are acting the fool. Celebrate! Celebrate the other team winning! Celebrate the opportunity!

In a game where there are only losers and winners, someone will lose and someone will win, but what does that really mean? Other than a few dollars difference in pay? It's time to just celebrate the challenge and opportunity to play the other team and see how it goes. Give it your best and find new amounts of best under your skin, and go have some fun. Whatever happens, is. Leave it there and celebrate each other.

I know that I'm out on a limb here, but it's so old and it teaches our kids that if they don't win, they are nothing because winning is everything. How sad that is. I think the 49ers could feel good if they wanted to and hold their head up high. They did great, and so did the Ravens. Champagne all around!


There Is Experience And There Is Experience, And The Rest Is Some Story Some People Made Up.

Spread Some Joy Today--Celebrate your losses as if they were wins. Why the heck not? Life is way too short to be down.

Daily Inspiration 2-3-13

"One day I began to realize

that this idea, as simple as it was,

was no fluke, that Transformational

Vocabulary was a reality,

and that by changing our habitual words,

we could literally change

the emotional patterns of our lives."

 

-- Anthony Robbins

We all use habitual words and phrases and many of them have the result of intensifying a position or emotion. I was thinking the other day about how we do this with common phrases such as, I need ____, or we need _____, or I/we should or ought to _____, I/we must or have to ________,. After hearing any one of those statements come out of our mouths, we might ask this question: Really? Is that true? Do we really need to? Lately, I've taken the position verbally that need is a relative term. . .

When I find myself saying these things aloud, I have begun to change them ever so slightly, yet so powerfully by changing only one word. Instead of I need to ______, it becomes, I want to _________. Instead of I or we should, it becomes I choose to ______, or even more powerfully, I will _____. And, even adding more power to that, it becomes, I am ________. It is fascinating how this changes my emotion about a thing from frustrating and fearful to lighthearted and fun.

Try this one I learned from Tony. Next time someone pisses you off and you respond with expletives abound and heightened self-righteousness indignation, try saying this instead: "Oh, poo. I am so tinkled right now. I'm beginning to feel fascinated." You can instantly see how different you would feel by changing the words you are using to describe what you are feeling. As you make up these new emotional states, they begin to become real and funny, and then you can even make them habitual.

It is interesting so many people think you should be feeling something powerfully negative, and they think you are abnormal to choose something lighthearted and positive. I am underwhelmed by their responses and stimulated to continue to be fascinated and passionate about cleansing my verbal behavior to cause me to be enchanted with life. I love being energized and extraordinary!


Power ON! Have An Explosive And Brilliant Day!

Spread Some Joy Today--Use the power of well-chosen words to charge up your day. Write down many of the common words you use to describe emotions you feel, then purposefully change them to be fun.

Daily Inspiration 2-2-13

"We all need

a daily check up

from the neck up

to avoid stinkin' thinkin'

which ultimately leads

to hardening of the attitudes."

 

-- Zig Ziglar

  I've been a serious student of positive thinking since about 1973. It was really sooner, but I can't put my finger on anything that stood out. Yet, in 1973, I began reading "motivational authors," as I used to call them. One of those was Zig Ziglar. He used to talk so fast, you had to pay close attention, but the message was always positive and uplifting. He spoke and wrote so much about the need for a positive self-image and believing in yourself.

Fast forward to today, and John C Maxwell's latest book, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth to this quote: "If your desire is a 10, but your self-esteem is a 5, you'll never perform at the level of a 10. You'll perform at a 5 or lower. People are never able to outperform their self-image."

I think that is such an interesting statement. I think that we often think that we can outperform our self-image and that is where the "motivational authors" strut their stuff, which is why so much of what I read and heard way back then didn't stick very much. I was always trying to overcome my own low self-esteem and I just couldn't get past that place. In fact, when I think of the word motivation, or how I always used to hear and see it used, it was all about trying to move people beyond their own self-esteem. I learned well, and see it so clearly now that this is an impossible task.

Nathanial Branden says it this way: "If you feel inadequate to face challenges, unworthy of love or respect, unentitled to happiness, and fear assertive thoughts, wants, or needs--if you lack basic self-trust, self-respect, and self-confidence--your self-esteem deficiency will limit you, no matter what other assets you possess."

So, the answer is not motivation, it is acceptance. It is not positive thinking, it is self-love. It is all about self-development, or the building up of the self. If you have or had parents who encouraged and built you up as a child, how fortunate you have been, but even if you had abusive parents, you can retrain yourself by loving yourself, accepting where you are now in pursuit of where you want to be, and by looking within instead of without.

That study is what I've been brought to in my later life and it is making all the difference in me. In fact, it used to be all about doing and having and having more and so often that was about money and possessions as a status of success. Now it is a personal joy of learning to accept and love myself as I grow and develop in who I am for my own enjoyment first, and others as they choose to accept me. What a very powerful difference this is.


And, The Best Way To Start And Build On This Process Is To Add Value To Others, Love Others Where They Are Now, And Accept The Power They Have In Themselves To Do As They Choose For Themselves.

Spread Some Joy Today--Your joy is in simply choosing to experience joy. It is that simple. No other rules.

Daily Inspiration 2-1-13

"If you do not change direction,

you will end up

where you are heading."

 

-- Chinese saying

It is sometimes the study of the obvious and seemingly simple that creates greater understanding and expansion of consciousness. Consider carefully the quote above and see the depth of its meanings.


Obvious Is Often Elusive.

Spread Some Joy Today--Do what you feel good about. If you are thinking of doing something, consider how you feel when you think about it.