Daily Inspiration 12-31-18

"By appreciation, 

we make excellence in others 

our own property." 

-- Voltaire 

[Classic post from 12-16-14]

I want to tell you the most powerful change in me in all my years. It is becoming someone who appreciates. I look around me and find things to appreciate. I listen to things and find something to appreciate. I do business with people and I find things to appreciate. I now find things all around me all the time to appreciate.

I want to tell you the next most powerful change in my in all my years. I tell them. I find ways to express my appreciation. Maybe it's a bigger tip, or maybe it's a note, or maybe a phone call, or maybe I say it in person. No matter. I find things that I appreciate and I express it.

These two things alone have changed my life dramatically. I cannot express well how much joy it brings me to have these feelings of appreciation and then to let them be expressed to others directly or indirectly.

Yesterday, I went on Amazon.com's Facebook page and wrote out how much I appreciated them and not just the CEO, but all the way down to the person who fills the boxes for shipping. They are at the top of my list of companies I love to do business with and they always meet or exceed my expectations. On Facebook, they have 26 million likes, so they have a lot of praise, but I gave them mine anyway.

I told my friend, Phil how much I enjoyed and appreciated the work he and his band members put into making their debut record album. I am amazed at how much I enjoy it and I enjoy it more every time I listen to it. I know how much went into that because I have recorded an album and have written songs and such. It is a fantastic contribution and I so much appreciate it. At the same time, I bought a lot of them to share with others, which helps him, but it helps me more because I get to share.

I've never communicated with so many people that I have appreciated over the years. I remember something that a woman that shared an adventure with me in 1986, whom I love and recently reconnected with said.

She said that she imagined that whenever she was thinking of me, that I was thinking of her and vise versa. That caused me to think that as I am appreciating and loving that fantastic album, Frenesi by Linda Ronstadt that she is receiving that love somehow. I hope so because that would be so cool.

I somehow know that we are all connected even though we consciously think we are all so separate. So, it makes sense that if I am appreciating someone or something they had a hand in making or being a part of, that they might feel that love. Yet, saying it aloud to someone is so much more appropriate and helpful in this separated world of time and space. All the more reason to reach out and express ourselves.

The more you find to appreciate, the more you will find to appreciate. The more you express your appreciation, the more opportunities you will find to express your appreciation. 

Try it today. Reach out whether by email, actual mail, telephone by voice, or texting, or some other form of actual communication and express how someone has brightened your life just a bit by what they have done. I think you will find it an amazing experience and so rewarding at the same time that you will want to continue doing it for the rest of your life. Even if you've never done anything like this before, I think you will find what I'm saying to be true and a huge blessing all around.


Just Tell Them How You Feel And What You Think And Don't Forget A Few Details. 

Spread Some Joy Today--Just do it.

Daily Inspiration 12-30-18

"Every thought-seed sown
or allowed to fall into the mind, 

and to take root there 
produces its own, 
blossoming sooner or later into act, 

and bearing its own fruitage 

of opportunity and circumstance."

-- James Allen, 

As A Man Thinketh

[Classic post from 12-14-14]

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

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

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

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

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


Expand Into An Awesome Day!

Spread some joy today--Because it is contagious!

Daily Inspiration 12-29-18

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

If you would renew your body, 
beautify the mind.

Thoughts of malice, envy, 
and disappointment, despondency,

rob the body of its health and grace.

A sour face does not come by chance; 

it is made by sour thoughts."

-- James Allen,
As A Man Thinketh

[Classic post from 12-13-14]

Know any devil's advocates? Who wants them? Naysayers, complainers, gossipers? What good do they do? People who are always having things "happen to them" with no fault of their own? Victims. Persecutors. Rescuers. Around and around they go and what good they do, no one knows.

Know someone who sees everything that is wrong and almost nothing that is right? Like a newscast, only in person? Should, should, should. Worry, worry, worry. What good is it?

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

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

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

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


Ain't Life Grand?

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

Daily Inspiration 12-28-18

"There is no physician like cheerful thought 

for dissipating the ills of the body; 

there is no comforter to compare with goodwill 

for dispersing the shadows of grief and sorrow.

To live continually in thoughts of ill-will, 

cynicism, suspicion, and envy, 

is to be confined in a self-made prison hole.

But to think well of all, to be cheerful with all, 

to patiently learn to find the good in all--

such unselfish thoughts are the very portals of heaven; 

and to dwell day by day 

in thoughts of peace toward every creature 

will bring abounding peace to their possessor."

-- James Allen,
As A Man Thinketh

[Classic post from 12-12-14]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Choose Yourself A Perfect Day!

Spread some joy today--by spreading those thoughts that feel good. It's a safe bet they will feel good to others too.

Daily Inspiration 12-27-18

"Man is buffeted by circumstances 

so long as he believes himself 

to be the creature of outside conditions,

but when he realizes that he is a creative power, 

and that he may command the hidden soil 

and seeds of his being out of which circumstances grow;

he then becomes the rightful master of himself."

-- James Allen, 

As A Man Thinketh

[Classic post from 12-11-14]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Have an awesome World Rocking day!

Spread some joy today--smile!

Daily Inspiration 12-26-18

"None but himself can alter his condition."

- James Allen, 

As A Man Thinketh

[Classic post from 12-10-14]

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

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

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

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

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


Help Someone Else Have An Awesome Day By Recognizing Your Own And Sharing Your Own Joy!

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

Daily Inspiration 12-25-18

"As we grow older, 

our Christmas lists get shorter, 

because the things we want 

can't be bought." 

-- GrowingBolder.com 

[Classic post from 12-24-14]

I must be really old because my list is nonexistent. In things, that is. In those things that can't be bought, I am a picture of wide open arms.

For the last few days, you may have noticed that I gave some focus on the idea of abundance. Although there is an abundance of things at the mall and on the Internet, it is those non-things that hold more meaning to each of us and that includes people of every age.

W. Clement Stone was an early mentor of mine. He founded the Success Magazine at the beginning of the last century, was a self-starter and huge business success, and shared his positive beliefs with the world through books and in other ways. Here is a wonderful quote from him that is worthy of sharing:

"Your most precious, valued possessions and your greatest powers are invisible and intangible. No one can take them. You and you alone can give them. You will receive abundance for your giving."


May The Gifts That Only You Can Give Bring You The Abundance You Rightly Deserve. 

Spread Some Joy Today--because you can and as you do so, you will be swept along in all its glory.

Daily Inspiration 12-24-18

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

-- Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

[Classic post from 12-9-14]

If you think you are beaten, you are,

If you think you dare not, you don't

If you like to win, but you think you can't,

It is almost certain you won't

If you think you'll lose, you're lost

For out of the world we find,

Success begins with a fellow's will--

It's all in the state of mind

If you think you are outclassed, you are,

You've got to think high to rise,

You've got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger or faster man,

But soon or late the man who wins

Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!

-- Walter D. Wintle

Yes, I Can Because I Think I Can!

Spread Some Joy Today--Give Praise To God (or whatever name you like) For Everything You See Today!

Daily Inspiration 12-23-18

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

-- Napoleon Hill,
Think and Grow Rich

[Classic post from 12-8-14]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


There's Always A Way!

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

Daily Inspiration 12-22-18

"Do you want the problem 

or do you want the answer?"

-- A Course in Miracles 

[Classic post from 12-6-14]

How often have I focused so much on the problem that this is all I would see. I couldn't see the problem solved, I was far too busy repeating and even exaggerating the problem to keep it alive and well. Though I would outwardly state that I wanted a solution, I would often fight anyone who wanted to help me find a solution. The fact remained that I was getting something from the problem that the solution could not provide.

Then, other times, I might be ready to solve the problem and stop yakking about it to everyone, but my stinking thinking was like a dog chained to a post. I just couldn't get away from the problem.

Albert Einstein's great quote about problems is still helpful even today. He said, "No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it." In other words, I have to find a new way to think and act and be focused far more on the solution than on the problem.

It's amazing how many problems can be solved when we let go of them. In some cases, that is all we need to do--just let go--and in the letting go, the solution is immediately apparent. At the very least, just turning away from the problem is enough to get on to a new kind of thinking that will help us solve it.


This, Of Course, Assumes That You Are Ready To Have The Problem Solved. Not Everyone Is Ready. 

Spread Some Joy Today--It's Saturday. Have a wonderful day.

Daily Inspiration 12-21-18

"Hello. Yes, this is Mr. Kadam. 

I'm the chairman of Kadam Enterprises." 

 -- Papa Kadam 

from the movie The Hundred-Foot Journey 

[Classic post from 12-5-14]

I just watched The Hundred-Foot Journey movie which was just released a couple days ago for video. I really enjoyed it and the characters.

With Papa Kadam's quote, I thought how interesting that statement was, and how profound at the same time. He was absolutely right. He was the Chairman of Kadam Enterprises. I am the Chairman of Minion Enterprises, you are the Chairman of (Your Last Name) Enterprises. It could be a large family as in this movie, but each is the Chairman of their enterprises. Each is in charge of all the direction and action and activity. Each is in charge of the choices and decisions. Each is in charge of how they want things to be.

There are times when even the Chairman must make compromises, go slowly over speed bumps, drive cautiously through school zones and such. It is a co-creative endeavor, this life, yet fully we each are in charge of far more than we give ourselves credit for.


So Go For It. You're In Charge! You Are The Chairman Or Chairwoman. 

Spread Some Joy Today--When kissing your loved ones, linger a few moments longer. Allow it to register completely.

Daily Inspiration 12-20-18

"The ego wants to want 

more than it wants to have." 

-- Eckhart Tolle 

[Classic post from 12-3-14]

As I look around my house, I see things that I think I wanted, and actually not so much, when the reality of it came into being. This is the traditional gift-giving season and many of those things I thought or stated that I wanted ended up in gifts to me, and there they sit. Maybe I used it once, and even in a few things, not at all. How strange is that? I'm thinking it seems odd.

I've always loved watching others with radio-controlled aircraft and helicopters and such. My late wife knew that and bought me an electric radio controlled helicopter. It went up in the air once, came down and went in a box, and there it is on my shelf. The battery might even be corroded by now a few years later. I haven't looked. It seems silly that it sits there. I need to just give it away, along with a lot of other unused, not really appreciated things.

I suppose whether I bought it thinking I wanted it (which happens often enough), or whether someone gave it as a gift because they thought I wanted it or might like it, doesn't really matter. The result is the same.

I wonder also if it is true that this applies as much to giving gifts to others as it does when people give me gifts. When I'm thinking of giving something to someone, I'm imagining that they will like it and use it. The best case scenario would be that they loved it and it changed their life, and I'm sure that it runs the gamut of emotional responses.

So what to do? I think it is just to give from the heart and forget entirely about how it will be received. If we are aligned within ourselves and have the delightful urge to share and give to another, that in and of itself is love and is perfect. We can never accurately predict how something will be received. That is not our job. Our job is ourselves and only that can we control.

What about the other end? Receiving. I think the best we can do is delight in the thought behind the gift whatever the gift may be. It matters not whether they got us something that we wanted or didn't care about. It only matters that they had the heart and desire to give something. It isn't even about turnabout is fair play and giving gifts back. It is important to become an accepting receiver, even a joyful receiver. It isn't about us in this instance, it is about them, and if we focus on what they were trying to do, that is all that matters.

As for those things that my ego thought I wanted and the other things I didn't have a clue about, yet go unused or less than cared for, they need to go away now. I am going to pack them up and let them find a new and more welcoming home.


Give From Your Heart And Your Own Alignment With Yourself, And Receive In Appreciation The Same Way. 

Spread Some Joy Today--by simply and exquisitely enjoying yourself.

Daily Inspiration 12-19-18

"Deficiency motivation doesn't work. 

It will lead to a life-long pursuit

of try to fix me. 

Learn to appreciate what you have 

and where and who you are." 

-- Wayne Dyer 

[Classic post from 12-2-14]

Often my learning is bits and pieces, answering part and yet still lacking the fullness of the "ah-ha" kind of understanding that comes when all of a sudden those pieces come together and form a new perspective. I had one of those today, early this morning when I first looked in the mirror in the bathroom.

For a couple of years now, I have been looking in that mirror and finding affirmations of praise on what I see. Louise Hay of Hay House taught that and it helps, though it isn't a quick fix, but a travel in the right direction.

The trouble is that it isn't or wasn't real enough. Instead, after my affirmation in the mirror, I would go back to thinking of how much weight I've gained in the last couple of years (or is it 3 or 4 years, I forget), and then thinking I need to do something like watch calories (which I do as they go down my throat), go on a diet (not another one), actually get on my exercise equipment rather than hang shirts on it, actually use my gym membership, and well, you know, maybe you can relate, or not.

And, if it isn't weight management, maybe it is finances, getting along with co-workers, getting a better job, or any number of a hundred things that we might beat ourselves up about on an hourly basis over long periods of time. How's that working for you? I know how it works for me, it just makes it harder and more of a problem. I try to meditate and let go of the resistance of it, and then I get it back. It's much like an addiction.

The "ah-ha" experience this morning gave me a whole new perspective, and it is so closely tied to this quote above by Wayne Dyer because I've been and many others I know have been using deficiency motivation, or trying to, on ourselves. It doesn't work, and if there is any progress from it, more than likely everything goes back to the way it was before all too quickly.

Here was the new realization I had: I'm perfect at this moment. There is nothing wrong with me at this moment. I accept myself as I am in this moment. I accept that I have created myself the way I am in this moment. And, it is good. I am perfect just the way I am, with what I have, with where I am and who I am in this moment.

Eckhart Tolle says it this way: "The moment that judgment stops through acceptance of what it is, you are free of the mind. You have made room for love, for joy, for peace." That is how I felt this morning and it is a very different thought than I have had about myself, ever.

To think that we have to be unhappy with ourselves in order to change has been a bad message. We don't. What works better than deficiency motivation is love. We can be perfect in this moment and in the next moment make a change if desired. Accepting ourselves and circumstances, or our environment is the best place to start. By acceptance, the judgment is gone. This does not stop us from exercising a choice at any time. It's a higher jumping off point than being beat down and trying to rise.

I accept the perfection of this moment and of me and all that this entails at this moment. I accept that I have chosen whether by default or on purpose. I am here this moment because I have chosen it. I am responsible and I delight in that perfection at this moment. Whatever comes in the next moments will come in its time. Right now, right here, I am well, and I feel good.


"Everything Is Perfect In The Universe--Even Your Desire To Improve It." -- Wayne Dyer 

Spread Some Joy Today--Delight in your own perfection. Accept where you are and who you are right now. As Eckhart Tolle said, in so doing, "you have made room for love, for joy, for peace."

Daily Inspiration 12-18-18

"To praise the sun 

is to praise your own eyes." 

-- Rumi 

[Classic post from 11-30-14]

Yesterday morning as I was stirring to wakefulness, I repeated several times a couple of phrases that I learned from Abraham and Esther Hicks. The first is, "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." The second, and more important of the two is, "nothing is more important than that I feel good." And, I shouldn't be surprised, but I found such good feelings and pure enjoyment throughout the day. The power of intention at play.

I was in a state of appreciation so much through the day, and I'll share one section with you. In recent years I find that I don't listen to music but rarely. I have thousands of songs in my library and then I discovered Spotify.com where I can pretty much find anything I want and even create playlists. In the last few months, I find myself listening more, but with much larger ears.

One of the things I love about Spotify is that it is like Netflix in that it suggests things I might like, and much of the time, I do. I adore Tommy Emmanuel as the peak of acoustic guitarists, and Spotify recommended a few like him. I found Martin Tallstrom there and what a find he was. He's a Swedish guitarist and I so relish an album he did in 2009 called Acoustics.

I listened to the album again and I found myself with eyes closed floating around in clouds and blue sky moving in rhythm and joy to each and every single note. Appreciation is an interesting thing in that it has no end that I have found. I was, and still am in fact, so deeply appreciating many things.

I was appreciating Martin's talent and dedication to improving his skill to form the presentation that I was hearing. I was appreciating the guitar maker who crafted a fine instrument for him to play. I was appreciating the guitar amplifier that adds such a depth to the sound. I was appreciating the recording; the recording studio that someone created; the skilled recording engineer; the record company; the stereo amplifier and the speakers that allowed me to listen to this. I was appreciating that Martin put himself out there and was willing, and perhaps even eager to share his blessings with me. The list goes on and on and on.

I play guitar so I can perhaps more fully appreciate what it takes to be as good as he is and the nuances that make the sound so perfect. I used to own a recording studio and have thousands of hours of recording time so I can appreciate the skill and knowledge it takes to record music so well. I own a business so I can appreciate what it takes to create that studio, market that music and more. Maybe now in looking back, this is why I learned what I did just so I could appreciate in a better way and to listen with larger ears. Or, maybe that didn't matter at all. It could just be that I was intent on feeling good and finding things that I wanted.

Abraham and Esther Hicks state that if you focus on something in appreciation (or in any other way too) for as little as 17 seconds, another thought joins it and then another and another and so on, drawing more to you that you are focused on. Yesterday I was focused on feeling good, I found things that I wanted, I began appreciating one aspect, then in my joy, I found another, then another and another until I was appreciating hundreds of things that surrounded this one piece of music I was listening to.


It Was A Day Of Pure Joy And Love. I Think I Will Go For A Repeat Today. . . 

Spread Some Joy Today--Share your joys and your joys are instantly increased.

Daily Inspiration 12-17-18

"There is a thinking stuff 

from which all things are made, 

and which, in its original state, 

 permeates, penetrates, and fills 

the interspaces of the universe." 

-- Wallace D Wattles 

[Classic post from 11-21-14]

The quote above comes from the book, The Science of Getting Rich, Financial Success Through Creative Thought by Wallace D Wattles. I first bought this book on audio and I just loved hearing so many of the simple lines in this book that hold such depth of meaning that one can come back to them again and again.

This book was originally published in 1910 and was the inspiration for the movie and then the book, The Secret. It is only 79 pages and a pleasure to read or listen to on audio.

There are several key points in the book and I want to address just one of them right now. I was thinking about how I think that success is simply doing your best with what you have to work with. The key part of that sentence is simply doing your best. Then I remembered how Wallace Wattles talked about that in his book.

Once a person's mind is made up as to what they want, he indicates that we must act. In the action it isn't about the result, it is about the presence of the person and the willingness to focus on today's tasks. I'll let him tell it:

"And your action, whatever it is, must most likely be in your present business or employment and must be upon the persons and things in your present environment.

You cannot act where you are not; you cannot act where you have been, and you cannot act where you are going to be; you can act only where you are.

Don't bother as to whether yesterday's work was well done or ill done; do today's work well.

Do not try to do tomorrow's work now; there will be plenty of time to do that when you get to it.

Do not try, by occult or mystical means, to act on people or things that are out of your reach.

Do not wait for a change of environment, before you act; get a change of environment by action.

You can so act upon the environment in which you are now, as to cause yourself to be transferred to a better environment.

Hold with faith and purpose the vision of yourself in the better environment, but act upon your present environment with all your heart, and with all your strength, and with all your mind."

Doing Our Best Right Here And Now Is Great Advice. 

Spread Some Joy Today--by focusing on right now today. Joy is not a promise, it is a current event.

Daily Inspiration 12-16-18

"What are the real differences

between impatience and eagerness? 

Fear and joy." 

-- Albert K Strong 

[Classic post from 11-19-14]

To some sales managers, business owners, and others who have charge of others to do things for an organization or firm, impatience is often set as a virtue. They may think that when you've got to get it done, the motivation to achieve that end comes through the impatience to succeed. Yet I have learned that impatience is just another name for fear.

What I've learned about fear could fill a book easily, and one of the things I know about fear is that whatever motivation it creates is extremely short-lived and actually counterproductive in the long run. This is especially true in sales I think.

Now eagerness is far more useful and it comes from love and joy and desire. That creates a motivation that moves mountains. It is also long-term by nature.

So how does a sales manager, business owner, or other leader create eagerness in people? You don't. You encourage it. How do you do that? By not leading from fear. Lead with love. Well, how do I make them get the job done? You can't make them do anything. You can only encourage them, and fear is not an encouragement.

How does this love thing work? It begins by hiring the right people. I love the Jim Rohn quote about this where he says, "Good people are found, not changed. Recently, I read a headline that said, 'We don't teach our people to be nice. We simply hire nice people.' Wow! What a clever shortcut."

Once we find good people, then love them, help them, encourage them, praise them, catch them doing things right, lead by example, coach them, support them. In a lot of business environments, many of these things are forgotten in the haste and busyness of the day to day challenges. It takes awareness and some patience to do these things, and they will create the best in everyone involved.


Business And Stress Are Not Synonymous. 

Spread Some Joy Today--by letting go of any and all resistance.

Daily Inspiration 12-15-18

"I don't like that man. 
I must get to know him better."

"I destroy my enemies 
when I make them my friends."

-- Abraham Lincoln

[Classic post from 11-18-14]

Have you ever met someone you just don't like? I'm sure you have. I have met several. It's like they just rub you the wrong way somehow. Sometimes, it is hard to even put your finger on what it is exactly. Sometimes it is glaringly clear! You might even have some choice words for how you would describe those. I know I have.

When I was in grade school, I had the pleasure of dealing with a number of bullies. I was an easy target, I'm sure. They were always acting so tough. You know, the kind who grow up to be big, burly men who like to hit women and children to show off their strength. (Just a touch of sarcasm) Anyway, every once in a while, I would see a crack in their facade and actually see a human being in there. Just like me.

When I was a very young sales manager, I had a Chevy factory rep call on me. He was rude and arrogant, never called before he just showed up and expected me to drop everything and deal with him. One day, I decided to say something to him. I said, "I don't like you. You are rude and arrogant. You never let me know you're coming and you want me to drop everything to listen to you." Well, you should have seen his chin hit the ground! He was shocked. He earnestly wanted to know more about why I felt that way and he vowed to change it immediately. We actually became friends. He invited me and my wife to dinner at their house and until they got transferred, we had a great relationship.

Sometimes people might need a little jolt to wake them out of their habitual operation. They may have no idea what effect they are having on people. Other times, you might need to catch them when they are alone and start up a conversation to learn more about them.

I can truthfully say that every person that I have not liked when I learned more about them, I liked them more and even began to respect them, and perhaps even understand them in why they have the facade that hides the real person from most others. It's very much like the wizard in the Wizard of Oz. "Ignore that man behind the curtain!" How can I? That is the real deal!

Enemies. Ever have any? People working against you, doing what they can to be victorious over you? When I make them friends by refusing to fight in the war, they can become friends instead.

I learned a good deal about this from a very good friend named Dallan. Why? Dallan just seems to love everybody with such a passion, that there is no such thing as an adversary. It is delightful and interesting to watch. Has such enthusiasm. You can see and feel the love he exudes in his face. He will just hug you until you soften. He doesn't give up. I've watched him turn angry buttheads into milk toast. He has that touch. He just loves people and I think he can see right through anyone's facade. That is a powerfully good thing. Taking an adversary and making them a friend is one of the greatest successes possible in life, I think.

You know, we are all just looking for love and recognition and understanding. The more we give those things to other people, the more we get for ourselves. It is so interesting how that works. You have to give in order to get. Ahead of time.

Makes you just want to go find someone you don't like and make them a friend!


I Can Never, Ever Have Enough Friends!

Spread Some Joy Today--Tell A Few People You Love Them. It Will Make Their Day!

Daily Inspiration 12-14-18

"The mediocre teacher tells. 

The good teacher explains.

The superior teacher demonstrates. 

The great teacher inspires."

-- William Arthur Ward

[Classic post from 11-17-14]

In one way or another, I have been teaching all my life. As the oldest of five, I was thrust into this role at an early age. As a teacher, I have evolved through the levels as shown in the quote above. I learned from watching other teachers and how they did things and how people responded to them--especially how I responded to them. You see, as a teacher, I am also a life-long student. The more I know, the more I see there is to know.

Considering all the teachers I've seen, the ones I even remember well were inspiring. Oh, they taught the curriculum, but they did it in a way that had me owning it, immersing myself in it, and loving it. My aim was to inspire others as they inspired me.

What I learned was that inspiration is not a tool in a tool belt, like explaining, telling or demonstrating. It is more a gift that is given to others because you are inspired. I guess it takes one to know one. . .

I don't try to inspire people. I seek inspiration every day in every way that I can. I seek to be inspired. I think it comes from delight and wonder. I might see it in a scene in a movie, a line in a song, a guitar solo, words on a page, looking at nature, the joy of a photograph, or a hundred other ways. I seek it and am open to it and it just comes right in and I am delighted, and in awe of how that happened.

If I could teach anything well, I would love to teach people to be open to and even to seek out daily inspiration. It is life-transforming once you get hold of it. Inspiration is so much fun!

Close your eyes. Think of someone you totally love. Picture them in your mind. See their smiling face. See your love reflected back at you. Let that thought pour over you like a pitcher of it being poured over your head. You are immersed in it. Enjoy it for a few moments. You've just been inspired!

The next half hour will be AWESOME!!!


Inspire Yourself! You Know You Want To!

Spread Some Joy Today--Feel The Joy In Your Love To Others Being Reflected Back To You!

Daily Inspiration 12-13-18

"Adapting is not the same 

as giving up or giving in." 

-- Albert K Strong 

[Classic post from 11-16-14]

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned a change in policy at a business that had the potential to have a negative effect on the independent contractors who worked within that business. The management was sternly holding fast to the decision regardless of the consequences it may have on the people involved. It is, of course, their prerogative, and that those involved can either comply or leave as they choose. Ultimatums are harsh no matter how they come and so it would be easy to be upset by this kind of scenario. I've experienced this kind of situation with employers too.

So, some get pissed off and bad mouth the decision and attempt to stir dissension, though that never, ever works like they might hope. Then, also, some just say, 'the heck with it,' and quit. Others may go along while carrying the unhappy feeling with them and that unhappiness shows up in all they do from then on. In many cases, they and everyone else would be better off if they quit too.

Quitting is one answer, and it also creates a question. Will wherever I go now be better? Am I prepared to start all over again? You can never take all your clients with you when you leave a certain place. Quitting may also be a perfect answer for some in that it sort of forces something new and something new might be exactly what they needed. In other words, it creates an opportunity for change.

Then, there is the other side. What if this was a great decision and we might have even made ourselves had we been in the owner's mindset, but we were afraid to make that kind of decision because of fear of loss? I might lose some clients, but maybe that could be a good thing? Maybe this decision that the boss made will create a far better environment than previously existed.

There are many sides to every story and every decision. We all get to respond or react as we choose. It would be in everyone's best interest to at the very least, consider the various points of view in earnest. It could be the worst thing that ever happened, and it could be the best thing that ever happened, and it could be a non-issue, or it could be a minor or a major issue. These possibilities are all there and we get to choose.

The best thing in my mind is to not react. The best thing is to not plug into any negativity surrounding the subject, The best thing would be to take some time to consider and feel our way. If we then find ourselves feeling good, it is working and if we are not, it is not. At this point, a response would be appropriate.


It's Important To Remain In Charge By Not Allowing Others Or Circumstances To Choose For Us. 

Spread Some Joy Today--Sometimes we might think that joy is a result of something, but we could never rely on such a scenario for very much joy. However, when you realize that joy is a choice, you get to choose it at will.

Daily Inspiration 12-12-18

"If it's never our fault, 

we can't take responsibility for it. 

If we can't take responsibility for it, 

we'll always be its victim." 

-- Richard Bach 

[Classic post from 11-15-14]

When many of us were young, we learned very well that being at fault meant punishment of some kind, and that caused pain of one kind or another. So, it became foolish to accept responsibility for something even when we were asked directly about it. It became acceptable, and may I even say, desirable to lie about it regardless of how we felt inside or whether we thought they believed us or not. It was like a basic survival learning experience of the law of cause and effect. We knew what the effect was if we were the cause.

Somehow we missed learning the real law of cause and effect and so many of us have carried this basic survival learning into adulthood; albeit, less blatantly. Blame is still easier and safer we think. But is it?

A long time ago I learned about a psychological game that makes this basic survival experience so clear to me. I see it so easily in others and then I also have learned to see it in myself and then stop and get a better handle on my thinking and actions. Here is the game:

Draw a triangle and at one point write the word Persecutor, at the next point (either one), write the word Victim, and at the last point, write the word Rescuer. Now, once you get a handle on this game, you may see it being played by a number of people including relatives. It's pretty logical. First, someone is playing the Victim portion of the game. They need a Persecutor to blame for their problems for it would be impossible in this game to accept responsibility for any of their actions. Then, there is someone who is playing the Rescuer part. They are trying to point out things that can be done to alleviate the problem, move forward, etc., but the Victim will never, ever listen seriously to a Rescuer; however, they really need them in this game. If the other two are not always in the game, there is nothing for the Victim, or the Persecutor, or the Rescuer.

For much of my life, I was a Rescuer. I call it 'swimming upstream.' It is never effective in the game because no one wants to be rescued. Logic would dictate they want to be rescued, but really, they love playing the part. They've grown accustomed to it.

There's only one way out. Step away from the game. There's only one way to step away from the game: Begin accepting responsibility for your thinking and your actions. People will still be playing the Persecutor with you, but you won't be jumping in playing the Rescuer, so you're on the outside looking in. When you are there, it is pretty clear that it's a game. Otherwise, you will always be the game's Victim. (Here's a link to see more about the Karpman Drama Triangle.)


Here's to accepting responsibility! I Create My Own Reality! 

Spread Some Joy Today--See if you see anyone playing the triangle game. . . Smile that you know the way out.

Daily Inspiration 12-11-18

"All my life I have tried to 
pluck a thistle and plant a flower

wherever the flower would grow 
in thought and mind."

-- Abraham Lincoln

[Classic post from 11-14-14]

Get a few million people doing this and it is a very different planet!

Let it start with me!


I Have The Power To Change The World! It Starts With Me Changing My World!

Spread Some Joy Today--See if you can pluck at least one thistle and plant one flower today.

Daily Inspiration 12-10-18

"If you can't be happy where you are,

it's a cinch you can't be happy where you ain't."

-- Charlie "Tremendous" Jones

[Classic post from 11-13-14]

We somehow think that circumstances, events, money, fame, love, a mate, a nice house, a secure job, or other external things have the power to give us happiness.

It isn't possible.

Happiness is something you and only you can give to yourself and it has nothing whatsoever to do with external things, circumstances or events. The love of our life doesn't have the power. Money doesn't have the power, security doesn't have the power. Only you and you alone have the power.

This is why I love Charlie "Tremendous" Jones' statement: "If you can't be happy where you are (where you live, what you have, who you're with), it's a cinch you can't be happy where you ain't (where you think you need to be in order to have happiness)."

Once this really settles into your thinking, and believe me, it took a while for me to really get this, it changes you as you feel so empowered that you really have the power to choose or not choose happiness. Not only that, but you have the power every second of every day. With that, you can actually see and feel yourself choosing to be unhappy sometimes. That is enlightening! It is so because you can then see how you have chosen unhappiness so many times in the past based solely on how you thought about something.

Once you have this power, I cannot imagine that you will ever let go of it. Though you may occasionally choose unhappiness again, you full well know, you can change it back instantly as you desire. That's like being a 5-star General, you're being so in command.

Is this not the coolest thing possible? To know who's in charge and how it is done? It is awesome! You are awesome! Command those thoughts. Make that happiness. Savor the victory!

The sweet smell of success!


You Make Me Happy? Wrong! I Make Me Happy!

Spread Some Joy Today--Make Yourself Happy Today! For No Special Reason. Make Up One If You Feel You Need To.

Daily Inspiration 12-9-18

"You don't get harmony 

when everybody sings 

the same note." 

-- Doug Floyd 

[Classic post from 11-12-14]

I've read some things lately about how there is an awakening happening on the planet and vibrations are being raised and awareness is alive and good thoughts, and creative thoughts are on the rise. This is sometimes lifted up as a beacon to the masses in the hopes that all will be as one in this song.

There is no doubt that there is a shift going on in some circles, and some of those circles may even include a large number of souls. Yet, I cannot succumb to the idea that this will reign in the way they claim to hope it will be: universal and complete.

I have to say, 'welcome to the real world of diversity.' Any time we think that our way is the one and true way, we are delusional to the extreme. There are lots of ways. Guess how many? As of 2013, there are reportedly 7.125 billion people on the plant, so that would mean that the potential for the number of ways might be 7.125 billion.

It's always nice to have some agreements with others, but the truest reality that I have found in my long search is that we each create our own reality. Certainly, we allow co-creators into our reality to add some flavor and color, but everyone the same? Never happen. And, I think the idea that it could happen is pure silliness.

This, of course, does not promote creating problems or ill will for others. But, knowing the number is 7.125 billion, some of that is a given purely based on odds probably.

What it comes down to is simply this: Be the best, most original and unique you that you can be. Live to enjoy and thrive, love and share. To be a part and take part. To share thoughts and ideals without insistence on having your way. The best word for that is to allow and even celebrate the differences.


How Utterly Boring And Bland Would Be A Uniform, All-Alike-Thinking World. Thank Goodness, It Is Not That. 

Spread Some Joy Today--Whoever you are. I celebrate YOU.

Daily Inspiration 12-8-18

"Life waits not for your understanding. 

It calls for your appreciation." 

-- Alan Cohen 

[Classic post from 11-11-14]

As I have traveled through many, many books on spirituality, living in the now, and many other entanglements, I see how many different ways there are to look at the same sort of thing. Each perspective, or way of explaining things is interesting and some actually are quite helpful, others not so much.

It all kind of came together with the quote above. As much as I have tried to understand things that I wasn't taught before, I find so many answers that I almost forget the questions. So, whenever something is so simple as the quote above, I revel in its wisdom, and I have learned that real wisdom is always simple.

Life isn't waiting for my understanding of it. Yet, Alan is right on, to me at least, in that life calls for my appreciation.

It has been written a long time ago that God is love. Somehow I know this without it having to be said, and appreciation and love are in unison.

Keeping it simple, then, as I allow myself, encourage myself, allow the spirit within me to rise, I find myself in such a state of appreciation. I said some time back that the best state to live in is appreciation, and as I appreciate, I find more to appreciate, and then more and more until my cup runneth over with love and appreciation.

To take this down to the very simplest idea for living a great life is to learn how to appreciate all that is around us. If something isn't pleasing to us, we can turn and find something to appreciate. Then, also, as we do that, those unpleasing things soon take on a different look.


Life Might Call For My Appreciation, But I Know Life RESPONDS To My Appreciation. 

Spread Some Joy Today--in appreciation of your own joy.

Daily Inspiration 12-7-18

"Live as long as you may, 

the first twenty years are 

the longest half of your life." 

-- Robert Southey 

[Classic post from 11-9-14]

Milestones are an interesting thing. One I recall very well was turning 18. When I was 18, I felt like I was almost 'there,' and my obsession other than the opposite sex was turning 21. But, what I remember most about 18 was that I tried as earnestly as I could to imagine being 30 years old and could not imagine it. It seemed like light years away from where I was.

Then it came. I turned 30 and then 35 and then 40 and so on. Yet, as Satchel Paige said so well, "how old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?" I'd be 35.

But then there was this other milestone that I could not image reaching, and today I have attained it. I am 65 today. Who knew? I surely didn't think it was even possible. I thought maybe I may not live that long, but here it is in real life.

Yet, I still feel 35 in my head. I realize my body is somewhat different. I know that because I have a number of photos during that period. There is a distinct difference I detect from the mirror.

Satchel Paige said something else that hits home: "Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Now that I'm here, I don't mind, so it doesn't matter much. I don't care about birthdays and haven't for a lot of years now. It is what it is, but I am only as old as I feel. My favorite quote about age is by Chili Davis: "Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional." I prefer to never grow up.

What is most interesting on this day is that I have no regrets and nothing but fond memories of the trail I've been wandering and the horizon is brighter than it has ever been.


Another Happy Day On The Trail. . . 

Spread Some Joy Today--because it feels so much better than sharing the news.

Daily Inspiration 12-6-18

"Being patient 

does not mean 

being passive." 

-- Mike Dooley 

[Classic post from 11-8-14]

Continuing with some gems I found in Mike Dooley's latest book, The Top Ten Things Dead People Want To Tell You, the quote above was another one that leaped from the page to my attention.

In this quote, he is suggesting that we chill and learn to trust that things will work in our favor. He says that whatever it is that we want there are only two steps to attain it. Step one is to define what you want, and step two is to show up to receive it. He says, "the Universe does all the rest."

I'm told that a lot of people are not so good at step number one. Defining what we want can be challenging, but it is not going to define itself. That would be the crapshoot theory. I'm also told that many people are not as into receiving as they would like to be. Part of that is past training that it is better to give than receive and such, along with the worthiness thing, and the deserving thing, and the lacking skill or intelligence thing. Yet, these two steps are truly our main work in getting what we want.

Then there is the impatience thing. It's not here yet. It's not here yet. Where is it? My ship got lost at sea? So, if we are to receive, we must trust that it will be, or rather, in fact, that it is already done. This is the patience part.

Having patience doesn't mean being passive as he said. So, we define and then we show up and sleep until it arrives? No, he explains that well enough, so I'll let Mike tell it: "So get on with it. Being patient does not mean being passive. Move toward your dreams while you celebrate all that does work, all that you do have, and how you now are. Be with friends. Spend time alone. Don't worry. Be happy."

Patience is trust. It is trusting that everything will work out. It isn't about standing or sitting on the bench or the sidelines, it is about living our lives. To paraphrase the Bible, "whatsoever you ask, believing, will be done." In Mike Dooley's text, he is saying that the believing part is the showing up part. Why show up if you don't believe?


Have Patience. Trust In God, The Universe, Your Higher Power Or Whatever Word You Want To Use. In The Meantime, Have A Good Time. Enjoy. 

Spread Some Joy Today--by thinking of a couple people that you love and how much you love them and all the things and attributes that cause love to well up in you. Let it gush all over the place. Wade in it. Swim around. Do the backstroke. Relax in it. Celebrate it. Adore it. Embrace it.

Daily Inspiration 12-5-18

"Forgiveness is only necessary 

when first there's blame." 

-- Mike Dooley 

[Classic post from 11-7-14]

Mike Dooley's latest book was just published late last month and I just finished it a few days ago. Although all the material I've accepted for some time, a different person explains things in a different way, and sometimes how I think I know something changes. Mike uses a lot of logic in his book, The Top Ten Things Dead People Want To Tell You, and the quote above jumped off the page at me as if it were screaming.

We've all been taught that it is good to forgive and that we should forgive others and also ourselves. Mike says that forgiveness is a lie, and that was an in-your-face kind of statement, challenging the old idea of 'it is a virtue to forgive.'

Since he is teaching a new understanding in his book, he says, "With understanding flooding your senses more and more, a new irony appears on your radar: Forgiveness is only necessary when first there's blame. The second lie needs the first lie. Withdraw the blame and forgiveness becomes a moot point."

He goes on to say, "To cast blame means to not understand that you create your own reality, and such a blind spot can rob you of your power to live deliberately today and in the future. It prevents you from accepting responsibility for shaping the rest of your life."

I have previously written about my take on forgiveness is letting go of the rope by just laying it down. The rope is the resistance or the struggle, and that struggle is mostly a struggle within ourselves. You could see the rope as what it really is, which is blame. Blame is the struggle, and Mike is right in that without that blame first, there is no need for forgiveness.

I know a few people who live their life so full of blame of others that there is no peace. They find it impossible to forgive and that is because they find it impossible to let go of the blame they feel. And truly, that has nothing whatsoever to do with anything on the outside. It is fully an internal struggle within themselves.

If you blame anyone for anything in your life, consider putting that tug-o-war rope down. Forget about forgiveness. When you drop the blame, there is no need for it.


"Within Every Situation, There Is Meaning, Order, Healing, And Love." -- Mike Dooley

Spread Some Joy Today--Joy is not something to seek and find. It is simply something to allow. It is your natural state.

Daily Inspiration 12-4-18

"There is no such thing

as a situation that is inherently difficult. 

A sense of difficulty depends 

on your definition of the situation." 

-- Bashar 

[Classic post from 11-5-14]

For so many years I subscribed to the belief as preached by the biggest and best in personal development that "if you are willing to work hard, you can achieve what you want." They use that word 'hard' over and over, and throw in a few sacrifices here and there, going the extra mile over yonder, and being willing to work extra hours and become part of the working-up-a-sweat crowd.

I quit that club.

I don't use those phrases any more and haven't for some time. James Allen says that "mind is the master," and he is right, of course, but it is never the mind alone in a physical environment. However, it isn't about working hard. You can if you want to. I won't stop you. It isn't about sacrifice. You can if you want to. I won't stop you there either. And, going the extra mile? Why the heck not. Knock yourself out.

Those old and tired phrases make me tired just thinking about them.

So, let's try some better ones. How about action? Works for me. How about focus? Can't live without it. Let's throw in some enthusiasm and a sprinkle or two of delight. Now we're cooking. Next, let's dance with some inspiration. If perspiration comes, so be it, but we cannot call this stuff work. We should call it play, enjoyment, love, fun, movin', and groovin', excited and looking toward (not forward) with eager anticipation.

You might be laughing at me just switching around a bunch of words and phrases that you think might mean the same thing, but if you think about it, they mean something completely different, don't they? These new words and phrases change the whole scope of whatever it is that we are doing.


What Was A Burden, Is Now A Joy. THAT Changes Everything. 

Spread Some Joy Today--and a little love while you're at it.