"A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out to accomplish it. . .
. . . Those who are not prepared for the apprehension of a great purpose, should fix the thoughts upon the faultless performance of their duty, no matter how insignificant their task may appear.
Only in this way can the thoughts be gathered and focused, and resolution and energy be developed.
Once this is done, there is nothing which may not be accomplished."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
It is so easy to see in other people how they feel about their lives and work. You might even be seeing the way you used to be and didn't realize it at the time. T.G.I.F. is a mantra. I'm sure you see it every day somewhere.
A great purpose changes that completely.
So, do you remember being asked as a child, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" Then, remember how it changed year to year? I wonder how many are doing what they envisioned then. Many may be doing something to earn money but now feel stuck where they are and feel they cannot do what they really want for a long list of reasons.
This quote above demonstrates a way out: ". . . should fix the thoughts upon the faultless performance of their duty, no matter how insignificant their task may appear. . ." Okay, it's the Army slogan, "be the best that you can be," isn't it? Yet, if you really think about it, that really is the way out, isn't it? Focusing on doing the best that you can do with what you have to work with at this point in time is always and forever going to be the best strategy!
"Only in this way can the thoughts be gathered and focused, and resolution and energy be developed. . ." You know this is true too, right? Don't you always feel better when you have focused your thoughts on what you are doing and giving your best to the effort? Also, doesn't it feel so lousy when you just are going through the motions? So, by focusing on doing your best in your present circumstances, more is attracted to you and your energy and your own resolution is enhanced and defined.
And, ideas come and opportunities begin to develop and you may very well end up doing what you really want to do after all. "Once this is done, there is nothing which may not be accomplished."
Get on with your bad self!
Make Someone's Day Awesome!
Spread Some Joy Today--Gratitude Is The Best Way! It Lights Up Your Face!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Daily Inspiration 10-13-09
"Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom . . .
. . . A man becomes calm in the measure
that he understands himself as a thought-evolved being . . .
The calm man, having learned how to govern himself, knows how to adapt himself to others. And they, in turn reverence his spiritual strength. They feel that they can learn from him and rely upon him. The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
I mentioned in another Daily Inspiration that Bob Proctor said that, one can Respond to circumstances, or events, or one can React to them. The outcome is dramatically different. He says, "It will soon become obvious to you, the people who are enjoying the most in life do not react to the obstacles they face, they respond to them. They study them and realize there are opportunities buried in every obstacle, and lessons to be learned. They actually view most of the obstacles as pretty interesting. Conversely, those who are struggling are generally stopped in their tracks and consequently never realize their dream."
How many times have I heard someone say something and I was immediately angry or upset. A reaction. How many times an event happened, like something breaking or something going wrong, or receiving a poor quality product, and I would be instantly frustrated or angry. Another reaction. I now think of the way I used to react as if I were a pinball in a pinball machine, just bouncing from one bumper to the other, racking up point after point in frustration and unhappiness.
Now, I choose to respond. I am a work-in-progress. My goal is to the the calm man and I am getting closer every day. I have realized that I am a thought-evolved being and I can see how that has worked perfectly all my life even knowing that choices were made by default.
Wisdom is not just knowledge and experience kept and sorted. It is not just confidence. It is these things and more: It is calmness. When I first read the quote above, I was amazed at it. It made perfect sense to me and I knew immediately that this was to be one of my top goals for the rest of my life.
I think of this phrase quite often and relish its simple power: "The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good."
Take Your Day All The Way To Awesome!
Spread Some Joy Today--Tell someone how much you appreciate them--in detail!
. . . A man becomes calm in the measure
that he understands himself as a thought-evolved being . . .
The calm man, having learned how to govern himself, knows how to adapt himself to others. And they, in turn reverence his spiritual strength. They feel that they can learn from him and rely upon him. The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
I mentioned in another Daily Inspiration that Bob Proctor said that, one can Respond to circumstances, or events, or one can React to them. The outcome is dramatically different. He says, "It will soon become obvious to you, the people who are enjoying the most in life do not react to the obstacles they face, they respond to them. They study them and realize there are opportunities buried in every obstacle, and lessons to be learned. They actually view most of the obstacles as pretty interesting. Conversely, those who are struggling are generally stopped in their tracks and consequently never realize their dream."
How many times have I heard someone say something and I was immediately angry or upset. A reaction. How many times an event happened, like something breaking or something going wrong, or receiving a poor quality product, and I would be instantly frustrated or angry. Another reaction. I now think of the way I used to react as if I were a pinball in a pinball machine, just bouncing from one bumper to the other, racking up point after point in frustration and unhappiness.
Now, I choose to respond. I am a work-in-progress. My goal is to the the calm man and I am getting closer every day. I have realized that I am a thought-evolved being and I can see how that has worked perfectly all my life even knowing that choices were made by default.
Wisdom is not just knowledge and experience kept and sorted. It is not just confidence. It is these things and more: It is calmness. When I first read the quote above, I was amazed at it. It made perfect sense to me and I knew immediately that this was to be one of my top goals for the rest of my life.
I think of this phrase quite often and relish its simple power: "The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good."
Take Your Day All The Way To Awesome!
Spread Some Joy Today--Tell someone how much you appreciate them--in detail!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Daily Inspiration 10-12-09
"Your circumstances may be uncongenial, but they shall not remain so if you only perceive an ideal and strive to reach it.
You cannot travel within and stand still without."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
This is a powerful message of hope to those who have felt the sting of unwelcome circumstance.
The hope is twofold. One, having a strong desire or ideal to strive toward is hope in itself. Viktor Frankl's book, Man's Search For Meaning showed how powerful hope is. If you haven't had the chance, it is a must for your library. Hope only exists from strong desire of something. It gives life purpose.
Two, once you make the decision to expand your thinking and realize that the thought world is the real world, your exterior world can never be what it once was. It must have an effect. In addition, one effect is to increase hope by virtue of focused thought.
Circumstances haven't got a chance. You have them right where you want them: in control and doing your bidding. You go! Get your dream board ready! Little do they know the awesome power of the thoughtful, purpose driven!
Make Your Day Awesome!
Spread Some Joy Today--Give Much Larger Tips--Just For One Day!
You cannot travel within and stand still without."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
This is a powerful message of hope to those who have felt the sting of unwelcome circumstance.
The hope is twofold. One, having a strong desire or ideal to strive toward is hope in itself. Viktor Frankl's book, Man's Search For Meaning showed how powerful hope is. If you haven't had the chance, it is a must for your library. Hope only exists from strong desire of something. It gives life purpose.
Two, once you make the decision to expand your thinking and realize that the thought world is the real world, your exterior world can never be what it once was. It must have an effect. In addition, one effect is to increase hope by virtue of focused thought.
Circumstances haven't got a chance. You have them right where you want them: in control and doing your bidding. You go! Get your dream board ready! Little do they know the awesome power of the thoughtful, purpose driven!
Make Your Day Awesome!
Spread Some Joy Today--Give Much Larger Tips--Just For One Day!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Daily Inspiration 10-11-09
"It has been usual for men to think and to say, "Many men are slaves because one is an oppressor; let us hate the oppressor!" But there is amongst an increasing few a tendency to reverse this judgment and to say, "One man is an oppressor because many are slaves; let us despise the slaves."
The truth is that oppressor and slaves are cooperators in ignorance, and, while seeming to afflict each other, are in reality, afflicting themselves."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh
I love this piece. It makes me think of a fish jumping out of the water tail first. What an interesting sight that would make! Actually, it makes me think about the car business which I have been involved in for over 40 years in one way or another. Specifically, it makes me think of salespeople and the big bad sales manager, especially the one that likes to "keep them under his thumb" to always have control. I call them the blowhards.
The truth is, the sales manager has only the power the salespeople give them. Hitler had only the power that the people gave him (another blowhard. . .). Yet we relish in persecuting the oppressor and assigning blame. The fish really does jump out of the water tail first, doesn't it? Take away the followers, the blowhards have nothing at all.
It's hard to accept the possibility that the oppressed are a co-creator of the situation, but when the oppressor and the oppressed are all in the same room, they all breathe the same air and share the same space. . .
A better way: Accept the notion that you are completely responsible for your situation. After accepting this, it is easier to become grateful for the knowledge and then you get to make better, more powerful decisions that will change your results. No struggle, instead: empowerment.
"A perfect knowledge perceives the action of law in the weakness of the oppressed and the misapplied power of the oppressor. A perfect love, seeing the suffering which both states entail, condemns neither; perfect compassion embraces both oppressor and oppressed."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh
Relax In Your Awesome Day!
Spread Some Joy Today--Give Everyone You Meet Some Love!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Daily Inspiration 10-10-09
". . . beautiful thoughts of all kinds crystallize into habits of grace and kindliness, which solidify into genial and sunny circumstances.
Pure thoughts crystallize into habits of temperance and self-control, which solidify into circumstances of repose and peace.
Thoughts of courage, self-reliance, and decision crystallize into manly habits, which solidify into circumstances of success, plenty, and freedom.
Energetic thoughts crystallize into habits of cleanliness and industry, which solidify into circumstances of pleasantness.
Gentle and forgiving thoughts crystallize into habits of gentleness, which solidify into protective and preservative circumstances.
Loving and unselfish thoughts which solidify into circumstances of sure and abiding prosperity and true riches."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
YES!
Celebrate Your Awesome Day!
Spread Some Joy Today--Act Differently--Maybe Childlike!
Pure thoughts crystallize into habits of temperance and self-control, which solidify into circumstances of repose and peace.
Thoughts of courage, self-reliance, and decision crystallize into manly habits, which solidify into circumstances of success, plenty, and freedom.
Energetic thoughts crystallize into habits of cleanliness and industry, which solidify into circumstances of pleasantness.
Gentle and forgiving thoughts crystallize into habits of gentleness, which solidify into protective and preservative circumstances.
Loving and unselfish thoughts which solidify into circumstances of sure and abiding prosperity and true riches."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
YES!
Celebrate Your Awesome Day!
Spread Some Joy Today--Act Differently--Maybe Childlike!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Daily Inspiration 10-9-09
". . . what, then, is the meaning of "fighting against circumstances?" It means that a man is continually revolting against an effect without, while all the time he is nourishing and preserving its cause in his heart."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
We are taught to fight, fight, fight--to fight against crime, drugs, cancer, communists, city hall, homelessness, disease, and a few hundred other things. Of course, they constantly change.
The interesting thing is--and this is not taught in school or the media--is that you get more of what you think about and especially that which you give emotion to. The subconscious mind does not understand "not," or even "is." It just accepts what you give it. Consequently, fighting against something creates more of it, not less. As an example, the "war on drugs" has not reduced drugs, but has actually given more attention to drugs. The fight against cancer has not reduced cancer, but cancer has increased. So, we fight harder. . . to no avail.
We are taught that to create what we want, we must take away all the things we don't want. We have learned from years of training to look at all the things we do not want and to be unhappy (give emotion) about that condition. Just pick up a newspaper or turn on a TV or radio news program and it will show that we relish what is wrong. We love to fight against circumstance. We have been well trained in what's real. ". . . While all the time he is nourishing and preserving its cause in his heart."
We have it backward.
What we need to do is focus on what we do want rather than what we don't want. Don't fight disease, instead, focus on health. Don't talk about the down economy, instead, focus on prosperity, etc. When you look around you, notice what is right and "good" rather than what is wrong and "bad." Find things to be grateful and joyous about rather than things to be unhappy and resentful of. I guarantee it will change your life as if you had a whole new life. What good is the other way after all? Has it helped you at all? It didn't help me.
It's time to soar! Never fear! You can always go back to the old way. . . well, I seriously doubt that once you soar that the old way will have any value to you.
Tickle Your Awesome Day!
Spread Some Extra Joy Today--Your Supply Is Limitless!
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
We are taught to fight, fight, fight--to fight against crime, drugs, cancer, communists, city hall, homelessness, disease, and a few hundred other things. Of course, they constantly change.
The interesting thing is--and this is not taught in school or the media--is that you get more of what you think about and especially that which you give emotion to. The subconscious mind does not understand "not," or even "is." It just accepts what you give it. Consequently, fighting against something creates more of it, not less. As an example, the "war on drugs" has not reduced drugs, but has actually given more attention to drugs. The fight against cancer has not reduced cancer, but cancer has increased. So, we fight harder. . . to no avail.
We are taught that to create what we want, we must take away all the things we don't want. We have learned from years of training to look at all the things we do not want and to be unhappy (give emotion) about that condition. Just pick up a newspaper or turn on a TV or radio news program and it will show that we relish what is wrong. We love to fight against circumstance. We have been well trained in what's real. ". . . While all the time he is nourishing and preserving its cause in his heart."
We have it backward.
What we need to do is focus on what we do want rather than what we don't want. Don't fight disease, instead, focus on health. Don't talk about the down economy, instead, focus on prosperity, etc. When you look around you, notice what is right and "good" rather than what is wrong and "bad." Find things to be grateful and joyous about rather than things to be unhappy and resentful of. I guarantee it will change your life as if you had a whole new life. What good is the other way after all? Has it helped you at all? It didn't help me.
It's time to soar! Never fear! You can always go back to the old way. . . well, I seriously doubt that once you soar that the old way will have any value to you.
Tickle Your Awesome Day!
Spread Some Extra Joy Today--Your Supply Is Limitless!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Daily Inspiration 10-8-09
"Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
My goodness that is a powerful, delightfully brief and yet full sentence. It works even better as a question: What are your circumstances revealing to you about yourself?
Don't like your circumstances? How you respond will reveal yourself. It is in realizing that the only method of changing circumstances to be pleasing would be to change one's thinking that creates them. We have the power. We only need awareness, understanding and conscious choice.
In this we are all absolutely equal. No one has an edge. You have the power and you are in total control. Feels great, doesn't it? Like the rock star you are!
Feel Your Awesome Day!
Spread Some Joy Today--There Is No Limits To Joy!
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
My goodness that is a powerful, delightfully brief and yet full sentence. It works even better as a question: What are your circumstances revealing to you about yourself?
Don't like your circumstances? How you respond will reveal yourself. It is in realizing that the only method of changing circumstances to be pleasing would be to change one's thinking that creates them. We have the power. We only need awareness, understanding and conscious choice.
In this we are all absolutely equal. No one has an edge. You have the power and you are in total control. Feels great, doesn't it? Like the rock star you are!
Feel Your Awesome Day!
Spread Some Joy Today--There Is No Limits To Joy!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Daily Inspiration 10-7-09
"Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
Labeling things 'good' and 'bad' is totally a judgement call of the person naming them. In reality, there is no such thing as good or bad, only results, circumstances, events and people. How we label that is totally up to how we think about them. It took me a long time to learn this, but it is a turning point, for sure.
I think what James Allen is saying so well in the quote above is that the fruit we create is an absolute and direct result of our choice of thoughts. We cannot think of things we do not want and get what we do want. Think about that for a moment or two.
Have you ever been broke, low on cash or had bill collectors calling you? You cannot think about those things all day and then expect prosperity. More than anything, prosperity is a mental attitude. It certainly is that prior to the money actually showing up.
How about thinking about all the things you dislike about your job and then expecting to get promoted or get recognized? That won't fly. All you will get is more of what you are thinking about, so you will find more things to dislike about your job.
It was really hard for me to accept this concept at first, but I do now understand it and have gotten pretty good at implementing it; i.e., creating better results by changing my thinking about things. For example, instead of focusing on what I dislike about my job, I focus on what I do like about it. This allows me to be grateful. When I am grateful, I create joy for myself and I get more of what I like about my job to the point that what I previously didn't like about my job fades away. Indeed, it not only fades away, but in my habitual gratitude, I find myself being grateful for things that I used to dislike, but no longer feel that way about.
I know that is a tough concept at first, and it is so true. Try it in earnest and you will agree. "Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit." Yes, and Amen!
Every Day Is An Awesome Day!
Spread Some Joy Today--You Will Get It Back Tenfold!
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
Labeling things 'good' and 'bad' is totally a judgement call of the person naming them. In reality, there is no such thing as good or bad, only results, circumstances, events and people. How we label that is totally up to how we think about them. It took me a long time to learn this, but it is a turning point, for sure.
I think what James Allen is saying so well in the quote above is that the fruit we create is an absolute and direct result of our choice of thoughts. We cannot think of things we do not want and get what we do want. Think about that for a moment or two.
Have you ever been broke, low on cash or had bill collectors calling you? You cannot think about those things all day and then expect prosperity. More than anything, prosperity is a mental attitude. It certainly is that prior to the money actually showing up.
How about thinking about all the things you dislike about your job and then expecting to get promoted or get recognized? That won't fly. All you will get is more of what you are thinking about, so you will find more things to dislike about your job.
It was really hard for me to accept this concept at first, but I do now understand it and have gotten pretty good at implementing it; i.e., creating better results by changing my thinking about things. For example, instead of focusing on what I dislike about my job, I focus on what I do like about it. This allows me to be grateful. When I am grateful, I create joy for myself and I get more of what I like about my job to the point that what I previously didn't like about my job fades away. Indeed, it not only fades away, but in my habitual gratitude, I find myself being grateful for things that I used to dislike, but no longer feel that way about.
I know that is a tough concept at first, and it is so true. Try it in earnest and you will agree. "Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit." Yes, and Amen!
Every Day Is An Awesome Day!
Spread Some Joy Today--You Will Get It Back Tenfold!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Daily Inspiration 10-6-09
"Every thought-seed sown or allowed to fall into the mind, and to take root there, produces its own, blossoming sooner or later into act, and bearing its own fruitage of opportunity and circumstance."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
When I read this I am reminded of a brief conversation I had this morning about the definition of insanity: Doing the same things and expecting a different result. How many times have we all done that!
In this case, I see a similar situation: Having the same thoughts and expecting better results. Of course the quote is indicating that whatever the thought-seed that is allowed to grow will bear that fruit, good or bad, in act, opportunity and circumstance.
It matters not whether those thoughts are intentional or not. If you think about that, it would seem that choosing your thoughts would be so much more productive in positive act, opportunity and circumstance.
I underlined the active part: "blossoming sooner or later into act." We generally don't think about that aspect, but thoughts do become things.
This all leads me to this: Better thoughts produce better acts, and more positive opportunities and circumstance. The best place to start is with gratitude. It just gets so much better from there.
Expand into an awesome day!
Spread some joy today--Because it is contagious!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Daily Inspiration 10-5-09
"Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become.
Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.
The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream. The oak sleeps in the acorn; the bird waits in the egg. And in the highest vision of a soul a waking angel stirs.
Dreams are the seedlings of realities."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
I absolutely love that line: "Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become." What powerful, abundant encouragement that line holds. I recommend that you print it in bold letters and post it on your wall for even more encouragement.
So many people I have known have had dreams and let them go because of the cares of the day to day like, food, shelter, clothing, rent, electricity, car payments, being a deserving person, etc. The biggest crusher is not knowing how in the world it could happen. As Mike Dooley says, "stay away from the cursed how's".
The dream is your job. If you keep your dream in your mind, the how's will come. Frankly, in my experience, the less I get involved in the how's, the better it works. I act on inspirations as they come and I move forward. Let the power of the Universe go to work for you. Don't argue for your limitations, you will get to keep them.
Let me expand on the last line of our quote: "Dreams are the seedlings of realities." Never listen to people who try to "bring you into reality" by telling you that your dream is "unrealistic" or "impossible." James Allen says that your dream can become reality if you continue to dream it, picture it, focus on it and allow it. "Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil."
Create an awesome day!
Spread some joy today--On purpose!
Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.
The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream. The oak sleeps in the acorn; the bird waits in the egg. And in the highest vision of a soul a waking angel stirs.
Dreams are the seedlings of realities."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
I absolutely love that line: "Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become." What powerful, abundant encouragement that line holds. I recommend that you print it in bold letters and post it on your wall for even more encouragement.
So many people I have known have had dreams and let them go because of the cares of the day to day like, food, shelter, clothing, rent, electricity, car payments, being a deserving person, etc. The biggest crusher is not knowing how in the world it could happen. As Mike Dooley says, "stay away from the cursed how's".
The dream is your job. If you keep your dream in your mind, the how's will come. Frankly, in my experience, the less I get involved in the how's, the better it works. I act on inspirations as they come and I move forward. Let the power of the Universe go to work for you. Don't argue for your limitations, you will get to keep them.
Let me expand on the last line of our quote: "Dreams are the seedlings of realities." Never listen to people who try to "bring you into reality" by telling you that your dream is "unrealistic" or "impossible." James Allen says that your dream can become reality if you continue to dream it, picture it, focus on it and allow it. "Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil."
Create an awesome day!
Spread some joy today--On purpose!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Daily Inspiration 10-4-09
"Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals.
Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts. For out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment;
of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
I highlighted a couple of sentences and broke apart this paragraph to make it easy to comment. The first underline is "Cherish your visions." I do and I hope you have a vision of what you want--something that drives you. There is nothing on earth so dear.
Here, I try to write some insights that come from my mind, heart and experience (as well as some third party spiritual help. . .) to encourage and have you think. I intend that it is instructional and uplifting. A perfect result for me would be that you would say, "that is exactly right. I needed to read that. Thank you." In this explanation, I am cherishing my vision to write, instruct and inspire. The urge to do so is very powerful in me. I do it throughout my day with people I interact with and I do it like this, a bit more formally. It delights me to do this and I hope you enjoy the offering.
The last line is underlined: "of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built." I've written all my life, but I haven't stuck with it until recently. Periodically, it has been a fantasy, and now it is a reality--but even more, is a commitment, and a joyous one. There is no substitute for persistence. First having a powerful one, then holding on to that powerful vision is of key importance to success. No matter what anyone else says, including relatives and friends. Remain true and it will come to pass.
This I also know. The more powerful your vision, the more you will remain true to it. Start firmly and confidently by completely ignoring 'how' you will do it, and just focus on 'what' you want in the greatest detail possible. The more clear the what, the faster the when. Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals. Delight in your power to choose. More important, delight in your creative abilities. You have powerful creative talent at your disposal.
Choose an awesome day!
Spread some joy today--smile!
Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts. For out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment;
of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
I highlighted a couple of sentences and broke apart this paragraph to make it easy to comment. The first underline is "Cherish your visions." I do and I hope you have a vision of what you want--something that drives you. There is nothing on earth so dear.
Here, I try to write some insights that come from my mind, heart and experience (as well as some third party spiritual help. . .) to encourage and have you think. I intend that it is instructional and uplifting. A perfect result for me would be that you would say, "that is exactly right. I needed to read that. Thank you." In this explanation, I am cherishing my vision to write, instruct and inspire. The urge to do so is very powerful in me. I do it throughout my day with people I interact with and I do it like this, a bit more formally. It delights me to do this and I hope you enjoy the offering.
The last line is underlined: "of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built." I've written all my life, but I haven't stuck with it until recently. Periodically, it has been a fantasy, and now it is a reality--but even more, is a commitment, and a joyous one. There is no substitute for persistence. First having a powerful one, then holding on to that powerful vision is of key importance to success. No matter what anyone else says, including relatives and friends. Remain true and it will come to pass.
This I also know. The more powerful your vision, the more you will remain true to it. Start firmly and confidently by completely ignoring 'how' you will do it, and just focus on 'what' you want in the greatest detail possible. The more clear the what, the faster the when. Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals. Delight in your power to choose. More important, delight in your creative abilities. You have powerful creative talent at your disposal.
Choose an awesome day!
Spread some joy today--smile!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Daily Inspiration 10-3-09
"There is no physician like cheerful thought for dissipating the ills of the body; there is no comforter to compare with goodwill for dispersing the shadows of grief and sorrow.
To live continually in thoughts of ill will, cynicism, suspicion, and envy, is to be confined in a self-made prison hole.
But to think well of all, to be cheerful with all, to patiently learn to find the good in all--such unselfish thoughts are the very portals of heaven, and to dwell day by day in thoughts of peace toward every creature will bring abounding peace to their possessor."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh
Perhaps you know someone who always seems to have something going wrong with their body. They have this symptom and that disease and take several types of pills to keep things in control. They complain of feeling tired, sore, worn out, overworked, stressed, and persecuted. And, I will bet that you rarely hear a cheerful word from them.
They love the drama, the excuse that the "reality" of illness (because a "doctor" prescribed something, or acknowledged a name for their condition). It makes it legitimate to complain because they have diagnosed symptoms, perhaps with statements like it is hereditary. That takes the blame clearly away they think, but it is a self-made prison. Almost anyone who is really watching and listening can see that.
Now, think about someone who is almost always cheerful, upbeat, complimentary, excited, enthusiastic, or generally grateful and happy. They complain about little or nothing and their health shows it with a glow that is unmistakable.
Is the difference genetics? It is a choice of thought. I know it extremely well because I changed mine and it changed me.
In today's world, there are so many things each and every day that could get you down if you would let it and many do. Those same things can also give one a grateful attitude, a cheerful disposition, or even joy. The things did not change, but only the thoughts about the things. As human beings, we have absolute control over but one thing: thought.
I underlined one sentence in the quote above: "to patiently learn to find the good in all. . ." because it is a powerful tool to lead one toward being cheerful and happy. It isn't easy necessarily, but it is very doable. I now strive to be thankful for and find the good in every person, situation and thing. I can assure you that some are a serious challenge to my commitment, and some take longer, but I am getting there step by step. It takes practice. You don't just wake up one morning and find yourself there. You decide to be there and accept the challenges with the easy. The good news is more are easy and less is challenges as time goes forward!
Bob Proctor taught me a good way to help this along. He said, "React? Respond!" If you allow yourself to react to people, things, and events, you will be challenged often. If you respond instead, you have control. When I was a kid, my mom used to tell me to count to 10. Some take more than 10, but that strategy works too.
All in all, the best way is to spread joy yourself. It catches people off guard and is a powerful strategy for you as well. It is delightfully contagious!
Have an awesome World Rocking day!
Spread some joy today--smile!
To live continually in thoughts of ill will, cynicism, suspicion, and envy, is to be confined in a self-made prison hole.
But to think well of all, to be cheerful with all, to patiently learn to find the good in all--such unselfish thoughts are the very portals of heaven, and to dwell day by day in thoughts of peace toward every creature will bring abounding peace to their possessor."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh
Perhaps you know someone who always seems to have something going wrong with their body. They have this symptom and that disease and take several types of pills to keep things in control. They complain of feeling tired, sore, worn out, overworked, stressed, and persecuted. And, I will bet that you rarely hear a cheerful word from them.
They love the drama, the excuse that the "reality" of illness (because a "doctor" prescribed something, or acknowledged a name for their condition). It makes it legitimate to complain because they have diagnosed symptoms, perhaps with statements like it is hereditary. That takes the blame clearly away they think, but it is a self-made prison. Almost anyone who is really watching and listening can see that.
Now, think about someone who is almost always cheerful, upbeat, complimentary, excited, enthusiastic, or generally grateful and happy. They complain about little or nothing and their health shows it with a glow that is unmistakable.
Is the difference genetics? It is a choice of thought. I know it extremely well because I changed mine and it changed me.
In today's world, there are so many things each and every day that could get you down if you would let it and many do. Those same things can also give one a grateful attitude, a cheerful disposition, or even joy. The things did not change, but only the thoughts about the things. As human beings, we have absolute control over but one thing: thought.
I underlined one sentence in the quote above: "to patiently learn to find the good in all. . ." because it is a powerful tool to lead one toward being cheerful and happy. It isn't easy necessarily, but it is very doable. I now strive to be thankful for and find the good in every person, situation and thing. I can assure you that some are a serious challenge to my commitment, and some take longer, but I am getting there step by step. It takes practice. You don't just wake up one morning and find yourself there. You decide to be there and accept the challenges with the easy. The good news is more are easy and less is challenges as time goes forward!
Bob Proctor taught me a good way to help this along. He said, "React? Respond!" If you allow yourself to react to people, things, and events, you will be challenged often. If you respond instead, you have control. When I was a kid, my mom used to tell me to count to 10. Some take more than 10, but that strategy works too.
All in all, the best way is to spread joy yourself. It catches people off guard and is a powerful strategy for you as well. It is delightfully contagious!
Have an awesome World Rocking day!
Spread some joy today--smile!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Daily Inspirations 10-2-09
"Man is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature of outside conditions,
but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and that he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being out of which circumstances grow;
he then becomes the rightful master of himself."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
The powerful messages of this book continue to excite me. As I was on a walk a few days ago, I recalled something my ex-wife said to me many years ago. She said, "If you ever truly start believing in yourself, there will be no stopping you." I never forgot that moment. You see, I thought I believed in myself then, but it was obvious to her that I was just putting on a show, yet she could see enough to see that the power was there waiting for direction and focus. That was 30 years ago. . .
The time has finally come all this time later and even though I took my time, I am so grateful for that remark. To me it was huge encouragement and I have remembered it many times through the years--not ignoring it, but thinking about it.
The truth is that I didn't really know what believing in myself really meant. Hell, I taught it every day as a sales manager and I was going through the motions, but it took until a little over two years ago to finally cross the threshold and go for it. Though I am learning more every day, I think I really get it now and in that, I can be a more effective teacher as well.
"Man is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature of outside conditions. . ." I sigh a relief of having passed this on to understanding so clearly now that I wonder how I believed the old way. I look around and see so many who complain of circumstances which are controlling their lives and I see myself. It was always something, you know. Always somebody in the way, somebody's attitude, the boss, the weather, the stock market, the interest rates, gas prices, strikes, whatever. No more.
". . . BUT! WHEN HE REALIZES THAT HE IS A CREATIVE POWER, and that he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being out of which circumstances grow. . ." So here's the line that does it. Get a strong understanding of this line and you too will believe in yourself. You have such awesome power to control and create circumstance.
The good news about that is that you can choose what to create! You have control! You have the power! I guarantee that understanding will rock your world! You will make decisions that you have never had the courage to do before. You will open the floodgates of your creative thinking and the world will never be the same. Does one person have power? How about Abe Lincoln? Theodore Roosevelt? Bill Gates? Andrew Carnegie? Absolutely they have the power and you have the same exact power. They just believed.
". . . he then becomes the rightful master of himself." Amen and amen. I wish that for you--even if it takes you 30 years. . .
You are an awesome creation. Go rock the world! TODAY!
Have an awesome World Rocking day!
Spread some joy today--smile!
but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and that he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being out of which circumstances grow;
he then becomes the rightful master of himself."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
The powerful messages of this book continue to excite me. As I was on a walk a few days ago, I recalled something my ex-wife said to me many years ago. She said, "If you ever truly start believing in yourself, there will be no stopping you." I never forgot that moment. You see, I thought I believed in myself then, but it was obvious to her that I was just putting on a show, yet she could see enough to see that the power was there waiting for direction and focus. That was 30 years ago. . .
The time has finally come all this time later and even though I took my time, I am so grateful for that remark. To me it was huge encouragement and I have remembered it many times through the years--not ignoring it, but thinking about it.
The truth is that I didn't really know what believing in myself really meant. Hell, I taught it every day as a sales manager and I was going through the motions, but it took until a little over two years ago to finally cross the threshold and go for it. Though I am learning more every day, I think I really get it now and in that, I can be a more effective teacher as well.
"Man is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature of outside conditions. . ." I sigh a relief of having passed this on to understanding so clearly now that I wonder how I believed the old way. I look around and see so many who complain of circumstances which are controlling their lives and I see myself. It was always something, you know. Always somebody in the way, somebody's attitude, the boss, the weather, the stock market, the interest rates, gas prices, strikes, whatever. No more.
". . . BUT! WHEN HE REALIZES THAT HE IS A CREATIVE POWER, and that he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being out of which circumstances grow. . ." So here's the line that does it. Get a strong understanding of this line and you too will believe in yourself. You have such awesome power to control and create circumstance.
The good news about that is that you can choose what to create! You have control! You have the power! I guarantee that understanding will rock your world! You will make decisions that you have never had the courage to do before. You will open the floodgates of your creative thinking and the world will never be the same. Does one person have power? How about Abe Lincoln? Theodore Roosevelt? Bill Gates? Andrew Carnegie? Absolutely they have the power and you have the same exact power. They just believed.
". . . he then becomes the rightful master of himself." Amen and amen. I wish that for you--even if it takes you 30 years. . .
You are an awesome creation. Go rock the world! TODAY!
Have an awesome World Rocking day!
Spread some joy today--smile!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Daily Inspiration 10-1-09
"A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life.
And he adapts his mind to the regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts;
ceases to kick against circumstances, but begins to use them as aids to his more rapid progress, and as a means of discovering the hidden powers and possibilities within himself."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
To me, this is one of the most powerful short paragraphs in As A Man Thinketh. I have known a serious number of complainers. Heck, I was party chairman at one time and always on the hunt for new party members. Complainers need each other, for without each other, all they have are hope, joy, achievement, satisfaction and some of those other things that the rich who get richer have.
It slowly evolved in me in becoming responsible for my own thoughts and life. I can't put a point on when exactly it happened. I think it has come mainly from listening to wise people on audio programs like Jim Rohn, Bob Proctor, The Secret, Earl Nightingale, and many others and in reading books like Pulling Your Own Strings, As A Man Thinketh, Think and Grow Rich, Awaken the Giant Within, Psycho-Cybernetics, and a few hundred others. (You can do it reading only one book by studying it thoroughly: As A Man Thinketh.)
This I do know: it was worth every second of every day moving toward accepting responsibility for myself instead of delegating it to other people and events. I had the power, and just needed to realize it and use it. So do you.
If you were anything like I described myself, try using an affirmation I got from Bob Proctor: "I am responsible for my life, for my feelings and for every result I get." Say that aloud about 10 times a day for 30 days and you will be on your way.
I broke the quote above from James Allen into three sections. First, stop complaining. Second, stop blaming others or circumstances for your situation by thinking better thoughts. Third, stop fighting against things and learn to take a lemon and make lemonade. Use what comes to your advantage. Discover your hidden powers.
Have an awesome day!
Spread some joy today--smile!
And he adapts his mind to the regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts;
ceases to kick against circumstances, but begins to use them as aids to his more rapid progress, and as a means of discovering the hidden powers and possibilities within himself."
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh**
To me, this is one of the most powerful short paragraphs in As A Man Thinketh. I have known a serious number of complainers. Heck, I was party chairman at one time and always on the hunt for new party members. Complainers need each other, for without each other, all they have are hope, joy, achievement, satisfaction and some of those other things that the rich who get richer have.
It slowly evolved in me in becoming responsible for my own thoughts and life. I can't put a point on when exactly it happened. I think it has come mainly from listening to wise people on audio programs like Jim Rohn, Bob Proctor, The Secret, Earl Nightingale, and many others and in reading books like Pulling Your Own Strings, As A Man Thinketh, Think and Grow Rich, Awaken the Giant Within, Psycho-Cybernetics, and a few hundred others. (You can do it reading only one book by studying it thoroughly: As A Man Thinketh.)
This I do know: it was worth every second of every day moving toward accepting responsibility for myself instead of delegating it to other people and events. I had the power, and just needed to realize it and use it. So do you.
If you were anything like I described myself, try using an affirmation I got from Bob Proctor: "I am responsible for my life, for my feelings and for every result I get." Say that aloud about 10 times a day for 30 days and you will be on your way.
I broke the quote above from James Allen into three sections. First, stop complaining. Second, stop blaming others or circumstances for your situation by thinking better thoughts. Third, stop fighting against things and learn to take a lemon and make lemonade. Use what comes to your advantage. Discover your hidden powers.
Have an awesome day!
Spread some joy today--smile!
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