by Steven Pace

I have completed my goal for 2007!

2007-12-31T14:32:00.001-04:00

I made it! Today is my 365th blog and I have completed my goal for 2007. I am ecstatic about following through and completing what I set out to do. It has changed my life in many ways. I met my beautiful fiancée, became a part of a wonderful family, have the material to develop multiple personal development books, and I have developed the discipline to become an author. All of this in the course of one short year! I would say that is quite an accomplishment. In 2008, I am determined to write my first personal development book, write a thriller, and submit both books to a publisher. In addition to that, I am getting married. It will be a banner year! It is amazing how much you can get done in the course of a year if you break it up into individual daily goals. I have discovered how valuable discipline and dedication are to achieving your goals.

For me, I have always had a lofty vision for my life. I have dreamed of being a high achiever and of traveling all over the world. Well, I have finally met someone who shares my love of travel and adventure. We both love to have fun and we are very active. I have learned that while I want to have a lot of money, my goals have changed. I am no longer interested in acquiring many things, but rather being able to go places so that I can spend time experiencing other cultures. By moving to Washington, D.C from Texas, I have expanded my exposure to many cultures and experiences. My life is completely different than it was and it has not required huge changes. It has required that I follow my heart and my passions, and that I am true to myself. I have learned that gratitude is a gift and that the more that I am grateful for each day and all that it brings me, the better I feel about life. I have discovered that the more I enjoy the little things, the more I enjoy everything. Life is all about the attitude that you bring with you. It is a state of mind and you are in control of your experience. You may not be able to control all of the activities, but you can control your reactions to those activities. Your attitude about life will determine how you react and what you react too. When you are upset, you have a different way of looking at people’s actions than you do when you are happy. You tend to notice more of the negative when you are in a negative frame of mind. Like attracts like…so monitor your frame of mind. You have control over your state of mind. You can feel good or happy at any moment by simply doing so. It is under your control.

This is your life and you are the only one who can control what you experience. Since you have free will, you have the choice to live it to its fullest, or completely blow it off. That is your decision and you will have no one to blame but yourself if you choose the latter option. Too many people wait until life is almost over before they realize that it is meant to be lived. We bog ourselves down with unimportant things. All that really matters is happiness and making the most out of each moment that we have. Each day, you should be grateful that you are alive and focus on making today the best day it can be. The more you do that, the better you will feel about the day and you will seek to find more experiences that you want to do and you will live them. There is a movie that is coming out soon called, “The Bucket List.” It is about a couple of guys who find out they are going to die soon and they make a list of all of the things they must do before they die. I have a list like that now and I am not planning to die for a long time. You do not have to wait until your last days to start doing the things you want to do. In fact, it is better not to. On your deathbed, you should be able to meet death with peace because you have done everything that you want to do. Certainly, there will be people you will miss and that will miss you. However, you should be at peace with yourself because you have no regrets and you lived. Your legacy should not be the possessions you left behind; it should be the stories of the lives that you touched. The best way to help the world is to help yourself. Enjoy your life to its fullest and give back by sharing your life with others. Help make their life a little better because you were in it. That is the best legacy that you can leave. Live and love your life. It is the one thing that you have that you can control.

The Perfect Season

2007-12-30T15:32:00.000-04:00

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack in everything,
That's how the light gets in.
- Leonard Cohen

I watched the New England Patriots finish a “perfect” season last night after they defeated the New York Giants in a very good game. The word perfection was discussed all of yesterday in the sporting world. I think there is a danger in labeling teams or people as perfect. As Harriet Braiker said, “Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing.” Excellence is a great standard. It is the striving for perfection that is noble. Being perfect would be a drag. Goethe said, “Certain flaws are necessary for the whole. It would seem strange if old friends lacked certain quirks.” There is nothing wrong with striving for perfection…it is a wonderful goal. However, often people become obsessed with being perfect and, frankly, it takes the fun out of everything. George Fisher said it best when he said, “When you aim for perfection, you discover it's a moving target.” What is considered perfect now will not be considered perfect in the future. It is a moving target. That does not mean you should not strive for it, it just means that it is not the end of the world if you do not achieve it. We need people to always strive for that impossible goal. We need people to constantly push the envelope. We are all moving targets that are each striving for our own goals and dreams. I like what Antonio Porchia said, “Nothing that is complete breathes.”

John Henry Newman said, “A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault.” If we all wait until we are perfect before we do something, then nothing would ever get done. How will you ever obtain perfection if you never take a chance and try? The real problem with labeling something as perfect is that it is not an objective standard…it is totally subjective. For example, in football, they are calling the perfect season one with no losses. That seems objective, but does that mean that they are the best team? Maybe it does. Maybe their schedule was lighter than some. It is a matter of odds, skill and luck. Granted, the Patriots played very well all season and it could be called Excellent. They got out there and executed their strategy and skills as well as they could and ended up victorious. Well, whatever you call it, you just have to allow some room for error. Confucius said, “Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.” We all have flaws and that is good in a way. Can you imagine how dull life would be if it was all smooth? Sometimes we wish it was smoother, but we all need a little bit of variance in the mix. It is because we have opposing human needs. We have the need for certainty and we also have the need for uncertainty. This is one of the paradoxes of life. That is why perfection is not really a necessary goal. We have the need to take a little risk in our life. If we didn’t we would never be able to move. Risk requires us to improve our skills and trust that everything will be ok. That means that there is always a level of uncertainty.

It is the idea of perfection that we most want to believe in. It is the striving for excellence that makes us constantly achieve more. We need that “strive” more than we need the end result. Results will always change because our expectations will always change. The higher you get, the higher you think you can get. We are goal driven and will never settle for what has been. There is no such thing as impossible…just not accomplished yet. Look at the works of Nicola Tesla and Albert Einstein. Today’s scientists are making their theories real applications. It was Carl Schurz who said, “Ideas are like stars; you will not succeed in touching them with your hands. But like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them you will reach your destiny.” Perfection is a grand idea and one that we should strive for…but the real accomplishment comes from living the experience and enjoying the moment.

Three - it's a magic number

2007-12-29T15:45:00.001-04:00

What is it about the number three that seems so natural? Three has been a powerful number since the beginning of time. We relate three to the triad…a symbol of strength. B We relate three to the holy trinity and to the triune nature of ourselves (body, mind and spirit). We relate time into three categories, the past, present and future. It is a part of our life an always will be. It is funny how complicated we make things when they can all be boiled down to the most basic elements. We are all connected in these basic elements. I have three on the brain today because I am down to my last three blogs for 2007. When I took on this task of writing, I had no idea of how daunting a task it would be and yet how rewarding it has been. It has taught me that the way to handle a huge task is to break it down into manageable, much smaller goals. My goal was to write a book and now I have enough material to form several books. It has gotten me into the habit of writing and has inspired not only personal development books, but thrillers as well. I have a creative brain that works better on some days than others. I have stepped back into a creative role and have brought writing and music back into my life. I have become a part of a wonderful family and my goals and convictions in life have become strong and focused. I have discovered who I am and where I am going. I am on my path and things are going great. I have found something to believe in again and it has renewed my faith in me and in life. I have found a reason to always smile and to just be me. I am happy because I choose to be. I like what Jim Valvano said, “To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week; you're going to have something special.” That is great advice and I am following it.

Tom Bodett said, “They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.” I believe this to be true. Love, meaning and purpose are three things that we cannot live without. Sometimes we may think we can do without these things, but eventually, we find that we cannot. We are here to experience life and to communicate with our soul so that we connect with the oneness of the universe. It is difficult to get your mind, body and spirit on the same path, but it is essential if you want to discover the true meaning of existence. Your soul is that all-knowing connection to the universe. It is the reason we are here. Our body and mind is the mechanism for us to experience things. For we may know things without experiencing them, but we do not really know until we actually experience them. Just as you can watch a movie or read a book and feel as if you understand something. Until you physically experience that something, it is only a theory. Too often in life, we think we know what is happening because we are aware of it, but it is through actual experience that we really know something. Connecting that knowing by connecting our soul, body and mind is what true experience is all about. In that way, all of us are alike. We each have the three parts and each of us is trying to connect them in some way. Each of us has our own journey and our own will to make it happen. We each have choices which will determine our experiences. Our life is the sum of those experiences. Too often, we let it slip away without really doing what we want to do. We have the belief that we cannot accomplish something, or we have developed rules that prevent us from experiencing something that we want to. You only have one opportunity as the person you are now to experience this lifetime. Do not squander time, for as Benjamin Franklin once said, “it is the stuff that life is made of.” Three is a significant number with much symbolism associated with it. When it comes to time, however, there is only one portion of it to concern yourself with…and that is the present. Live your life in the now and enjoy every moment you have. Life is a blast if you don’t take it too seriously. Live it to its fullest and never regret letting a moment slip by.

My challenge to you

2007-12-28T15:44:00.001-04:00

Today I challenge you to believe in something bigger than yourself, but coming from yourself. I challenge you to believe in a better you…the person you dream of becoming. Rather than looking at the world and dreaming of what it could be, imagine that you have already achieved what you want and you are the person you have always wanted to be. How would it look? How would it feel? Imagine yourself already possessing those qualities and that status. Now, do that for all of 2008! Keep that persona going. Believe that you are that person and act accordingly. Make decisions from that frame of mind. Live as if you were that person and believe with all of your heart that it is so. I am out to prove that the Law of Attraction works and I am recruiting all volunteers who want to experiment too! The old adage, “Act as if,” really does work. Just as a performer loses themselves in their role and take on the traits of their character, we will do the same. If we are to be brave, then we will be brave. If we are to be rich, then we think from a rich person’s frame of mind. When we dream of riches, but are always worried about our finances, then we are not rich. We are thinking from a place of lack instead of prosperity. In order to, “act as if,” you actually must become the other person. It takes focus and dedication, but as you “act” it, you will become it.

How would it feel to be everything you want to be? How would it feel to have everything you have ever wanted? I am sure the answer would be, “It would feel GREAT!” The funny thing is that what we are really after is the feeling and not the stuff. That feeling is what we crave. We associate having that feeling with the stuff and that is where our err lies. The truth is that you do not want to be rich because you want the money. You want the money because you have associated power, status, security or some other thing that makes you feel good. It is the feeling that you are after. The even funnier part of the equation is that you can feel like that at anytime. The reason we like to dream and daydream so much is that we feel like it is real. We can imagine ourselves in any situation. Our subconscious mind does not know the difference between real and imagined. Our subconscious communicates with the universe and aligns our thoughts and vibrations with like vibrations. This is what triggers the Law of Attraction into being. We get what we focus on. If we only see the limits of what our eyes can see, then we miss what is all around us. We think that we take everything in, but we have filters that block out what we do not want to see. Once we expose our mind to what we want to see, amazingly it appears. We have this experience when we activate our reticular activation system. You know this from when you buy a new car and suddenly notice how many of the same cars are now on the freeway. You start seeing things that were always there, but you did not pay any attention to them because they really did not mean anything to you. Once you attach meaning to an object or item, you associate it in your brain and you have a reason to notice it. Now, think of all of the things that you have not really thought about in your life. You have not noticed all that was around you. It would boggle your mind at what is right under your nose, but you were unaware.

Right now, you have the power to feel great. You can choose to focus on feeling wonderful and it will be so. We have gotten so good at holding onto our ailments. We have held onto the limitations that we imposed on ourselves at some point in our life. We believed the nonsense that put ceilings on how high we could climb. We scared ourselves into not trying because we did not want to fail. All the while, we secretly dreamed that we were stronger, smarter, and much more daring. You know, we can be whatever we want to be. Dare to dream! Dare to live your life without limitations. Believe that you have that power now and act it out until it is real! The time is now! You have to act if you want anything to happen. My experiment for myself is to be the man I have always pictured myself to be. I am starting today and making 2008 my own case study. I believe with all of my heart that I am that man. I believe with all of my heart that I can achieve all that I have ever wanted. Now is my time to prove to myself that all I believe is real and can happen in the blink of an eye. It all comes down to a decision. I believe in myself and I believe in the Law of Attraction. It is time to see what I have stopped myself from seeing. It is time to be the man I have stopped myself from being. The time is now! Who is with me?

Life gets better when you get better

2007-12-27T10:13:00.001-04:00

James Allen said, "Let there be nothing within thee that is not very beautiful and very gentle, and there will be nothing without thee that is not beautiful and softened by the spell of thy presence." There is something very sacred about these words. Over the years I have learned the very opposite. I have learned to be greedy. I have learned to push instead of pull. I have learned to manipulate others so that I can get my way. I see the same in others all around me. What I realize now is that I am merely projecting myself into the world and I am seeing a reflection of me. That is a sobering moment when you realize that it is not the world that is sick…it is you. I have anger inside me…so I see anger in others. I have worry in me, so I find things to worry about. I also have love and compassion in me, so I get mixed feelings much of the time. However, what I have learned…especially this year is that as I get better…the world gets better. Meaning this…as I dissipate my anger and focus more on love…I will see less anger in the world and I will start to see more love. When I stop being mad at the world for what I don’t have and start being grateful for what I do have…then life gets better. As Benjamin Disraeli said, "Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think." Therefore, it is in my power to live the life I want to in the world the way that I perceive it. You can immediately change your life if you understand that concept.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox said, "The truest greatness lies in being kind, the truest wisdom in a happy mind." The old adage about the nice guy finishing last is wrong. What do you win by being greedy? All of these things we idolize are really no different than what we are now. The reason we place things on pedestals is because we do not believe in ourselves. Once you begin to believe in yourself and you are really honest with yourself…you begin to tap into a power that is very strong. You begin to see that nothing has power over you. You begin to believe that the best things in life are free. Last night, my fiancée, the boys and I played a board game for hours and had the time of our lives. It didn’t cost anything but some time together. I consider that a blessing! I have learned that I have to give of myself and open up to let people in. I never realized how much I blocked people out of my life until I started letting them in. I have missed a lot of wonderful experiences by being a loner and not allowing people into my life. That was a mistake…but it does not have to be my story. For I am the author of my life and I can change the direction at any time. I was sick, but I realized it and found the cure. The cure is love and belief. I like what Earl Nightingale said, "Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored."

Quality of life comes from diving in and swimming in the river the life. The ebb and flow of the river will bring all kinds of adventures. It is up to you to let life envelope you in its warm embrace. Much of the trouble we experience comes from our own resistance. Life is a trip. It is being written every moment and you get what you focus on. So start by learning who you are and get in touch with that inner you who has been trying to guide you all through life. It is a wise teacher in the fact that it stays out of your way until you are through trying to do it your own way and you are ready to listen. You are a body, a mind, and a soul. All three have different agendas and serve you separately. Life is about getting those three entities to fly in unison. It is in the synchronicity process that causes the waves. It is an interesting lesson that changes as you think you have it down. The master continuously studies and practices for a lifetime. You keep getting better and the better you get, the more you know there is to learn. Be patient and be grateful for you are on your own path. Life will get better when you get better. Think beautiful and kind thoughts and be your own person. I am starting today with this as my focus. I am getting better!

2007 - a reflection

2007-12-26T15:16:00.001-04:00

Looking back over the past year, I have to notice that remarkable events took place. I knew at the end of last year that 2007 would be something special. I decided at the end of last year to write a blog each day so that I could focus on Personal Development and get a little closer to being able to write a book. I knew that focus was a powerful thing, but I had no idea what was in store for me. I met the woman of my dreams, I got engaged, I am a part of a family, I lost a job and gained one, I discovered new talents and have renewed an old one, and I have enough material now to develop into my first book. Wow! What a year! From a simple idea and an enormous amount of action (broken into many small parts), I am well on my way to living the life I have always dreamed of. But something bigger than that happened to me as well. I have learned what “being” really means. I understand the difference between dreaming and a focused vision. I understand the significance of taking action towards your goal on a daily basis. Each step led me a little closer. As I reflect, I see that I have made huge steps and my life is completely different than it was a year ago. By taking smaller steps, big goals aren’t immediately noticeable. We think that bigger actions are necessary. If we consistently made big steps, we would reach the goal sooner, but by taking little steps, we will reach the goal just the same.

Armed with that knowledge, I will make 2008 even bigger than 2007. The key will be that I no longer am trying to prove it to myself…I know for sure that it works. My new task is to be the person I see myself ultimately as. I have been watching my mind movie consistently and a funny thing has happened….I believe it! I believe in me. I know that I am the creator of my life and that my thoughts, words and actions are the key determinants of where I end up. I know that my attitude will determine my quality of life. I know that by giving more of myself and by being grateful for everything in my life, that I will live a much more enriching and satisfied life. I am happy and I choose to be happy. I am in control and every time I forget that…life teaches me a lesson to show me how wrong I am to give up that control to anyone or anything. It is not my fiancée’s responsibility for my happiness. It is not the economy or the weather’s responsibility for me being happy. The responsibility lies specifically with me. For that reason, I must never lie to myself about anything. “To thine own self be true” is really the most important lesson you can ever learn because you are the center of your own world. You have to look out for yourself and you must love yourself. If you do not, you can never give of yourself completely. Giving is how we receive and you must do both to complete the circle. Life is a fascinating, highly complex compilation of trillions of interactions. However, our jobs are not to run everything…thank goodness that is provided! Our job is to be who we are meant to be and to experience this wonderful life each and every day. Love each day and keep your control. I hope your year was as successful as mine. I am looking forward to an even better 2008!

Challenges are what makes life interesting

2007-12-25T17:29:00.001-04:00

This has been a wonderful day full of firsts and I am exhilarated with the way my life is heading. Today I was fortunate enough to see the excitement of a child receiving a gift. I saw my own childlike qualities come to life when I was putting the batteries in a robotic dinosaur. I was as excited for the dinosaur to get going as the child was. This is a major step in my life. Christmas is a wonderful day and I hope that everyone was as fortunate as I was. It makes my topic seem a little off-the-cuff because I am choosing to write about challenges. However, I accepted a challenge today that is fun and difficult. There is a song that I have wanted to play on my guitar for a long time….and for whatever reason, I never have learned it. Well today, I decided that I will learn this song no matter how long it takes. It is called, “The Clap,” by Steve Howe. I am working on it today and have already gotten a few of the parts. It is a very fun and challenging song and it is my newest challenge. I like what Joshua Marine said, “Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” It does make life meaningful. It may be as simple as learning a song…but after I master it, it will raise my skills to a new level and I will accept more difficult challenges. There are always patterns in life and they are all the result of our choices. As George S. Patton said, “Accept challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.” Anything unattempted remains impossible….so get out there and try something new. Accept a challenge that you have been putting off so you can finally put it behind you. Amelia Earhart said, “Adventure is worthwhile.” It is what adds the variety that makes our spice of life.

There is a Chinese proverb that says, “Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.” Growing is an inevitable part of life. We live and we learn. That is the way it is and the way it is supposed to be. You can fight it, but why? What is good about staying the same? You know Billy Joel sang that “the good ole days weren’t always good and tomorrow ain’t as bad as it seems.” Generally it is our own stubbornness and unwillingness that keeps us from having any fun. We are embarrassed, so we don’t dance and we never figure out why we don’t get the prize. Well, silly….only the dancers get the prize. You can watch others having fun…or you can have your own fun. You know, those that are too busy living their own life rarely have time to complain about others! It is like what Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “As long as a man stands in his own way, everything seems to be in his way.” You will see the obstacles if that is what you look for. Did you know that you can cause your own accidents to happen by focusing on trying to avoid them? You are focusing on the problem. You have to focus on your life the way you want it to be…not the way it is. You are here from all of your past thinking. You will be where you want to be by what you think about now. Who cares if you have it hard? William Ellery Channing said, “Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.” We need the conflict to hone our skills and make us stronger! We are in control and we get to choose! I love what Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Blaze your own path of glory by facing a new challenge and building up your arsenal of options in your life. My Christmas wish for you is to find your passion and seek it out. Don’t worry about the challenges…find the strength within to overcome whatever challenge you face. Life is your gift; Live it well!

Twas the Night before Christmas

2007-12-24T12:11:00.001-04:00

Christmas is only a day away. I am 41 years old and I still get excited about Christmas. I love all of the little deserts and treats that only come out at this time of year. I love all of the silly decorations and television shows. It is a fun time of year. One of my very favorite parts of Christmas is the traditional songs, poems and stories (like “A Christmas Carol.”) Since today is Christmas Eve, I have included Clement Clarke Moore’s classic Christmas poem, “Twas the Night before Christmas.” Enjoy!

Twas the Night before Christmas (by Clement Clarke Moore)

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Feel the Spirit of Christmas!

2007-12-23T19:31:00.000-04:00

Someone once said, “Until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. All else is outward display - so much tinsel and decorations. For it isn't the holly, it isn't the snow. It isn't the tree not the firelight's glow. It's the warmth that comes to the hearts of men when the Christmas spirit returns again.” I like that. It is so true. The holiday is not all about presents, but rather the giving of love and joy. Presents have been a symbol of love, but they have also become an expectation rather than a cherished expression of giving. Life is not about getting all of the gifts that we can. That reminds me of the old bumper sticker that says, “He who dies with the most stuff wins.” That was a humorous bumper sticker, but it should not really be a mantra for a human being. Unfortunately, our society cherishes the almighty dollar even over human life. Learn to give love and joy instead. Expect nothing and be grateful for everything. Then life becomes so nice. There is nothing wrong earning money and having nice things. It is our obsession with having everything at the expense of others. Why do you think the world’s resources are depleting at such a high rate? Why is global warming an issue? It is all because of greed and instant gratification. If we treated each other better and did not waste, there would be plenty for everyone. There needs to be more love in the world and we all need to be grateful that we are here to experience life. Be happy with the way things are. There is a much greater plan than what we see. Have faith and believe. It is like what William Shakespeare said, “At Christmas I no more desire a rose, than wish a snow in May's new-fangled shows; but like of each thing that in season grows.” Things happen in their time. Let them and enjoy your time. I will leave you with some holiday cheer with one of my favorite Christmas songs, “White Christmas.”

White Christmas (by Bing Crosby)

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I wish you and yours an incredible holiday season!

This Is My Prayer for You

2007-12-22T22:37:00.000-04:00

Sometimes what we need is to just stop thinking and allow ourselves the time to get rid of all of the noise and surrender into a peaceful evening. We are constantly bombarded by competing and often conflicting messages that are all trying to grab our attention. That constant search for peace is always present. That hope for peace and goodwill towards man is something that never goes away. There are days when we seek the craziness and need the stimulation, but there are also days when we need a rest. It has been said that there is a time for everything…and I imagine that is true. But my fear is that we waste a lot of time searching for something to fill it with rather than truly living the way we want to. The television, the internet and the papers are filled with activities and stories to try to entertain us. But what are we here for? Is it just to be amused? I think that life has much more in store for us than to entertain us. I believe that we are here to experience all that life has to offer and to connect with our soul. There is something out there or in there that is greater than we give it credit for. It is our connection to this resource that will launch us into our true reason for existence. I cannot imagine that we are here to waste what has been given to us. There are some days when I really have to search for the meaning that day offered. However, I am continually amazed how something that happened long ago actually comes in handy later in life. So maybe most of life is just data collection for when we really need it. There is a song by Reba McEntire that is a nice message for the world. It is my hope that it reaches at least one soul who needs it. The song is called, “This Is My Prayer for You.” Read the lyrics.

This Is My Prayer for You (by Reba McEntire)

Peaceful valleys, mountaintops
No dark alleys or sudden stops
This is my prayer
This is my prayer for you

Love is calling, starry skies
Always falling, but not for lies
This is my prayer
This is my prayer for you

May all your sweet dreams go unbroken
May every wish you've ever spoken
Come true
This is my prayer
This is my prayer for you

Celebrations, true blue friends
Revelations and a heart that mends
This is my prayer
This is my prayer for you

May all your sweet dreams go unbroken
May every wish you've ever spoken
Come true
This is my prayer
This is my prayer for you

Arms that welcome, doors opened wide
All your loved ones, gathered by your side
This is my prayer
This is my prayer for you

May all your days be filled with laughter
May all your prayers be quickly answered
This is my prayer
This is my prayer for you

My prayer to you is that you have a wonderful holiday and that 2008 goes great for you. Life has so much to offer to the people who show up and live it! Enjoy your holidays!

Living In Fast Forward

2007-12-21T22:11:00.001-04:00

Thomas S. Szasz said, “People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something one finds, it is something one creates.” We are each responsible for creating who we are. Life is all about creation and we are always in the creative mode. As I get older, I realize how my decisions have affected me over the years. I feel like what Kenny Chesney described about himself in the song, “Living in Fast Forward.” Read the lyrics.

Living In Fast Forward (by Kenny Chesney)

The body's a temple, that's what we're told
I've treated this one like an old honky-tonk
Greasy cheeseburgers and cheap cigarettes
One day they'll get me if they ain't got me yet

'Cause I'm living in fast forward
A hillbilly rock star out of control
I'm living in fast forward
Now I need to rewind real slow

My friends all grew up, they settled down
Built nice little houses on the outskirts of town
They work in their office, drive SUVs
They pray for their babies and they worry 'bout me

'Cause I'm living in fast forward
A hillbilly rock star out of control
I'm living in fast forward
Now I need to rewind real slow

I'm always runnin'
Son of a gunnin'
I've had a good time it's true
But the way I've been goin'
It's time that I toned it
Down just a notch or two

Oh yeah...

Well I'm living in fast forward
A hillbilly rock star out of control
I'm living in fast forward
Now I need to rewind real slow

Well I'm living in fast forward
A hillbilly rock star out of control
I'm living in fast forward
Now I need to rewind real slow

Yeah I need to rewind real slow
Yeah I still got some miles to go

I realize that I still have a lot of miles to go and I have not taken that good of care of myself. I have to start now so that I can make it through the miles in style! It is like what Grace Mirabella said, “The name of the game is taking care of yourself, because you're going to live long enough to wish you had.” I am starting to understand these statements. I am slowing down and starting to become smarter about my decision making. I am facing things head on, but I am watching my tongue and trying to be much smarter about my moves with a next step actually in mind. Shooting from the hip was fun, but it is passé. It is time to listen to what Benjamin Franklin said, “Deny Self for Self's sake.” Sometimes, that really is great advice. We often think of the moment rather than the big picture. We give into that instant gratification and live to pay for it. I still give into my impulse buys, but I am reducing my desire to fulfill my needs right this second. It is time to slow down and take better care of ourselves...physically, mentally and spiritually. Renew yourself and live your life the way you want to.

Enrich others

2007-12-20T20:14:00.001-04:00

Andrew Carnegie said, “No man can become rich without himself enriching others.” That is one of the best quotes I have ever read. As children, we come into the world as self absorbed beings who only think about ourselves. That is the way it is supposed to be. We are young and survival is our first instinct and gathering data is our second. We learn how to function and how to provide for our self. Then we feel self sufficient. But there comes a point in every person’s life when they want to give back. They want to know that their life has meaning and they were not here to merely consume and take up space. They want to leave their mark on the world. They want to help someone or create life or do something to show that they were here. The best way to do that is to help others. Live on in the memories and the hearts of the people you helped. Enrich the world with the gift of love and share your soul with the people who thirst for that love. Quench that thirst by giving of yourself and your talents. Show the world who you are! Be brave and bold and live life the way it is meant to be lived! B. R. Ambedkar said, “Man is mortal. Everyone has to die some day or the other. But one must resolve to lay down one's life in enriching the noble ideals of self-respect and in bettering one's human life. We are not slaves. Nothing is more disgraceful for a brave man than to live life devoid of self-respect.”

Andrew Carnegie also said, “People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.” It is your responsibility to live your life to the fullest. No one will do it for you. It takes self discipline and self respect….but it also requires that you get up off of your duff and get out there and do something. I guarantee that you can sit and do nothing and life will let you. You have free will…which means that you can choose whatever life you want…you just have to pay the price for whatever you choose. It seems complicated, but it is really quite simple…you get what you focus on…so choose well. If you are always focusing on the wrong things and they keep appearing in your life, stop! Just stop focusing on that and change your mind. We get fixated on stupid stuff…I am guilty of it and so are you. Start looking at what you really want in life and have the guts to go after it. It may not happen over night…but then, what really does? Focus on what you want. Picture it to the nth degree and fixate on that! You will get there if you motivate yourself to move toward that picture. That is a picture worth pursuing! Go for it and live that dream! Enrich others by helping yourself. People are consumed by a person who stakes everything on going after what they want. You can make your mark by living your life full out and being an example to all of those people who want to do the same!

Let Every Day Be Christmas

2007-12-19T21:27:00.000-04:00

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself...
- Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

David Grayson said, “I sometimes think we expect too much of Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and humanity of the whole year. As for me, I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all through the year. And thus I drift along into the holidays - let them overtake me unexpectedly - waking up some find morning and suddenly saying to myself: "Why, this is Christmas Day!"” What if we could make Christmas last all year? It’s the time of the year that we want to get together and eat and talk and we all want to have fun. There is magic in that air and we are all thrilled to be a part of it. People are kinder and for a brief minute, there is cheer all over the world. What if we could expand that feeling to each and every day? As Norman Vincent Peale said, “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” I love this time of year. I feel jolly and happy and can’t wait for a Christmas cookie. Christmas is a feeling in your heart. I like what Roy L. Smith said, “He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” Presents are nice to receive, but it is the joy of Christmas that makes this time of year so special. May you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!

Make this holiday season something to remember!

2007-12-18T17:11:00.000-04:00

Christmas is swiftly approaching. The holiday season and spirit is here and it can be felt across the world. This is the season of joy and merriment and will be felt by all who let themselves enjoy the giving season. As I get older, I get much more joy in giving. It’s funny how when you buy whatever you want for yourself throughout the year, how little you really want a gift. What I enjoy more is seeing the excitement of a child opening a gift. It is rewarding watching the energy and excitement they exhibit over everything. That object or gift becomes their world for a while and it is nice to remember what that felt like. We get way too absorbed into the competitive spirit. We want to win in everything. I love this time of year because it takes me back to when I enjoyed unwrapping those gifts and I couldn’t wait to start playing with my new toys. I like what is happening to me. As I get older, I am more and more amazed at how wonderful the simple things in life are. It doesn’t take much to generate a smile and a warm spirit. Get lost this year in the spirit of giving and make this holiday season something to remember!

Our imagination is a great thing

2007-12-17T21:41:00.000-04:00

The real reason your brain is so large compared to most of the other blessed creatures dwelling in time and space, is so that you can vividly imagine all the exquisite, exciting, and enthralling details of your heart's desires; not so that you can figure out who you need to meet, when you need to meet them, where you need to be, or how you're going to pull it all together.

Your brain's not nearly that big.

But mine is,
The Universe

This is the message I received from the universe a few days ago. I thought it was a nice topic to discuss. Our imagination is a great thing. It gives us the ability to create any concept that we want to. It tunes us into other thoughts and ideas so that we can develop those thoughts into reality. It is not our job to figure out how it will happen….it is our job to focus on what we want. We get what we focus on continuously and with passion. Our minds are powerful transmitters and receivers that communicate with the universe by sending and receiving vibrations. Depending upon our feelings, we vibrate at certain frequencies. The better we feel, the higher the vibration. When people say that you are sending out a vibe, you really are. The Buddha said, "We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.” That old adage, “Be careful what you think because it just might come true,” is right. That doesn’t mean that you have to monitor each thought, but it does mean that you need to watch what you think about constantly. Learn about the law of attraction and you will discover that you are in so much more control of your life than you ever thought you did. Take responsibility for what you focus on and let the universe figure out the rest.

Heads Carolina, Tails California

2007-12-16T15:04:00.001-04:00

Henry David Thoreau said, “If one advances confidently in the direction of one's dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” I love that quote. Over the course of my life I have had many dreams. When I was younger I believed in myself but I was afraid to pursue my biggest dreams. I listened to people who instilled disbelief in me. I was too self conscious to think that I was talented enough to pursue my dream of being a professional musician. So instead of going after what I really wanted, I sabotaged my chances and took the safer path. I did not realize what that decision would lead me through, but I learned many new skills and found a different direction for my life. I learned that I still love music and it is a big part of my life, but I do not have the same desire to be a professional musician. I learned about business and finance and have a new direction. I have also learned that by going after my dreams confidently, I can determine my success. As Denis Waitley said, “Forget about the consequences of failure. Failure is only a temporary change in direction to set you straight for your next success.” Failure is a lie. Failure is a change of direction that teaches you to become better or changes your options. Things happen in life for a reason. Sometimes that reason is so that you experience it. You are the one who is responsible for these consequences, so you might as well face the challenge and move on.

Direction is an interesting topic because it can be argued from a couple of sides. There is a song I heard the other day that made me smile and start to think a little. Sometimes it is good to lose direction a little and just get out there and experience life. If you have a significant other, it is all the better to get out there and discover life together. The song is called, “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” by Jo Dee Messina. Read the lyrics.

Heads Carolina, Tails California (by Jo Dee Messina)

Baby, what do you say we just get lost?
Leave this one horse town like two rebels without a cause.
I got people in Boston.
Ain't your daddy still in Des Moines?
We can pack up tomorrow.
Tonight, let's flip a coin

Heads, Carolina Tails, California.
Somewhere greener, somewhere warmer.
Up in the mountains, down by the ocean.
Where? It don't matter, as long as we're goin'
Somewhere together. I've got a quarter.
Heads, Carolina Tails, California.

We can load what we own in the back of a U-haul van.
Couple modern day Moses', searchin for the promised land.
We can go four hundred miles before we stop for gas.
We can drive for a day, and then we'll take a look at the map.

Heads, Carolina Tails, California.
Somewhere greener, somewhere warmer.
Up in the mountains, down by the ocean.
Where? It don't matter, as long as we're goin'
Somewhere together. I've got a quarter.
Heads, Carolina Tails, California.

We're gonna get outta here if we gotta ride a Greyhound bus.
Boy, we're bound to outrun the bad luck that's tailin' us

Heads, Carolina Tails, California.
Somewhere greener, somewhere warmer.
Up in the mountains, down by the ocean.
Where? It don't matter, as long as we're goin'
Somewhere together. I've got a quarter.
Heads, Carolina Tails, California.

O---oh, California! Carolina! California!

If you are in love, you get to share the experience in life together. No matter what direction you decide to go, you have the love and companionship of someone. I like what Antoine de Saint-Exupery said, “Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” As long as you both move in the same direction, you can accomplish anything. Finding your place in this world is a life long journey. As soon as you feel comfortable, you can bet something is going to change. John Kotter said, “Leaders establish the vision for the future and set the strategy for getting there; they cause change. They motivate and inspire others to go in the right direction and they, along with everyone else, sacrifice to get there.” The most important thing you can do is to establish a lifelong purpose for your life. This keeps you on track of your overall destination but allows you the flexibility to take little jaunts off the path. Jimmy Dean said, “I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” You always have control over your own decisions and thus can always stay on track no matter what happens. Just remember what Lao Tzu said, “If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” Don’t be afraid to change directions, just try to determine where you want to end up and keep moving towards it. You will enjoy the ride and get to experience so many different things. That is really what makes the journey special.

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

2007-12-15T23:02:00.001-04:00

Today was a special day. My fiancée and I advocate for kids in the Kidsave program and we had a Christmas event today. Kidsave helps older foster children get adopted. You can learn more about helping at kidsave.org. These are good kids who have had some tough breaks in their lives. Today, I got to be Santa Claus and hand out gifts to sixteen kids. It was a lot of fun and it is so rewarding to get to spend time with these kids. It fills my heart with joy to see a smile from a child who is receiving a gift. It is great that organizations like Kidsave step up to the plate where so many do not take the responsibility to make a difference in the life of a child. I love the holidays and it has been a long time since I have enjoyed one as much as I did today. There is a great Christmas song that I think is totally appropriate for the way I feel today. The song is called, “It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas.” Read the lyrics and have a wonderful holiday season. May you and yours feel the charge of the holiday spirit like I feel today!

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go;
Take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes aglow.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
Toys in every store,
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door.

A pair of hop along boots and a pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Barney and Ben;
Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jen;
And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go;
There's a tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well,
The sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas;
Soon the bells will start,
And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart.

Facing challenges

2007-12-14T19:12:00.001-04:00

Facing challenges is a great way to rebuild your self esteem. Sometimes, we get down on ourselves because we might have done something stupid in the past. Does that sound about right? Sometimes you have to face consequences for that stupidity and sometimes those consequences hurt. However, when you finally face the enemy that you have been hiding from and you finally decide to face that fear, something inside of you takes control to give you the strength to keep going. We are very resilient as a species. We have adapted and overcome so many challenges. I am not sure that we are all that different from the caveman age as far as how we act, but we do have some very cool stuff. Life is constantly asking us to step up to the plate and be that person you really are. You cannot be strong if you are hiding, so life forces you to face your fear and get it behind you. You are whatever you believe you are. So believe in yourself. It sure feels good to finally make the decision to move forward. It may not be an easy ride, but it will be worth it in the end. I am grateful to be here to accept the challenge and I know it will make me stronger. Seek ways to make yourself stronger and face the fears that haunt you. You will then break the chains that tie you to where you are and you will be closer to where you want to be.

Money, it is a gas!

2007-12-13T20:45:00.001-04:00

Jim Rohn said, “Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” Time is the most valuable thing that we have. If we use it wisely, we can have an extraordinary life. If not, we can have a lot of regrets. Too many people get caught up in the material things in life. I know I did! I have made quite a lot of money over the years and lost a lot. I have very little to show for it now, but I have experienced many things. I don’t regret anything I have done for I have learned many valuable lessons that will keep me from making the same mistakes. I have had a good education in what shooting from the hip will get you. Benjamin Franklin said, “Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.” It is true, the more you have the more you want. It becomes almost an obsession….a better car, a better house, and what you think will be a better life. However, what I have discovered is that you just have bigger bills and the same desires always wanting more. At some point you have to say….”What am I doing?” I have stuff, but for what? Does it make me happy? No. It is a false dream that does not satisfy. You become that vacuum and you can never get enough. Life is much more than material wealth…it is about loving what you have.

I always liked the song, “Money,” by Pink Floyd. It is the epitome of a greedy society. Read the lyrics.

Money (by Pink Floyd)

Money, get away.
Get a good job with good pay and you’re okay.
Money, it’s a gas.
Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.
New car, caviar, four star daydream,
Think Ill buy me a football team.

Money, get back.
I’m all right jack keep your hands off of my stack.
Money, it’s a hit.
Don’t give me that do goody good bullshit.
I’m in the high-fidelity first class traveling set
And I think I need a Lear jet.

Money, it’s a crime.
Share it fairly but don’t take a slice of my pie.
Money, so they say
It’s the root of all evil today.
But if you ask for a raise its no surprise that they’re
Giving none away.

I love that song! There is nothing wrong with having money. Wealth is a good thing, but it is not what satisfies you. It is a tool used for exchange and that is it. It should not be your prime motivator or your goal. Honestly, it isn’t even if you think it is. You don’t want the money…you want what it gets you…Freedom, security, prestige, or whatever makes you feel good. It is about a feeling and you can have that feeling right now. When do you get the feeling? Is it when you get the money, or you know you are going to get the money? If I tell you that you are getting a raise, you are excited right then…not when it is deposited. You can create that feeling at anytime. It is the feeling you want…not the money. You have merely associated that feeling with money. Maya Angelou said, “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don't make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can't take their eyes off you.” Life is about loving what you do and experiencing life for the great thing it is. When you understand that, your whole life will change. Money, it is a gas!

Discover your own voyage

2007-12-12T22:53:00.000-04:00

Marcel Proust said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” This is the season of joy and love. It is time to see the world through renewed eyes. Life is not just about existing, but it is about discovering who you are and experiencing life with what you have. Galileo Galilei said, “All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.” That is what life is all about…discovering everything there is to discover. We cannot see only what we have seen, but be bold enough to see things we have never seen. Andre Gide said, “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” There is no room for fear and procrastination. The prudent individual will go after what they want with a fervor and gusto. The point is to live and to experience all that life has to offer. Henry David Thoreau said, “When it's time to die, let us not discover that we have never lived.” That used to be my biggest fear. I feared that I would live a mediocre life, so I got involved in personal development and it has literally changed my life. I have met amazing people and have changed many of my ways. I really like what William Arthur Ward said, “When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.” Learn who you are by giving to others. Discover your own voyage by getting out there and getting to the bottom of your soul. That is where the good stuff really is.

Dance with your dreams

2007-12-11T20:45:00.001-04:00

“You can "dance" with the illusions of time and space, Steve, choosing your "steps" based upon things and events as they now are, or you can dance with your dreams, choosing your "steps" based upon things and events as they will be.

And I bet you can guess which steps will perpetuate today's illusions, and which ones will change everything...

The Universe”

This was my message from the Universe for today. It is a great reminder that you get what you focus on. No matter how bad things get, you cannot focus on the bad…you focus on where you want to be. It was perfect timing for me because I need to always remember to focus on where I am going and be who I really am. I am much stronger than any obstacle that ever comes across my path. My strength is within me and I am calling on it now.

Learning to dance with your dreams and focusing on where you will be and not where you once were will determine the quality of your life. Your attitude will determine your actions. I have allowed things to happen in the past rather than make the things I wanted to happen. The buck stops here. I am responsible for my destiny. I will no longer allow things to just happen. Life will follow the path I choose. No more playing small in anything. I am in control of my life and I will make it happen the way I want it to. Hold on world, it is just starting to get interesting!

Eat the Rich

2007-12-10T20:15:00.001-04:00

Benjamin Franklin said, “Those who go a borrowing go a sorrowing.” Our society tells us lies. Do not listen to these lies, because they are meant to suck you in. Credit is a drug that is worse than any illegal substance you could ever have. It is easy to get and it is hard to get out of. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “A man in debt is so far a slave.” He was exactly right. We are willingly engaging ourselves into slavery to some very sleazy companies. There are commercials now where they criticize people for using cash. They make it look like they are the caring companies that are helping you out of problems. Instead, they are making you their indentured servant. It makes me sick. I willingly led myself into the debt. I lived the life that credit cards advertise. After a divorce and a job change, I found myself in massive debt and drowning with an albatross around my neck. A few years later, I am still paying for this mistake. After I get out of this mess, I will never get back in it. I have lived the words that Benjamin Franklin said so long ago. It makes me think of the song, “Eat the Rich,” by Aerosmith. Read the lyrics.

Eat the Rich (by Aerosmith)

Wake up kid
It’s half past you think
Nothings really changing but the date
You a grand slammer but you no Babe Ruth
You gotta learn how to relate
You'll be swinging for the pearly gates
Oh I got all answers, lo and behold
You got the right key baby but the wrong key hole, yo

Well I woke up this morning
On the wrong side of the bed
And how I got to thinkin'
About all the things you said
About ordinary people
And how they make you sick
And if callin' names kicks back on you
Then I hope this does the trick

'Cause I'm sick of your complainin'
About how many bills
And I'm sick of all your bitchin'
'Bout your poodles and your pills
And I just can't see no humor
About your way of life
And I think I can do more for you
With this here fork and knife

Eat the Rich
There's only one thing that they are good for
Eat the Rich
Take one bite now - come back for more
Eat the Rich
I gotta get this off my chest
Eat the Rich
Take one bite now - spit out the rest

So I called up my head shrinker
And I told him what I'd done
He said you best go on a diet
Yeah, I hope you have some fun
And a don't go burst the bubble
On rich folks who get rude
'Cause you won't get in no trouble
When you eat that kinda food

Now they're smokin' up their junk bonds
And then they go get stiff
And they're dancin' in the yacht club
With Muff and uncle Biff
But there's one good thing that happens
When you toss your pearls to swine
Their attitudes may taste like shit
But go real good with wine

Believe in all the good things
That money just can't buy
Then you won't get no bellyache
From eatin' humble pie
I believe in rags to riches
Your inheritance won't last
So take your Gray Poupon my friend
And shove it up your ass

Eat the Rich
There's only one thing that they are good for
Eat the Rich
Take one bite now - come back for more
Eat the Rich
Don't stop me now, I'm goin' crazy
Eat the Rich
That's my idea of a good time baby

I won’t blame the rich because it isn’t their fault…it is mine. I am responsible for my situation. However, I am a lot smarter now and I will never return…because I have learned to stay away from the temptation of impulsive reaction and immediate gratification. We buy some stupid stuff that is long gone while the debt remains. Publilius Syrus said, “Debt is the slavery of the free.” If I can warn one person, I will feel better. Learn from my mistake and save yourself from the greedy companies who will take everything you own and keep coming at you. The laws are on their side. Right now, if I had my way I would eat the rich credit card companies and get rid of the “convenience” that kills.

Rhythm of Life

2007-12-09T14:57:00.000-04:00

Maya Angelou said, “Everything has rhythm. Everything dances.” The world is created from vibration. Everything has a frequency and vibrates to the rhythm of itself. Getting in touch with your own rhythm is very important. Each of us is a transmitter and receiver. We have electronic vibrations inside of us that are a direct reflection of the frequency that we vibrate at. Things in life are attracted to like vibrations and we can control our vibrations similar to how we control a radio or a thermostat. If we are depressed or upset, we will vibrate at a low frequency. If we are happy or elated, we vibrate at a much higher frequency. Thus, this is why we refer to our lows and highs. The interesting thing is that we attract like frequencies…so this explains why when we are in a good mood that we want to be around others in a good mood. It is also important to note that we become what we are surrounded by. If we are always in an environment surrounded by people who are down, we will be down. Conversely, if we surround ourselves with upbeat and positive people, we will become positive. It is one of those self-fulfilling prophecies. If you surround yourself with positive people and you remain negative, you will find that they will leave. Frequencies have to stay with like frequencies. They may be able to be around each other for a short period of time, but a high frequency will lower itself to the low frequency if it stays there too long. High frequencies, want to stay high…they will not allow themselves to be lowered.

A long time ago, I discovered a musician who really touched me. Her voice was incredible and I liked her songs. There is a song that she sang that I really enjoyed the words and the title of the song. The artist is Oleta Adams and the song is called “Rhythm of Life.” Read the words.

Rhythm of Life (by Oleta Adams)

Climbing every mountain, always killing time
Count the cost as days go by
Monday I've got Friday on my mind
Why don't we make love?
Instead of making plans.

Mother Nature, Father Time
Maybe it's the family of man
Angels cry when they hear that tune
Its sleepless nights for the man in the moon

And it's the rhythm of life
My mind's made up
Lucy's sign is a Chinese dragon
Oh, oh, she's got luck
The rhythm of life is the force of habit
Oh, oh, the rhythm of life.

Give the girl a future
Give her what she needs
Teach her life's a long flat road
Maybe she'll have better luck than me
Works so hard like he's still in school
His pockets are jammed, but this man's a fool.

Within the rhythm of life
My mind's made up
Lucy's sign is a Chinese dragon
Oh, oh-oh, she's got luck
The rhythm of life is a force of habit
Yeah-yeah, oh, the rhythm of life
Rhythm of life.

Oh, when out of sight is out of mind
Shut your mouth, I'm doing fine
Mama's goin' back in time.

Within the rhythm of life
(Life goes on)
It's goin' on and on, hey yeah
(The rhythm of life goes on)

The rhythm of life is always beating. It is that constant rhythm that creates the synchronicity of life. It is the pulse that ensures that life goes on. It is like what Yehudi Menuhin said, “Music creates order out of chaos: for rhythm imposes unanimity upon the divergent, melody imposes continuity upon the disjointed, and harmony imposes compatibility upon the incongruous.” This rhythm creates the order that makes seasons happen, keeps the rotational and cyclical patterns continuing in perfect harmony and keeps life in perpetual motion. It is like music. It is a grand symphony that goes on regardless of the individual frequencies. It is the chorus that blends the unique frequencies and creates a harmonious sound. As Plato said, “Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul.” Our souls are our direct connection with the infinite wisdom and the harmonious relationship with creation. Each of us is a triune being that has a mind, body and soul. It is the attempt to synchronize these three entities that creates our individual life. It is a struggle because each of these entities has an agenda of its own. It is the connection you have with each and the willingness to listen to each that is how we grow in life.

Life is an awesome journey of discovery and challenge. The older I get, the more in tune I get with the rhythm of life. It is totally a self inspired journey in which you must learn who you really are and what you really want. Things that used to be important get less and less important and new things emerge. I have become less influenced by material things and much more influenced by experience. I want to experience things for myself and not vicariously through others or what I see. I don’t want a virtual existence…I want the real thing. Many times, maybe most of the time, you will have to learn a lot of lessons by doing things in the real world. Things do not always turn out like you thought they would. However, that is part of life and if you never make a mistake, then you are not really living. You cannot be afraid to change your mind or try something you really want to. Life only happens once and this is it. The only way that you can experience life is by living it. Nobody can live your life for you and you should never want that. This is your life to experience just the way you want to. Never let anyone tell you how your life should be and never let someone else live it for you. It is nice that we have the opportunity to view pictures and shows from all over the world. It is nice to be exposed to things via movies and games. However, this is no replacement for life. Don’t let entertainment ever be a replacement for living. It is an enhancement, not a replacement. Live life to its fullest and get into your own rhythm.

A Better Man

2007-12-08T20:22:00.001-04:00

Saint Paul said, "Be subject to one another out of reverence to Christ." I finally understand the significance of this passage. I saw it once in an episode of West Wing and was captivated by the words. However, I have become involved with an organization that helps older foster kids find adoptive families. Today, we spent the morning at the Washington D.C kitchen preparing food for 4500 people. This one kitchen serves 4500 people a day. I helped cut 300 lbs. of potatoes. I decided today that I never want to be a chef, but I gained an incredible appreciation for these people who do this every day. We should be subject to one another and help our fellow man. It is more than just donating a little time; it makes you feel good that you helped. Even if it was a small contribution, I feel better for helping prepare food for people who will get to eat today. It reminds me of a song by Clint Black called, “A Better Man.” Read the lyrics.

A Better Man (by Clint Black)

What do you say when it’s over?
I don’t know if I should say anything at all
One day were rolling in the clover
Next thing you know we take the fall

Still, I think about the years since I first met you
And the way it might have been without you here
And I don’t know if words from me can still upset you
But I’ve just gotta make this memory stand clear

I know I’m leaving here a better man
For knowing you this way
Things I couldn’t do before, now I think I can
And I’m leaving here a better man

I guess I always knew I couldn’t hold you
But I’d never be the one to set you free
Just like some old nursery rhyme your mama told you
You still believe in some old meant-to-be

I know I’m leaving here a better man
For knowing you this way
Things I couldn’t do before, now I think I can
And I’m leaving here a better man

Still, I’m leaving here a better man
For knowing you this way
Things I couldn’t do before, now I think I can
And I’m leaving here a better man

That is my goal in this life. I want to experience everything and then leave this world as a better man. I love doing different things and I am experiencing so many different types of things. It fascinates me how sheltered I have been in my life. I have been very fortunate. There are many people in this world who have much more difficult obstacles to face than I have. I felt a huge deal of gratitude for the people in that kitchen today. The fact that there are people who help other people each and every day of their life makes me have hope for the future. It makes me want to get more involved in helping. I feel like a better man for helping today. It is a great time of year to reach out and help someone. Give of your heart and you will feel amazing! Be subject to one another and help your fellow man.

Today's thoughts

2007-12-07T08:32:00.001-04:00

I am excited about life this morning. When I first started writing, I knew that 2007 was going to be an incredible year. I found the woman of my dreams and a wonderful family, and I found an incredible job with unlimited potential. I am writing and learning about internet marketing. I have my goals written and I am working on freeing myself from the chains of the past. All in all, it has been an incredible year. My blogs are a little shorter this month mainly because I am crushed for time. I have a few Christmas themed blogs coming up. The most important thing I have learned this year is to be thankful for what you have and to just keep pressing on no matter what. Things will always work out. Go after what is important in your life and eliminate the things that do not matter. Life is awesome and deserves to be treated as such. Get your head in the game and focus on who you are and where you want to be. Life is the greatest blessing and the wildest game you’ll ever get to play. Have fun!

Feel gratitude

2007-12-06T22:23:00.000-04:00

William Arthur Ward said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” I was reading a remarkable story today about a young lady in the prime of her life who discovered that she had Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She talked about her struggles and then how she made some decisions to change her life and to really start living it. She found a drug that helped her manage the disease and she really started living. It was a very inspiring tale of how the human spirit can conquer and endure despite what obstacles get in the way. It really opened my eyes to all that I have to be grateful for. It was Kahlil Gibran said, “Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.” Every day needs to be filled with love and happiness. Life is too short to live it any other way. Anthony Robbins said, “When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears.” There is no need to live in fear! The time is now to rise above those fears and enjoy every moment that life has to offer. With the holiday season here, what better time is there to make an offering of peace and enjoy the season of giving?

Stand Tall

2007-12-05T20:22:00.001-04:00

I have become inspired by old episodes of the West Wing. My fiancée and I are enjoying watching some old episodes and I have become inspired by Leo McGarry’s character played by the late John Spencer. He classified himself as a wartime consigliore. He has a tough, no nonsense character. He is smart and very strategic. As I get older, I am getting wiser. I am learning to take care of me first so that I can take care of my family. The times for just getting by in life are over. A new era is dawning…one in which I will use Leo’s character traits to forge though the obstacles ahead. Strategy and cunning are the way to navigate the tricky straits ahead. It will eventually open into a vast ocean with smooth sailing ahead.

Sometimes you feel there is a daunting task ahead and it really ways you down. It makes you feel like you cannot win. However, you have to be strong and face it head on. Nothing is ever as bad as it seems. I found some good lyrics in a song by Burton Cummings called, “Stand Tall.” Read the lyrics.

Stand Tall (by Burton Cummings)

Never been this blue
Never knew the meaning of a heartache
But then again, I never lost at love before
Somewhere down the road
Maybe all those years will find some meaning
I just can't think about them now
Or live them out anymore

Stand tall, don't you fall
For God's sake don't go and do something foolish
All you're feeling right now is silly human pride
Oooooh, Stand tall, don't you fall
Don't you do something you might regret later
You're feelin' it like everyone, it's silly human pride

Never lasted so long, no,
Through so much or through so many
I just can't believe I could throw it all away
Sometimes late at night
When there's nothing here except my old piano
I'd almost give my hands to make you see my way

Stand tall, don't you fall
For God's sake don't go and do something foolish
All you're feeling right now is silly human pride
You've got me down on my knees for ya mama
Stand tall, don't you fall
Don't you do something you might regret later
You're feelin' it like everyone
It's silly human pride

No matter what is bothering you, sooner of later you are going to have to deal with it. May as well do it sooner rather than later. Someone once said, “You must be strong now. You must never give up. And when people make you cry and you are afraid of the dark, don't forget the light is always there.” Never give up no matter what. You can overcome anything that happens. You will recover if you are strong and face your fear. It is all about taking control and never letting anyone else have control of your life.

When you are young, you can make some errors that may take a while to recover from. The winds of foolishness and bad judgment can surely knock you off course. However, just adjust and get back on course. You can create your own destiny by never giving in to the coercion of others. You can get past a hardship by facing your foes head on. No more cowering to the threats and strong arm tactics of your opponents. It is time to stand tall and be that wartime consigliore that doesn’t take crap from anyone. There are times when you just have to say enough is enough and take over what you willingly gave away in the past. You are your own person and you deserve more. It may be uncomfortable doing it, but not near as uncomfortable as living with something always over your head. Break free from the chains that bind you. Take control of your life and live free. Life is made for living it the way you want to live. Stop giving away your freedom so easily. Live within your means and be grateful each day for the time you are given. Fill it with adventure and fun. For me, the time has come to be strong and to fight. I will copy the character traits of Leo McGarry and I will take control back over my life the way I see it.

The road to happiness

2007-12-04T21:47:00.001-04:00

John D. Rockefeller said, "The road to happiness lies in two simple principles: find what it is that interests you and that you can do well, and when you find it put your whole soul into it - every bit of energy and ambition and natural ability you have." Inside of you lies your inner purpose. By getting in touch with what you really want to do; you can easily travel down the road to happiness. But keep in mind that happiness is really a state of mind and not a destination…so really, you can choose to be happy right now! Thus, the road to happiness is the road you choose to be on or not. You can let everything bother you, or you can control your thoughts and emotions and choose happiness on your own. Life will throw you many curves. Some of them knock you down, but don’t let them knock you out. There are a few people in the world who are hell-bent on knocking you down….but they are only an annoyance. You can always get out of any situation. Don’t let it get you down. Protect yourself and your family and live your life happily. Put your whole soul into living your life and be grateful for each and every day. Life is amazing! The key to true happiness is to enjoy each and every day! I’m going to leave you with a song. Be happy and always be grateful!

Grateful (by John Bucchino)

I've got a roof over my head
I've got a warm place to sleep
Some nights I lie awake counting gifts
Instead of counting sheep

I've got a heart that can hold love
I've got a mind that can think
There may be times when I lose the light
And let my spirits sink
But I can't stay depressed
When I remeber how I'm blessed

Grateful, grateful
Truly grateful I am
Grateful, grateful
Truly blessed
And duly grateful

In a city of strangers
I've got a family of friends
No matter what rocks and brambles fill the way
I know that they will stay until the end

I feel a hand holding my hand
It's not a hand you can see
But on the road to the promised land
This hand will shepherd me
Through delight and despair
Holding tight and always there

Grateful, grateful
Truly grateful I am
Grateful, grateful
Truly blessed
And duly grateful

It's not that I don't want a lot
Or hope for more, or dream of more
But giving thanks for what I've got
Makes me so much happier than keeping score

In a world that can bring pain
I will still take each chance
For I believe that whatever the terrain
Our feet can learn to dance
Whatever stone life may sling
We can moan or we can sing

Grateful, grateful
Truly grateful I am
Grateful, grateful
Truly blessed
And duly grateful

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

2007-12-03T21:51:00.000-04:00

“Time is free, but it's priceless.
You can't own it, but you can use it.
You can't keep it, but you can spend it.
Once you've lost it you can never get it back.”
- Harvey MacKay

Steve Jobs said, “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” Time is a priceless gift. It is our currency for life. However, it is not something to worry about…it is something to enjoy to its fullest. Time always makes me think of the Chicago song, “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” Read the lyrics.

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? (by Chicago)

As I was walking down the street one day
A man came up to me and asked me what the time was that was on my watch, yeah
And I said
Does anybody really know what time it is?
(I don't)
Does anybody really care?
(Care)
If so I can't imagine why
(About time)
We've all got time enough to cry
(Oh no, no)

And I was walking down the street one day
A pretty lady looked at me and said her diamond watch had stopped cold dead, yeah
And I said
Does anybody really know what time it is?
(I don't)
Does anybody really care?
(Care)
If so I can't imagine why
(About time)
We've all got time enough to cry
(Oh no, no)

And I was walking down the street one day
Being pushed and shoved by people trying to beat the clock,
Oh, so I just don't know,
I just don't know
And I said, yes I said

Does anybody really know what time it is?
(I don't)
Does anybody really care?
(Care)
If so I can't imagine why
(About time)
We've all got time enough to cry

I like that song because it we spend too much time worrying about what time it is instead of using our time to do something worthwhile. We are always rushing away our life. We hurry through life usually dong things that really matter in the grand scheme. When you get to the end of your life, will you remember the sales at the mall or how much you worked? No, you will remember the quality times. Someone once said, “Don’t count every hour in the day, make every hour in the day count.” Each day can be special if you just allow it to be. Stop caring about time and start caring about what you will do to make those memories!

Stacey Charter said, “Life is all about timing... the unreachable becomes reachable, the unavailable become available, the unattainable... attainable. Have the patience, wait it out… it's all about timing.” Timing does have a funny way of working things out. Time seems to work out many things. It lets us reflect on what has happened. Think about what Andrew Jackson said, “Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.” Reflection is a great thing, but do not let it stop you from taking action. You can sit and daydream or waste time or you can live your life. The choice is yours. You should enjoy every moment that you have…it truly is the stuff that life is made of.

Definiteness of Purpose

2007-12-02T19:03:00.000-04:00

I found a song by Creed called, “Illusion.” I mention it because the lyrics remind me of how many people think about life. They look for happiness…never knowing that happiness is their own choice. Some external factor is not your source of happiness. It all comes from within. Read the lyrics and see if you think the same way.

Illusion (by Creed)

The sun rises to another day
My constitution keeps changing
'Til it slips away
So I lie awake and stare
My mind thinking, just wandering
Does anybody care?
Should I stay or go

Should I sleep or stay awake
Am I really happy or is it all
Just an illusion

Sitting in my room now
Hiding thoughts
Just hoping one day I'll get out
I hear a voice call my name
Breaking trance, so silent
So I can stay the same

Should I stay or go
Should I sleep or stay awake
Am I really happy or is it all
Just an illusion

Wait now, many things left unsaid
This life remains the same
But I change
I try to fool myself in believing
Things are going to get better
But life goes on

Should I stay or go
Should I sleep or stay awake
Am I really happy or is it all
Just an illusion
Just an Illusion
Just an illusion
Just an illusion
Just an illusion
Just an illusion
Just an illusion

The reason so many people are unhappy is because they have no purpose in life. Without purpose, we merely exist and we have no meaning to our life. It is difficult to motivate yourself if you have no purpose. It is like what George Bernard Shaw said, “This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.” Purpose gives each of us meaning…and we need to feel like we are here for a reason. W. E. Gladstone said, “Never forget that the purpose for which a man lives is the improvement of the man himself, so that he may go out of this world having, in his great sphere or his small one, done some little good for his fellow creatures and labored a little to diminish the sin and sorrow that are in the world.”

You are the creator of your own destiny. By taking responsibility for your life and by defining your own purpose, you raise your stakes in life and have a reason to wake up each morning. Napoleon Hill said, "Every well built house started in the form of a definite purpose plus a definite plan in the nature of a set of blueprints." You would never build a house without a blueprint, why would you live your life without a plan? Viktor Frankl said, “A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the "why" for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any "how." Viktor Frankl suffered some of the most horrendous atrocities that have ever happened in the world, the Holocaust. It would be easy to understand if Victor came out with hatred in his heart and vengeance on his mind. Yet, he wrote “Man’s Search for Meaning,” which tells about his experiences in a concentration camp and how he was able to find meaning even in that environment.

Tom Thiss said, "Having a purpose is the difference between making a living and making a life." We have a choice to make every day. We can either determine our own life and our own way of living it…or someone can decide for us. I don’t know about you, but I would rather make up my own mind. Life is meant for living…not worrying about what comes next. You can choose to see life as an illusion…or you can determine your purpose and live your life beyond any limits. You are in control.

Anticipation

2007-12-01T22:25:00.000-04:00

Anticipation is defined as an expectation. So often we have an expectation of how an event will affect us and we work our self into a frenzy (good or bad) before the event ever takes place. It comes to reason then that many of our worries and fears are unfounded. It is our anticipated fear that causes us more trouble than the actual event. It was Seneca who said, “Expecting is the greatest impediment to living. In anticipation of tomorrow, it loses today.” It is true. It is so easy to get caught up in our expected outcome, that we waste the time we have now in anticipation of what is to come. Of course, that is only one side of the story. For the other side of anticipation, we can look at this time of the year. The anticipation of the holiday season actually builds up the enjoyment of the season. It builds exponentially because we are filled with the memories of past holidays and we are adding new memories with each season. I love the holidays. The expectation of merriment and peace on earth makes this time of year special. This year is especially wonderful. I am enjoying being a part of my new family. I am engaged to a wonderful woman and am enjoying my soon to be step sons. We went shopping today and it was relatively painless. Shopping is not my favorite thing to do. However, the mall was not crowded and there were no long lines. It was a breeze and I am very thankful!

Expectation is a good thing if it comes from a place of knowing. Generally, when we expect, it is a hope…and often based on fear that it might not happen. When we come from a place of knowing, what we are doing is eliminating doubt. It is a confidence that comes from knowing who you are. When you expect things to happen and you know exactly what you want and where you are coming from…a strange phenomenon happens…you actually attract it. The Law of Attraction works. It comes from eliminating doubt and focusing on what you want. It seems simplistic, but it really takes a lot of work to get to that point. It is easy to say, “Yes, I am going to focus on my goal.” It is quite a different thing to believe in that goal with all of your being. We emit vibrations based on our feelings. When we are really in the zone and focused, we emit a very strong high frequency. We attract things that are on the same frequency. To give you an example, if you are at work and someone starts complaining…..it doesn’t take long before everyone joins in. The frequency lowers and soon all people who choose to join in are all emitting a very similar frequency. We all are susceptible to frequencies…so it is important who you hang around. The same is true with our thoughts and feelings. If you are wishy-washy about what you want and the frequency you are emitting, you will get mixed results, at best. Knowing what you want comes from really getting to know yourself. It takes some work, but it is worth doing.

Anticipation is one of those things that never really goes away. It is a natural reaction to wanting something. You have an imagination and it is going to kick into high gear, especially when something interesting comes along. Most people simply do not what they want in life, so they are anticipating anything that comes along. They are basing their decisions on fear because they are focusing on lack. They feel that this anticipated event will change their life. When you know what you want, you can focus your energy and effort on obtaining it. That makes your anticipation a little more focused as well...because you know what you want…so you can help ensure that you get it by keeping at it no matter what. It is amazing the amount of control each of us has over our own life. When we search inward and discover who we really are and what we really want out of life, it empowers us to create our own destiny. Expect your life to be great and make it happen!

One step back, two forward

2007-11-30T19:21:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it is necessary to take one step back in order to move forward. Life never comes at you in a straight-forward manner. It always throws a few twists and turns in there to make sure you have your fair share of obstacles. I am doing that right now in my career. I stepped back from my usual path and I am starting a new career on Monday that I feel will be the direction I go. Things happen for a reason. I had an interview with a great company that I liked, but that would be just like all of the other jobs I had had….just jobs. Out of the blue comes and opportunity that I never thought about and I am ecstatic to get started. I say it is a step back, because I am going to have to begin again and establish myself as a contender…but I think this is a great step forward. Life is funny. It is an ever-changing road that always keeps things interesting. One minute you are on top of the world, the next you are flat on your face. The trick is to just keep getting up and getting back in the game. The game is never over…it just changes forms sometimes. Keep alert and be ready for anything. Know who you are and that you can handle anything and you will always win.

Taking a step backwards does not mean failure in any sense of the word. It means that it is time to change your tactics and start a new path. What you were doing in the past led you to a place, but not where you need to be. So you step back and go down a different path. I am excited because I have taken some time to get in touch with my inner desires and I really have a great vision for my future. I have consistency and purpose now and I also have something fun to work on! My mindset is positive and I know what I want. That is a big change from just getting by or taking the shotgun approach where you just shoot and hope that something hits. Now, I have the rifle approach where I have a specific target and I am aiming for it. It is much easier to get somewhere if you know where you are going. Too many people focus on how hard it is to accomplish your goal. Henry Ford said, “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” Keep your eye on the target, aim and shoot. You can always adjust…but you will never hit what you are not aiming for.

T. S. Eliot said, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” Too often we speak of our limitations before we ever push our self to the limit. Think about something you were trying to learn that you just did not get. Was it because you are no good at it? Maybe. However, it could be that you had a bad teacher. It could be that you were not paying attention or that you were just having a bad day. Did you let that experience stop you? Did you allow that incident to become a limitation? I hope not, but I know how easy it is. When I was a kid, I got injured playing baseball. I loved the game. I was pitching when the batter nailed a line drive right into my shoulder. If I was older, I might have chalked it up as just an injury…one of many over the course of playing. However, I was a kid and it scared me. In fact, it scared me so much that I quit baseball. That is one of those decisions that I do regret. There are certain memories that come back to us when we get older. We look at an incident like that with regret, but it was just a decision. Would things have been different if I had made a different decision? Maybe. Honestly, I don’t waste too much time looking back. I did that in an earlier stage of my life. I have pretty much made peace with the past. I am thankful for my life and all of the wonderful people in it. I am thankful to be breathing and that I have this moment to do something about now and the next moment. Life is full of moments and they are our opportunities to make life happen. We can let them pass, or we can fill them with beauty. It’s ok to step back every now and then and make an adjustment. The old path is full of what you already know. Time to change and learn something new.

Rhino Skin

2007-11-29T18:09:00.000-04:00

Robert Schuller said, “What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?” That is a question I was asked long ago that got me started down the personal development path. We generally look at our limitations, but we need to focus on our strengths. The only way we ever fail is if we give up. If you never give up, you learn a lot of lessons that help hone your skills and improve your decisions. You start focusing in on what is important instead of wandering aimlessly. If you knew you could not fail, you would be bolder….more self assured. Well, you can be all of that right now. It is all in your mind. Henry Ward Beecher said, “Ones best success comes after their greatest disappointments.” Disappointments are lessons that help us get better and help us get closer to who we need to be. See, there is who you want to be and who you are acting like right now. If you want to be a certain way, start acting that way now. You can “fake it till you make it.” In fact, it is an excellent way of becoming that way. You are what you think you are. Everything is inside of you. As Robert Collier said, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” You have to make a habit out of what you want to be. You cannot do it intermittingly and expect success. It has to be a part of you. That is why athletes practice the fundamentals over and over. They can’t stop and think about what to do…they have to have it drilled into them so that it is there natural reaction. Such is true in life. If I want to be rich, then I have to look at money the way a rich person does. I cannot focus on lack because rich people do not think of lack. They focus on prosperity and abundance….so that is what I must do.

It takes motivation and discipline. Jane Smiley said, “In my experience, there is only one motivation, and that is desire. No reasons or principle contain it or stand against it.” You have to want it. An athlete does not do what they do because it is fun. They do what they do because they can see the end game in their mind. They know where they want to be and they do certain things that will ensure that they get there. Stephen Covey said, “Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly.” It has to come from within. I might be able to write a passage that inspires you to do something….but it is you that has to do it. It is easy to dream. It is more difficult to keep on track. Actually it is easy to keep on track if you have discipline and have a good enough reason for staying on track. Most of us get distracted because we have a lot of whims….something that would be cool…but not enough to really do something about it. Those are a waste of time. I like what Norman Vincent Peale said, “People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success.” Belief in yourself is crucial to your success. You also must have thick skin. I found a good song about being tough in going after what you want. It is called, “Rhino Skin,” by Tom Petty. Read the lyrics.

Rhino Skin (by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers)

You need rhino skin
If you're gonna begin
To walk
Through this world
You need elephant balls
If you don't want to crawl
On your hands
Through this world

Oh my love if I reveal
Every secret I've concealed
How many thoughts would you steal?
How much of my pain would you feel?

You need eagle’s wings
To get over things
That makes no sense
In this world

You need rhino skin
If you're gonna pretend
You're not hurt by this world

If you listen long enough
You can hear my skin grow tough
Love is painful to the touch
Must be made of stronger stuff

You need rhino skin
To get to the end
Of the maze through this world

You need rhino skin
Or you're gonna give in
To the needles and pins
The arrows of sin
The evils of men
You need rhino skin

You do need thick skin! The rhino has become my symbol of freedom. I first learned about Rhinoceros Success from a guy named Jerry Clark (his website is: www.clubrhino.com). He talked about how successful people are like rhinos and that the masses were like cows. Rhinos have very thick skin, go things alone, and have to fight for everything they want. They keep fighting and make their way through the jungle. It isn’t pretty, but it is effective. Cows, on he other hand, stay in the safety of the pasture and follow the herd mentality. The world is set up for cows because 97% of the population falls into that category. The big word for cows is “security.” Cows want the safety and the camaraderie of the pasture. Check out Jerry Clark’s version of the story. He is a master storyteller.

Andrew Carnegie said, “People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.” It really does come down to being able to motivate yourself. The easiest way to motivate yourself is to first understand what you are all about and who you want to be. That takes some soul searching. But it all comes down to you. Dr. Wayne Dyer said, “Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.” You have the power of choice and your decisions determine your life. Wilson Mizner said, “The gent who wakes up and finds himself a success hasn't been asleep.” Success is what you decide it is. You decide where you want to be and you let nothing stop you from getting there. Obstacles will happen…they are a part of life…but don’t let them deter you from your goal. John Wooden said, “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” Play on your strengths. All of us have something that we do pretty well. Play on that and develop any shortcomings you might have. Life is all about growth…so this is your time to get to the next level. Focus on what you want and break down the big goals into manageable steps.

I really like what William Feather said, “Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.” When did we ever get the notion that it was ok for us to give up at the first sign of trouble. The word “quit” has become commonplace in our vocabulary. It is time to tear that page out of our dictionary and suck it up. Abraham Lincoln said, “That some achieve great success is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.” There are plenty of examples of others succeeding….so can we. The important thing is to not give ourselves an escape clause. It requires that we stay motivated and we have our powerful “why.” Zig Ziglar said, “People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.” I love that quote. It is true…we all need a daily dose of whatever it takes for us to stay focused and up for the challenge. Life is not as hard as we try to make it. We just fill our mind up with too many distractions. Focus and go after your goal with thick skin…like a rhino!

Warriors take chances

2007-11-28T20:15:00.001-04:00

There is an ancient Samurai saying that says, “Warriors take chances. Like everyone else, they fear failing, but they refuse to let fear control them.” That is how I feel today…like a warrior. There comes a point in life where you just have to stand up and live life the way you want to. You have to draw a line in the sand and say, “No more.” I like what Jack Welsh said, “Control your destiny or somebody else will.” There are those who would lead you astray. They will take away your power if you let them. They will yell at you, and threaten you and they will try to take away your power. So many people live in fear. They worry about problems, money, and other things that seem important, but are really not that important. The most important thing that you have is you! You must take care of yourself first and foremost. I have relearned a very valuable lesson. I think Elizabeth Kenny said it best when she said, “He who angers you conquers you.” I realized that I have been worrying about a couple of things that do not really matter in the whole scheme of my life. I need to take care of them, but I do not need to let them bother me. I am in control of my destiny and that means that I am in control of me. I must concentrate on who I am and not react to situations.

Chuang Tzu said, “Flow with whatever is happening and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.” Most of the time, I find it pretty easy to flow with whatever is happening. But sometimes, I still get caught up in a problem and it gets to me. Problems are a part of life and you have to develop habits that assist you in solving problems. When we avoid to the point of having to deal with something, then we have not taken control. As Nathaniel Emmons said, “Habit is either the best of servants or the worst of masters.” If you develop good habits like immediately handling problems before they grow into hard to manage situations. Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche said, “He who cannot obey himself will be commanded. That is the nature of living creatures.” That is a very important lesson. If you do not listen to yourself, then you are not respecting your decision. The deeper root of that is that you are not showing love to yourself. If you cannot listen to your own advice and manage your own affairs, then you will always have to follow someone else. This is your life. Don’t allow another to control you. Manage yourself. You may willingly follow and exceptional leader, but it will be because you choose to follow. As Tao Te Ching said, “He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.”

Charles Robert Darwin said, “The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.” Once we realize that, we move into a higher plane. We start to see that thoughts really are things and that by changing our thoughts; we can change the quality of our life. William Ernest Henley said, “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.” Your thoughts and you actions determine your fate. By improving your decision making and consistently focusing on who you are and where you are headed, you create a path of your choosing straight to your destiny. Elie Wiesel said, “Ultimately, the only power to which man should aspire is that which he exercises over himself.” Self control is an essential power that we must learn. We are directed by our emotions. Anthony Robbins said, “The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you're in control of your life. If you don't, life controls you.” Read the book, “Awaken the Giant Within, by Anthony Robbins. He does an excellent job of describing pleasure and pain and how they motivate us to take action. In order to get control over yourself, you have to learn how to control your emotions. That doesn’t mean you suppress your emotions. It means that you must learn not to attach so much meaning to events.

Shakespeare said it as, “Nothing is either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” We were taught that certain things are right and certain things are wrong…so it goes against our grain. Inside, we have developed a grading system as to what we do and the severity of the action. We react based off of emotion and then we try to justify our actions by thinking it away. I like what Donald Laird said, “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” Think about who you are and what you want to do in life and start taking action to get there. Treat people the way you want to be treated, because life truly is a mirror….you get the reflection that you give. Thomas Edison said, “What man's mind can create, man's character can control.” It is your character that will shine through. Your character reveals who you are. Your consistent actions, thoughts and words are a telling sign of what is inside of you. W. Clement Stone said, “When we direct our thoughts properly, we can control our emotions.” Stop reacting to what is thrown at you and start taking control. Reduce the emotion from your initial reaction….take a deep breath or two…and think about what you are doing. Too often we leap before we think and that causes us a lot of unnecessary stress. Life is a blast. Treat it as such and take charge of your life. You are the only person who can!

Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life

2007-11-27T16:22:00.000-04:00

Aristotle said, “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” Write those words down somewhere. Happiness is a state of mind. It is a decision, by you, that says, “I am happy.” It is the cause, not the effect. We always talk about being happy…but when we do we are in the wrong state of mind. We think happiness is an illusive thing, but it is not. It is up to you to change your state of mind. You can, in an instant, change your mind and be happy at any time. It is a decision to be in control of your emotions and in control of your life. It is playing offence. Most of the time, we merely react to whatever happens to land in front of us. There is no overall plan, there is only reaction. Well, it is no wonder why we have so many people unhappy. They have no plan for their life. They believe that they have no control or responsibility for who they are. They are merely victims of a cruel society who only wants them to follow. I only have two words for that...”Grow up!” Life does not owe you a thing. It is not trying to dictate the way you live. You live the way you do because you choose to. There is no one to blame but the person in the mirror. So if you are looking for sympathy, don’t look here.

Sure, there are people in bad situations. Sure, there are people who do not have the same information. We can look at all types of cases which will support you so that you can feel like you got the raw end of the deal. There are people who will allow you to stay down and will, in fact, enable you to stay down…but not me. I will tell you the truth. The truth is that you are responsible for your life. You are the creator of your own destiny. If you don’t like something about it, then you are the one who has to change it. It might not be easy to get out of whatever situation you are in…but if you want out, you have to take action. Feeling sorry for yourself or feeling hopeless will not do one thing to help you. It will actually create a biochemical reaction in your body that will hurt you. So stop it. Face the music and get into a new situation. The first step is to change your state of mind. Empower yourself to start thinking for yourself and get off your butt and start doing something about it. Ethan Embry said, “You just have to do your own thing, no matter what anyone says. It's your life.” It is your life. Remember that and treat it like that. You are responsible for you!

Frederick Keonig said, “We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” Gratitude for living and for everything we have will keep you in a state of happiness. Our world is filled with greed. We never seem to be happy because we are never satisfied. We always want more. The thing to learn here is that we must appreciate what we have and stop tying happiness to what we receive. Happiness is a decision. It is the way we approach life. It doesn’t mean that you have to be a Pollyanna to enjoy life. However, there is nothing wrong with having rose colored glasses in life. We have enough whiners in the world. We need people who can just enjoy living! Do you want to improve your days right now? Stop listening to the media. The media only tells us what is wrong with the world. It blows a story way out of proportion and attaches emotions to it by the way they present it. I went on a media fast two and a half years ago and I never miss a story because someone tells me what is happening. You don’t need the news...you will get it anyway!

Happiness is a fun place to be. It is that state of mind to where you feel good about your life and you enjoy each day for what it is…an opportunity to experience life. At first, it may feel strange to know that you are in control of your life. You might even be a little upset or frustrated because there is no one left to blame. But it is empowering to look in the mirror and start taking control of your life. It feels good to know that you are in control of your destiny. You can do anything that you want to if you know what you want and you focus on it. Change your state of mind to one of happiness and it will make your experience so much better.

Start!

2007-11-26T18:10:00.001-04:00

The Buddha said, “There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth...not going all the way, and not starting.” Not getting started is one of the biggest reasons that most people live mediocre lives. They have big plans, but they never seem to achieve what they thought they would. Why? The biggest reason is that we have a very creative brain. We have an incredible imagination and it allows us to visualize our future. So we daydream and get caught up in the dream…which is great. However, the dream is only a part of the equation. It is the beginning. As Napoleon Hill said, “The starting point of all achievement is desire.” We need that desire…that dream to motivate us. But we also must have the second ingredient…action. We have to take action in order to make the dream come true. What I have learned over the years is that the action does not even have to be that big. In fact, we sometimes stick to it better if we take smaller steps up front. Mark Twain said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” If we try to take on a task that is too big for us, sometimes it slows our momentum to the point where we quit. I’ll take exercise as an example. I have gotten motivated to go to the gym and work out as hard as I could. The next day I was sore and could barely move. By the time I was able to lift again, I was less than enthusiastic about working out. So I started breaking down the workout into manageable yet progressive chunks. I made the workout shorter, yet intense, and made it to where each week I would add a rep or two so that by the end of a year, I would be doing a respectable amount of reps and I would have built my stamina along the way. This way, it is more enjoyable and I see progress each week.

I have found that you must develop good habits that will help you achieve your dream. There are many old habits that hurt you. Do what Wayne Dyer said, “You leave old habits behind by starting out with the thought, 'I release the need for this in my life'.” Release the old habits from your life and replace them with habits that take action toward your dream. You will get there if you stay on track by focusing on your goals and from learning from people who have similar goals. I like what Brian Tracy said, “No one lives long enough to learn everything they need to learn starting from scratch. To be successful, we absolutely, positively have to find people who have already paid the price to learn the things that we need to learn to achieve our goals.” There is so much information available on almost every topic imaginable. Someone has been in a situation similar to you and you can learn about what they did to reach their goal. Then you can emulate those methods until you develop some of your own. Ultimately, it will be your steps, but you do not have to learn everything from scratch. Read, listen to and watch materials by people who have achieved what you want to achieve.

Beginning is the most important step. You cannot wait until everything is perfect. You just have to go with the best information and preparation you have and begin right now. Part of the reason people never start is because they prepare and prepare and they never take the action needed to get going. Motion is not action. I know what it is like. I have prepared businesses where everything is perfect, yet I did not go out and get customers. I never started, I just played business. That won’t cut it. That is how it is in life. You may want something from afar, but it will never be yours unless you do something. How many inventions have been invented where someone says, “I had that idea first?” It doesn’t matter if you had the idea...that guy did something about it. There have been relationships that did not happen (even when both parties wanted them to) because someone did not take action. The dream is absolutely needed. It is first. But it must be followed up by action or it will never happen. The most important lesson is just to begin. It may not be perfect and that is ok. You can adjust. You need momentum. You need to be running in the same direction as your dream. You will eventually realize the dream if you just get going. Start! It is the only way!

Make your life a well-lived one

2007-11-25T10:20:00.000-04:00

This was my message from the Universe on Friday.

“The best way to find "love," which, incidentally, is just as true for finding money, is to focus less on these by-products of a life well lived and more on a life well lived.

Simple is as simple does,
The Universe”

You can subscribe to Mike Dooley’s messages from the Universe by going to www.tut.com ….it really is a nice way to wake up each morning. The message struck straight to my heart because I realized that I am still focusing on the by-products of life and not my life itself. I still focus on the money instead of where I want to be. I still focus on the workout rather than how I will live with a fit body. It is the subtle differences that make all of the difference. It is not our job to focus on “how” we make things happen. It is our job to decide what we want to happen, focus on it and start living as if we already possessed it. That is what we call coming from a place of “Being.” You must become the person you want to be NOW, then do the actions that a person with what you want would do, so that you can have what you want. The Be-Do-Have formula is the key to getting what you want. Most people think they must have something in order to be someone. There is something that each of us wants more than anything. We want to be rich, we want to be loved, and we want to be respected. The rub is that no one else can give us that…it comes from within. You have to be loving to be loved. You have to be wealthy inside before you will be truly wealthy outside. You must love yourself before you can really love. That is what is meant by being. It is all a state of mind. No one can tell you who you are or who you were born to be. Only you can tell yourself that. The reason we have such a problem believing that is that we have believed others over our self. We have trusted their judgment and words over our own.

It makes perfect sense why we would do that. As children, we learned by doing. We were watched over by our parents and other people who tried to teach us values and they gave us instructions for how to live in this world. Well, we absorbed every word…whether it was good advice or bad….and we developed habits. This information was our basic programming and it is very deeply rooted. Try changing some of those deeply rooted habits. Have you ever had a tradition at the holidays and then you met someone and started learning their traditions? Did they feel comfortable? Probably not. When you have been taught something one way, it is difficult to break that habit. Even if you see a better way, it will take you a while to adjust. Each of us has some deep-rooted programming that affects our daily lives. Some of it is good and some of it holds us back. In order to change anything in our life, we must first recognize and accept the habit or trait that we have and determine that it is time for us to change. Then we must break that habit by changing our patterns and our state. Then we have to enforce the new action for a long enough period of time (at least 21 days) so that we change our old habit. Now, sometimes it takes longer because we tend to revert back to old ways unless we really stay the course. There has to be a compelling “why” in order for you to stick to it. Weak goals produce weak results. Why do you want to change?

There have been so many documented cases of people who have been diagnosed with an incurable disease that have beaten the disease because they were compelled to change their habits. The news of the disease scared them so bad that they dropped their old habits like a rock and started living a new way. They took better care of themselves and the body responded by getting rid of the disease. The thing to remember here is that you don’t have to wait until you hear the bad news to change something. You have the power right now to decide how you want to live and you determine your own outcome by either following through or quitting. See, each of us chooses our own destiny. You can choose the status quo, or you can choose to live life however you want by being the type of person who has the type of life that you desire, today. There is no need to wait. Live your life like you are already in possession of what you desire. Our imagination is a wonderful tool. We can picture our self with the prize long before we ever get it. We can produce the feelings of already having achieved our goal long before we achieve it. This visualization process is a powerful aspect of actual manifestation of your desires. That along with the absolute faith that you can achieve whatever you want and be whoever you want to be, will get you to your dreams. We are so much more powerful than we can even imagine. Life is truly whatever you make of it. You can let your parents, your spouse, your communities, or your government make your decisions for you…..or you can step up to the plate and make them for yourself. The decision is truly yours.

Tie a knot and hang on

2007-11-24T20:22:00.001-04:00

When the world says, "Give up,"
Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."
-Author Unknown

I really like this quote. I saw that perseverance tonight by watching the Tennessee and Kentucky football game. Kentucky was getting beat in the first half. They came back in the second half and fought with every thing they had in them. They lost the game in the 4th overtime on the very last play, however, they showed heart and they showed that you should never…ever…give up! As Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” You never know what is going to happen! You can never stop...you have to keep on going no matter what happens. Someone said, “The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places.” There are so many occasions where you will do well and you will be tempted to rest on your laurels. All I can say is “Don’t do it!” Life is a game in which you have to constantly grow. It is not meant for total rest. There is far too much to do and experience in life. As Newt Gingrich said, “Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.”

Dale Carnegie said, “Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves.” Do your best always. If there is one thing that I have learned, it is to always do your best. Often, you only get one time to do something and if you don’t do your best, you will end up regretting that decision. It is ok to get defeated if you tried your best. You may not like it, but sometimes we will get defeated. The most important decision you can make after that is to get back up and keep moving forward. Stedman Graham said, "People who consider themselves victims of their circumstances will always remain victims unless they develop a greater vision for their lives." Success is a mindset. Success is whatever you decide it is. You may see material success and determine that money determines success. That is one measure, but it is not the only one. You are the one who decides for yourself what your version of success is. Then, you get to go after it. I like what Henry Ward Beecher said, “The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't.” Belief in yourself and determination are the traits that will help you out when the chips are down. You have to draw on that internal strength and just know that you can make things happen if you believe you can. There is a great poem I found in one of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books. Read the words.

Perseverance

When all the world is looming dark
And things seem not so clear,
When shadows seem to hover 'round
Lord, may I persevere.

When it seems everything's been tried
And there's no way to go,
Just let me keep remembering
Sometimes the journey's slow.

I may just need to stop and rest
Along the path I trod,
A time to try to understand
And have my talk with God.

As I gain new strength to carry on
Without a doubt or fear,
Somehow I know things will be right,
And so, I persevere.

- By Anne Stortz

No matter what the final score is, you can walk with your head held high when you fight hard for what you believe in. Life is whatever you make of it. You are in control.

Obstacles cannot crush me

2007-11-23T16:39:00.001-04:00

Leonardo Da Vinci said, “Obstacles cannot crush me.” There is nothing in the world that can stop a determined human being. There are times when we all feel overwhelmed and want to find a place to hide. Some of us do try to blow off responsibilities when we get so frustrated with them that it seems meaningless to try to solve them. However, hiding or running away never works. You just have to own up to it and face that music. It may not feel great for a while, but soon you can put it behind you and keep moving forward. Winston Churchill said, “Never give in! Never give in! Never, never, never, never - in nothing great or small, large or petty. Never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.” I have found a new source of power within myself that turns on when I get determined. It has finally awoken because I have decided not to hide any longer. I am strong and I can do anything that I set my mind to. I have a wonderful life and I will never cower again in the face of a foe or enemy. There are certain bad decisions in life that we sometimes have to pay for long after the thrill is gone. It is time to own up and accept the responsibility for I will no longer deny myself the right to a perfect life.

Brian Tracy said, “Never consider the possibility of failure; as long as you persist, you will be successful.” The world is full of leaders and followers. I have decided that it is my time to lead. Life is all a mindset. You can believe that you are in control and you can be. You can also believe that you have no power and again, it will be so. You are the architect of your own life. It takes determination and action. As Ann Landers said, “Nobody ever drowned in his own sweat.” You cannot be afraid to work hard or to go after what it is you want in life. Someone once said, “Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find that you have crossed the mountain.” Pebbles can be annoying…they usually are…but they will not stop you if you don’t let them. Just remember…no matter what the obstacle…it is never too late to change. There is a song by Three Days Grace called, “Never Too Late,” that talks about this. Read the lyrics.

Never Too Late (by Three Days Grace)

This world will never be
What I expected
And if I don't belong
Who would have guessed it
I will not leave alone
Everything that I own
To make you feel like it's not too late
It's never too late

Even if I say
It'll be alright
Still I hear you say
You want to end your life
Now and again we try
To just stay alive
Maybe we'll turn it around
'Cause it's not too late
It's never too late

No one will ever see
This side reflected
And if there's something wrong
Who would have guessed it
And I have left alone
Everything that I own
To make you feel like
It's not too late
It's never too late

Even if I say
It'll be alright
Still I hear you say
You want to end your life
Now and again we try
To just stay alive
Maybe we'll turn it around
'Cause it's not too late
It's never too late

The world we knew
Won't come back
The time we've lost
Can't get back
The life we had
Won't be ours again

This world will never be
What I expected
And if I don't belong

Even if I say
It'll be alright
Still I hear you say
You want to end your life
Now and again we try
To just stay alive
Maybe we'll turn it around
'Cause it's not too late
It's never too late
Maybe we'll turn it around
'Cause it's not too late
It's never too late (It's never too late)
It's not too late
It's never too late

It is never too late to change your mind or to face what must be faced. It is yourself you must live with and inside of you is where the strength lies to do anything. Charles De Gaulle said, “Nothing great will ever be achieved without great men, and men are great only if they are determined to be so.”

You can be whatever you want to be. Decide and figure out what it takes…then be it. Be it inside first. Start acting like that type of person would act. Start playing the part until you eventually become the character. That is how life works. Thomas Fuller said, “Nothing is easy to the unwilling.” You have to be willing to do things different than you did before. You cannot expect different results using the same old tactics. It is time to get serious about moving to the next level. There are those who talk and there are those that do. The ones that do are the ones who make it where they want to be. Benjamin Disraeli said, “Nothing can withstand the power of the human will if it is willing to stake its very existence to the extent of its purpose.” Stick to your guns and live life the way you want to. That way, you can overcome any obstacle.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T21:03:00.001-04:00

Our rural ancestors, with little blest,
Patient of labour when the end was rest,
Indulged the day that housed their annual grain,
With feasts, and off'rings, and a thankful strain.
- Alexander Pope

W. J. Cameron said, “It is literally true, as the thankless say, that they have nothing to be thankful for. He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire. Nothing is possessed save in appreciation, of which thankfulness is the indispensable ingredient. But a thankful heart hath a continual feast.” Thanksgiving Day is a celebration of the bounty that we have received and for the blessings that we receive each day. In truth, Thanksgiving should be every day because we have much to be grateful for. Even the unseen is a blessing because there is always some force there to aid us each and every moment of our life. We must learn to appreciate all that we have and all that we do not have. Being grateful is a blessing in itself for it fills us with a grateful heart and a spirit of giving. I feel truly blessed today and I am so happy to be alive. My heart is bursting with joy and I am enjoying it to its fullest! I could write a long and eloquent blog for this special day, but I believe I am going to continue to enjoy it! I saw this little poem and thought it was appropriate for today. Put your heart into every day. The world is filled with competition and greed. Look past all of that petty stuff and celebrate this holiday season with a cheerful and blessed heart! Happy Thanksgiving one and all!

He who thanks but with the lips
Thanks but in part;
The full, the true Thanksgiving
Comes from the heart
- A. Shedd

Celebrate Your Life

2007-11-21T15:23:00.001-04:00

Zig Ziglar said, “Outstanding people have one thing in common: an absolute sense of mission.” Purpose is a big word. It is what we each search for. It is a very personal and lifelong journey. It is the core of our being. The great part about life is that you get to create your own mission. You get to fill in the blank where it states: “Your purpose is ______.” You just have to determine for yourself what it is you want and you must go after it! Someone once said, “People know you for what you've done, not for what you plan to do.” We all have many plans and dreams. We get sidetracked by our unlimited imagination and often do not follow through with the actions necessary to make those dreams reality. You must be motivated. There is an internal force inside of you that you must get in touch with to create that action. As Andrew Carnegie said, “People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.” It is persistence no matter what the obstacles that moves the mountain.

Wayne Oates said, “Picture in your mind a sense of personal destiny.” Where do you want to be? Who do you want to be? These are the types of questions that help you find your path. You have to quiet down all of the external and internal noise and start listening to your inner self. Your mind is full of “monkey chatter” because you are constantly thinking and you are bombarded by distractions. We get what we concentrate on the most, so it is imperative that you hone in on what you want your life to be like. Henry L. Doherty said, “Plenty of men can do good work for a spurt and with immediate promotion in mind, but for promotion you want a man in whom good work has become a habit.” Once you understand yourself and know your direction, you will develop better habits that will serve you well. Then, as Paul J. Meyer said, “Plan your progress carefully; hour-by hour, day-by-day, month-by-month. Organized activity and maintained enthusiasm are the wellsprings of your power.” A direction with a plan is a powerful weapon that will catapult you to the next level.

Life is an awesome ride. It is full of wonderful things and some very difficult challenges. It is a constant roller coaster ride full of ups and downs and turns and spins. It may scare the hell out of you or be an exhilarating trip! Learn to enjoy life no matter what is thrown at you. There is a song by Incognito called, “Celebrate Your Life,” which has some very good advice. Read the lyrics.

Celebrate Your Life (by Incognito)

Steal the thunder
You’re a diamond in the mire
Shine on, won’t you shine on
No matter where you are

Like the forces of nature
Irresistible as the sun
So real got to be so real
Your heart and your minds desire

So wake up and dance
Now is the time
Hey, hey, hey

Celebrate your life
It’s your life (your life)
Celebrate your life
Step into the big sunshine

From rags to riches
So many only dreamin
So don’t be a fool now
Keep control on your destination
With the future so bright
Aim your eye to the sky
So real got to be so real
Life can be what you want it to be
So wake up and dance
It’s your time hey, hey, hey

Celebrate your life
It’s your life (your life)
Celebrate your life
Step into the big sunshine

You are the creator of your destiny. We are not bound by fate. We are only bound by what we consider limitations. You get to write your own story. You have to believe and have faith! I like the line of the song that says, “Step into the big sunshine!” That is a great way to describe celebrating life. Malcolm Forbes said, “Presence is more than just being there.” You are present on this planet and you have the choice whether or not you do anything. You have the choice to just sit there and waste your life away. You have a choice whether you want to sit down and quit or whether you will get up and keep on going. Life is the ultimate challenge. We are here to experience this rollercoaster and to enjoy the ride. I am on a list serve that Mike Dooley has. Every day of the work week, I get a message from the Universe. Today’s message really stuck with me. It said:

Persistent thought is your ticket.
Persistent gratitude makes it easy.
And persistent action, Steve, tells one and all, "There ain't no way, honey, I'm settling for less."
I notice these things.
-The Universe

Persistent thought; persistent gratitude; and persistent action. This is the recipe for a very rewarding life. Never settle for anything less. Celebrate your life every day!

We Shall Be Free

2007-11-20T22:02:00.000-04:00

Someone once said, "A real leader faces the music, even when he doesn't like the tune." Today I bit the bullet and faced a challenge head on. I did not want to have to face it, but I decided I better take control of it. It was my time to face the music and I feel better after having done it. As Maxwell Maltz said, “We are built to conquer environment, solve problems, achieve goals, and we find no real satisfaction or happiness in life without obstacles to conquer and goals to achieve.” Sometimes the universe throws problems at you so that you have to face them and get them behind you. I delayed a problem only to have it come back with a vengeance. I did not want it to come back, but I am actually glad it did. I am forced to face it and get rid of it. Today, I made tremendous strides towards getting it resolved. By the end of the week I will have everything set in motion to be back on track and move forward to the next stage of my life. My 2007 has really been filled with blessings and I have a lot to be thankful for.

Henry Drummond said, “Unless a man undertakes more than he possibly can do, he will never do all that he can.” This statement feels very true today. It feels like you engage yourself on a whole new level when you have to push things to the limit. Henry Ward Beecher said, “Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things.” I feel this quote is right on the money too! I feel alive and I feel free. As a matter of fact, I am reminded of the Garth Brooks song, “We Shall Be Free.” Read the lyrics.

We Shall Be Free (by Garth Brooks)

This ain't comin' from no prophet
Just an ordinary man
When I close my eyes I see
The way this world shall be
When we all walk hand in hand

When the last child cries for a crust of bread
When the last man dies for just words that he said
When there's shelter over the poorest head
We shall be free

When the last thing we notice is the color of skin
And the first thing we look for is the beauty within
When the skies and the oceans are clean again
Then we shall be free

We shall be free
We shall be free
Stand straight, walk proud
'Cause we shall be free
When we're free to love anyone we choose
When this world's big enough for all different views
When we all can worship from our own kind of pew
Then we shall be free
We shall be free

We shall be free
Have a little faith
Hold out
'Cause we shall be free

And when money talks for the very last time
And nobody walks a step behind
When there's only one race and that's mankind
Then we shall be free

We shall be free
We shall be free
Stand straight, walk proud, have a little faith, hold out
We shall be free

We shall be free
We shall be free
Stand straight, have a little faith

We shall be free

I like the line, “Stand straight, have a little faith.” Boy, I had to remember that yesterday when I was having a very challenging day. Sometimes when we are stressed, we forget faith. That is really when we need it the most. I decided yesterday that it was better to get tough and face the music rather than hide from my problems. That decision served me we today and I feel much freer than I did yesterday. Fay Nash said, “What a man really wants is creative challenge with sufficient skills to bring him within the reach of success so that he may have the expanding joy of achievement.” Creative challenge is good for us. I thought about my problem last night and created a strategy that worked well today. I followed what Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “We aim above the mark to hit the mark.” That is a great philosophy to live by. It feels like today was a success. This is a great week to count my blessings! I hope everyone is having a week of thanks!

When the going gets tough

2007-11-19T21:03:00.000-04:00

Today has been a tough day. Sometimes past decisions come back to haunt you. Oh well…what is the old saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going?” Well, I am tough! I have not yet begun to fight. Life has given me a few battle scars and all it has done is inspire me to be even greater. Like the diamond being formed from coal under pressure. The more that it gets turned up, the harder I will become. I am confident in my abilities and I know what I have to offer. I will never let a bad decision stop me. Part of the growth process includes having to face up to some of those bad decisions. You handle it straight forward with dignity and grace. I didn’t do that with a few decisions and now it is time to pay the piper. But, in a way I am glad. I want these decisions behind me and I am ready to move on. It is time to face the music and I will do it with style. Personal development is about striving to become better. It is about fighting for your right to be you and to never give in when hard times face you. It is about having the courage to fight your battles and to remain positive and in control in the face of impending danger.

Because of this, I am going to leave you with two quotes:

“You cannot be disciplined in great things and indiscipline in small things. Brave undisciplined men have no chance against the discipline and valor of other men. Have you ever seen a few policemen handle a crowd?”
- General George S. Patton

"If you are going to win any battle, you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do... the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."
-General George S. Patton

Keep the lamp burning!

2007-11-18T16:36:00.001-04:00

John Wayne said, “Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. It comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday.” I like that saying! Each day, actually each moment, is an opportunity to be happy. It is an opportunity to change a thought or an attitude that will turn our world around to let us pursue the life we want. It is an opportunity to show someone how much they mean to you or do something nice for a friend. Time is our currency and how we spend it determines the quality of our life. Love is an important part of life. Bertrand Russell said, “To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead.” There is no reason to fear life. Life is an opportunity to physically experience what your soul already knows. You can choose to do anything! We have to take care of our self and enjoy each and every day. William Londen said, “To insure good health: Eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.” Keep yourself fit and be happy. This will help you to experience life to its fullest. Events will happen in your life that will throw you off course…but things are only good or bad if we attach a meaning to it. Things happen and we can let them build us up or we can let them destroy us. We are in control of our fate. We have to feed ourselves good fuel, for our body, for our mind and for our spirit. Mother Teresa said, “To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.” We are the lamp and we must feed our light so that we can light up our own world. If we are lucky, maybe we can spark a few others to light their light!

Sir William Osler said, “To know just what has to be done, then to do it, comprises the whole philosophy of practical life.” It is not enough to know what to do…you have to do it. Action makes things happen. In order for your life to follow the path you want, you first must know what it is you want, concentrate on it, and take massive action each day to get closer to that goal. One of my favorite quotes comes from William James, who said, “The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.” That is one of the most profound statements I ever learned. The fact that you can change your entire life by changing the way you think and by having the discipline and motivation to follow through on your decisions is the greatest discovery mankind has ever known. All other discoveries pale in comparison. As Thomas Carlyle said, “The idea is in thyself.” You have the power to control your own destiny. By living your life exactly the way you want to, you get to experience exactly what you want to experience. No one else can live your life for you. It is all up to you! We always think that something in the world is wrong and that this external thing is what is wrong with our life. However, I believe what Confucius said, “To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.” It is within us where all of our power lies. We must first be right with our self and we must believe in our self before we can offer the world anything. It is by having self love that we can believe that we can change our world. It is by knowing who we are and by focusing on what we want that lets us get there. How else could we get to where we want if we do not know where we are going? A piece of paper can be blown across the world, but it has no direction. It only goes where the wind takes it. Such is our life if we do not set direction to it. We will always be blown into events and then we will react to them. That is how many people live their life. If you want to experience the things you want…then you first better know what it is you want!

Bob Dole said, “The horizon is out there somewhere and you keep chasing it, looking for it and working for it.” You have these lofty goals and ideas that keep you chasing…but do you know what it is you are chasing? You must have a real heart-to-heart discussion with yourself and start writing down the results. What do you like? Who are you really? Accept where you are, no matter who that is…and start from there. It is the only way to move on. You cannot just wish for it, you must acknowledge where you are at, determine where you are going, make a plan on getting there and then, follow the plan. Honore De Balzac said, “To live in the presence of great truths and eternal laws, to be led by permanent ideals - that is what keeps a man patient when the world ignores him, and calm and unspoiled when the world praises him.” If you can remain fairly consistent in life by not getting too full of yourself when you are up and not getting too depressed when you are down, you will enjoy life much more. Things happen and you can be your best friend or your worst critic. Nothing is ever as bad as it seems. Carl Jung said, “The greatest and most important problems in life are all in a certain sense insoluble. They can never be solved, but only outgrown.” Sometimes you just have to grow from the problem. Life is all about change and growth. Don’t get too discouraged if things don’t work out all of the time. Some of the best results occur from not getting what you want. Remember Garth Brooks song, “Unanswered Prayers?” Henry Ford said, “The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” That is an excellent point. Never allow yourself to get old or outdated. Life is here for those who are youthful enough to enjoy it! Take some risks and have some fun! As Stephen Covey said, “The greatest risk is the risk of riskless living.” Life is yours if you just go out and get it! Have fun living!

Are you a rudderless ship?

2007-11-17T15:03:00.000-04:00

Someone once said, “No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated and disciplined.” The older I have gotten, the more I see the truth in this statement. As children we learn information, we process it and we test its validity. We learn boundaries and then we try to break those boundaries as we discover who we are. As we mature, we start to wonder just what life is all about and we try to attach meaning to what we have done so far. What we must learn is that to find who you are is an internal question. It is looking within to find your strength, your purpose and the discipline to achieve that purpose. That is what you must do to grow great. Life is not mere existence. It is the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer. It is infinite possibilities and it is discovery about limitations and how we can break the barriers of those limitations. It was William Penn who said, “No man is fit to command another that cannot command himself.” Self discipline is one of the most important things that you can learn. We must learn to govern our habits and our actions, or surely they will govern us. This topic weighs heavy in my mind today as I realize how lax I have become. I am writing a book on personal development and the only thing that I have really been disciplined about is writing every day. Well, that stops today. In order to achieve you have to be tough. You have to focus on what and where you want to be and continually strive towards the goal. It is something we must do daily and not in some haphazard fashion. As Napoleon Bonaparte said, “Order marches with weighty and measured strides. Disorder is always in a hurry.” By creating order and discipline in your life, you can achieve anything that you set your mind to do. Gandhi said, “Not to have control over the senses is like sailing in a rudderless ship bound to break to pieces on coming in contact with the very first rock.” We all need a direction and we must have control over our own senses. In order to really do that, we must believe that we can and in order to do that we must believe in ourselves. There is a song from the musical, “The Wiz” called, “Believe in Yourself,” that I think says it pretty well. Read the lyrics.

Believe in Yourself (from "The Wiz")

If you believe
Within your heart you'll know
That no one can change
The path that you must go

Believe what you feel
And know you're right, because
The time will come around
When you say it's yours

Believe there's a reason to be
Believe you can make time stand still
You know from the moment you try
If you believe
I know you will

Believe in yourself, right from the start
You'll have brains
You'll have a heart
You'll have courage
To last your whole life through

If you believe in yourself
If you believe in yourself
If you believe in yourself
As I believe in you

Thomas Carlyle said, “No iron chain, or outward force of any kind, can ever compel the soul of a person to believe or to disbelieve.” The only person who can determine your fate is you. You have the choice whether or not you will do anything. All of the power to create your destiny is yours! Stephen Covey said, “Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside ourselves will affect us.” You can let someone else have power over you, or you can find the inner strength and passion to control your own life. It takes vision and discipline to make it happen. Lee Iacocca said, “The ability to concentrate and to use time well is everything.” Time is our true currency. You only have so much time on this planet in order to fully experience your life. You can spend it in a cube, or you can spend it on the beach. Your decisions determine the quality of your life. Jim Rohn said, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.” Too often we try to rush through life or take what seems to be the easy way out. We are like the hare rushing through the race and we end up missing out on life or we end up getting sidetracked, while the disciplined tortoise slowly achieves everything. Benjamin Disraeli said, “Beware of endeavoring to become a great man in a hurry. One such attempt in ten thousand may succeed. These are fearful odds.” By determining what you truly want out of life and concentrating your efforts each day on achieving it, you will eliminate the need to rush through life, because you will eliminate a lot of the aimless tasks that we do to try to fill up time. Focus your efforts on things that will help you get to where you want to be and enjoy the journey. That is what life is all about!

I like what Carl Zuckmeyer said, “One-half of life is luck; the other half is discipline - and that’s the important half, for without discipline you wouldn’t know what to do with luck.” There are many things that will happen in life that will feel lucky. The best bet is to be grateful for those things and keep honing your skills. Actually, be grateful for everything that happens in your life, because it means that you are living. If you are living, then you have the chance to make anything you want in your life to come true. Many times we get sidetracked or obsessed with something that takes us off track. Just look inside of you and determine what you really want and the path will come to you. The reason we get sidetracked so easily is because we have not chosen what we want. We act like the kid in a candy store who has a nickel but wants all of the candy. We just keep looking at all of the candy with want and amazement and get off track. If we knew what we wanted, we would go in and buy it and be enjoying it. That is how life is. It is a big candy store where there are an infinite amount of choices. You can look through each…or you can choose what you want. That is the great thing about life; you get to pick your own path. Just be happy with your choices. If you aren’t, then you have no one to blame but you. You are responsible for your own life and your own happiness. It is no one else’s responsibility. That is a good thing! If you are focused, dedicated and disciplined and develop a mindset of being happy no matter what…you will have an amazing life.

What are your expectations?

2007-11-16T18:25:00.000-04:00

Anthony Robbins said, “Most people are a direct reflection of the expectations of their peer group.” I think this is profound. Our peer group is where we develop our standards. Whomever you spend time with is who you become. So it is important to choose your peers wisely. As Sam Walton said, “High expectations are the key to everything.” Think about who you want to be in life. Is your current environment conducive to you achieving your goals? If not, it is time to determine your goals and find a peer group who will help you raise your standards. It is better to walk with people who are better at the thing you want than you are. This keeps you constantly striving to remain in the peer group. For example, if you are a tennis player and you play with people who are better at it than you, you will work hard to improve so that they will still want to play with you. If you do not improve, then they will get bored and move on. The same is true in all situations. If you want to grow, you look for people who are doing what you want to do and you join that peer group. You learn from the people who have what you want and you keep raising your standards until you are comfortable walking with those peers. After that, it will be time for a new challenge. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “The little that is completed, vanishes from the sight of one who looks forward to what is still to do.”

Expectation is an important key to success. Dr. Orison Swett Marden said, “We advance on our journey only when we face our goal, when we are confident and believe we are going to win out.” You have to expect to win. Expect that you can overcome any obstacle and expect the very best from yourself. As Michael Jordan said, “You have to expect things of yourselves before you can do them.” All of that comes from loving who you are and being confident in your abilities. Too many of us only focus on our liabilities. Well guess what, you get what you focus on. How do you ever imagine that you will improve if you don’t acknowledge your many strengths? Brian Tracy said, “We will always tend to fulfill our own expectation of ourselves.” The best way to advance is to expect a lot out of yourself and keep honing your skills. School is always in session and there are always places where you can learn to improve any skill you want to improve. There is no excuse to the person who will not allow an excuse to stop them. Brian Tracy also said, “Your attitude is an expression of your values, beliefs and expectations.” Your attitude is your best ally or your worst enemy. You are in control of your attitude. Focus on your goals and keep a positive and determined attitude.

John Lubbock said, “What we see depends mainly on what we look for.” This is very true. Have you ever bought a new car and suddenly you notice how many of the same car there are on the road? You never noticed them before. Your Reticular Activating System kicked in and now you are aware of what was always there...you just were not interested in it, so you didn’t notice it. Really think about that for a minute. If it can happen with a new car, what else is out there…right in front of us…that we are just not noticing because it has not captured our attention yet? The answer to that question would blow your mind! How do we start noticing what is out there? By determining what it is we really want out of life. I liken it to satellite TV. There are hundreds of channels and thousands of show…but what we need to see is relatively limited. It is great to have the opportunity to see something new. It is informative and entertaining. However, with no focus, we just waste time flipping channels instead of watching the show we want to. Focus is the key. To focus, you have to know what you want. Then you can begin to see the path that will lead you there. Eileen Caddy said, “Expect your every need to be met. Expect the answer to every problem, expect abundance on every level.” When you do this, you focus on what you want at a much deeper level. The key to getting there is to listen to your inner voice. The one that always gives you gut feelings about ideas. The one which warns you that something feels right or wrong. That eerie feeling that something is about to happen. All of these things are inside of you and they are helping to guide you down your path. The trouble is, we often let our brains override that feeling. Our decisions determine our outcome and we have the free will to choose whatever we want. However, we have a lot of great tools inside of us that we need to start paying attention to. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “He who is plenteously provided for from within needs but little from without.” As I have gotten older, I really understand this much better. It has taken years of soul searching…but what I discovered is that I didn’t listen to what my soul was telling me for a long time. I thought I knew better. Sometimes you just have to stop thinking so much and just start listening! You have to learn to ask better questions and really pay attention to the answers. Often, they are 180 degrees different than what you thought. Pay attention…the answers may be right in front of your eyes.

Giovanni Niccolini said, “By asking for the impossible we obtain the best possible.” Most of us do not push ourselves to grow. We find a comfortable little spot and we stay there. Life is about change. Long term comfort is not a friend…it cripples your experiences in life because it lulls you into inaction! William Congreve said, “Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life.” If you try so hard for certainty and have no expectation to grow…you will not stay the same but will become obsolete. Nothing stays the same…it is required to grow and to live. That is what we do! I like what Abraham Lincoln said, “The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.” Expect that each day will be your best day on this planet. Live for that day and do something that will help you grow. Experience life by living it and focus on where you want to be, but enjoy each day while you are getting there. The journey is the fun part. Achievement is a nice reward, but it only leads to another journey. Live today and you will have a great life!

The Song Remains the Same

2007-11-15T21:45:00.001-04:00

The Song Remains the Same (by Led Zeppelin)

I had a dream
Oh, yeah
Crazy dream, uh-huh.
Anything I wanted to know
Any place I needed to go

Hear my song
Yeah...people don’t you listen now? Sing along!
Oh, you don’t know what you’re missing now.
Any little song that you know
Everything that’s small has to grow.
And it has to grow!
Push, push, yeah!

California sunlight, sweet Calcutta rain
Honolulu star bright--the song remains the same. ooh! ooh!
Here we go!

Honolulu now...
Sing out hare hare, dance the hoochie coo.
City lights are oh so bright, as we go sliding
Sliding
Sliding through.

Oh!

I heard this song the other day and it made me think that many times the song does remain the same. Have you ever had a day where you felt like you were living the same day over and over? It feels like you are stuck in a rut and you cannot get out. I have felt like that before and the only remedy I have found is taking massive action to get myself out of the rut. I hate feeling stuck and I imagine everyone else does too. Vance Havner said, “Many people are in a rut and a rut is nothing but a grave-with both ends kicked out.” It is time to crawl out of that rut by changing your attitude and approach to your situation. We determine our destiny and if we are in a rut, it is because we choose to be. Sometimes you get knocked down and it takes the wind out of you. It is ok to catch your breath, but it is not ok to stay down. The song will remain the same if you keep playing the same tune. You need a fresh, new idea and a new start. In other words, it is time for a change. Mark Twain said, “What, then, is the true Gospel of consistency? Change. Who is the really consistent man? The man who changes. Since change is the law of his being, he cannot be consistent if he is stuck in a rut.” The only thing consistent about a rut is that you are in a place where you don’t want to be. Throw out the old ideas and try something new. John Dewey said, “The path of least resistance and least trouble is a mental rut already made. It requires troublesome work to undertake the alternation of old beliefs.”

The truth is, we get stuck in our daily routines. Edith Wharton said, “Habit is necessary; it is the habit of having habits, of turning a trail into a rut that must be incessantly fought against if one is to remain alive.” In other words, it is ok to have habit, because it can serve us, but sometimes we must break certain habits because they keep us from growing. Life is growth and it requires that we step up to bat each time. We cannot pick and choose which time to show up, because each time is an opportunity for growth. The success did not get there by being successful each time. The success knows that there will be many failures along the way. Each failure is merely an opportunity to grow unless we let it stop us dead in our tracks. Sometimes these failures wear at us and make us lose our momentum. However, let it only be a temporary rut. We will all experience times of woe and times of shame. We will all mess up at some point. It is not the end of the world, just a stumbling block. In order to get past it, you have to know that you can get past it. It requires effort and determination, but it is possible and you are the only one who can make it happen. Get out there and swing that bat. You will never hit what you do not swing for. Have determination and know that you will get better the more you swing.

The song does not have to remain the same. You will have good days and you will have bad days, but the most important thing to remember is to just keep swinging and just keep growing. The winds of change will come and those who are prepared will get out of their rut and move to a new plateau. Life is a game that never stops. Growth is a part of it. If you get used to it now, it will never surprise you and you will find it a long lost friend when it swings by the next time. Never let a rut stop you. Learn from it and grow. In time, all things come to pass. Break the habits that are holding you back and claim your true destiny.

Motion and Emotion

2007-11-14T20:40:00.001-04:00

Mark Victor Hansen said, "You control your future, your destiny. What you think about comes about. By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands: your own." I was listening to a CD by Anthony Robbins today and he was talking about emotion and the three things that happen when we feel something. You have to take a look at what you are physically doing, what you are focusing on and the language patterns you are using. Emotion comes from motion, so what we are physically doing affects our mood. Your feelings are tied to your movement…so if you want to change your state of emotion, physically do something different. Move! Also, change your focus. Often, we work ourselves into a tizzy because we are focused on what we think is the outcome. If you want to get out of a funk, concentrate on something different. Change your focus and you will change your attitude. Change the way you are thinking too. Usually, we ask poor questions (even in our thoughts) and we get bad answers. Improve your questions and you will improve your state of mind. Improve your language, both verbally and mentally, and you will improve your state of mind as well. It is all about discipline. Lao-Tzu said, “Don't think you can attain total awareness and whole enlightenment without proper discipline and practice. This is egomania. Appropriate rituals channel your emotions and life energy toward the light. Without the discipline to practice them, you will tumble constantly backward into darkness.”

Leo Buscaglia said, “We need not be afraid to touch, to feel, to show emotion. The easiest thing in the world is to be what you are, what you feel. The hardest thing to be is what other people want you to be.” In our society, we shun emotions. We are all moved by a passage or a truly human moment, but we have been taught to not show too much emotion. Since we instituted that rule, people have become more robotic…either not showing emotion, or we explode by bottling all of our emotions up until they cannot contain themselves any longer. Neither is healthy. Now, I am not suggesting that we all show every single emotion all of the time, because it might get annoying. However, it is healthy to just be yourself and to feel whatever you are feeling. Emotions are powerful things…but they must be real. Winston Churchill said, “Before you can inspire with emotion, you must be swamped with it yourself. Before you can move their tears, your own must flow. To convince them, you must yourself believe.” In order to fully experience life, you must be honest with yourself. You have to express your true feelings and you must believe in yourself. If you believe in yourself and have a dream, then you can accomplish anything. It amazes me how little value people place on their own abilities. It is like what St. Augustine said, “People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering.” Each of us is an amazing and unique being. We are all here experiencing our own existence that each of us is creating. We should never belittle our existence or ever even talk bad about ourselves. We have been sold bad information! We are not here to compete for goods. We are each here to live and to serve one another. Life is really a sweet ride!

You have to understand yourself enough to know what you want out of life…then you concentrate on it and take action. Don’t just go through the motions. Remember what Benjamin Franklin said, “Never confuse motion with action.” Action means planning something out and doing what it takes to complete the plan and get the desired result. You must move forward and trust your gut feelings about how you are progressing. I like what Kevin Roberts said, “In my 35 years in business I have always trusted my emotions. I have always believed that by touching emotion you get the best people to work with you, the best clients to inspire you, the best partners and most devoted customers.” If you trust in your feelings and use them to inspire others to trust in their feelings, you will establish better relationships and build networks of people who want to help you. Emotions are very valuable things that we often take for granted. Anthony Robbins said, “The quality of your life is your consistent feelings.” So the emotions that you have on a regular basis determine your life. The best part of that is that you can choose which emotions to have. You can choose happiness and consistently keep yourself in a happy state of mind. By doing so, you will have a better quality of life because you are focusing on what makes you happy. Life is really that simple. Most of us react to situations rather than determine our state of mind. We get to create our own destiny and it starts with choosing our state of mind. Remember you can change your emotions by changing your motion. Get up and do something different. Breathe and move. You will feel a lot better. Do it consistently and you will create a better state of mind which will create a better state of your life!

Don't look back through the rearview window of life

2007-11-13T20:37:00.000-04:00

Someone once said, “What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now.” Right now is where you are. It is assessment time. Is this where you thought you’d be? If so, good job! If not, reassess and see where it is you want to go. Your decisions now are what will determine your future. They say the definition of insanity is trying to get different results by doing the same things. Stop doing the same things and focus on where you want to be. In order to make your life the way you want it to be, you first have to know where you are going. Determine that first. Marcel Pagnol said, “The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will be.” It is time to get out of the past. The past is gone and cannot be changed. You can learn lessons from the past that can serve you well, but you must not dwell on a past event. It is only haunting you, not helping you. If you have anger in your heart, let it go. Barbara De Angelis said, “The more anger towards the past you carry in your heart, the less capable you are of loving in the present.” The present is all you have!

Charles Swindoll said, “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.” Your attitude towards yourself, others and life is the most important thing you can govern. You get to determine how you feel at any given moment. It is a mindset. You are in control of how things affect you. Shakespeare said, “Nothing is either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” If you truly grasp that concept, your world can change. You will no longer look back in the rearview window of life, but will look forward in a non-judging attitude. You will govern your attitude on life and you will exercise the demons that hold you back in the past. Think about what Oscar Wilde said, “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.” The past is over….move on!

The Buddha said, “The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” If you can remember two things, remember to live in the present and have a great attitude. Too many people live either in the past or they are dreaming about the future and they never enjoy what is happening to them at the present moment. Life is too short to waste on what has happened or what will happen. You have to live for today. Live like there is no tomorrow and that way you will get the most out of life. We are here to experience life, not to think about it. We have a lot of things that distract us from living. We watch TV and dream of being someone different. We live vicariously through others and then wonder what happened to all of our time. You cannot afford to waste life. Time is what life is made of and the more you waste…the less time you have to live. Life is a gift that is here for each of us to explore and create our own destiny. Don’t waste your time looking backwards…there is nothing there. Look at what is right in front of you. You will discover that there is more there than you ever realized. Pay attention and develop a great attitude and the world is yours.

You have to make your own destiny

2007-11-12T19:03:00.001-04:00

Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” None of us were ever made to play small. Our purpose here is not to merely exist, but to get in there and do something with this life we have been given. It is ok to get beat up along the way….just don’t let that deter you from your mission of being the best “you” you can be! The people who sit on the sidelines will never score the winning goal. The people who judge you for living your own life are not living theirs. We must all really find out where we are getting our advice. Your inner voice is the best authority for you. It is the guiding source in which you should listen. Orison Swett Marden said, "Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them." You are the creator of your own destiny! It is your own decisions which create your life. Whether you like it or not, you are creating your own fate right now.

Benjamin Disraeli said, "Nothing can resist the human will that will stake even its existence on its stated purpose." You get to state your own purpose. That’s the greatest thing about life. We are each in control of where we are headed. If you understand that, then you can start making much better decisions about your life. Life is about experiencing all that this earth has to offer. If you are not experiencing life, then you are wasting time. We each have only so much time allotted and we can use it however we want. If we want to waste it, we can….but if you are waiting for someone to teach you about life, then you are wasting your time. Life is a lesson that must be lived to be learned. There is some god advice out there that will be helpful and you should seek it. However, there is a lot of bad advice out there too. You can waste a lot of time chasing down bad advice. At least you will learn a lesson from it…so I guess that is not all bad….but I have learned an awful lot of lessons by learning by trial and error and it takes a long time. The sooner that you learn that you are in control of your life, the better. It is like what Zig Ziglar said, “You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.” Other people can try to control you, but only you can give them that control. Mahatma Gandhi said, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” You have to use your will the way you want to. Sometimes, that may mean being stubborn as a mule, but only you can use your ability.

Walter Russell said, “Mediocrity is self-inflicted. Genius is self-bestowed.” You have to proclaim your effort in this world and determine what you are willing to put up with. If you have a dream, then you go after it and do not let anyone or anything stop you from reaching it. That old saying, “A big shot is just a little shot that keeps on shooting,” is right on the money. Never give up. In the face of defeat, you just keep on going for it. Keep Theodore Roosevelt’s words in mind and you will come out the victor either way. William McDougall said, “Will is character in action.” Action is the key word here. Anyone can dream of accomplishing their dream. Anyone can talk about making it come true. However, the person who will get it done is the person who consistently takes action towards his or her goal. That is the only way to make it happen. Life is not a sideline sport. It is something that each person has to get involved with and make it happen. The reason we have free will is so that we may choose the course of our life. We can go for the glory, we can give it away, or we can find a nice bed and sleep our life away. The choice is yours and it is the greatest gift of love we ever received. Our choices are powerful and they determine our life. If you are not happy with where your life is headed, then you have to look at the quality of choices you are making. All it takes to change your life is to change your thoughts. Find a dream that compels you to act….stick to your guns and start doing things that will get you closer to your goal. That is the key to success….just keep shooting for your goal. You have to make your own destiny…no one will make it for you.

Circle of Life

2007-11-11T14:34:00.001-04:00

Soren Kierkegaard said, “God has given each of us our "marching orders'. Our purpose here on Earth is to find those orders and carry them out. Those orders acknowledge our special gifts.” It is important to know that each of us is a unique individual and that we each have our own reason for being here. It is easy to get lost in the endless sea of competition and conformity to feel like a number of just another spoke in the wheel. We are each searching for some message that reveals our purpose and sets us on the right course that gives our life meaning. However, you already have it with you. Your purpose is inside of you. You have to learn to listen to your inner voice, the one that gives you gut feelings and little hints all throughout your life. It is when you finally listen to that voice that you will discover why you are here. It may surprise you to discover that you are in control of your life to a much greater extent than you ever imagined. Frank Clark said, “Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things.” There are so many things that you have already accomplished that you have not given yourself enough credit for. George Eliot said, “The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.”

It is usually through reflection that we see the good that we have done. What we focus on is what we get, so do not spend a lot of time in the past. Just learn from your past and move on. You cannot change it. If you feel that you have done someone wrong in the past, find them and apologize. You cannot change what happened, but you can at least let it go. I have found that by apologizing for a past event, the person I thought I had injured did not even remember what I was talking about. The only person I had hurt over all that time was me. Let things go and move on. The thing that makes or breaks us is our mindset. Coach Vincent Lombardi said, “The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to convince.” We learn to live in the future or the past in either thought or memory, but life is here in the present. If you do not live in the present moment, you are missing out on the very essence of life. Learning to enjoy the here and now will allow you to fill your memory banks up with wonderful memories because you will be fully aware of what is going on around you. Too often we are on autopilot and miss all of the things that surround us. You have to notice the order of life and the opportunities that are always present.

I thought the movie, “The Lion King,” was a good representation of the struggles and the lessons in life. In fact, the song, “Circle of Life,” by Elton John really summarizes well that we are all connected and that each of us must find our own path. Read the lyrics.

Circle of Life (by Elton John)

From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to be seen than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done

Some say eat or be eaten
Some say live and let live
But all are agreed as they join the stampede
You should never take more than you give

In the circle of life
It's the wheel of fortune
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle, the circle of life

Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with the scars

There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round

In the circle of life
It's the wheel of fortune
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle, the circle of life

Because of free will, we do have the opportunity to soar…or we can allow ourselves to fall by the wayside. You have the choice to be whatever you want. The power is within you…so set your dreams and goals well. Denis Waitley said, “Goals provide the energy source that powers our lives. One of the best ways we can get the most from the energy we have is to focus it. That is what goals can do for us; concentrate our energy.” Focusing your thoughts, words and actions towards making your dreams come true, attract people and circumstances into your life so that you can accomplish your dreams. Thomas Huxley said, “The great end of life is not knowledge but action.” You can dream about where you want to be, but you must take action towards making your dreams come true. You slowly become aware of what you need to do as you focus on where you want to be. By listening to your inner self, you will discover a guide that will lead you to your chosen purpose. M. Scott Peck said, “The great awareness comes slowly, piece by piece. The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning. The experience of spiritual power is basically a joyful one.” The more you discover your inner voice, the more spiritual you will feel. You are connecting to your soul. It may sound esoteric, but it is really one of the greatest lessons you will ever learn. Start listening to your own wants and needs and follow your own way. David McKay said, “Find a purpose in life so big it will challenge every capacity to be at your best.” You will find your place on the path unwinding and will discover your own circle of life.

When Love Takes You In

2007-11-10T18:43:00.001-04:00

Someone once said, “A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” Yesterday, I wrote about taking things for granted. In the last couple of months, I have had the privilege of meeting some very special kids who have really touched my life. My fiancée introduced me to an organization called Kidsave which helps older African American kids get adopted. When people generally adopt children, most tend to try to adopt a baby so that they get the full experience of raising that child from infancy to adulthood. That is a noble thing to do and I applaud that effort. What I have discovered is that after a certain age, it gets much more difficult for kids to get adopted. These kids may have foster homes or group homes that will help care for them until they are 18 or 21 and then they are kicked out into the world with no real support structure. I have had the opportunity to meet some of these kids and they are great young adults. My fiancée and I have become advocates for the organization and are in training to become mentors. What these children need are people to care about them, give them a support structure and love. Remember when you were young, how it felt to have someone to talk with and share your dreams with? So many of us take this type of family environment for granted and it is the essence of our way of life. Heck, I may have rebelled when I was younger, but I still picked up a lot of good advice that I am now using. My parents were there for me and I honor that relationship, though I know I took it for granted long ago. It is like what John Ed Pearce said, “Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to.”

There is a song that I discovered today which touched my heart too, because it started to dive into what these kids need. They just need someone to love them. The song is called, “When Love Takes You In,” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Read the lyrics.

When Love Takes You In (by Steven Curtis Chapman)

I know you’ve heard the stories
But they all sound too good to be true
You’ve heard about a place called home
But there doesn’t seem to be one for you
So one more night you cry yourself to sleep
And drift off to a distant dream

Where love takes you in and everything changes
A miracle starts with the beat of a heart
When love takes you home and says you belong here
The loneliness ends and a new life begins
When love takes you in

And somewhere while you’re sleeping
Someone else is dreaming too
Counting down the days until
They hold you close and say I love you
And like the rain that falls into the sea
In a moment what has been is lost in what will be

When love takes you in everything changes
A miracle starts with the beat of a heart

And this love will never let you go
There is nothing that could ever cause this love to lose its hold

When love takes you in everything changes
A miracle starts with the beat of a heart
When love takes you home and says you belong here
The loneliness ends and a new life begins
When love takes you in it takes you in for good
When love takes you in

Somewhere out there…there are people who want to help out a child. They may be empty nesters who could help a child learn to explore their potential and help provide them the start they deserve. They may be like my fiancée and me who have kids and are doing what we can to spread the word and to help be a positive role model in the life of another child. There are so many ways to help these children. We all need a network of people that we can run things by or from whom we can learn. I like what Christian Morgenstern said, “Home is not where you live, but where they understand you.” If we all work together to make sure that no child is ever left alone, then we can make this world one big home where people really do understand. Did you know that a large percentage of homeless people come from kids who did not get a good start and do not have the connections to receive help as the challenges of life arise? Where were we? We were taking life for granted, so wrapped up in our own needs that we do not see the plight of a life without a home. It was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe who said, “He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.” Having a home makes someone feel like they are a part of something. It makes them feel special. We have a young man that we are advocating for and just to see him smile because he knows we are there to try to help him…well, it warms the heart.

Maya Angelou said, “I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.” Experience is a very important part of our existence and it is a very personal thing. These kids will grow up to be adults and they will find their own way no matter what we do. However, each of us needs a family. Each of us needs someone who cares unconditionally. To have that support allows us to go off into the world by ourselves, but we know that we are not alone. We can always call someone and just say…”Hello.” Vincent van Gogh said, “One may have a blazing hearth in one's soul and yet no one ever comes to sit by it. Passersby see only a wisp of smoke from the chimney and continue on the way.” These kids have a blazing soul and they are trying hard to have the normal kid experiences that prepare them to be adults. They are looking for a family who can love them and be there for them so that they can experience life the way it is supposed to be experienced….full of love. Go to www.kidsave.org and get involved or at least pass the information on to someone else, because it’s not okay for kids to grow up without families. Thank you!

I Will Not Take These Things For Granted

2007-11-09T19:01:00.000-04:00

“The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are. You trade in your reality for a role. You trade in your sense for an act. You give up your ability to feel, and in exchange, put on a mask. There can't be any large-scale revolution until there's a personal revolution, on and individual level. It's got to happen inside first. You can take away a man's political freedom and you won't hurt him- unless you take away his freedom to feel. That can destroy him. That kind of freedom can't be granted. Nobody can win it for you.”
- Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison makes a very valid point, don’t you think? Being who you really are….a being with your own thoughts, feelings, and values is something that you cannot take for granted! G. K. Chesterton said, “When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” By learning to appreciate everything that you experience in your life, you will find an enduring strength that will guide you and serve you well throughout life. We live in a society where too many people take too many things for granted. They feel that they are entitled to a great life and that someone owes it to them. The only person who can make your life great is you. You are the one who defines what “great” is and sets the bar to whatever height you are willing to hurdle to achieve. We take each other for granted. We take our planet for granted. Then, in our infinite wisdom, we wonder why our resources are drying up and so many people in the world are on medication or are in therapy. Humans are meant to connect! We are meant to establish relationships and friendships. We were never designed to do everything from a self sufficient level. We rely on each others talents to supply ourselves with the differences that we need in life. Anthony Robbins talks about the six human needs that all of us share. They are:

Certainty/Comfort
Uncertainty/Variety
Significance
Connection/Love
Growth
Contribution

These needs are sometime on the opposite side of each other, so it causes friction. Too often, however, we deny these needs….or we only satisfy a few of the needs instead of balancing our life with all six. I think Aldous Huxley was right when he said, “Most human beings have an absolute and infinite capacity for taking things for granted.” The danger in taking things for granted is that you miss out on the very essence of life. There is something going on at every moment in life, if you stop and pay attention to it. We get stuck in our thoughts of the past and the future and miss out on the present. You may look around and think that nothing is happening right now, but it is not true. The number of things that are happening in your life at this very moment are staggering….but you are not paying attention. There is a song by Toad the Wet Sprocket called, “I Will Not Take These Things For Granted,” in which a guy begins to realize what is really important to him and awakens to things that were always there, but he did not notice. This happens to all of us at some point. When you do awaken, you find that there are so many beautiful things in life you never paid attention to because you were lost in your own little world. Read the lyrics….maybe they will reveal something to you.

I Will Not Take These Things For Granted (by Toad the Wet Sprocket)

One part of me just wants to tell you everything
One part just needs the quiet
And if I’m lonely here, I’m lonely here
And on the telephone
You offer reassurance

I will not take these things for granted

How can I hold the part of me that only you can carry?
It needs a strength I haven’t found
But if it’s frightening, Ill bear the cold
And on the telephone
You offer warm asylum

I’m listening
Flowers in the garden
Laughter in the hall
Children in the park

I will not take these things for granted
I will not take these things for granted
I will not take these things for granted
I will not take these things
Anymore

To crawl inside the wire and feel something near me
To feel this accepting
That it is lonely here, but not alone
And on the telephone
You offer visions dancing

I’m listening
Music in the bedroom
Laughter in the hall
Dive into the ocean
Singing by the fire
Running through the forest
And standing in the wind
In rolling canyons

I will not take these things for granted
I will not take these things for granted
I will not take these things for granted
I will not take these things
Anymore

To find the things that awaken your senses and connect you to the six human needs is a wondrous thing. It inspires you to start noticing things you have never noticed and try things you have never tried. You begin to experience life on a whole new level and expand relationships that open new doors. It is like what Edward de Bono said, “One very important aspect of motivation is the willingness to stop and to look at things that no one else has bothered to look at. This simple process of focusing on things that are normally taken for granted is a powerful source of creativity.” That creativity opens you to new adventures and allows you to write new chapters in the book of you. They say that some of the most important things in life are right in front of you if you only take the time to notice them. Learn how to take everything in life with gratitude, not for granted, and you will discover that you are on your way to fulfilling your human needs.

All for Love

2007-11-08T16:56:00.000-04:00

Mother Teresa said, “I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.” Love truly is the answer. It is the key to happiness and a fulfilling life. It all begins by having a heaping helping of love for our self. We are the most important person in the world to our self, and rightfully so. How can we be important to others if we do not care about our self? If you do not show love and respect to yourself, then you are incapable of truly loving another, because you will never be able to give of yourself to the other person. You will always have a veil masking your true self from others until you can love yourself for who you are. Your greatness comes from within. Your strength and power are already inside of you and the way to unleash it is to forgive yourself of all of the hate you have laid on yourself over the years. We constantly tell ourselves how stupid we were for a bad decision, or how clumsy we are for tripping over something, or a million other things that generally end up negative. Stop that now! You deserve better than that and it all starts with you. You have to learn to love who you are and accept yourself as you are right now. You can change anything in life if you accept it for what it is and move on. Love is a powerful thing, it can lift you up in ways that nothing else can. Once you love and respect yourself and learn that it is not a soul mate that makes you whole, but it is yourself that makes you whole...you will grow tremendously.

Now, I believe in soul mates and I believe in love. My point is that a soul mate will not make you complete. Only you can do that. A soul mate can enhance your life experience greatly by sharing your love and life together with another complete soul. Thus, it is not two halves that come together to make one, but instead…two completes join to share life together. Morrie Schwar said, “The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.” Love is a great motivator. I can say that for certain, because I am lost deeply in my own love story. I like the song, “All for Love,” by Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart and Sting. I think the lyrics say a lot. Read them.

All for Love (by Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart and Sting)

When it's love you give
(I'll be a man of good faith.)
Then in love you live.
(I'll make a stand. I won't break.)
I'll be the rock you can build on,
Be there when you're old,
To have and to hold.

When there's love inside
(I swear I'll always be strong.)
Then there's a reason why.
(I'll prove to you we belong.)
I'll be the one that protects you
From the wind and the rain,
From the hurt and pain.
Let's make it all for one and all for love.
Let the one you hold be the one you want,
The one you need,
'cause when it's all for one it's one for all.
When there's someone that should know
Then just let your feelings show
And make it all for one and all for love.

When it's love you make
(I'll be the fire in your night.)
Then it's love you take.
(I will defend, I will fight.)
I'll be there when you need me.
When honor's at stake,
This vow I will make:
That it's all for one and all for love.
Let the one you hold be the one you want,
The one you need,
'cause when it's all for one it's one for all.
When there's someone that should know
Then just let your feelings show
And make it all for one and all for love.

Don't lay our love to rest
'cause we could stand up to you test.
We got everything and more than we had planned,
More than the rivers that run the land.
We've got it all in our hands.
Now it's all for one and all for love.
(It's all for love.)
Let the one you hold be the one you want,
The one you need,
'cause when it's all for one it's one for all.
(It's one for all.)
When there's someone that should know
Then just let your feelings show.
When there's someone that you want,
When there's someone that you need
Let’s make it all, all for one and all for love.

Life is about love. We would be lost in this world if love did not exist. It is not something that we should reserve either. It is the one emotion that keeps expanding. The more you give, the more you end up receiving. Our hearts are bigger than the physical heart inside of us. Love fills more than just the space around us. Our love is capable of transcending earth’s boundaries. It is capable of going straight to the heavens. We are so much stronger and capable than we imagine our self to be. The act of sharing that love will bring you great happiness and joy. As Mother Teresa said, “There is only more love.” Learn to be whole and love who you are. This will increase your ability to share that love with others, for you can only give what you have inside of you. An empty well does not give water….so it ends up being worthless. Without love in your heart, you end up an empty well. You have seen people without love and how they look like empty shells. Love is the answer to keeping that well filled….so start priming the pump and keep it always flowing. You can do it all for love!

Are You Gonna Go My Way?

2007-11-07T20:24:00.000-04:00

William Shakespeare said, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” Do you know that you can become anything that you want to? It does not matter how you start in life, but how you finish. If you have nothing right now, but your mind and breath in your lungs, you can start from there and change everything in your life. It begins with a dream and it takes form because of your actions and your belief. Abraham Maslow said, "One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again." Life will get better when you get better. Growth is a part of life and it is never behind you, but always in the now and the future. Keep your focus on where you want to go and act as if you are already in possession of it. That philosophy will ensure that you succeed. Never give up and always keep shooting. Someone once said, “Success is often the result of taking a misstep in the right direction.” My fiancé’ reminded me of this advice today and I took it to heart. Sometimes, we get going down a path and we may need to back up and change directions. A misstep is just what we need sometimes. Sure, it knocks us off track and it may leave us spinning, but the lessons we learn can be invaluable.

There is a song by Lenny Kravatz that makes me think of this topic. It is called, “Are You Gonna Go My Way?” Read the lyrics.

Are You Gonna Go My Way? (By Lenny Kravitz)

I was born long ago
I am the chosen I'm the one
I have come to save the day
And I won't leave until I'm done
So that's why you've got to try
You got to breath and have some fun
Though I'm not paid I play this game
And I won't stop until I'm done

But what I really want to know is
Are you gonna go my way?
And I got to got to know

I don’t know why we always cry
This we must leave and get undone
We must engage and rearrange
And turn this planet back to one
So tell me why we got to die
And kill each other one by one
We’ve got to love and rub-a-dub
We've got to dance and be in love

But what I really want to know is
Are you gonna go my way?
And I got to got to know
Are you gonna go my way?
'Cause baby I got to know
Yeah

What it says to me is, “Why are you on the wrong path? You can choose your own way…so why don’t you go my way?” You are responsible for your own life. You get to decide your own fate. That is what free will is all about. You can win or lose and no one will stop you. Go your own way and live your life to its fullest potential. It really does not matter what has happened in the past. The past is done and there is no changing it. You can only change your thoughts and change your actions now. What you do now will create your future, so it is best to have a plan…..some vision of where you want to go. Things will always change. It is like what John F. Kennedy said, “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

There is no point in looking back unless you are learning from it. Dwelling on the past never has done any good, so if you are doing that, stop! The future has not been written and is subject to your every whim. You can sail aimlessly like a boat without a rudder, or you can trim the sails and chart your own course. That is what is so cool about life. All the answers you seek are already inside of you. You have to decide when enough is enough and when you are going to follow your own path. When you do, you can start following what your inner self has been trying to tell you all along. You know those annoying little gut checks you have when you go against what you really want? Those are signs telling you to start listening to what you already know. See, a lot of the things we think we want in life lead us down the wrong path. Eventually, you start listening to your true inner voice, but sometimes it is too late. Start listening now and enjoy your life. Take a misstep from your normal life and fall into a new and better life. One full of growth and fulfillment. The choice is really yours. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can go your own way.

What Is Success?

2007-11-06T21:01:00.001-04:00

Mind is the master power that molds and makes.
And man/woman is mind, and evermore she takes
The tool of thought, and, shaping what she will,
Brings forth a thousand joys, a thousand ills;
She thinks in secret, and it comes to pass:
Environment is but her looking glass.
- James Allen

Dr. Joyce Brothers said, "An individual's self-concept is the core of his personality. It affects every aspect of human behavior: the ability to learn, the capacity to grow and change... A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success in life." What are you doing to ensure that you succeed in your endeavors? How are you investing in your own future so that you live the life that you want to? How do you define what success means to you? A positive self image is the best way to start and the best way to have a positive self image is to love yourself for who you are. We all have our own individual personality and our own idiosyncrasies. That is what makes us who we are. However, in our society, we have each been criticized for our individuality. We have learned to “not stand out” and “fit in.” In doing so, we have developed lower self-esteem than we are supposed to have. It is when you realize that it is ok to be you when you start making significant progress. Once you start loving who you are, you can become whoever you want to be. I like the lyrics to Bonnie Raitt’s song, “What is Success?” That is a question I have asked myself at least 1,000 times. Read the lyrics.

What Is Success? (By Bonnie Raitt)

How does one decide?
That the methods he's using,
They just don't jive
To truly believe and keep trying
Over and over again
Living in hopes,
That someday you'll be in with the winners

When will one change his mind?
And jump the fence
For the dial a sign
It’s a sad thing, it’s a bad thing
But so necessary
Living in hopes,
That someday you'll be in with the winners

Now what, what, (I don’t know, can you tell me what)
What is success?
Is it do your own thing?
Or to join the rest
And if you truly believe it,
And try over and over again
Living in hopes
That someday you'll be in with the winners

Oooh, tell me what it is
Sweet success

Oooh, tell me what it is
Sweet success

The news and certain “gurus” try to tell us what success is. However, they can’t tell you what it is…in fact, no one but you can. You define your own version of success and it really does not matter what anyone else thinks about it. I like what Brian Tracy said, "If you conduct yourself as though you expect to be successful and happy, you will seldom be disappointed."

It is all about finding your dream, visualizing it and then setting goals and taking action to achieve those goals. Og Mandino said, "The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of setting goals and achieving them. Even the most tedious chore will become endurable as you parade through each day convinced that every task, no matter how menial or boring, brings you closer to fulfilling your dreams." If you know where you are heading and you have a plan to get there…you will get there if you just keep going for it! Denis Waitley said, "Our limitations and success will be based, most often, on your own expectations for ourselves. What the mind dwells upon, the body acts upon." Expect good things to happen and focus on achieving your goals. There is a magnetic attraction to your thoughts when you concentrate them on specific goals. You can become whatever you want if you set your mind to it.

William James said, "The best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts life." We are each here to experience life to its fullest. If you can leave a legacy, then you did great! The most important thing is to be happy no matter what happens. Jim Rohn said, "Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want." The pursuit can be a long road, but you are not in the pursuit of happiness. Happiness is a state of mind and it is one you choose to be in at any given time. Jacob Bigelow said, "Life is just a mirror, and what you see out there, you must first see inside yourself." The answers you seek are inside of you. You have to slow down and listen to what your inner self is telling you. It is easy to get distracted from all the noise that is constantly bombarding us, but don’t let that stop you. Listen and you will start to find your direction. Helen Keller said, "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." Learning to love yourself leads to having more confidence. More confidence leads to more optimism. You will spiral upwards by continually working on building your self esteem. This is the key to keeping you motivated towards your success. By focusing on your goals and believing in and loving yourself, you will be well on your way to success.

Life is a cup to be filled not drained

2007-11-05T19:24:00.000-04:00

Someone once said, “Life is a cup to be filled not drained.” It sounds like a simple statement. Yet if you fully grasp this concept, then you have an advantage over most people in life. If you fill your life with experience and add that spice of life that adds zest and joy into your life, then your cup will runneth over with a vast richness and you will have a fulfilled life. Too often, people get too wrapped up in the details of life. They worry about bills and they get caught up in the mundane. There are so many better things to focus on. Snap out of that humdrum routine and jump with both feet into the sea of adventure. I believe strongly in what Samuel Johnson said, “When making your choice in life, do not neglect to live.” Sure, there are a lot of decisions that we must make that are routine. However, you have to focus on the most important thing in life and that is having a rewarding and joyful life in which you can smile on all of the memories and have no regrets. Henry David Thoreau said, “Dwell as near as possible to the channel in which your life flows.” Deep inside you feel where your life should be headed. Your head may have you confused by all of the should haves and rights and wrongs, but your heart and soul know what you want. You should listen closely and go after it. After all, you only live once and why waste it on mediocrity. You can be a champion if you decide that you will be. As William Arthur Ward said, “If you can imagine it you can create it. If you can dream it, you can become it.”

Theodore Roethke said, “What we need is more people who specialize in the impossible.” We all try to set up life for the least common denominator. We set it up so that we won’t fail, not so we can win. Sometimes you have to take off the training wheels and crash into a few things before you learn how to glide on your own. Eileen Caddy said, “Expect your every need to be met, expect the answer to every problem, expect abundance on every level, expect to grow spiritually.” Expectation is an important key into you getting the most out of life. There is a song by Van Halen that always makes me think of expectation. It is called, “Right Now.” Read the lyrics.

Right Now (by Van Halen)

Don't wanna wait til tomorrow,
Why put it off another day?
One more walk through problems,
Built up, and stand in our way ,ah
One step ahead, one step behind me
Now you gotta run to get even
Make future plans, don't dream about yesterday, hey
C'mon turn, turn this thing around
Right now, hey
It's your tomorrow
Right now,
C'mon,it's everything
Right now,
Catch a magic moment, do it
Right here and now
It means everything
Miss the beat, you lose the rhythm,
And nothing falls into place, no
Only missed by a fraction,
Slipped a little off your pace, oh,
The more things you get, the more you want,
Just trade in one for the other,
Workin so hard, to make it easier, whoa,
Got to turn, c'mon turn this thing around
Right now, hey
It's your tomorrow
Right now,
C'mon, it's everything
Right now,
Catch that magic moment, do it
Right here and now
It means everything
It's enlightened me, right now
What are you waitin for?
Oh, yeah, right now

Right now, hey
It's your tomorrow
Right now,
C'mon, it's everything
Right now,
Catch that magic moment, and do it right,
Right now
Right now, oh, Right now
It's what's happening?
Right here and now
Right now
It's right now
Oh,
Tell me, what are you waiting for?
Turn this thing around

I like that song. You have to expect that life will work out. It doesn’t matter what happened yesterday or even this morning. What matters is right now! You can sit there and dwell about it, or you can get off of your butt and try something new. The choice is yours. But remember what Harry Emerson Fosdick said,” The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can't be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.” Don’t sit too long…you can turn this thing around! Choose your thoughts, your words and your actions carefully. These are the things that make your dreams come true. By focusing on your dreams and keeping them close in your thoughts, you are attracting people and events that will help you reach them. Sonia Croquette said, “Your own words are the bricks and mortar of the dreams you want to realize. Your words are the greatest power you have. The words you choose and the use establish the life you experience.” We often are afraid to say what we really feel, so we have learned sarcasm and self-defacing humor to hide behind. Every time you do that, you are creating a different outcome for your life than what you really want. Your subconscious is like a big garden which will grow whatever you plant. If you feed it good seeds (thoughts and words) it will grow good things. If you feed it crap, guess what…it does not interpret what you want, but what you think and say. So start choosing to think better thoughts. Start listening to the words coming out of your mouth and see what you are telling people. Often, when we become aware of who we are really being, we discover that it is not in line with who we want to be. That is the power of knowing what you want out of life. If you have a dream, then you have some idea of who you need to be in order to have what you want. You start acting as if you already had it and you focus your mind on where you are going. Vincent Van Gogh said, “If one is the master of one thing and understands one thing well, one has at the same time insight into and understanding of many things.” Focus on what you do know and start building. Life is the ultimate growth process and things you think now you will outgrow soon. However, if you focus on your dreams and you act upon them right now…you will continually succeed and you will fill up your cup to the rim with life.

Finally Found a Home

2007-11-04T11:50:00.001-04:00

Dr. Seuss said, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” I love that saying! It is true. We are all, each of us, unique individuals with no other purpose than to experience life the way that we want to. You can be whatever you want to be if you are willing to do what it takes to get there. The things that we have learned are very misleading. We have been taught that if we get a good education that we will be assured a great job, but that is not always true. We have been taught that security is what we seek, yet we yearn for something more. We have been taught that it is a fool’s errand to chase after our dreams, yet inside we feel it is right. We have basically been taught how to fit into a system rather than taught how to think for ourselves and go after what it is we really want. It has taken me my entire life to come to this conclusion. I felt it when I was a teenager who wanted to pursue a career in music. I wanted to be the wild rock and roll star and I was a pretty good bass player. I even went to college to become a jazz musician…and it was there, along with a lot of comments throughout my life, where I started to doubt that I could do it. It was there that I learned that the life of a musician was a tough and lonely road. And it was there where I decided to play it safe and get a “real” career. I went into business school and got my “safe” degree. Then I learned that so many people had a Bachelor’s degree that I better get a Masters degree….so I did. I have worked hard for many companies in pursuit of becoming a CEO and wasted so many years on something I really don’t want. I finally understand what Richard Bach was saying when he said, “We wait all these years to find someone who understands us, I thought, someone who accepts us as we are, someone with a wizard's power to melt stone to sunlight, who can bring us happiness in spite of trials, who can face our dragons in the night, who can transform us into the soul we choose to be. Just yesterday I found that magical Someone is the face we see in the mirror: It's us and our homemade masks.” You are responsible for your own decisions and you are responsible for your own life. That seems like a big road to hoe, but it is really the single most awakening thing that can happen to you once you realize the power in it.

There is a song that I have always liked that really fits this topic. In making decisions that affect your life, you have to go your own way no matter what. It is not always easy, but it is worth it. Read the lyrics to the song, “Finally found a Home,” by Huey Lewis.

Finally Found a Home (by Huey Lewis and the News)

It used to make me so fed up
People always asking me
What will you be when you grow up
You’re gonna need security
Spent a little time in school
Wishing I was somewhere else
Having fun and acting cool
I just want to be myself

And I finally found a home
Where I’ll never be alone
Right here where I belong
And I finally found a home
Here, in a song

Thought I’d finally found the one
Together we would always be
Funny how things come undone
Loves not what it’s supposed to be
Now everybody needs a place
Even if it’s on a stage
Everybody needs a race
Something to help them turn the page

And I finally found a home
Where I’ll never be alone
Right here where I belong
And I finally found a home
Here, in a song

It used to make me so fed up
People always asking me
What are you now that you’ve grown up?
Exactly what I want to be

That song describes life for me. We are always in a state of defining our self. We are always trying to improve who we are and that is the natural state of growing. You can learn anything. Our minds are incredible and have amazing capabilities that we have not even begun to discover. Mark Twain said, “There is nothing training cannot do. Nothing is above its reach. It can turn bad morals to good; it can destroy bad principles and recreate good ones; it can lift men to angelship.” We are each the creator of our own destiny. You have been given a soul, a mind and a body in which you can experience anything you want in life. Why play it safe? We were never designed to play anything safe. It does not even serve us. We were taught to be safe so that we would not fall into harm’s way. For example, it is great to learn to look both ways before crossing a street. It is good to be cautious before doing anything that might actually end your life or hurt you. However, we have gone overboard to the point that people have phobias about normal everyday activities. We don’t talk to people when we walk down the street. It has become ridiculous. You have to be yourself and not be afraid to express who you really are. That is why we are here…for that self expression!

Robin Williams said, “You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.” Each person’s individualism may be considered that little spark of madness, though Robin Williams may have more than his fair share. But thank God because we need people like Robin Williams who are not afraid to show the world who they are. We need that comedy to brighten our day! If we all had the courage to be like that, this world would be filled with fun, happy and excited people. Filling the world with happiness is the same as filling it with love. I like what Henry Drummond said, “You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.” That is what I mean by experiencing life. Deep inside, your soul already knows more than you will ever need as far as knowledge goes. However, it only knows it from an intellectual, conceptual base. In order to fully experience something, you must do it. To know what a taste is like, you must taste it. To know what something feels like, you must do it. That is experiencing life. When you do, you are displaying the best form of love there is. Self love. When you love yourself, and treat yourself well, you are saying…I respect myself and I am important! When you do that and treat others with love, respect and importance, they will return the favor tenfold. It is a self fulfilling prophecy that you will have an incredible experience if you live your life this way. Find your home because that is truly where you belong.

Beat the Drum

2007-11-03T18:03:00.000-04:00

And the night shall be filled with music,
And the cares that infest the day
Shall fold their tents like the Arabs
And as silently steal away.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “The Day Is Done”

Today I was privy to witness and participate in an amazing event. I saw a group of people come together by learning how to play African drums. It amazed me to watch all of the people settle in on which drum or percussion instrument they wanted to play and then nervously glance around as we awaited instruction. Our teachers gave us the basics of how to hold and strike the drums so as to get the best sound out of them. Then we did little exercises as a class to beat the same rhythm on our drums. First with the right hand and then with the left. We were taught how to position our hands so that we could get different sounds from the way we struck the drum. It was fun to watch all of the different people learn a little about the instrument and then discover a little more about their self by letting themselves get into the rhythm of the moment. The drums go back to our most primitive times. They were used to inspire dance which could be ceremonial or spiritual. They have been our call for war. The sound of the drum immediately captivates us and slowly involves us in its rhythmic dance. Leopold Stokowski said, “A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence.” In our class today, the instructor demonstrated a song from West Africa. Then she started a slow rhythm and asked us to follow. We all did. When all 50 of us were all playing the same beat, it was a very comforting and inclusive feeling. It reminded me of a pulse that courses through your veins and makes everything alright because it is relaxing yet intriguing. After that, we began individually adding our own notes to this pulse, creating a very unique and interesting beat. It is fun to participate in this type of activity because it is very involving. People you do not even know suddenly become a part of your life because of this simple yet connecting activity. We all started having fun and letting loose into our own rhythm. The amazing thing is that, just like jazz, we were able to create music out of the chaos.

Berthold Auerbach said, “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Music is one of those languages in which it touches a much deeper part of us than mere words could ever do. As Gustav Mahler said, “If a composer could say what he had to say in words he would not bother trying to say it in music.” Music can touch you deep inside. Even the hardest of hearts marches to some drummer. It is our nature to have a deeper layer than the mind. In fact, Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body.” Music penetrates the soul and affects us in ways that sometimes cannot even be explained. I saw it break barriers today and took people who decided to try something new and turned them into friends. It is a sight I will always remember. Sometimes we need to get back to something as primitive as the beat of a drum so that we can tune out the constant bombardment of information. It is nice to just feel every once in a while without having to interpret those feelings. It is nice to be a part of something so involving, yet so personal at the same time.

Michael Torke said, “Why waste money on psychotherapy when you can listen to the B Minor Mass?” I like this saying. We have tried very hard in life to complicate our lives to the point that we do not know whether we are coming or going. In an effort to become more civilized, we may just have given up on what makes us the most human. In essence we are souls in a body. We have much more to give in life and much more we can experience if we let down our guards and we allow ourselves to feel. I saw many examples of that today in the course of a couple of hours. When we stop judging each other or our self on how good we are and just participate and share, we get to experience life the way we were meant to. We were built for friendships. We were built to socialize and to experience the many wondrous things this earth has to offer. By trying new things and participating without a care in the world, you get to experience a joy that can only be felt and not described. Take time to discover something new by stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something new. You just may discover a hidden talent you never knew existed. If nothing else, you get a new experience that will stay with you throughout your days.

King of Pain

2007-11-02T17:21:00.000-04:00

Ovid said, “Everything comes gradually and at its appointed hour.” I remembered a very valuable lesson today. Patience is truly a virtue. Even as I write about personal development each day….and I focus on my goals and steadily move forward towards them, I forget that some things take time. I also remember that it is not my responsibility to determine how I will succeed…it is my job to know why I want to and focus continuously on what I want…not how it will happen. There is a job opportunity that I have been trying for and I have been so focused on getting that job that I had forgotten the real goal. The real goal is to have income so that my family and I can do the things we want to do. That job is only a way, not necessarily the way. I have been losing patience waiting to see if I will get the job and all of a sudden, another opportunity just fell into my lap. It reminds me of what Woodrow T. Wilson said, “All things come to him who waits - provided he knows what he is waiting for.” Instead of focusing on that one job, my focus should be envisioning my family enjoying ourselves in abundance and prosperity. By seeing it in my mind, talking about it and actually living it, we will get to where we are meant to be. I just have to be a little more patient.

I was listening to one of my favorite songs today and it has always seemed a little esoteric to me. However, today, I felt very in touch with it. The song is called, “King of Pain,” by the Police. Read the lyrics.

King of Pain (The Police)

There's a little black spot on the sun today
That's my soul up there.
It's the same old thing as yesterday
That's my soul up there.
There's a black hat caught in a high tree top
That's my soul up there.
There's a flag pole rag and the wind won't stop
That's my soul up there.

I have stood here before in the pouring rain
With the world turning circles running 'round my brain.
I guess I'm always hoping that you'll end this reign,
But it's my destiny to be the king of pain

There's a fossil that's trapped in a high cliff wall
There's a dead salmon frozen in a waterfall
There's a blue whale beached by a springtime's ebb
There's a butterfly trapped in a spider's web

There's a king on a throne with his eyes torn out
There's a blind man looking for a shadow of doubt
There's a rich man sleeping on a golden bed
There's a skeleton choking on a crust of bread

There's a red fox torn by a huntsman's pack
There's a black-winged gull with a broken back
There's a little black spot on the sun today.
It's the same old thing as yesterday,
That's my soul up there

I have stood here before in the pouring rain
With the world turning circles running 'round my brain.
I guess I always thought you could end this reign,
But it's my destiny to be the king of pain

I'll always be king of pain

I think many people feel like this. They feel a little out of control and they feel like they are always the king of pain. It is a disconnected shallow feeling when you feel like everything is going wrong no matter what you do to fix it. However, maybe you will realize, just like I did, that sometimes we just have to be patient and readjust our focus. Carl Jung said, “Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.” Life really is a paradox. It is hard sometimes to determine which way is up. Maybe all of earth’s revolving mixes us up sometimes….ha. Saint Francis De Sales said, “Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew.” Each day begins a new journey and you never know how that day changed the course of your life until later when you have the chance to reflect upon it. The key is to be the person you are meant to be. Don’t let anything stop you from achieving your dreams.

I really like what Helen Keller said, “Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.” She was an amazing woman and it always humbles me when I think about the challenges she overcame to accomplish all of her dreams. It makes me realize that there really are no excuses. You are the only thing that is holding you back and you are the only solution. If you go after a thing with determination and patience, you can and will achieve it. As Benjamin Franklin said, “He that can have patience can have what he will.” That is a powerful statement from a man who is considered a genius all over the world. It was Michelangelo said, “Genius is eternal patience.” Consider the patience that he had as he painted the Sistine Chapel. And with that patience came a masterpiece that the world has cherished for centuries. It is easy to feel like the king of pain when you are helplessly waiting for life to respond to your every whim. But when you reverse the outlook and think that some of those unanswered prayers are a good thing, maybe patience doesn’t seem to be so bad after all. I am changing my focus back to the dream and letting the universe sort out how it will come to me. Then I will relinquish my title of the king of pain and patiently await my rewards.

Receive it with an open and grateful heart

2007-11-01T19:35:00.000-04:00

Sarah Ban Breathnach said, "Whatever we are waiting for - peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance - it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart." As Tom Petty said, “The waiting is the hardest part.” I know how frustrating it is waiting on a piece of your life to fall in place…especially if you know you are on the right path. At these moments, we must stop ourselves and reflect on being grateful for all of the good things in life. Albert Einstein said, “The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.” In life, we are taught to think about “What’s in it for me?” When we are children, we want to receive. What we do not learn until later in life is that the giving is the important part. Give without hope of receiving and you will receive anyway. In giving, we are receiving the blessing of having something to give. In this way, we are always prosperous and our world overflows. You should always want to give because that means that you have. If you are not looking to receive, then it means that you have what you need. That is a powerful position to be in.

The Peace Pilgrim said, “Pure love is a willingness to give without a thought of receiving anything in return.” Love truly is the answer. By generating a giving spirit, we open our hearts and our minds to the greatness of life. We stop seeing things as small. We stop seeing people as a threat. Instead, we open up our spirit to love because we give it. In return, we receive it because you will receive what you give. Therefore, it is very important to harbor a great attitude and loving nature in your life. There is a song that I like by Todd Rundgren called, “Love is the Answer.” I think the lyrics fit this topic well.

Love is the Answer (by Todd Rundgren)

Name your price
A ticket to paradise
I can’t stay here any more
And I’ve looked high and low
I’ve been from shore to shore to shore
If there’s a short cut Id have found it
But there’s no easy way around it

Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer

Who knows why?
Someday we all must die
Were all homeless boys and girls
And we are never heard
It’s such a lonely world
People turn their heads and walk on by
Tell me; is it worth just another try?

Tell me; are we alive, or just a dying planet?
What are the chances?
Ask the man in your heart for the answers

And when you feel afraid, love one another
When you’ve lost your way, love one another
When you’re all alone, love one another
When you’re far from home, love one another
When you’re down and out, love one another
All your hopes run out, love one another
When you need a friend, love one another
When you’re near the end, love one another
We got to love one another

Light of the world, you got to shine
Love will be a means, yeah, yeah
Shine on us all
Know that love can save the day
Just give it one more chance
Lord you just cant let it stop lord
Love is the answer
Got to be free to let love into your life
Let it shine

You should let it shine each and every day. Remember that some days are going to be hard. Some periods of your life will be harder than others, but you have control of your attitude each and every day. Like Rainer Maria Rilke said,” Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions.” Life is about experience. We can imagine so much, but the key is to experience what we imagine. With the advent of television, we have all learned how to live vicariously through TV characters. It is fun to watch, but watching is not the same as doing. The same with love. We can think about how much we love the world and each other, but the proof is in the pudding. You have to give love to experience it. In the movie, “Don Juan Demarco”, Johnny Depp said, “There are only four questions of value in life, Don Octavio. What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made? What is worth living for, and what is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same: only love.” So no matter what happens during the course of a day or a few months, it only matters that you be who you are supposed to be….and that is the person you want to be. Never let situations determine your outlook on life. Things happen that are out of our control. Live each day as if it were your last and get every drop of living you can into it.

The price of greatness is responsibility

2007-10-31T20:45:00.000-04:00

Confucius said, “To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.” When you start realizing that you alone are responsible for your own life, then things start getting better. It might be scary at first, because now you do not have anyone else to blame. However, there is a level of freedom associated with taking responsibility for your life. Sir Winston Churchill said, “The price of greatness is responsibility.” There is some point in your life where you can no longer be persuaded by what the crowd is doing. You can no longer feel comfortable with the status quo. You have this feeling deep within you that there is more to life and that, “if it is to be, it is up to me.” That day is a very good day, because you have just learned a major secret to life. You are the creator of your own destiny and only you can make your dreams come true. As Les Brown said, “Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.”

Alexander Graham Bell said, “A man, as a general rule, owes very little to what he is born with - a man is what he makes of himself.” Too many people make excuses for where they are in their life. They blame their parents, or the environment in which they were raised, or one of a hundred different excuses. For every excuse, there is a case of someone overcoming the exact or worse conditions to become successful. The difference lies in the mindset to take responsibility and action to change those limitations. See, we are the only ones who can set ceilings on our dreams. You can smash through those imagined ceilings, because there really is no top. Bertolt Brecht said, “No one will improve your lot if you do not yourself.” Stop holding yourself back. You have to open yourself up to a different world by changing the way you think and taking action. As Dietrich Bonhoffer said, “Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.” Prepare yourself for success. Start learning what it is you need to know in order for you to succeed. If you are not sure where to start, find a book or a website about someone who you admire who is doing what you want to do and find out that person’s story. There is so much information available for you to find just what you are looking for. Find out the character traits and the actions that person takes and start emulating those traits. Develop them to the point to where they become your own. In order to become like that in the real world, you first have to see it for yourself in your mind. Then, you can start acting like that until you become it. Think about what T. S. Eliot said, “If you haven't the strength to impose your own terms upon life, you must accept the terms it offers you.” You are responsible for your own life!

Henry Ward Beecher said, “Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you, never excuse yourself.” It really does not matter what other people do, it only matters what you do. Life is not about living the way others want you to live; it is about living it and experiencing it the way you want to. When you set a course of action in place, it is up to you to see it through. We often want to do something, but we do not want it bad enough to go through the obstacles to achieve it. It is at times like this when we must reevaluate our goals. Maybe our dream is not powerful enough to motivate us to stay the course. We probably need a stronger goal. Look within and search your “why” for doing whatever you are doing. There has to be a strong enough “why” to make you go through fire so that you can achieve your goal. Only you can determine what the goal is and what the “why” is. Once you do, let nothing stop you.

Albert Schweitzer said, "Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will -- his personal responsibility." It is easy to blame others for our lot in life. Once we discover it is our own doing, it kind of stings a bit. But we are responsible for our own life. No one else will live it for you. You will feel better about yourself if you take responsibility for your actions and your destiny. Live life the way you choose and you will have a happy life.

Living in the Moment

2007-10-30T09:23:00.000-04:00

Sidney Poitier said, "Living consciously involves being genuine; it involves listening and responding to others honestly and openly; it involves being in the moment." Living consciously means getting yourself out of autopilot mode and being awake to enjoy your present moment. That means that you are not thinking about your past or your future, but fully aware of this moment. It seems so easy, but try it. You will find that it is far too easy to think about something silly that someone said yesterday, or be lost in what tomorrow may bring. Too many people live their entire life in autopilot. We get caught in the routine of living. Get up, have breakfast, brush your teeth, go to work or school, come home, get ready for bed and sleep. Tomorrow is a repeat. Sure, a few things may change, but we get trapped in that routine. We come to love and hate the routine at the same time. There is comfort in knowing what comes next, but we resent it because we feel like a robot could do our routine. We were not built to be robots. We were created to experience this joyous thing called life. Henry David Thoreau said, “You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment.”

It was the Buddha who said, “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” The message has been clear since way before this, but most people have not gotten the message. Time is really our currency. How we spend it determines the quality of our life. If we valued it as much as we do money, our lives may all be completely different. It generally takes something dramatic or tragic to snap us out of autopilot. Once someone discovers that they have a very short time to live, they snap out of that routine and try to do something about it. When 9/11 happened, all of America and most of the world snapped out of our routines and suddenly we were in the moment. That is not the way it is meant to be. The world is filled with such beauty and it is a shame that we rarely notice what is right in front of our face. We get caught up in the negative and it forces us to daydream or remember rather than live. Sara Paddison said, “Being in the moment involves giving maximum appreciation and love to your present experience.” Do you realize how much we take for granted? The sunshine which provides all life and energy to our earth. The rain which nourishes the ground so that we can eat and breathe. The air which allows us to breathe and which dissipates all of the pollutants that we send out. Life is about discovering who you are being and becoming what you decide you want to be. You get to create your world in the fashion that you see fit. Each of us is the creator of our own world. We experience what we want to experience. If you do not like the experience, you can change it. Is it easy? No. Is it possible? Absolutely. You have within you a mind and imagination that allows you to visualize yourself in whatever situation you want to be. You have a vocabulary that allows you to communicate to express your ideas and desires. You also have the ability to take action. If you want to be smarter, then get a book and study. If you want to be stronger, then exercise. You have the ability to imagine it and make it happen.

If you are not in a supporting environment, you have a couple of choices. Either get out of that environment and change your surroundings, or learn to ignore anything that contradicts your dream. Let no one stop you from going after your dream. You are here to experience your own life, not the one that someone else determines for you. You have a mind, a body and a soul. All of these gifts are you so that you can become who you are meant to be. You have free will which means that you can sit and do nothing and waste these precious gifts. That is your prerogative. However, it is your decision and yours alone. You cannot gain back time and redo or undo deeds. The past is gone. I like what Donald Trump said, “I try to learn from the past, but I plan for the future by focusing exclusively on the present. That's were the fun is.” Learning from the past is good. There is no sense in repeating past mistakes, but the point is to “learn” and not to “dwell.” The present moment is what is assured. You never know what will happen in the next moment. So don’t let procrastination steal away your time. Live each moment as if it were your last. Watch the movie, “The Last Holiday,” and watch as Queen Latifah learns this valuable lesson. As H. G. Wells said, “We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery.” You have this moment to live consciously. So seize it and make your life a series of spectacular moments which will build a lifetime of memories.

Let’s begin today anew

2007-10-29T16:44:00.000-04:00

Let’s begin today. That is the thought that is going on in my mind. Let us begin today and set the world on fire with our blaze of victory. Let’s remember to not be afraid of the unknown and to boldly venture into it with victory already assured because we know who we are. Today has been given to us to discover something new, to share something special, and to experience something different. We must open ourselves up to the new possibilities that wait for us. We must constantly learn to see through new eyes at the world that is always changing around us. For in front of us lie thousands of things that we do not see because we do not know that they exist. We only see what we know. We see the familiar and we block what we do not want to see. In order for each of us to grow, we need to look at our world for what it really is. You have to understand where you are in order to get to where you want to be. You must accept your current situation so that you know what is needed to get to where you want to be. Someone once said, “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” Change can be scary, but it is a natural occurrence.

The Buddha said, “There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth...not going all the way, and not starting.” Most of us fall in one of these patterns. We have grandiose plans but we never get started, or we start but do not complete the mission. Both of these patterns end up in failure. The only way to succeed is to get in there and do it and then stay the course. It has to become a habit. It is like what Jim Rohn said, “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” We are ruled by our habits, so if you are going to have a few…try to make them good ones. I know how difficult it is for some people to change….even on what I consider simple things. There is a song by 3 Doors Down that describes the fear and frustration pretty well. It is called, “Changes.” Read the lyrics.

Changes (by 3 Doors Down)

I'm not supposed to be scared of anything, but I don't know where I am
I wish that I could move but I'm exhausted and nobody understands (how I feel)
I'm trying hard to breathe now but there's no air in my lungs
There's no one here to talk to and the pain inside is making me numb

I try to hold this under control
They can't help me 'Cause no one knows

Now I'm going through changes, changes
God, I feel so frustrated lately
When I get suffocated, save me
Now I'm going through changes, changes

I'm feeling weak and weary walking through this world alone
Everything you say, every word of it, cuts me to the bone
I've got something to say, but now I've got no where to turn
It feels like I've been buried underneath all the weight of the world

I try to hold this under control
They can't help me 'Cause no one knows

Now I'm going through changes, changes
God, I feel so frustrated lately
When I get suffocated, save me
Now I'm going through changes, changes

I'm blind and shaking'
Bound and breaking
I hope I make it through all these changes

Now I'm going through changes, changes
God, I feel so frustrated lately
When I get suffocated, save me
Now I'm falling apart, now I feel it

Now I'm going through changes, changes
God, I feel so frustrated lately
When I get suffocated, I hate this
But I'm going through changes, changes

It is frustrating, but all life is about change. Without change we do not and cannot grow. Nothing stays the same. That saying, “Time waits for no man” is true. Start getting comfortable with change. Start by alternating your daily routine. You can try to brush your teeth with the other hand, or take a new route to work. It will feel uncomfortable at first, but it is good for you to learn how to manage change in your life. Sometimes there are dramatic changes and your entire life may never be the same. It happened to me and my entire life is completely different than it was before. Getting used to change will lessen the blow from dramatic changes. It is easy to get comfortable with your daily routine. But change is inevitable. One day, something or someone will enter your life and nothing will ever be the same. As Seneca said, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.” I have walked through some of those closing doors…and some of the slammed shut. Always, every time, there is a new window that opens and a new beginning starts a different chapter in my life. It is fascinating and always interesting. I grew to accept change. I actually like it, but I know others who absolutely hate it. There may be a time or a place where that person felt safe and secure and they want that moment in time to stand still. We all like feeling like we are in control of our own life. However, when something changes it, many times it improves it. We may not want to see that, but we need instability just as much as we need stability. It is a constant paradox that always keeps us off balance and growing. As long as there is air in our lungs, a pulse in our heart and time ticking away…we will always experience something new. Embrace these changes because they are going to happen anyway. You may as well get used to it! Begin today anew and cherish the day that you have been given.

The Home Stretch

2007-10-28T21:25:00.001-04:00

Today I began the home stretch. Like the racehorse Silky Sullivan who once galloped along in a race until the field was 41 lengths in front of him—and still won by three lengths. John Wooden said, “It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.” That is true. You know, you should never worry about the half time score. The only one that matters is the one at the end of the game. As Greg Anderson said, “Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” I am dedicated to writing my book and these blogs have been my means. They have allowed me to break my goal down into much smaller and more manageable steps. That has been something I have known for a long time, but have never had the discipline to do to completion. I am great at starting a project, but it has been in the last few years where I make sure I complete what I start. That has made a world of difference in my life. Joseph Joubert said, “Genius begins great works; labor alone finishes them.” It is true! Labor is what makes the difference. So often we get an idea in our head and we may even act upon the idea. We start off with the best of intentions and effort, but after awhile our interest begins to wane. This is the most common reason that many people do not reach their full potential. I used to watch guys with half of the intelligence of me do better in sales than I did. The difference? They did what they were told to do and just acted upon it. I tried to out think the process and I changed it because logic and sales do not always go together. Sometimes you just have to do what is required and nothing more. Do not change a working system. As Manuel Diotte said, “Winning isn't always finishing first. Sometimes winning is just finishing.” Sometimes you just have to do it.

Harry Emerson Fosdick said, “No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No stream or gas drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.” When we harness our own energy into being focused, dedicated and disciplined, we can achieve anything that we set our mind to. As the legendary coach Vincent Lombardi said, “Once a man has made a commitment to a way of life, he puts the greatest strength in the world behind him. It's something we call heart power. Once a man has made this commitment, nothing will stop him short of success.” That heart power is the essence of committing your soul towards fulfilling the dream within your heart. By applying all of your attention and focus to the goal, you are attracting circumstances and people into your life that will help you achieve your goal. It is easy to get distracted, but you have to control these distractions and keep your eyes on the prize. The more focused you are, the faster you will manifest your dreams into reality. Just go with what you have at all times. I like what Mark Twain said, “One thing at a time, is my motto - and just play that thing for all it is worth, even if it's only two pair and a jack.” Take one thing at a time and see it through to completion before adding more things to your plate. We are all aware of this thing called multi-tasking, but I think it is recipe for never finishing a project. What we try to do is convince ourselves that doing more is better. However, if we never finish and we just stand there juggling multiple projects, who are we serving? I realized through home improvement that it is better to focus on one project at a time. You want to get them all done (and you will), but the phrase “all in due time” comes to mind. The journey of a thousand miles can be broken down into actual steps. One step at a time will eventually get you there. Take one step at a time and concentrate on making that step the way it is supposed to be stepped.

The home stretch is when racehorses really kick it into gear. They stop taking it easy and they start running full out towards the finish line. They know what is at stake and they know this is their final chance to seal the victory. As they close in on the finish line, they reach back to the fundamentals. They tune out the other horses and they reach deep inside of themselves to give every ounce of power they have left to obtain the victory. It is the most exciting point of the race. As I write these words, I can’t help but think that I too must search deep within and finish these last sixty-something blogs with my very best effort. This has been a wild ride and one that I am deeply grateful to have taken. My journey is coming to a close, but it has led me to the realization that the journey is really just beginning. As I search inside my soul, I am finding a renewed strength and dedication to a new passion that I want to continue for the rest of my life.

Third milestone - the big 300!

2007-10-27T18:36:00.001-04:00

Lewis Cass said, “People may doubt what you say but they will believe what you do.” Today is a major milestone in my writing. Today I am writing my 300th blog. I have only 65 more blogs to go to complete my goal and then I will begin writing my book. I have begun outlining the book, but these blogs have inspired me to continue on and become an author. Mack Douglas said, “The achievement of your goal is assured the moment you commit yourself to it.” I am committed to finishing this goal and it has guaranteed that I will continue on. There are some days when it is difficult to come up with something to say, but I have found a way to keep writing, by just making myself write even when I do not want to. I have found it much easier to write close to 1000 words per day than it is to sit down and try to write an entire book. That is how I used to approach writing and I didn’t like it. Once I discovered blogging, it changed my entire outlook on writing and I am accomplishing my dream.

I like what Helen Hayes said, “My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that 'achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that's nice, too, but not as important.” I am more interested in accomplishment at this point. I have spent my entire life trying to be successful and I came to realize that I am successful in my own eyes. My goals and values have changed significantly since I have gotten older, and I am much more interested in living my life my own way. I love to accomplish things, but I also remember what coach Pat Riley said, “When a milestone is conquered, the subtle erosion called entitlement begins its consuming grind. The team regards its greatness as a trait and a right. Half hearted effort becomes habit and saps a champion.” I try not to rest on my laurels. I try to keep life in perspective.

Bo Bennett said, “The discipline you learn and character you build from setting and achieving a goal can be more valuable than the achievement of the goal itself.” I have discovered discipline….which is not a trait I have always leaned on. The discipline to not only write, but to post the writing each day…has made me search for internet locations along the highway very late at night. It has caused me to postpone a fun event because I have committed to write. It has taught me to plan a lot better so that it is a joy to write and not a chore. I like what Helen Keller said, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope or confidence.” Writing has instilled a certain confidence in me. The fact that people from all over the world have read my writing on both on and off days has made me focus more on what I am trying to say. I appreciate all of the praise and constructive criticism that I have received. I like all comments because it helps me improve my writing. Granted, there are some days when I could write all day and others that I just do not want to write at all. However, the discipline in writing each day has been extremely valuable to me and I have learned that I accomplish more by doing it each day.

Walter Elliott said, “Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.” I like this quote. I identify with this because that is how life feels to me. It is a lot of little short races that, after you have won, you can move on and go to the next. I discovered long ago that I have a passion for personal development. From being in the Dale Carnegie course when I was 10 years old, I was exposed to many positive and influential concepts that have stayed with me throughout my entire life. Brian Tracy said, “Personal development is your springboard to personal excellence. Ongoing, continuous, non-stop personal development literally assures you that there is no limit to what you can accomplish.” I believe whole-heartedly that I am meant to share what I learn through my trials and tribulations with my own personal development. I feel like I have learned and experienced many things that I hope help someone else speed up their own learning curve. I experienced many things without any upfront knowledge, and those lessons were deeply ingrained in my being. It is through these lessons that I have developed my independence and my compass which leads me down the path of my making. I hope that something I write about will identify in the hearts of my readers. I speak only what I know and in doing so will hopefully pass on some of my own life’s lesson. Today is a personal victory, but it is still a steeping stone in a much bigger picture. Today I will rejoice and then keep moving forward.

Heaven Is A Place on Earth

2007-10-26T18:49:00.001-04:00

How long has it been since you heard the song, “Heaven Is A Place on Earth?” I haven’t heard it in a long time. Today I was listening to an old 80’s mix and it was on. I heard a line in it that I really liked. The line was, “In this world we’re just beginning; to understand the miracle of living.” I thought…”That is true!” So I am writing today about the miracle of living. Here are all of the lyrics to the song.

Heaven Is A Place on Earth (by Belinda Carlisle)

When the night falls down
I wait for you
And you come around
And the worlds alive
With the sound of kids
On the street outside

When you walk into the room
You pull me close and we start to move
And were spinning with the stars above
And you lift me up in a wave of love...

Ooh, baby, do you know what that’s worth?
Ooh heaven is a place on earth
They say in heaven love comes first
Well make heaven a place on earth
Ooh heaven is a place on earth

When I feel alone
I reach for you
And you bring me home
When I’m lost at sea
I hear your voice
And it carries me

In this world were just beginning
To understand the miracle of living
Baby I was afraid before
But I’m not afraid anymore

Ooh, baby, do you know what that’s worth?
Ooh heaven is a place on earth
They say in heaven love comes first
Well make heaven a place on earth
Ooh heaven is a place on earth

How often do you think about life as a miracle? Once a day, once a week, once a year? We take for granted that each day is something special. We get upset about one little thing and it stays in our mind outdoing all of those good things you did. What I have come to realize is that every day is a miracle and that every thing that happens is a miracle too. There are some things that are so important to us that nothing else matters. We spend a lot of our energy each day just getting by. What if we focused our energy on the positive aspects of our life? What would that accomplish? In “The HeartMath Solution,” Doc Childre and Howard Martin said, “Look at life as an energy economy game. Each day, ask yourself, Are my energy expenditures (actions, reactions, thoughts, and feelings) productive or nonproductive? During the course of my day, have I accumulated more stress or more peace?” How do you feel at the end of the day? Are you full of energy, or are you stressed? It is good to be tired from healthy exertion, but stress is a destroyer. Many of us place a lot of emphasis on stress. We feel that we are not working hard enough if we do not need a bottle of Pepcid or a prescription of Xanax. I know that it sounds silly, but it is true. I think too many people are addicted to stress. I used to be one of them.

Keith Ellis said, “Like the elephant, we are unconscious of our own strength. When it comes to understanding the power we have to make a difference in our own lives, we might as well be asleep. If you want to make your dreams come true, wake up. Wake up to your own strength. Wake up to the role you play in your own destiny. Wake up to the power you have to choose what you think, do, and say.” We have much more power in us than we know. Physical, mental, spiritual. We use a very small percentage of our capabilities. I used to think it was just because we did not know. But now I believe it is that we are too lazy. That goes back to taking life for granted. We abuse our minds and bodies and then we wonder why cancer, heart failure, stress disorders and diabetes run prevalent in our society. It is because we do not look at life as a miracle, we look at it as a job. We spend more time planning a vacation than we do our life. We rush, rush, rush everywhere filling up our day with so many meaningless tasks. We have an addiction to fatty foods and television. With all of this going on, there are many people who are waking up unfulfilled and they are starting to realize that there is more to life than work and accumulation. There is life out there to be lived, people to meet, and things to do. Let the stress go and take some time to get in touch with who you are and what you want out of life. B. C. Forbes said, “The be-all and end-all of life should not be to get rich, but to enrich the world.” You can enrich the world by enriching your own life. If you take care of yourself and have fun. You get to enjoy it and other people start seeing you as an example and following suit. Life is about experiencing and enjoying the moment. There will always be lessons, and some of them are painful, but you can make a heaven out of earth by learning to always enjoying the moment.

There is no wealth but life

2007-10-25T15:01:00.000-04:00

John Ruskin said, “There is no wealth but life.” That is the most profound thing I have ever heard. You cannot take it with you so your true wealth is all of your precious experiences in life. There is a song that I have loved since I was a boy that talks about life and living. It is by Jim Croce and it is called, “I’ve Got a Name.” Read the lyrics.

I've Got a Name (by Jim Croce)

Like the pine trees linin the windin road
I’ve got a name, I’ve got a name
Like the singin bird and the croakin toad
I’ve got a name, I’ve got a name
And I carry it with me like my daddy did
But I’m livin the dream that he kept hid
Movin me down the highway
Rollin me down the highway
Movin ahead so life won’t pass me by

Like the north wind whistling down the sky
I’ve got a song, I’ve got a song
Like the whippoorwill and the baby’s cry
I’ve got a song, I’ve got a song
And I carry it with me and I sing it loud
If it gets me nowhere, Ill go there proud
Movin me down the highway
Rollin me down the highway
Movin ahead so life won’t pass me by

And I’m gonna go there free
Like the fool I am and Ill always be
I’ve got a dream, I’ve got a dream
They can change their minds but they can’t change me
I’ve got a dream, I’ve got a dream
Oh, I know I could share it if you want me to
If you’re going my way, I'll go with you
Movin me down the highway
Rollin me down the highway
Movin ahead so life won’t pass me by

Life is like a passing train that is headed down the track. You can get on it and ride or you can watch it pass….either way, it is moving on. That song reminds me to go after my dreams no matter what. My wealth in life is life itself. Money is a tool that will help me get to places so I can experience all life has to offer, but by itself…it has no meaning. I used to think it was the answer, but now I know it is just a tool. That takes an enormous burden off of my shoulders because I know that money is not the end game…it is only a means. I can concentrate on my true desires and move on down the highway so that life does not pass me by.

Danny Kaye said, “Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.” We can paint our world whatever shades and hues we see fit. There is no premade painting that already has our destiny written on it. We are always creating it. It is like what Charles Schulz said, “I think I've discovered the secret of life - you just hang around until you get used to it.” That is like life. You have so many thoughts and trials and errors until one day you start to understand some of what life is about. I am sure if we were standing back a ways and were looking at the bigger picture; we would be able to see things more clearly. But we are in the forest and all we can see are the trees, not the entire forest. The best thing to be is yourself. You have to think for yourself, experience life for yourself and eventually die by yourself. The thing to do then is to live each and every day and build up that vast fortune of wonderful memories so that when it is your time to pass, you can say farewell with absolutely no regrets. A life lived is one to be honored and followed, not mourned. It will be our greatest endeavor to live a life fulfilled. Like Lillian Dickson said, “Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once.”

It is about what you do with your life that makes it fulfilling or not. As Grandma Moses said, “Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.” You need to find your purpose and something fun to do with the time you have. Try different things, do something wild, be free and be whoever you want to be. This is the quest of living! To free yourself of the mask that you have been hiding behind and to honestly live life the way you want to is an exhilarating and breathtaking journey. Friedrich Nietzsche said, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” If you have your purpose, how you get there is irrelevant. Getting there and being happy with yourself is what life is all about. We are here to experience and nothing more. We are a part of the unfinished symphony and we get to contribute our part. That is the really cool part! We are here and we get to contribute. That is truly wealth!

Changing Directions

2007-10-24T19:38:00.000-04:00

Jimmy Dean said, “I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” I heard an old song on the radio today that got me thinking about how life constantly changes direction. The song is Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone.” Read the lyrics.

Like a Rolling Stone (by Bob Dylan)

Once upon a time you dressed so fine
You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you?
People'd call, say, "Beware doll, you're bound to fall"
You thought they were all kiddin' you
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was hangin' out
Now you don't talk so loud
Now you don't seem so proud
About having to be scrounging for your next meal.

How does it feel?
How does it feel?
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone

You've gone to the finest school all right, Miss Lonely
But you know you only used to get juiced in it
And nobody has ever taught you how to live on the street
And now you find out you're gonna have to get used to it
You said you'd never compromise
With the mystery tramp, but now you realize
He's not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And ask him do you want to make a deal?

How does it feel?
How does it feel?
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone

You never turned around to see the frowns on the jugglers and the clowns
When they all come down and did tricks for you
You never understood that it ain't no good
You shouldn't let other people get your kicks for you
You used to ride on the chrome horse with your diplomat
Who carried on his shoulder a Siamese cat
Ain't it hard when you discover that?
He really wasn't where it's at
After he took from you everything he could steal.

How does it feel?
How does it feel?
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone

Princess on the steeple and all the pretty people
They're drinkin', thinkin' that they got it made
Exchanging all kinds of precious gifts and things
But you'd better lift your diamond ring, you'd better pawn it babe
You used to be so amused
At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
Go to him now, he calls you, you can't refuse
When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose
You're invisible now; you got no secrets to conceal.

How does it feel?
How does it feel?
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone

Changing directions can be difficult. It is easy to get comfortable in the direction you have gone throughout your life. When you have a life changing event or you awaken to discover that you need a change in your life, it can be unsettling. However, it is refreshing to know that no matter what happens in your life, as long as you are breathing, you can change the course of your life. You can make new decisions, start a new career, and find love again or anything that you want. Life is so amazing! No matter what you have done, you can start over. I like what Denis Waitley said, “Forget about the consequences of failure. Failure is only a temporary change in direction to set you straight for your next success.”

Jim Rohn said, “You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.” This is a very important point! Your destination is your primary dream. You might find that you need to change your direction in order to get on the right path in order to reach your destination. Many times you will stray from your path. We have a lot of distractions that naturally make us take our eye off of the prize. However, if you focus on the end game, it is easy to get back on track. Henry David Thoreau said, “If one advances confidently in the direction of one's dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” That is what life is all about! Experiencing life to its fullest and filling up your memory bank is one of the best destinations that you can ever have. We spend a lot of our life worrying about riches instead of just living. You can never reclaim time, so use your time wisely. Changing directions may seem scary and it may not feel really good all of the time, but it is part of life’s lessons and it leads you back to the path you really want to be on.

The "How's"

2007-10-23T12:27:00.001-04:00

I believe in the Law of Attraction. The Law of Attraction states that whatever we think about the most, we attract into our life. One of the lessons of this is that we are supposed to think about what we want and focus on it as if we were already in possession of our desired outcome. We are not supposed to be concerned with “How” things get done, we are simply supposed to believe that they have already happened and focus on that outcome. I have found myself still trying to figure out the “how’s.” I am so used to trying to direct my life, that I imagine how it will all work itself out. I forget that I am not supposed to concern myself with the details; I am supposed to live as if I am in possession of my dreams and it will all work out. In all honesty, I find it difficult to not get caught up in the details. I see a scenario that, if it happened, would put me in a place closer to where I desire to be and I want so badly for it all to work out. Sometimes it does and a lot of times it doesn’t. I have faith and I know what my path is, but I take action in attempt to speed up the process and sometimes I wonder if my actions are actually hindering the process. It is difficult to know what the right answer is. I guess that is what faith and belief is...the choice to keep on going forward when you are not sure you are even headed in the right direction. I trust in myself and I know that I can handle anything in my path….but I would sure like a clear sign.

I understand why people are reluctant to branch off and do something new. There is a security in the familiar. However, it is great to be out here on the tightrope knowing that you might plummet so you keep your eyes focused ahead and keep moving forward. It keeps you awake and alive. Your sensations are much more alert and you are never desensitized to your surroundings. We often take for granted that security which lulls us into a false sense of comfort. What it does is dull us. To remain sharp and alert, we need to have something exciting, challenging and a bit dangerous always looming over us so that we are always prepared. That way, when opportunity lands in our lap, we will recognize it and seize it. Too often, when opportunity knocks, we either do not see it or we are in no way prepared. Comfort, while it seems nice, is really not an ally. We have given up a lot of our rights as citizens simply because we are comfortable and we are too lazy to see the long term effects. Now I am not saying that comfort is a bad thing, it just should not be your goal. Comfort is a nice reward. It is pleasant and it makes us feel good. But it is a reward for all that we do. If we keep that in mind and we reward our self for a job or task well done, then comfort is a very nice treat. The problem with it lies in the fact that once we taste it, we crave it and instead of being a nice reward it becomes the goal. When we are too comfortable, then we do not try anymore. We would rather lounge than put forth the effort to grow on a personal level. We are here to experience life, not just sit around. There is an entire world out there in front of you waiting for you to discover. You might think that mankind has already learned everything that there is to know. Well, it is not true, but even if it were are you going to take someone else’s word on the matter? Someone may tell you that a certain food is disgusting and based on their perception, you form an opinion. Well, what if you tried it and thought it was the best food you had ever eaten? You would have missed out on a wonderful experience based on someone else’s (who, by the way, is not you) tastes and idiosyncrasies.

Learning to be you is a difficult task...I know from my own experience, but it is the most rewarding task on earth. No one can tell you who you are. No one can experience life exactly as you do. In that and many other ways, you are distinctly unique. There has never or will never be another you. You should take homage in that and use that bit of information to form your world in the image of the vision you see for yourself. Like I said earlier, it may not be an easy road….it requires faith, focus and persistence….but it is the only road that you can take alone. It is your life. You have the choice to make it any way that you want it to be. It will all work out in the end, so don’t get too upset if your expectations are not always met. Maybe you are having my dilemma for the day and just getting too caught up in the “how’s.” Jack Canfield said, "Remember that your thoughts are the primary cause of everything. So when you think a sustained thought it is immediately sent out into the Universe. That thought magnetically attaches itself to the like frequency, and then within seconds sends the reading of that frequency back to you through your feelings. Put another way, your feelings are communication back to you from the Universe, telling you what frequency you are currently on. Your feelings are your frequency feedback mechanism!" The Law of Attraction is a strange and wondrous source. Listen to your feelings a little more and your mind a little less. You are sending out signals with every thought and you are getting feedback. If you look around and you are not getting exactly what you wanted…..look at your thoughts and the feelings that you are sending out. You might need to make a few changes in your thoughts and attitudes to get some new responses. Give it a try and trust that you will make the right decision. You will!

We only grow by outgrowing

2007-10-22T18:41:00.000-04:00

Someone once said, “We only grow by outgrowing.” That is so true. If we were comfortable staying like we were, then we would never evolve into a greater person. Things in life are temporary, even though they may feel like they take a long time. Change is par for the course, so there is no sense in fighting it. Embrace change and be comfortable no matter what happens. Herbert Otto said, “Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life.” You have to take chances. Some chances are lessons that send you spinning, but you eventually land on your feet, dust off the dirt and keep on moving. No one can ever stop the person who simply will not give up. It takes personal power, patience, and a dedication to always following your dreams. Siona van Dijk said, “For me, the only thing that can really change my world is me—my attitude and my approach and my understanding about that which surrounds me, as well as the actions and behaviors that flow from my interpretations.” It is your attitude that will determine your altitude. You must give life 100%! You never know at which moment that things will shift, so you must always be prepared.

Karl Menninger said, “Fears are educated into us, and can, if we wish, be educated out.” We have been taught, by many well meaning people, that we are less than what we really are. We have been reduced to limitations, when we are unlimited. We have been told that we are no good, when we are great. We have been labeled by our careers, when that is just a means to make money. There are so many roadblocks that we place on ourselves just because we believed everything that the well meaning people have told us. You have to un-learn a lot of the things that were imprinted in your brain. You must listen to your inner voice which will tell you what is really in your best interest. Many times we tune that voice out or we fight the direction we really want to go because we have been brainwashed to not trust our self. Elaine St. James said, “Often one of the stumbling blocks to living a simpler life is our inability or unwillingness to change how we play some of the games that got us into these complicated lives in the first place.” We stubbornly hold onto the very ideas and concepts that have limited our power for our entire life. It is hard to let go sometimes. It is like the saying, “Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know.” Sometimes it seems easier just to stick with what you know even when it does not serve you. However, you need to break away from that security blanket. Stop relying on a safety net and get out there and try. At first, you will be scared…you may even panic….but just stay the course. If you can look at yourself in the mirror and know that you have done things the way you want to, then that is all that matters. First and foremost, you must be proud of yourself…and the way to do that is to love yourself enough to follow your own direction. It will not be easy, but you will feel so much stronger when you walk your own road. Once you release the fear of having to live a certain way and you know that you are in control of your own destiny, you may feel overwhelmed. Now you are required to think for yourself. Now, you have no one else to blame for your lot in life. Now, you are responsible for your own destiny! I’ll tell you what, once you accept that responsibility…there is no greater feeling. You will start to challenge yourself more and you will feel good about it. It is a great feeling.

Washington Irving said, "There is a certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse! As I have often found in travelling in a stagecoach, that it is often a comfort to shift one's position, and be bruised in a new place." I like that! Many times we must shift our thoughts into a new mindset. You cannot get somewhere new by thinking the same old thoughts that got you where you are. You have to think new thoughts and change some of those old familiar habits. It is like what William Shakespeare said, "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." We can make our self become what we want to be by first visualizing it in our mind and then being that person. Some people call it “faking it before they make it,” but that is ok. The more you act like something, the more you become it. You outgrow your old self and grow into your new self. It is the natural evolution of your stages in life. Once you grow, you won’t want to go back…you will just keep growing. That is the way life is, so learn to embrace change…it is happening right now!

A Sense of Accomplishment

2007-10-21T19:40:00.001-04:00

Dr. Wayne Dyer said, “A non-doer is very often a critic-that is, someone who sits back and watches doers, and then waxes philosophically about how the doers are doing. It's easy to be a critic, but being a doer requires effort, risk, and change.” I was a doer today and I feel great! I installed a storm door on our townhome today. While that may not seem like a huge achievement, I am feeling a sense of accomplishment today. It was my first storm door and I discovered it is pretty easy to hang a storm door…..but it is difficult to hang a storm door correctly. You can get the door up and looking ok, but if you want it plumb and hung the way it is really supposed to be hung, then it really takes some effort. It was a painstaking day of measuring, shimming and re-measuring, but I got it right and I am ecstatic about it. It is funny what I get excited about these days! I have learned a great deal this year by discovering that I really like home renovation. I have been building and I am discovering that I am pretty good at it. With practice and patience, I will develop much better skills. I have a new appreciation for craftsmen now! It was a matter of just doing it. Like what George P. Burnham said, “"I can't do it" never yet accomplished anything; "I will try" has performed wonders.” I tried woodworking and tile work and it has opened up a new hobby for me that I would have never pictured myself liking.

John Christian Bovee said, “A failure establishes only this; that our determination to succeed was not strong enough.” Most of the time when we fail, it is because we have impotent goals. I heard Anthony Robbins use that phrase “impotent goals” and I have come to understand what that means. When we have goals and dreams, we cannot go after the ones that are just a passing whim. When you do, you really have no skin in the game. If you do not succeed at it, it really doesn’t matter. The problem lies in the fact that we are creatures of habit. When we go after weak or impotent goals, we set our self in a pattern of being ok with failure. We become lazy because we do not really push ourselves to go after a goal that drives us to succeed. Stop wasting time on goals that don’t do anything for you. You need goals that make you motivated to get off your butt and enjoy each day pursuing them. It is like what Orison Swett Marden said, “A constant struggle, a ceaseless battle to bring success from inhospitable surroundings, is the price of all great achievements.” We need some battles and challenges. If it comes too easy, we generally do not give it as much merit as when we have to work for it. Edward William Bok said, “A young person, to achieve, must first get out of his mind any notion either of the ease or rapidity of success. Nothing ever just happens in this world.” We always look for the easy way out, the path of least resistance, and easy street. There is much more value when you have to exert some effort in achieving any endeavor you choose. Jack Nicklaus said, “Achievement is largely the product of steadily raising one's levels of aspiration... and expectation.” Once we raise our expectation and start raising our effort in going after our goals, we build up a tolerance that allows us to chase even bigger dreams. It is a self perpetuating upward cycle that keeps driving us to be better and to achieve more.

Montaigne said, “A wise man sees as much as he ought, not as much as he can.” I like that saying. Once you really know what you are after, you can filter out a lot of extraneous information that before you may have paid attention to. Once you are focused, you stop wasting time on the fillers and start seeking out the substance. It really doesn’t matter if you run into difficulties once you are in this state of mind. John Maxwell said, “A difficult time can be more readily endured if we retain the conviction that our existence holds a purpose - a cause to pursue, a person to love, a goal to achieve.” When we have our goal or dream in mind and we focus our mind and our actions towards it, we have found our driving purpose. This drive and potent goals will motivate you to accomplish more and more and you will lay the foundation of a great habit of achieving. Believe me, you will like that feeling!

How Bad Do You Want It?

2007-10-20T12:51:00.001-04:00

Someone said, “Nothing is as real as a dream. The world can change around you, but your dream will not. Responsibilities need not erase it. Duties need not obscure it. Because the dream is within you, no one can take it away.” Dreams are powerful! They have the ability to set a person on a mission that will define that person’s life. They have the ability to create new products and places and change the way that we all live. It is like what Antoine De Saint-Exupery said, “A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.” When someone has an idea and sticks with that thought no matter what obstacles try to get in the way, then that person is going to see their dream happen. The biggest question in your mind should be, “How much do I want this dream to happen?” There is a song by Tim McGraw that addresses this. It is called, “How Bad Do You Want It?” Read the lyrics.

How Bad Do You Want It? (by Tim McGraw)

Robert Johnson went to the crossroads, so the legend goes
He left with his guitar and the devil took his soul, the devil took his soul

Been out here on this highway
Breathing diesel smoke
Driving hard for hours
Trying to make that Memphis show
People always ask me
"Son what does it take
To reach out and touch your dreams?"
To them I always say

Are you hungry?
Are you thirsty?
Is it a fire that burns you up inside?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Are you eating, sleeping, dreaming
With that one thing on your mind?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Cause if you want it all
You've got to lay it all out on the line

I get to make my living
Doing what I love
Every night I give my heart and soul
Sometimes that ain't enough
But brother, if you're like me
Looking down that road
Be careful of that wild wind, son
Sometimes it don't let go

Can you feel it?
Can you taste it?
Can you hear it knocking at your door?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Are you eating, sleeping, dreaming
With that one thing on your mind?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Cause if you want it all
You've got to lay it all out on the line

There's always a price you pay no matter what you do
If you're gonna climb that mountain to the top
It always comes down to

How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Are you eating, sleeping, dreaming
With that one thing on your mind?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Cause if you want it all
You've got to lay it all out on the line

Robert Johnson went to the crossroads, so the legend goes
He left with his guitar and the devil took his soul, the devil took his soul

If you really want something to happen, you might have to go through Hell to get it, but you will make it if you never give up. Just keep working towards it. As Thomas Robert Gaines said, “It is good to dream, but it is better to dream and work. Faith is mighty, but action with faith is mightier.”

Denis Waitley said, “A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unknown.” Stepping out and going after your dream will lead you to some uncomfortable situations. In order to grow, you have to do things that you might not want to. A lot of people miss out on their dreams because they are unwilling to get outside of their comfort zone. In order to achieve your dream, you have to be willing to do what you do not want to do. You have to constantly challenge yourself and rise above the fear. Once you do, you will find that it is not so bad. Once you develop the habit, you will not fear the unknown. William Arthur Ward said, “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.” You can be what you choose to be! Stephen B. Leacock said, “It may be those who do most, dream most.” Keep dreaming and dream big! Les Brown said, “It takes someone with a vision of the possibilities to attain new levels of experience. Someone with the courage to live his dreams.”

Follow your instincts and your passion and never let anyone dissuade you from going in your own direction. Mark Twain said, “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” Some people will want to hold you back. It may be because they do not believe in you, or that they are selfishly opposed to you getting ahead of them. Never let someone else’s words or actions stop you from being who you are. You have a dream in your heart and a plan. Go for it! Robert Schuller said, “It is unfulfilled dreams that keep you alive.” Keep going after that unfulfilled dream until you fulfill it…then set another dream ahead of you. We need to grow. It is our calling to constantly experience life at a greater level. We are not in a race against others…we are in a race only to improve our self and our own capabilities. Think big! As Benjamin Disraeli said, “Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think.” You are your thoughts for what you think about the most is what you attract into your life. Ralph Vaull Starr said, “Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.” You are the creator of your own destiny, so search inside yourself for what you really desire and go after your dreams with all you have got!

Be Like That

2007-10-19T16:35:00.000-04:00

Confucius said, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” I think that is great advice. It is never good to go into anything half-hearted. Life is a game that should be played full out. If you are holding back anything, then you are missing out on a big part of your life. We are not here to imitate…we are here to be our self and to enjoy life to the fullest. I was listening to a song and it made me think of how much we all hide our power. The song is, “Be Like That,” from Three Doors Down. Read the lyrics.

Be Like That (by 3 Doors Down)

He spends his nights in California, {he spent his whole life being too young,}
Watching the stars on the big screen, {to live the life that's in his dreams,}
Then he lies awake and he wonders, {at night he lies awake and he wonders,}
Why can’t that be me?
Cause in his life he is filled
With all these good intentions
He’s left a lot of things
He’d rather not mention right now
But just before he says goodnight,
He looks up with a little smile at me,
And he says,

If I could be like that,
I would give anything
Just to live one day, in those shoes
If I could be like that,
What would I do?
What would I do?

Now in dreams we run

She spends her days up in the north park,
Watching the people as they pass
And all she wants is just
A little piece of this dream,
Is that too much to ask?
With a safe home, and a warm bed,
On a quiet little street
All she wants is just that something to
Hold onto, that’s all she needs
Yeah!

If I could be like that,
I would give anything
Just to live one day, in those shoes
If I could be like that, what would I do?
What would I do?

I’m falling into this, dreams,
We run away

If I could be like that,
I would give anything
Just to live one day, in those shoes
If I could be like that, what would I do?
What would I do?

If I could be like that,
I would give anything
Just to live one day, in those shoes
If I could be like that, what would I do?
What would I do?

If I could be like that,
I would give anything
Just to live one day, in those shoes

If I could be like that, what would I do?
What would I do?
Falling in
I feel I am falling in, to this again

I really like that song. However, I started thinking about when I was younger and how much I wanted to be a rock star. I used to dream of being Van Halen, or Boston, or Journey. Now that I have grown up, I still love the music but I see how we place stars up on this pedestal. I have realized that you must place yourself first. You are the most important person in your world. You may want the lifestyle of someone else, but you should never want to be them. When you place yourself first, it is a statement that you are important. You have a healthy self respect and you have confidence in your decisions. When you look at life from that angle, you make better friends, you have better relationships and you feel better about yourself.

You also have the ability to create the life you want. If you see something you like in someone else’s life, do not envy them, but learn from them. See what you like and start getting an image of yourself in that lifestyle. Focus on it and start moving your life in that direction. It does not matter how you start in life…it matters what you do with your time and more importantly, it matter what you think about the most. Marianne Moore said, “Originality is... a by-product of sincerity.” Be sincere. Do not mask the real you, but show it and go after your dreams. You may be teased about what it is you want, but that is a given. People will ridicule you for standing out and doing your own thing. If that bothers you enough to stop you, then you have let them take away your power and they always will because you will voluntarily give it to them. Stop giving your power away and be who you want to be. Once you do that, you will never have to fear the sneers of others. Who cares what they think? Many people will give you a hard time until you succeed….then those same people will be lining up in your corner telling you they always believed in you. Here is the thing…don’t need them to believe in you. Believe in yourself. That is the most powerful place you can ever come from. When you believe, then nothing else matters. Desiderius Erasmus said, “It is the chiefest point of happiness that a man is willing to be what he is.”

Carefully choose who and what you surround yourself with. W. Clement Stone said, "Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them." If you are positive and you hang around a bunch of negative people, you will end up negative, or at least it will take all of your energy to stay motivated. If you change your environment to be around highly motivated, positive people, then you will have even more energy because it will generate an almost electric vibe around you that restores and boosts all of your energy. It spirals upward and builds as it grows! Be yourself and you will find that things seem easier. When you find your niche or your groove, you will feel at home and you will be comfortable in your environment. I like what Shirley MacLaine said, “I think of life itself now as a wonderful play that I've written for myself, and so my purpose is to have the utmost fun playing my part.” When you do not follow your dreams and you try to follow in someone else’s footsteps, it seems like you lose a part of yourself. Like Samuel Johnson said, “Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those whom we cannot resemble.” Sometimes you want to be like someone else. You see what you consider success and you want to feel what that person feels. However, take a look at some of the most famous people that many people loved. Some of them ended up overdosing, or just ended up miserable and we watch and cannot comprehend how an outwardly successful person ends up such a wreck. It is because success is not material. Success is an inward peace of mind that makes us feel whole. Material wealth can be a part of one’s rewards, but it is a by product of success, not a determinant. If material success is all you have, then you have little. You have to be successful inside. When you are happy with your life, then you have become successful. If you determine you want to be like anyone, determine to be the person you see yourself as in your dreams and be like that now!

Every day is a wonderful day

2007-10-18T22:14:00.001-04:00

William Barclay said, “There are two great days in a person's life - the day we are born and the day we discover why.” Every day is a wonderful day. There are happy days and there are sad days, but each day that we are alive is a day that we get to experience life. It is like what Joseph Addison said, “Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for.” We all need something to do….something that we love and that fills us with a sense of pride and accomplishment. We all need someone to love...after all….Love is the answer. We also all need something to shoot for…a goal, a dream….something that inspires us and drives us to continually move forward. With these things, life has meaning….without them….it is an endless void. Life is a constant adventure that always changes so as to keep us sharp, alert and aware. We dream of comfort, but comfort is a sedentary slumber that robs of us of our potential.

Anthony Robbins said, “Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.” You are meant to live life to your full potential. That means that you have to play all out. There is no nobility in playing small. J. Krishnamurti said, “You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it. That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies...that is why you must sing and dance, and write poems, and suffer, and understand, for all that is life.” Look at all there is in life. Too often we try to define our self by what we do instead of who we are. You are not only an accountant or a salesperson. You are a human being with feelings and aspirations. Stop trying to pigeon hole yourself into a classification. You are a member of the human race and you have come here to do much more than your occupation. Think Big! Dream Big! I like what John Homer Miller said, “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.” Don’t narrowly define good and bad. Look at the situation…it may turn out to be an ok thing. Slow down and really look at what happens. You may just be amazed at how something that at first appears bad turns out to be good. Bart Conner said, “Chance can allow you to accomplish a goal every once in a while, but consistent achievement happens only if you love what you are doing.” The best way to have consistent results is to stay focused and be consistent. Winging it may seem easier, but in the long run it is better to just do things right.

Billy Mills said, “Your life is a gift from the Creator. Your gift back to the Creator is what you do with your life.” Live your life as if each day were your last day here on earth. If you do that, you will stop wasting time on the silly crap and spend it doing things that are important to you. We never know when we will take our final breath. I watched a 28 year old kid die right in front of me once and I will never forget that experience. It made me realize that life is precious and we never know how long we have. Find a love…learn to be happy with who you are….take chances and tell the people you love just how important they are. Live life with no regrets….it is the only way to live! I have realized that I want to spend time with my family, see the world, and accomplish all the goals I have written down in my 101 things I must do before I die. I am checking things off at a much faster pace, but I still have a long way to go. It is good to have a written goal in front of you so that you can stay focused on it. I read mine every morning and every night before I go to bed. It keeps me focused and it makes me smile…especially when I have made notable achievement towards reaching that goal. Life is a fascinating journey that keeps you perpetually confused, but always wanting more. I guess we will know the answer when we die. Till then….have fun and live like tomorrow may never come.

Cherish your vision and your dreams

2007-10-17T19:16:00.001-04:00

Robert Browning said, “A man's reach should exceed his grasp. Or what's a heaven for?” Vision is the ability to see the future you want inside your mind. You create everything the way you want it to be and it becomes so real that you actually live it before you live it in the physical world. You feel the emotions of already accomplishing your goals. You hear, smell and see success all around you. Our imagination is one of our greatest gifts because it gives us the looking glass into the future. If you hold onto that vision and become the person you see in the dream…you will become that person in “real life.” The key to manifesting your dream is to focus on it and to take actions that will lead you closer to it. Vision is so important in our life. It is what generates the drive and excitement in our life. It is what fills us up with passion and gives us purpose. I like what Paulo Coelho said, “A philosophy of life: I'm an adventurer, looking for treasure.” That is a great philosophy! Adventure and experience is the reason we are here. If you truly grasp that, then your life will change. You will stop focusing on the stuff that wastes your life (procrastination, TV, working for a living, etc.) and you will start paying attention to what matters (your family, adventure, love, fun, etc). At the end of your life, you will not remember how much work you’ve done. You will only remember the important things. It is like what Carlos Castaneda said, “A warrior chooses a path with heart, any path with heart, and follows it; and then he rejoices and laughs. He knows because he sees that his life will be over altogether too soon. He sees that nothing is more important than anything else.” There are so many things that we think are so important at the time, but later on...we see that they were not important at all. Keep focused on what is important and you will find that you experience many more memories.

Napoleon Hill said, “Cherish your vision and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” The coolest thing in life is that you get to choose your destiny. By seeing your dreams in your mind, you already know what it is you want. By focusing on them, you get to make them come true. By taking action, you physically move closer to that vision with each step. Donald Trump said, “As long as you are going to think anyway—you might as well think BIG!” Think BIG! Dream outrageously BIG! It is not our place to think small. There have been many people in life that have tried to tell us to think small so that we are not disappointed. Unfortunately, way too many people bought into that nonsense. Life will have some disappointments….get over it. Your job is not to always have everything work out for you. How would you grow? How would you ever become great without overcoming some obstacles? It is unrealistic and not even smart to avoid obstacles. You need some to test your commitment to your path and for growth opportunities. Anyone who has it easy is doing themselves a disservice.

Richard Bach said it best when he said, “Here is a test to find out whether your mission in life is complete. If you're alive, it isn't.” If you are alive, then you have the opportunity to grow and to experience anything in life. There are people in there 90s that are competing in hurdles. There is an upset Chinese woman because the Olympics would not let her run and carry the torch for part of the way because she was over 100. Who are we to ever give up? Society tries to put you out to pasture when you are 65 and people are living to their hundreds. Who cares what society tells you. You are not living for them, you are living for you. So many people die without ever doing what they wanted to do. Don’t be one of them. If you want to have Café Au Lait in Paris, then go do it. Don’t wait! That is the lesson that each of us must learn. Carpe Diem is real folks! James Allen said, “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.” Live the life that turns you on, that stirs your soul and that makes you smile. Life is an awesome experience. There is so much that we have inside of us that we need to discover. It is a grand adventure and one that should be celebrated. Anybody that says it sucks does not have a clue about why they are here. You get to choose your life. Choose well and have a great time!

You are all you've got

2007-10-16T20:39:00.000-04:00

John C. Maxwell said, "Every worthwhile accomplishment has a price tag attached to it. The question is always whether you are willing to pay the price to attain it - in hard work, sacrifice, patience, faith, and endurance." Today is one of those days when I had to suck it up and really believe. It has been a frustrating day in which I know where I am going and I know who I am, but it is just moving slow and it is pissing me off. I am committed to my goals so I am taking this writing opportunity to remind myself what commitment is and how I should take a deep breath and just relax. My timeframes are not necessarily the correct ones. My goals, however, are correct…so I just have to keep believing in myself and my goals. I remember the words of Janis Joplin who said, “Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got.” Sometimes we have an off day. We question our beliefs and we question just what the hell we are doing. However, one can never give up. The legendary coach Vincent Lombardi said, “The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” I am committed to excellence. Today reminded me that we all have moments of weakness. We all have times when we lose our patience or just get fed up. But I always remember what Napoleon Hill said, “Effort only full releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.” If I just keep going and know that it will all work, it will. I refuse to ever give up!

Ferdinand Foch said, “The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” I have been so electrified and excited that I felt like my soul was on fire. Today, I let my self get extinguished….not totally, but I was smoldering. Writing helps keep me focused on my reality. I believe 100% that we are in control of our own destiny and it is up to me to make my life what I want it to be. I also know that commitment is like what coach Pat Riley said, “There are only two options regarding commitment. You're either in or out. There's no such thing as a life in-between.” I am in….and I am committed. Life is funny sometimes. One day you are on the top of the world and the next day you feel like you have the world on your shoulders. Sometimes you just have to suck it up and do something. E. M. Gray said, “The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do. They don't like doing them either necessarily. But their disliking is subordinated to the strength of their purpose.” I see this more clearly now than I ever have. There is a difference between wanting something and actually going after it. Commitment means dedication to achieving the goal no matter what the obstacles are. There is a Chinese proverb that says, “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.” We are going to face rough patches but that is what makes us strong. That is what hones our skills so that we can handle more difficult tasks. As John Beecher said, “Strength is a matter of the made-up mind.” Once you have made up your mind and you are committed, let nothing change your course and may you always follow through.

Frank Lloyd Wright said, “I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.” He most certainly followed through on his goals and the world has benefited greatly because of that commitment. Eddie Robinson said, “The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” It is when that will is tested and you get discouraged when you must rely on your faith that you will succeed no matter how bleak things might look. Hold onto that faith and trust in yourself. It is always the darkest before that wonderful sunrise of success comes to light up your world. You just have to make things happen. I like what Alan Kay said, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” I am responsible for my own fate and it is up to me to invent my future the way I see it in my head. There may be certain beliefs that I still hold onto that are holding me back and this plateau may be telling me that I need to drop them so I can get to the next level. Like a hot air balloon in flight, I have to drop some baggage so that I may rise higher. Wayne Dyer said, “There's no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love. There is only a scarcity of resolve to make it happen.” Today I find that resolve. Let no negative thought stop the momentum that I have already built. I trust in what Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Our nettlesome task is to discover how to organize our strength into compelling power.” I have to organize my strength into a power that will sustain me until I accomplish my goals. As Roger Staubach said, “Spectacular achievements are always preceded by unspectacular preparation.” It takes a lot of work and a lot of soul searching to discover the life you want and who you are. Once you find it, you just have to hold on and let nothing stop you. Colin Powell said, “The freedom to be your best means nothing unless you are willing to do your best.” Always do your best and remember….it doesn’t have to be easy…it just has to be worth it!

The Grand Illusion

2007-10-15T20:39:00.000-04:00

Wilma Rudolph said, “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” Inside each of us is unlimited potential. All knowledge and the power to create have been given to us so that we can each, individually, experience whatever life we so choose. Whatever we can imagine, we can make happen. What I have learned over my 41 years is that we have been taught wrong. We have only been taught to look with the eyes and associate what we see to what we have been taught to see. There is so much more that is going on all around us. I saw a funny comedian last night who said something profound. He said that space is above us. This unbelievable, mesmerizing colossal universe is right in front of us every day, yet we hardly ever look up. We might say, “Wow, cool sunset,” or, “Look at the big dipper,” but what do we really know about it. It got me thinking about how little we try to learn. We are so fascinated by who celebrities are dating that we never really find that internal source which already has all the answers we need – our soul. Our soul is all knowledge. We are here to experience because knowledge is not experience. There is no real mind-body-soul connection until we experience life. We are all made from the exact same stuff, yet we treat each other as if we are separate. We fight over turf instead of ensuring that the people on this earth have the basic needs for survival. In America, we have thousands of people die each day, needlessly, because we look the other way and do not help people live. It was Albert Einstein who said, “In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same.” We are all here for a reason and we all have our own experience to make. Yet, we are still all connected, because at our root level, we are all energy.

The Dalai Lama said, “Basically we are all the same human beings with the same potential to be a good human being or a bad human being ... The important thing is to realize the positive side and try to increase that; realize the negative side and try to reduce. That's the way.” There really is no good or bad, but we have to classify it some way so that we understand its relative value. That way, we can base our experiences on some sort of scale. Life is a great big paradox. Everything seems contradictory, and, I suppose, it is. There is a song I remember from my youth by Styx called, “Grand Illusion.” I think the lyrics fit well with this subject.

Grand Illusion (by Styx)

Welcome to the Grand illusion
Come on in and see what's happening
Pay the price; get your tickets for the show
The stage is set, the band starts playing
Suddenly your heart is poundingWishing secretly you were a star.

But don't be fooled by the radio
The TV or the magazines
They show you photographs of how your life should be
But they're just someone else's fantasy
So if you think your life is complete confusion
Because you never win the game
Just remember that it's a Grand illusion
And deep inside we're all the same.
We're all the same...

So if you think your life is complete confusion
Because your neighbors got it made
Just remember that it's a Grand illusion
And deep inside we're all the same.
We're all the same...

America spells competition; join us in our blind ambition
Get yourself a brand new motor car
Someday soon we'll stop to ponder what on Earth this spell we’re under is
We made the grade and still we wonder who the hell we are

I think that explains things very well. Life as we know it is a grand illusion woven by the people who profit by not having us self actualize. There is a line in a Tears for Fears song that says, “Fill their dreams with big, fast cars; Fill their heads with sand.” Distraction and façade are the way to make things appear ok, but you have this feeling in your gut that it just is not right. So you search and you discover that there are just as many different answers to questions as there are questions. It is a part of the grand illusion which tells you that you must search the world for the answers. All you really have to do is quiet your mind and listen to what your inner voice is telling you. It is always there, patiently communicating with you….trying to get your attention, but we keep cluttering our senses with noise and information. We get so much of it and yet we seek more. We want things faster and we need information right now…we have no patience. Have you really ever stopped and looked at what you are receiving. It is like email. We get addicted to email, but 90% of it is worthless. It is an addiction we have contracted to not have to think. Start listening to your soul. It is telling you what you need to know and what you really want to experience in life. Cut through the Grand Illusion and see life for what it is and what it can be!

Failure is the path of least persistence

2007-10-14T20:31:00.001-04:00

Someone once said, “Failure is the path of least persistence.” Too often we wish for things to happen but when they don’t immediately, we give up. That is what is meant by the path of least persistence. Persistence means going after your dreams and not stopping if things get hard are do not happen on your expected timeframes. I like what Lee Iacocca said, “Boys, there ain't no free lunches in this country. And don't go spending your whole life commiserating that you got the raw deals. You've got to say, I think that if I keep working at this and want it bad enough I can have it. It's called perseverance.” You can have anything you want out of life, but you must have the vision, the focus and the perseverance to see it through. A lot of people get disillusioned as they get older. They grow up all idealistic and they believe that everything will be peaches and cream. If they ever stumble across something hard, their vision is crushed and all of a sudden many people give up hope. It is like the Peter Gabriel song, “Don’t Give Up.” Read the lyrics.

"Don't Give Up" (by Peter Gabriel)

In this proud land we grew up strong
We were wanted all along
I was taught to fight, taught to win
I never thought I could fail

No fight left or so it seems
I am a man whose dreams have all deserted
I've changed my face, I've changed my name
But no one wants you when you lose

Don’t give up
Cause you have friends
Don’t give up
You’re not beaten yet
Don’t give up
I know you can make it good

Though I saw it all around
Never thought I could be affected
Thought that we'd be the last to go
It is so strange the way things turn

Drove the night toward my home
The place that I was born, on the lakeside
As daylight broke, I saw the earth
The trees had burned down to the ground

Don’t give up
You still have us
Don’t give up
We don't need much of anything
Don’t give up
Cause somewhere there's a place
Where we belong

Rest your head
You worry too much
It’s going to be alright
When times get rough
You can fall back on us
Don’t give up
Please don't give up

Got to walk out of here
I can't take anymore
Going to stand on that bridge
Keep my eyes down below
Whatever may come
And whatever may go
That river's flowing
That river's flowing

Moved on to another town
Tried hard to settle down
For every job, so many men
So many men no-one needs

Don’t give up
Cause you have friends
Don’t give up
You’re not the only one
Don’t give up
No reason to be ashamed
Don’t give up
You still have us
Don’t give up now
We’re proud of who you are
Don’t give up
You know it's never been easy
Don’t give up
Cause I believe there's the a place
There’s a place where we belong

There is a place where you belong and that is here. It is ok to be disappointed, for a very short while. Then it is time to look within and find the guts to keep moving towards your dreams. I have always said that one of my favorite quotes is, “Get knocked down seven times; stand up eight.” Life can knock you down and you can either stay down or you can get back up. No one will make you keep going on…..only you can do that. Only you have the ability to make your life the way you want to. There are always people who can help, but ultimately….it all rests with you. Billie Jean King said, “Champions keep playing until they get it right.” You will fail, but you are never a failure until you give up. Josephus Daniels said, “Defeat never comes to any man until he admits it.” You never have to admit it either. You can stubbornly persist all you want to…and you should! Christopher Morley said, “Big shots are only little shots who keep shooting.” The way people have made it big is by never giving up. They kept focusing on their dream and never let anyone or anything stop them. They just kept shooting! I like what Charles Haddon Spurgeon said, “By perseverance the snails reached the ark.” It is just like the tortoise and the hare…you can win no matter what speed you go if you persevere and never give up.

Arthur Pine said, “Your biggest break can come from never quitting. Being at the right place at the right time can only happen when you keep moving toward the next opportunity.” If you sit and wait for opportunity to come looking for you, you will be waiting a long, long time. Beverly Sills said, “You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.” You have to go out there and go for your dreams. You might not get it right the first time, but you will succeed. As John Albert Michener said, “Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” Keep going….even if you are afraid. People who succeed are afraid too, but as Dan Rather once said, “Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow.” You just have to know what it is you want out of life and then believe that it is not only possible for anyone…but that it is possible for you. Trust in yourself and keep moving toward the goal. Hector Crawford said, “Decide carefully, exactly what you want in life, then work like mad to make sure you get it!” Even Margaret Thatcher said, “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” It may come easy or it may come hard…but rest assured that it will come to you if you keep persisting. I like what William Faulkner said, “Believe that man will not merely endure; he will prevail.” We are not here to merely endure the glory of life….we are here to prevail in all that we want to achieve. We are powerful spiritual beings with unlimited potential. Make it real by always going after it!

You only live once….live it your way

2007-10-13T21:45:00.000-04:00

Cecil B. DeMille said, “The person who makes a success of living is the one who see his goal steadily and aims for it unswervingly. That is dedication.” Setting a goal and going after it is very important for each of us to do. You have to have goals to focus on so that you can move forward in your life. You cannot be afraid to keep trying no matter what has happened to you in the past. The past is the past and it is no indication of your future. Growth is a part of life and just as in physical growth, personal growth has growing pains. You are going to make mistakes….that is ok. You just have to keep moving forward. Benjamin Disraeli said, “Experience is the child of thought, and thought is the child of action.” Action requires risk. You don’t have to do something stupid, just do something. As George S. Patton said, “Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash.” Determine what the worst thing that could happen would be and also the absolute ideal situation and know that it will probably be somewhere in the middle. If you are prepared for the worst, everything else is a breeze. You just have to take action. Someone once said, “You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind.” I was listening to a song on the radio that I hadn’t heard in a long time. It reminded me that you do have to take action and not sit around. It talks about taking risks and going for it no matter what. It is called, “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” by Yes. Read the lyrics

Owner of a Lonely Heart (by Yes)

Move yourself
You always live your life
Never thinking of the future
Prove yourself
You are the move you make
Take your chances win or loser

See yourself
You are the steps you take
You and you - and that’s the only way

Shake - shake yourself
You’re every move you make
So the story goes

Owner of a lonely heart
Owner of a lonely heart
Much better than - a
Owner of a broken heart
Owner of a lonely heart

Say - you don’t want to chance it
You’ve been hurt so before

Watch it now
The eagle in the sky
How he’s dancin’ one and only
You - lose yourself
No not for pity’s sake
There’s no real reason to be lonely
Be yourself
Give your free will a chance
You’ve got to want to succeed

Owner of a lonely heart
Owner of a lonely heart
Much better than - a
Owner of a broken heart
Owner of a lonely heart

Owner of a lonely heart

After my own decision
They confused me so (owner of a lonely heart)
My love said never question your will at all
In the end you’ve got to go
Look before you leap (owner of a lonely heart)
And don’t you hesitate at all - no no

Owner of a lonely heart
Owner of a lonely heart
Much better than - a
Owner of a broken heart
Owner of a lonely heart

Owner of a lonely heart

Sooner or later each conclusion
Will decide the lonely heart (owner of a lonely heart)
It will excite it will delight
It will give a better start (owner of a lonely heart)

Don’t deceive your free will at all
Don’t deceive your free will at all (owner of a lonely heart)

I love the lines, “Don’t deceive your free will at all; Just receive it.” That is what we must do in life…receive the goodness as it comes to you. There is no reason to be lonely. You can volunteer to help people. You can join groups that will get you out there. Too often, if we have a bad experience, we let it stop the momentum we has from action. We hide behind a mask of sorrow and a fear of it happening again. Learn from the experience and try not to repeat it, but stop giving it power. Reclaim your power and live your life. If you keep hiding, you are giving your power away to something that happened in the past. Forget about it and move on. It was not your first mistake and it will not be your last. Keep moving forward! Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, "Always do what you are afraid to do."” If you face your fears, you will expand your base and you will develop that adventurous spirit that does not let a setback slow you down. As William B. Sprague said, “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” You make your life. By playing small, you do not serve anyone, especially yourself. Daniel Dennett said, “Human freedom is not an illusion; it is an objective phenomenon, distinct from all other biological conditions and found in only one species, us.” Freedom is your friend. Freedom is that feeling where you are alive and you live life the way you want to. You were designed to be free, so don’t settle for anything less. Many times we live on the extremes. Like a manically depressed person, our lives consist of extreme highs and extreme lows. Balance is the key. As Chuang-Tzu said, “Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.” You must make up your mind that you will do whatever it takes. Samuel Johnson said, “Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.” It never has to be perfect before you begin because guess what, it is never perfect. We adjust to what we know very quickly. That is why we get bored with something after we have accomplished it. It is not a challenge any longer and we get bored with what is too easy for us. The best way to live is to follow your heart and live your life the way you want to no matter what others think. You only live once….live it your way.

If I am not for myself, who will be?

2007-10-12T15:54:00.001-04:00

Only as high as I reach can I grow,
Only as far as I seek can I go,
Only as deep as I look can I see,
Only as much as I dream can I be.
-Karen Ravn

Someone once said, “If you really put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price.” If you only knew how you hold yourself back. If you only knew that no one cares how you look or what you do. If you only knew that you can make your life into anything that you want it to be….then you would not be wasting your time trying to impress, but would be spending it doing the things that you love. The problem is not that you do not have the power but in your belief that you do not have what it takes. As Ram Dass said, “Your problem is you're... too busy holding onto your unworthiness.” We are all worthy of our own life. We can make it great or we can let it pass by. Whatever you believe about yourself is true. It is in that true belief where your power lies. Just remember what Nicholai Velimirovic said, “Be humble, for the worst thing in the world is of the same stuff as you; be confident, for the stars are of the same stuff as you.” We are all made from the same stuff and the Golden Rule is the truest law that we have. The way you treat the lowest of all things is how you treat yourself. Everything is here for a reason. E.F. Schumacher said, “Our ordinary mind always tries to persuade us that we are nothing but acorns and that our greatest happiness will be to become bigger, fatter, shinier acorns; but that is of interest only to pigs. Our faith gives us knowledge of something better: that we can become oak trees.” We are so much more powerful than we can even imagine that we are. It was William Shakespeare who said, “Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.” Doubt kills off any chance that we have of rising to our potential. It is that silent killer that creeps in and tries to undo all of the confidence that you have inside of you. Don’t give into it. It is false! I like what Vincent Van Gogh said, “If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” Never give in to fear and doubt. Go your own way and forge paths that have never been traveled…they are your own way to get to where you are going.

W.C. Fields said, “It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to.” Too often we thwart our own feelings because someone once called us a name or said that we were no good at something. That doubt crept in and started to unravel our confidence. But don’t answer to it. Mignon McLaughlin said, “Learning too soon our limitations, we never learn our powers.” When we were kids, we heard “No” thousands of times more than we heard “Yes.” You know how much it hurt when you were younger to perform badly. You were very self conscious and you were trying to adjust to your body and learn. There are millions of people who did not develop potential talents because someone caused them to feel bad about that talent. There are still many people who stifle talent because that is not what they want for the child. It may be well intending, but it is crippling. A person has to rise above that stifling and do it anyway. Or they must develop it later if they are to pursue something that they love. Sydney Smith said, “A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage. Every day sends to their graves obscure men whose timidity prevented them from making a first effort.” It takes courage to go down the path that you want. You have to find the courage and the strength inside you to continue on despite what others think. This is your life, not theirs…that is the first and foremost thought that you will need to return to. This IS your life! Buckminster Fuller said, “I am convinced all of humanity is born with more gifts than we know. Most are born geniuses and just get de-geniused rapidly.” Many of us do get “de-geniused”…we have to follow our heart and our passion so that we can look in the mirror and know that we followed our own path. Les Brown said, “Other people's opinion of you does not have to become your reality.” You make your own reality. Once you realize that, your world will change! Remember this little poem:

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
You are the guy who'll decide where to go.
- Dr. Seuss

Wendy Wasserstein said, “Don't live down to expectations. Go out there and do something remarkable.” You can make your life remarkable if you think you can and you go for it. There is an African proverb that states, “When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.” Stop holding yourself back and get out there and do what you really want to do. Thomas Alva Edison said, “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” Here is a man to model yourself after. If there is anyone who was persistent and never gave up, it was Thomas Edison. He learned that if it did not succeed, it was not a failure, but rather a lesson. That is a great lesson to learn. I like what Epicurus said, “It is folly for a man to pray to the gods for that which he has the power to obtain by himself.” Too often we think we need to find strength from an external source when all of the strength you will ever need has already been given to you. You have to tap into this internal power that you have. It is unlimited and has been given to you so that you may fully experience life. We have denied ourselves this power. We have spent too much time resting instead of connecting with this powerful engine that we have. It is like having a Ferrari and driving it 20 miles an hour. We are wasting what it was designed for. That is what we do to our mind, our body and our soul. We drive 20 instead of 200. Christian Bovee said, “They are the weakest, however strong, who have no faith in themselves or their own powers.” Faith and belief in our self is all that we really need. Everything else is the icing. Love yourself for who you are. Andrew Carnegie said, “The man who acquires the ability to take full possession of his own mind may take possession of anything else to which he is justly entitled.” You have so much going for you; you just have to tap into it. Listen to your heart and your soul. You can feel it when you are on the right path. Trust your instincts and live your life. As Pirke Avoth said, “If I am not for myself, who will be?”

Get Rhythm

2007-10-11T18:41:00.001-04:00

Dale Carnegie said, “When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.” We like to think that we are ruled by our logical side. Think of how life would be run if it were all based on reasonable assumptions and rational logic. It is so far from reality that it is hard to truly imagine. Humans are ruled by our emotions. No matter how much we try to repress or control our emotions, they still come out in one form or another. Whoever thought it was a good idea to hide your emotions was a fool. Repressed emotions do not go away…they just build up inside of us in what Carl Jung called, “The Shadow.” Many times these repressed emotions come out in an angry and violent manner that would not have happened if people were allowed to freely express what they are feeling. I know, as a man in our society, that crying, fear or any real emotion is frowned on. It is said that a man is not a “real” man if he does. Well, that logic has screwed up a lot of men’s lives because they held in their problems instead of learning how to deal with them. Emotions come from the soul. We are supposed to cry and laugh and mourn and rejoice. Our emotions are a gift that if repressed can become a ticking time bomb. I like what Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said, “One's suffering disappears when one lets oneself go, when one yields - even to sadness.” There is no reason to prolong suffering. If you are sad, express it and get it out. It is not healthy to hold back. As John Sterling said, “Emotion turning back on itself, and not leading on to thought or action, is the element of madness.” You can stop the madness by letting it out and letting it go.

Emotions are feelings that are here for our benefit. They are here to offer relief and here to help us realize the experiences that we have in our life. They help us record those memories by adding the feeling to the moment. It is kind of like the music in the movie. How scary would “Jaws” have been with out the Dun-Da, Dun-Da of the music? Well, any giant shark coming after us would scare us, but that suspenseful music helped scare us out of our minds. Think about your experiences if you did not feel. It would be pretty boring without those emotions. In fact, emotions can be consciously triggered so that we can train ourselves to get that emotion on cue. There are ways to program an action or a part of your body to activate a certain emotion if you train yourself to do it. Much like Pavlov’s dogs, you can train yourself to respond in a certain way to certain stimuli. We can use feelings to our advantage once we learn about them and learn to express them. As Jonathan Mårtensson said, “Feelings are much like waves, we can't stop them from coming but we can choose which one to surf.” Think of your feelings as waves and see which ones you want to let pass and which ones you want to surf. The best way to start is to just express what you really feel. Augustus William Hare said, “The feeling is often the deeper truth, the opinion the more superficial one.” Start trusting these emotions and they will serve you well.

Emotions can be changed by motion. If you want to change your state of mind, start moving. I was watching the movie, “Walk the Line,” the other night and I heard a great Johnny Cash song about changing your emotions by moving. The song is called, “Get Rhythm.” Read the lyrics.

Get Rhythm (by Johnny Cash)

Hey, get rhythm when you get the blues
Come on; get rhythm when you get the blues
Get a rock 'n' roll feelin' in your bones
Put taps on your toes and get gone
Get rhythm when you get the blues

A Little shoeshine boy never gets low down
But he's got the dirtiest job in town
Bendin' low at the peoples' feet
On the windy corner of the dirty street
Well, I asked him while he shined my shoes
How'd he keep from gettin' the blues
He grinned as he raised his little head
Popped a shoeshine rag and then he said

Get rhythm when you get the blues
Come on, get rhythm when you get the blues
A jumpy rhythm makes you feel so fine
It'll shake all the trouble from your worried mind
Get rhythm when you get the blues

Get rhythm when you get the blues
Come on; get rhythm when you get the blues
Get a rock 'n' roll feelin' in your bones
Put taps on your toes and get gone
Get rhythm when you get the blues

Well, I sat down to listen to the shoeshine boy
And I thought I was gonna jump for joy
Slapped on the shoe polish left and right
He took a shoeshine rag and he held it tight
He stopped once to wipe the sweat away
I said you're a mighty little boy to be-a workin' that way
He said I like it with a big wide grin
Kept on a poppin' and he said again

Get rhythm when you get the blues
Come on; get rhythm when you get the blues
It only costs a dime, just a nickel a shoe
Does a million dollars worth of good for you
Get rhythm when you get the blues

I love the line, “It only costs a dime, just a nickel a shoe; does a million dollars worth of good for you.” There are a lot of things you can do to change your state. It is in your posture, in your rhythm, and in every movement that you make. Nathaniel LeTonnerre said, “As none can see the wind but in its effects on the trees, neither can we see the emotions but in their effects on the face and body.” We can tell people’s emotional states, generally; by the way they react, the way they hold themselves and the way they act. If you see someone with shoulders slouched, chin down and eyes towards the ground, you can tell that person is sad or depressed. If someone is happy, they hold their head high, look up and have a pleasant gait. It is fairly easy to tell, especially when people are sad. We tend to build a wall up so that we do not get hurt again. However, as Jim Rohn said, “The walls we build around us to keep sadness out also keeps out the joy.” By closing off, you are not curing the pain, but you are preventing new joy to enter your life. Remember what Jareb Teague said, “Sadness flowers to the next renewing joy.” Stop trying to control your emotions and start learning from them. Express them and get rid of the emotional baggage that you have stored up.

Let nothing stop you

2007-10-10T18:45:00.000-04:00

Let nothing stop you. That is the message I saw today on a sign. That is the best advice I have seen all day. There are days when things just do not seem to go right no matter what you do. If you have enough of those days, you can really get discouraged. However, as the sign says, “Let nothing stop you!” When I get in a funk and nothing is going right, I put on some music and I look at all of my positive quotes. I have one that says, “Aspire Higher!” I get recharged, just like a battery. Sometimes we need that recharge and sometimes we just need to get off of our butt and go do something….anything. Sheryl Crow’s lyrics, “A change might do you good,” is coming to mind. Happiness is a state of mind and not a situation that we hope will happen. All you have to do to be happy is simply that….be happy. Nothing externally is required. If we set our mind to it, we can be happy all of the time. We do not have to let external events change our state. Now as I say that, I know that there are times when someone’s actions will affect your mood. However, breathe deep and let it slide. I read a great quote the other day that said, “Hate hurts the hater more than the hated.” The same hold true for being depressed. You are only hurting yourself when you let someone else’s actions have an effect on you.

You have to awaken to the fact that you are in control of your life. Nobody is going to do it for you…you must make your own luck. We are creative beings and it is up to each of us to take care of our own life. When we do, we build such a high self esteem because we are making our life happen exactly the way we want it to. In order to do that, you must be the person that you see yourself as. You have to think like yourself as you are in your vision of yourself. If you think of yourself as a millionaire, you have to think like a millionaire. If you picture yourself to be a scientist, you have to think like a scientist. Whatever stage you are at right now, you have to imagine what your end game is going to look like and start acting like that now. It is all a part of the creative process of Be, Do, and Have. When you are “being” that person you want to be, and “doing” things from that frame of mind, you will “have” the things that that type of person has.

Unlock the treasure that you have within. Inside you lies the secret to your entire life. Your soul is telling you all that you need to know, but you have spent a lifetime of blocking it out. Reconnect with it. You can feel it when you get that gut feeling (your intuition) kicking in. You can feel it when you don’t feel quite right about doing something. You have all of this valuable information already inside of you, but you have to listen. You have to get out of your brain and start connecting to that inner voice which is guiding you. We are here to experience life and to celebrate each day. That is the cool thing about life. There are no rules. You do not have to play it a certain way to win. You just live your life the way you want to. That is what the entire experience is about….you experiencing all that life has to offer. You know how it feels holding yourself back trying to fit into a preset game. You loathe having to conform but you feel you have to. But that is all made up. There really are no rules. You are the creator of your own game. You can spend it chasing goals, or you can spend it fishing….you decide. We always worry about what other people will think, so we hide our true feelings, put on the blinders and follow the crowd. We don’t like it, but we do it because we do not want to be labeled as weird or different. But a label means nothing. What matters is that you can look into a mirror and be able to say…”I am proud to be me. I love who I am.” If you can do that, then you are living the good life. There are famous actors right now who have fame and fortune and they are trying to kill themselves. It doesn’t matter what façade you put on for the crowds….it matters what is inside. Be happy and believe in who you are. Wake up and live your life now!

The Moment of Truth

2007-10-09T22:26:00.000-04:00

. . . but while I breathe Heaven's air, and Heaven looks down on me, And smiles at my best meanings, I remain Mistress of mine own self and mine own soul.

- Lord Alfred Tennyson

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi said, “Contrary to what most of us believe, happiness does not simply happen to us. It's something that we make happen, and it results from doing our best. Feeling fulfilled when we live up to our potentialities is what motivates differentiation and leads to evolution.” We are each individuals and there comes a time in every person’s life when they must stand on their own. Life is an individual’s game. We are the creator of our own destiny and we must live by our decisions. Charles E. Popplestone said, “You have to do it yourself, no one else will do it for you. You must work out your own salvation.” It is hard, sometimes, to know where you are headed in life. We think we are on the right path and an obstacle gets thrown in our way. We overcome the obstacle and yet another obstacle falls in its place. It can get frustrating. However, those who have a dream and stay the course are the ones who will realize their vision. They are the rhinos who battle through the jungle and come out the other side full of arrows and full of battle scars…but they are victorious. That is what is required to make dreams come true…faith and determination. You must be willing to keep fighting and never give up. When things look hopeless, you must have faith….iron clad faith. Believe in the power of yourself and the power of the universe. You attract what you think about the most, so concentrate on always winning.

Epicurus said, “The man least dependent upon the morrow goes to meet the morrow most cheerfully” We do not have to be dependent on what tomorrow brings. We live for today and enjoy what life has brought us today. Sometimes, when we are up against the ropes and it feels like we are losing the battle, something inside of us turns on and we feel alive for the first time. There is a song by Survivor called, “The Moment of Truth,” that makes me think of that moment. Read the lyrics.

The Moment of Truth (by Survivor)

When you’re alone you ask yourself
What are you searching for
Deep in the night a dream is born
One that you can’t ignore
If you think you can find the passion
And you’re ready to take a chance
If you really believe you can make it
Then the power is in your own hands

It’s the moment of truth
You’re giving it all
Standing alone, willing to fall
If you can do it
Get up and prove it
Get up and show them who you are
It’s the moment of truth
It’s all on the line
This is the place
This is the time
Waited forever, it’s now or it’s never
Nothing can stop you now

Once in your life you make a choice
Ready to risk it all
Deep in your soul you hear a voice
Answering to the call
Though you know that it won’t be easy
It’s a promise you make for love
For the people that keep believing
And the one that you’re thinking of

It’s the moment of truth
You’re giving it all
Standing alone, willing to fall
If you can do it
Get up and prove it
Get up and show them who you are
It’s the moment of truth
It’s all on the line
This is the place
This is the time
Waited forever, it’s now or it’s never
Nothing can stop you now

Wow! Nothing can stop you if you don’t let it. You might feel like giving in, but choose not to. You are stronger than all obstacles. You have the freewill to flee or to fight….I say fight! Dick Cheatham said, “He who defines duty for himself is his own master.” You are the master of your own destiny, if you choose to be. Others may say you are a fool to stand on your own, but I would rather be labeled a fool and live life my own way than to follow the crowd and wish I had done my own thing. A label means nothing unless you give it meaning. Life is short and there is no time to waste on stupid things like that. Living life is what it is all about. William Orville Douglas said, “I learned that the richness of life is found in adventure. . . . It develops self-reliance and independence. Life then teems with excitement. There is stagnation only in security.” Security is the quiet killer. It looks safe and it looks attractive, but it robs you of your soul. You start complying with comfort. You are willing to give up your rights for a lazy boy and a TV. It seems so right, but you waste your life by never doing anything. Life is more than comfort. Life is passion, life is pain, life is joy, and life is sorrow…….everything in life that happens, shapes us. We create and we experience. Who would have it any other way? Stand up and face your own moment of truth….it will make all of the difference.

I'm gonna live, laugh, love just for today

2007-10-08T12:27:00.000-04:00

Where are you?
Here.
What time is it?
Now.
What are you?
This moment

- Dan Millman from “The Peaceful Warrior”

The book or movie, “Peaceful Warrior,” is an excellent resource for you to begin learning what you are and what gifts you really have. It is about living in the now and not taking for granted anything in life. This moment is what we have. The past is gone and the future is unwritten. You have this moment to live and use to influence what your life will be like. What you experience now can shape your future. As Gandhi said, “The future depends on what we do in the present.” We all make decisions and those decisions determine where we will end up. The problem lies in that we spend way too much time remembering the past or thinking about the future that we do not really enjoy the moment right now. By not stopping to smell the roses, we create a pattern of never stopping to smell the roses. We have to either consciously wake up on our own and realize that we are missing out on our life, or we have to have something dramatic snap us out of our autopilot and make us realize what a precious gift we are wasting. Someone said, “Look to this day... for it is the very essence of life. For yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is only a vision. But today, well-lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope." The more that we are consciously aware of each and every moment, the better chance we have of truly living. We will take that opportunity to try something new. We will tell that person that we love them or that they did a great job. These are the moments that we may never get another chance to say. Take them while you can. One thing that I have learned is that you may never know the impact that you have. I have had friends write me after 20 years to say that a little card or a friendly smile that I did really affected them and they thanked me for it. I have done the exact same thing. You may not get instant feedback for your kindness, but it makes a lasting impression.

The funny thing about time is that we tend to remember the good times. The bad times seem to melt away. I think that is awesome. The more you focus on living each moment and making the most out of it, the more good memories you will have. There is a song by Clay Walker that I like called, “Live, Laugh, Love.” Read the lyrics.

Live, Laugh, Love (by Clay Walker)

I'm gonna live, laugh, love just for today
Gonna take all the trouble that tomorrow might bring and put it away
Gonna drink every drop of happiness
'Til they cover me up
I'm gonna live, gonna laugh, gonna love

I got a buddy that wakes up worrin' about stocks and bonds
He's up and he's down and he only smiles
When the markets strong
I spend my whole week wages
At the dance on Saturday night
I won't never grow a portfolio
But hey that's alright

I'm gonna live, laugh, love just for today
Gonna take all the trouble that tomorrow might bring and put it away
Gonna drink every drop of happiness
'Til they cover me up
I'm gonna live, gonna laugh, gonna love

I got a cabin in the country and the tin roof rattles
When the rain comes down
Where the wind through the pine helps me unwind
While the world goes 'round

I got a woman that fills my heart so full
That it overflows
And how it gets any better than this
Brother I don't know
I'm gonna live, laugh, love just for today
Gonna take all the trouble that tomorrow might bring and put it away
Gonna drink every drop of happiness
'Til they cover me up
I'm gonna live, gonna laugh, gonna love

I'm gonna live, laugh, love just for today
Gonna take all the trouble and put it away
Gonna drink every drop of happiness
'Til they cover me up
I'm gonna live, gonna laugh, gonna love

I'm gonna live, laugh, love just for today
Gonna take all the trouble that tomorrow might bring and put it away
Gonna drink every drop of happiness
'Til they cover me up
I'm gonna live, gonna laugh, gonna love
I'm gonna live, gonna laugh, gonna love

I really like the line, “Gonna drink every drop of happiness, 'Til they cover me up.” That is what life is really all about. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “The best that mankind ever knew: freedom and life are earned by those alone who conquer them each day anew.” Living each day to its fullest will ensure you an excellent life. Think of every moment as an opportunity to be your best. Take the high road…treat yourself to something nice….offer a compliment…..let someone cut in front of you….you get the idea. Have you ever tasted something so good that you didn’t want it to end, or met someone that you connected with so much that you wished you could freeze that moment in time? Those are the types of moments that you can have all of the time, if you wake up and use each moment to live like that. Eckhart Tolle said, “Forget about your life situation and pay attention to your life. Your life situation exists in time. Your life is now. Your life situation is mind-stuff. Your life is real.” Forget about the theoretical and live the real. Enjoy the warmth of a nice day, or the coolness of a snowflake on the tip of your tongue. Who said we had to grow up and miss out on these simple pleasures. Life is not all about bills and responsibility. You have to play some too and in work or in play, you need to live this moment with no expectations….just enjoy it for what it is. Remember that every step you've ever taken in your entire life has lead you to right now. Enjoy it! Today is all there is…so live it like it is your last day. Each day is special…treat it as such and you will live an unbelievable life!