By: Lisa Martin
On the route to discovering better balance in your life, one of the key indicators of your success will be your ability to become more self-content.
One way to develop a strong sense of self-contentment is to give yourself the gift of self-appreciation. Offer yourself the same respect and kindness you give to others you care deeply for.
Feel good in your own skin
I’ve noticed that women have a tendency to focus on what is "wrong" about themselves versus what is "right." We tend to pick out and pick on the parts of ourselves that we like the least. These can be physical and/or character traits. A sure-fire way to know whether you suffer from this malaise is to take my "mirror" test. When you see your reflection is your first thought a complimentary or critical one? If you answered critical (like most of us), it's time to take a new approach.
Being happy in your own skin means getting comfortable with who you are and what you want out of life. Instead of focusing on what you don't like about yourself, try honoring and appreciating what makes you unique. Is it your attitude, smile and/or sense of humor? What qualities define you as a person? What do you absolutely love about yourself? Resist the temptation to criticize (this is a learned behavior and it can be unlearned).
Do the best you can
We've all had those days. You wake up with a busy day ahead of you only to discover your youngest child has the stomach flu. You madly rush around trying to make alternative childcare arrangements (your daycare won't take a sick child) because today is the day you have to make a big presentation to the sales team. Calls to work and arrangements with your partner finally result in a reasonable schedule. You are feeling stressed because you want to be with your unwell child and you cannot miss this presentation. And all this happens before 8:00 am. You are about to leave the house with your older child and she decides to lie down at the bottom of the stairs and refuses to put on her shoes. You snap back, "Can't you see that I'm having a bad morning and you are not making it any better." Not the best thing you've ever done, but best you could do under the circumstances. So, you apologize to your daughter and learn to let it go.
Your best is going to be different from situation to situation. It will change depending on how you are feeling, who is involved and where you might be. No matter what the circumstances, just do your best. That is all you can do. By doing so, you will avoid self-criticism, self-judgment and regret.
Apologize and Forgive
To err is human. Most women I know have a long list of things they haven't forgiven themselves for. These items range from "stealing my brothers baseball cards" to "raising my voice at my children." Along with this lack of forgiveness comes its partner in crime guilt. If you are beating yourself up over things that have happened in the past, I know an easy way to free yourself from this bondage. Write a list of everything you have not forgiven yourself for and I mean everything. Then go through this list and identify all the people you can contact and apologize to. Now start making some calls. Some situations may be tougher than others; and some might require more than an apology. If property has been damaged, a replacement might be in order. But most importantly, forgive yourself. No more carrying that guilt load anymore.
© Copyright 2006. Lisa Martin. All rights reserved.
About The Author
Lisa Martin is a certified coach who inspires working mothers to achieve success that’s balanced.
Author of Briefcase Moms: 10 Proven Practices to Balance Working Mothers’ Lives,
Lisa is a sought-after expert and speaker on work-life balance issues. Known for her very personal and practical approach, Lisa coaches working mothers to know what they want and get what they want.
http://www.briefcasemoms.com
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Our Reality and The Law Of Attraction
Law Of Attraction - Part 1
By: Michael Manjin
Our reality, or the world we create for ourselves, is really just a manifestation of our thoughts. Everything in our lives originated with a thought. Our thoughts lead to feelings which lead to actions which in turn leads to results which then manifests itself into the reality that we ultimately experience.
Here's what it looks like:
Thoughts ===> Feelings ===> Actions ===> Results ===> Reality
We need to understand that thoughts consist of two components: conscious and subscious. Conscious thought is that which we are aware of. We're conscious of it. Subconscious thought we are unaware of. Unfortunately most of our daily actions are a result of our subconscious thoughts.
As you think so you are
We are what we think. That may be difficult for you to accept since your completely unaware of it! Just think of your daily routine and all the things you do during the day. Are you fully aware of everything you do every waking moment? Many of your cravings, desires, wants and wishes come from thoughts your not even aware of having. In fact you may even find yourself wondering sometimes where a particular craving, desire, want or wish even came from. Well, it came from your subconscious!
If your not really aware of your subconscious thoughts and yet much of your reality is manifested from those thoughts how is it possible to control those thoughts so that you can control your actions and ultimately your reality?
Your conscious mind works like a filter to your subconscious. Only those thoughts that are important to you end up in your subconscious. Being the good servant that it is it doesn't question whether those thoughts are right or wrong, moral or immoral, ethical or unethical, true or false. As long as we believe it's right, moral, ethical or true then that's good enough for our subconscious since that's how we perceive our reality. The only reality that matters to us is the reality we've created from our thoughts even if the "true" reality is something entirely different. If you control your conscious thoughts then logically you WILL control your subconscious thoughts and that's how you make lasting and valid changes to your life.
Remember, your thoughts lead to feelings, which lead to actions which then lead to results and eventually manifests into reality for you. Knowing that you have to control your thoughts in order to control your actions and altering your reality is one thing. Actually being able to do it is another.
In the next lesson you will begin to understand how to begin controlling and shaping your conscious thoughts so that those thoughts will eventually manifest into your reality.
Do this short exercise before reading the next lesson. During the day be aware of everything your thinking. Don't try to filter, judge or change your thoughts. Just be a casual observer of your thoughts. If your reading this toward the end of the day or your getting ready for bed then try this exercise after waking up the next day before continuing with the next exercise.
We'll discuss what you observed about your thoughts in the next lesson and I think you'll be very surprised with your findings!
To your continued prosperity.
Mike Manjin
About The Author
Mike Manjin presents advice on self improvement and personal fullfillment. To learn more about powerful success principles please visit http://www.lifeprosper.com or for more information email him at mmanjin@lifealteringprinciples.com.
By: Michael Manjin
Our reality, or the world we create for ourselves, is really just a manifestation of our thoughts. Everything in our lives originated with a thought. Our thoughts lead to feelings which lead to actions which in turn leads to results which then manifests itself into the reality that we ultimately experience.
Here's what it looks like:
Thoughts ===> Feelings ===> Actions ===> Results ===> Reality
We need to understand that thoughts consist of two components: conscious and subscious. Conscious thought is that which we are aware of. We're conscious of it. Subconscious thought we are unaware of. Unfortunately most of our daily actions are a result of our subconscious thoughts.
As you think so you are
We are what we think. That may be difficult for you to accept since your completely unaware of it! Just think of your daily routine and all the things you do during the day. Are you fully aware of everything you do every waking moment? Many of your cravings, desires, wants and wishes come from thoughts your not even aware of having. In fact you may even find yourself wondering sometimes where a particular craving, desire, want or wish even came from. Well, it came from your subconscious!
If your not really aware of your subconscious thoughts and yet much of your reality is manifested from those thoughts how is it possible to control those thoughts so that you can control your actions and ultimately your reality?
Your conscious mind works like a filter to your subconscious. Only those thoughts that are important to you end up in your subconscious. Being the good servant that it is it doesn't question whether those thoughts are right or wrong, moral or immoral, ethical or unethical, true or false. As long as we believe it's right, moral, ethical or true then that's good enough for our subconscious since that's how we perceive our reality. The only reality that matters to us is the reality we've created from our thoughts even if the "true" reality is something entirely different. If you control your conscious thoughts then logically you WILL control your subconscious thoughts and that's how you make lasting and valid changes to your life.
Remember, your thoughts lead to feelings, which lead to actions which then lead to results and eventually manifests into reality for you. Knowing that you have to control your thoughts in order to control your actions and altering your reality is one thing. Actually being able to do it is another.
In the next lesson you will begin to understand how to begin controlling and shaping your conscious thoughts so that those thoughts will eventually manifest into your reality.
Do this short exercise before reading the next lesson. During the day be aware of everything your thinking. Don't try to filter, judge or change your thoughts. Just be a casual observer of your thoughts. If your reading this toward the end of the day or your getting ready for bed then try this exercise after waking up the next day before continuing with the next exercise.
We'll discuss what you observed about your thoughts in the next lesson and I think you'll be very surprised with your findings!
To your continued prosperity.
Mike Manjin
About The Author
Mike Manjin presents advice on self improvement and personal fullfillment. To learn more about powerful success principles please visit http://www.lifeprosper.com or for more information email him at mmanjin@lifealteringprinciples.com.
Explore Your Life Today
Nine Ways to Explore Your Life Purpose
By: Amber Rosenberg
Do you ever feel stuck or confused about what your next step is in your career, relationship or life? If you’re like many of us, this confusion and indecision can drain your energy and motivation. One way to gain focus and clarity is to explore your life purpose.
According to Buckminster Fuller, a well-known inventor from the twentieth century, you can learn about your life purpose by exploring the life purpose of a honeybee:
"It is possible, just possible, that the honeybee has a life purpose. What would that life purpose be? To pollinate plants, to keep life on earth going. We wouldn't exist if it wasn't for honeybees."
"But do you think the honeybee gets up each morning and says to herself that she has to pollinate plants? No. She just has - what goal? To collect nectar to make honey."
"In the case of the honeybee, it's the smaller goal of pollinating plants that has the much larger side effect and the real impact - the maintenance of life on earth."
Following this theory, I invite you to take the emphasis off of discovering your life purpose – which can be daunting and overwhelming – and, instead, simply focus on getting into action with small goals and noticing what brings you joy. It's easy.
Following are a few ideas to get you moving:
1) Research local non-profit organizations and volunteer for one whose mission really inspires you
2) Learn a new language, musical instrument or how to draw or paint
3) Go to events where you meet people with similar interests
4) Start a garden in your back yard or on a community plot
5) Explore your ancestry and travel to track down your roots
6) Teach a continuing education class on a subject in which you’re knowledgeable
7) Attend conferences and seminars on topics that interest you
8) Get involved with your child's school or team
9) Train for an athletic race or join a sports team
As you get into action, simply be aware of what you do best (your gifts, talents and skills) and explore with your coach what brings you joy, satisfaction and fulfillment. Chances are, they’re related.
If you explore that which brings you joy, the universe will respond well. This doesn’t mean that all of your feedback will be positive. On the contrary, getting flak is a sure sign that you’re really exploring your life purpose and not sitting quietly on the side-lines. It's good to stir things up a bit.
When you really commit to exploring your life purpose, eventually, you will find that you shine with an unmistakable light. Explore your light. Uncover your light. The more you truly explore that which brings you joy, the more focus and clarity you will have in your career, relationships and life.
About The Author
Amber Rosenberg is the principal of Pacific Life Coach, a life and business coaching company that guides entrepreneurs, small business owners and other professionals to success on their own terms doing what they love. She is a contributor to the book 'Inspiration to Realization', a self-help book for women, a popular speaker, a writer for Know Yourself Magazine and will soon appear in Real Simple Magazine. She also has 10 years marketing and PR experience for Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations. To sign-up for a COMPLIMENTARY half-hour phone coaching session, order a signed copy of her book or sign-up for the Confident Woman FREE monthly e-zine, go to http://www.pacificlifecoach.com .
By: Amber Rosenberg
Do you ever feel stuck or confused about what your next step is in your career, relationship or life? If you’re like many of us, this confusion and indecision can drain your energy and motivation. One way to gain focus and clarity is to explore your life purpose.
According to Buckminster Fuller, a well-known inventor from the twentieth century, you can learn about your life purpose by exploring the life purpose of a honeybee:
"It is possible, just possible, that the honeybee has a life purpose. What would that life purpose be? To pollinate plants, to keep life on earth going. We wouldn't exist if it wasn't for honeybees."
"But do you think the honeybee gets up each morning and says to herself that she has to pollinate plants? No. She just has - what goal? To collect nectar to make honey."
"In the case of the honeybee, it's the smaller goal of pollinating plants that has the much larger side effect and the real impact - the maintenance of life on earth."
Following this theory, I invite you to take the emphasis off of discovering your life purpose – which can be daunting and overwhelming – and, instead, simply focus on getting into action with small goals and noticing what brings you joy. It's easy.
Following are a few ideas to get you moving:
1) Research local non-profit organizations and volunteer for one whose mission really inspires you
2) Learn a new language, musical instrument or how to draw or paint
3) Go to events where you meet people with similar interests
4) Start a garden in your back yard or on a community plot
5) Explore your ancestry and travel to track down your roots
6) Teach a continuing education class on a subject in which you’re knowledgeable
7) Attend conferences and seminars on topics that interest you
8) Get involved with your child's school or team
9) Train for an athletic race or join a sports team
As you get into action, simply be aware of what you do best (your gifts, talents and skills) and explore with your coach what brings you joy, satisfaction and fulfillment. Chances are, they’re related.
If you explore that which brings you joy, the universe will respond well. This doesn’t mean that all of your feedback will be positive. On the contrary, getting flak is a sure sign that you’re really exploring your life purpose and not sitting quietly on the side-lines. It's good to stir things up a bit.
When you really commit to exploring your life purpose, eventually, you will find that you shine with an unmistakable light. Explore your light. Uncover your light. The more you truly explore that which brings you joy, the more focus and clarity you will have in your career, relationships and life.
About The Author
Amber Rosenberg is the principal of Pacific Life Coach, a life and business coaching company that guides entrepreneurs, small business owners and other professionals to success on their own terms doing what they love. She is a contributor to the book 'Inspiration to Realization', a self-help book for women, a popular speaker, a writer for Know Yourself Magazine and will soon appear in Real Simple Magazine. She also has 10 years marketing and PR experience for Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations. To sign-up for a COMPLIMENTARY half-hour phone coaching session, order a signed copy of her book or sign-up for the Confident Woman FREE monthly e-zine, go to http://www.pacificlifecoach.com .
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Books Can Fill the Spiritual Well Today
by: Chris Robertson
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to speak to clergy from a variety of Christian denominations. Early on, it came as a surprise to me that members of the clergy sometimes find themselves at a loss about how to add inspiration to their sermons, how to best counsel their lay leaders, and how to best utilize the seniors in their congregations. I came to realize that a pastor is, first and foremost, a human being. As such, he inevitably experiences times when his well of wisdom and inspiration run dry. The more conversations I had with clergy members, the more I came to understand that they use a variety of tools to help fill and enhance their wells of spirituality - including reading books, attending retreats, and writing in journals.
Books are probably the single most important source of inspiration to members of the clergy. In addition to the Bible, a pastor often turns to both the writings of great theologians and books written by present day authors who discuss the human condition and the means by which we can find comfort and solace. Biblical references might give a pastor the foundation of his sermons, but books by psychologists, sociologists, and Christian authors can inspire him to enhance his sermons with material that is relevant to the lives of his congregants. The spiritual challenges faced by today's church members - whether they're just entering college or just entering retirement - may have roots in ancient times, but may be affected by the complexities inherent in our culture of globalization.
Writing is often a wonderful resource for those people - whether they're clergy members or lay leaders - who find that their spiritual wells are running low. I've spoken to people who use journals to reflect upon Scriptural verses, and who find that writing about the meaning of a certain passage puts them back in touch with their spiritual core. Others write stories of their own spiritual awakenings, and in turn inspire others to reach to God for clarity and insight. Still others use writing as a means of revealing to themselves how the hand of God works in their everyday lives. By reflecting on one's day and understanding the points at which faith influenced choices, one can understand how God provides enrichment in their lives.
Reading books and writing are but two ways to keep one's spiritual well brimming with hopefulness and good will. Yet, both are paths to leading a fulfilled life and being able to communicate with others along the way.
About The Author
Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.com
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to speak to clergy from a variety of Christian denominations. Early on, it came as a surprise to me that members of the clergy sometimes find themselves at a loss about how to add inspiration to their sermons, how to best counsel their lay leaders, and how to best utilize the seniors in their congregations. I came to realize that a pastor is, first and foremost, a human being. As such, he inevitably experiences times when his well of wisdom and inspiration run dry. The more conversations I had with clergy members, the more I came to understand that they use a variety of tools to help fill and enhance their wells of spirituality - including reading books, attending retreats, and writing in journals.
Books are probably the single most important source of inspiration to members of the clergy. In addition to the Bible, a pastor often turns to both the writings of great theologians and books written by present day authors who discuss the human condition and the means by which we can find comfort and solace. Biblical references might give a pastor the foundation of his sermons, but books by psychologists, sociologists, and Christian authors can inspire him to enhance his sermons with material that is relevant to the lives of his congregants. The spiritual challenges faced by today's church members - whether they're just entering college or just entering retirement - may have roots in ancient times, but may be affected by the complexities inherent in our culture of globalization.
Writing is often a wonderful resource for those people - whether they're clergy members or lay leaders - who find that their spiritual wells are running low. I've spoken to people who use journals to reflect upon Scriptural verses, and who find that writing about the meaning of a certain passage puts them back in touch with their spiritual core. Others write stories of their own spiritual awakenings, and in turn inspire others to reach to God for clarity and insight. Still others use writing as a means of revealing to themselves how the hand of God works in their everyday lives. By reflecting on one's day and understanding the points at which faith influenced choices, one can understand how God provides enrichment in their lives.
Reading books and writing are but two ways to keep one's spiritual well brimming with hopefulness and good will. Yet, both are paths to leading a fulfilled life and being able to communicate with others along the way.
About The Author
Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.com
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