Personal Blogs Blog Directory The Daily Brain Shelter: October 2009

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Focus On The Positive

This is a cruel and fast paced world that will swallow us alive if we let it(but only if we let it). While it is all too easy to get hung up on daily life stresses, worries and things that we may not be able to control, it is almost always better to focus on the positive(provided there is no neglect for any of our essential daily duties).

Let's face it. There will always be stress. There will always be worry and there will always be problems that for some reason or another are out of our control. We will then be left with two major choices: 1) focus on all that is wrong and live a life of fear, doubt, and overwhelming panic or 2) focus on the positive.......concentrate on the good things that are going on around us or things we have to look forward to in our futures.

While no one can ever promise us that life will be easy, small little changes in our ways of thinking can go a long way towards making things feel that way. As I've mentioned before: Life is 10% "what happens to us" and 90% "how we handle it". It is up to us to create our own quality of life. And really, it all starts with our frame of mind. Will we focus on all that is going wrong and stressing us out, or will we focus on the positive and all that is right? I know my answer. What's yours? Take care everyone!

See you next time!!!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Struggle vs. The Cheeseburger

"Life is a journey......not a destination". That being said, those who stick out the hard times and keep on truckin' are almost always the ones that reap the greatest of rewards in the end. On the flip side, those who do not have the grit or the intestinal fortitude to endure such struggle usually end up beaten down by life, bitter, depressed and left deprived of all desirable remunerations.

While sometimes I'm a big fan of the saying "The best things in life are free"(hey, I like a free cheeseburger as much as the next guy!).............I'm also a firm believer in the theory that the best things in life are those that you sweat, struggle and break your back for. When something doesn't come easy and you have to earn it, we almost always tend to value it much more than anything that merely falls into our lap. I'm sure each and everyone of you know what I'm talking about.

Now should life be an endless struggle? Of course not. But should we expect it to be a series of one free cheeseburger after the next? No. That really wouldn't be so rewarding either. So if you've been living the past several months or even years of your life expecting the free burgers to keep coming your way, you are only short changing yourself and setting yourself up for a lifetime of disappointment. Rarely do continous handouts like this ever happen.....and should you be so "lucky" to have this happen, you will never experience the pride of accomplishment. You will never experience the pride that comes with earning something that you struggled with or worked hard for. That, is a certain type of satisfaction that no endless amount of free cheeseburgers can replace.

Ultimately, your life is your choice. Only you can decide how you want to proceed with your daily functions. I know that I've had my share of struggles and my share of free cheeseburgers, and when I look back......I've always learned the most and appreciated the most from my times of struggle. In retrospect, they have ultimately led to the greatest long term personal gains, fulfillments and successes. In hindsight, struggle is something I would never go back in time and change. As for the free cheeseburgers? I probably could have survived just fine without them anyway. For those of you currently going through times of struggle, there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. This will not all be in vain. Keep truckin'! Take care everyone!

See you next time!!!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

You Set The Tone.

Attitude is everything in this world. Unfortunately, sometimes we all lose sight of this. What's worse, is when everything is going well for us, but we have that one best friend or co-worker that just seems to be a constant downer. Their lives really aren't so bad, yet they complain, they whine and they make it known to all that everyday of their lives is such a stressful "struggle". Occasionally, we lose our signature optimism and sunniness after being spoon fed their negativity and woe is me "B.S." for weeks at a time. But really, it is up to us to snap out of it. It is up to us to separate.....either mentally or physically(or both). It is up to us to set the tone.

Negativity is like a 2-ton anchor on a 5-pound sail boat. It is a recipe for disaster. The moment you attach it to the boat, it immediately starts submerging. Now let's face it, if your sail gets caught up in theirs......there's a damn good chance your taking the plunge right along with them. So....is it your destiny to be a sinking ship, lost at the bottom of a deserted ocean that no one cares about, or would you rather be the shooting star, filled with hope, that people look up to when they stare at the sky every night? I know my answer.

I have had a lot of people weigh me down in this world. And you know what? I have let them. Either I have not chosen to distance myself from them, or I have not told them to just quit complaining already......because I'm done listening. Now don't get me wrong, if someone has a real problem or really needs someone, I will ALWAYS be there. However, I have promised myself that I will no longer be there for the "habitual offenders". These are the people that have no desire to change their attitudes. They WANT to complain(even though they say that they don't) and they LIKE to complain. They are ADDICTED TO A FEELING(see previous post) and they have no desire to change. I DO. I want to change. I want to improve. I want to become a better person. I want to be around other people who want to better themselves(regardless of where they come from, where they are currently at, or who they are). I want a better quality of life.....and that all starts with our attitudes. Oh, and don't even start on the topic of money and happiness with me, I'm sick of hearing it. If you can pay your bills, you have enough....quit complaining. There are a lot of smiling faces in third world countries who have a whole lot less, and their attitudes far surpass yours......now get over it and live already. Enough said.

So whether you're an optimist, a complainer, or someone somewhere in the middle, hopefully by now you get the picture. Life is all in the attitude......and you set the tone. Please be careful of what tone you set though. It might not just be your life that you are influencing, it could be the lives of all of those who surround you......even if you seldom say so much as one word. Set the tone for the better and make your world a better place. Take care everyone!

See you next time!!!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Addicted To A Feeling

If you ever take a moment to stop and reflect on the phases and stages of your life, you will most likely be able to accompany a strong feeling with what was going on at that point in time. While feelings can change from day to day and hour to hour, most often, there is one general feeling that resides within us for lengthy periods of time. This is the one that we choose to hold onto. This often becomes our feeling of addiction.

Some people are addicted to the rush that their own anger gives them, so they remain angry all of their lives......never stopping to realize that they are shooting themselves in the foot with their actions and their moods to significant degrees. They only respond with programed statements such as "I don't care. or "Who gives a ****!" Once you become an addict, statements like these become as second nature as waking up and reaching for your pack of cigarettes or cup of coffee. Maybe you already know this.....maybe you don't give a (insert swear word of choice here)!

Don't just think that I'm picking on all of you angry people out there today. Some of you comedians who are addicted to laughter are often masking a word of pain as well. You are hooked on the high that comedy and humorous social interaction gives you. You seek laughs at all times, whether appropriate or not.

Oh, and workaholics......to be hooked on the high of productivity can be wonderful thing can't it? That is until you get so focused and blinded by success that you lose everything else important in your life. Wake up already! Your wife is about to leave and your kids have no idea who their own dad is. Is your pencil pushing job such an adrenaline rush that you're willing to throw your family away? What's it going to feel like when your boss decides he wants an adrenaline rush of his own and he hands you a small cardboard box to put your things in? So now you have no job.......and no family. Good luck out there buddy!

So what was the purpose of this post? Was it to bash everyone for the way they are living? Was it to make myself look all-knowing or important? Was it to belittle those with life issues and addictions? No, no and no. This post was a wake up call. I have been the man in all three scenarios(minus the kids). I have had to learn to balance out strong emotions that have been both positive and negative. I have found that there is no real place for addiction in this world.....not even in our minds. We need to have balance to see things clearly and to act accordingly. Get your emotions in check and overcome your addictions before the best(or last) years of your life slip away. Take care everyone!

See you next time!!!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Unrealistic Expectations

"I should have a big house, a BMW, two kids and a great spouse to come home to by now!" How many times have you heard statements like these? Better yet.....how many times have you made statements like these? While sometimes powerful exclamations such as the one previously mentioned will motivate us, more often it serves as a catalyst for a downward spiral in our self esteem(s) and our patterns of thought.

Before I go any further, let me clarify one major issue. Having high standards and expectations for oneself is a good thing. It is when we lose sight of OUR individual reality that expectations become unrealistic and pressures become overwhelming. "Jimmy Smith from high school was making six figures at 21 years old....so was Sally Morgan. I got better grades and had more friends than either of them. I should be making six figures by now too.....after all, I am twenty-five." Here is another example of an anonymous person placing unrealistic expectations upon themselves. Now is it unrealistic for this person for this person to make a six figure income like Jimmy and Sally? No. Absolutely not. What is unrealistic is comparing your reality to theirs and expecting to be where you want at this very moment.....especially when we are talking about people who are younger and less experienced(yes, I fall into this category too). This is a very important lesson to learn.

While we can make unrealistic expectations of ourselves, we are not always the only ones who have fallen a few footsteps short of reality. Sometimes it is other people who have unrealistic expectations of us. "I was a doctor, my father was a doctor, and his father was a doctor.......You are going to be a doctor. Understand? No more screwing up. No more wasting time on this Shakespeare nonsense......now get out of here and hit the books." Here's another example of unrealistic expectations and insurmountable pressure that is often bestowed upon many of us. People often neglect to realize that their reality may be much different than yours. Their love for modern medicine and healing the sick may not be a love of yours, just like your love for teaching Literature and changing impressionable minds, may not be a passion of theirs.

Each and everyone of us is very unique. We lead different lives and have different journeys that we go on. Why do you think that there are so many different types of career titles out there? Why do you think that we can specialize in so many different areas both in or out of school? We are all contributors to a greater global equation. That being said, it is so important for us to realize that equations are solved in steps. Each step takes time.....just like the pieces of our lives. We will figure out the equation called life as we go, and each step will start making more sense. There is always more than one way to solve an equation, just like there is more than one way to live a life, so don't be surprised if you get a job before someone else or they fall in love before you........ or everything in reverse. Your time will come. Just keep hope alive and work your tail off in a methodical way. Realistically, all you need to do is be yourself and live the best life you know how. That is good enough! Take care everyone!!!

See you next time!!!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Are You Being Challenged?

Let me ask you a question. Are you living up to your true potential right now? If so, pass this article on to someone else. If not, take a seat. If you are not living up to all of YOUR own expectations, then it is time to kick things into high gear. It is time to challenge yourself. New Years may be just around the corner, but tomorrow waits for no one!

The first thing I want all of you reading this to do is to throw away all of your excuses. I don't want to hear them and neither should you. They are just standing in the way of you and your potential. How do I know? I used to make excuses and procrastinate. Not anymore. Now I take action...... and so can you.

Next, choose an area of your life that is not up to par or that is incomplete, such as your education or your woodworking skills.....then map out three goals and commit to them. Map out your 6month goal, your 1 year goal and your long term goal. Then, find out how to get yourself enrolled in a program within the week(even if the program itself does not start for 90 days). I did this with school and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I had been away from the books for 10 years and never would have stepped foot back in the classroom if this same advice had not been given to me.....or if I had failed to listen to it.

So what are you going to do? Are you going to live out your days leaving imprints of your rectum on people's couch cushions or are you going to get you butt off the love seat and do something worth your time and energy? Are you going to stare at late night infomercials wishing you had six pack abs or will you get a gym membership and learn the science behind physical training and muscular adaptation? Will you education end at age 17 or will you choose learn something new each and every year of your life? What will you do?

In the end, life is not about how many trophies you have compared to the next guy. Its not about how much money you and your spouse have in comparison to Mr and Mrs Jones. It's about self satisfaction. It's about personal fulfillment. It's about living up to your true potential. It's about challenging yourself.....and succeeding. Take care everyone!

See you next time!!!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Criticism

Listening to criticism from others can be a double edged sword. Some words of correction or admonition lead to self improvement and greater good. Other times, such types of reproval by others can be counterproductive and abrasive.....especially when one's intentions are not to lead another individual in a better direction. Sometimes it can be hard to differentiate.

An example of constructive criticism would be telling an aspiring singer that they have a world of potential, however, if they really want to maximize their potential, they need to use more diaphragm and less throat. Now, that being said, there is no way to know if the intended party is going to take your friendly advice as constructive criticism or as an insult. It all depends on their level of emotional maturity, the size of their ego and their desire to get better.....oh, and how you choose to phrase things. This is also true in reverse. When constructive criticism is sent your way, how will you respond? Will you learn and grow from it or pout like a child?

Insults are a different story. Criticism with no desire to help another human being should often(but not always) be taken with a grain of salt. If you are being a jerk, sometimes you need a slap in the face. If that is not who you are, this type of criticism should most likely be disregarded. Oftentimes it is coming from someone who needs a wake up call of their own. They would rather point out your flaws than let you see theirs, so they will criticize you(or anyone else) any opportunity they get to do so. An example of that would be if someone told that same aspiring singer from the first paragraph that they are horrendous and might as well throw in the towel. Real singers are born with a gift. You either have it or you don't...sorry. Now this would crush some people! But if you learn to differentiate between different types of criticism, you'll soon be able to brush off comments like these from jealous or negative individuals.

I'm sure at this point in your lives, most of you already have a pretty good idea as to what is a compliment and what is an insult. But, differentiating between one type of criticism and the next often falls into a gray area that is rarely discussed. Hopefully, this helped bring some clarity to those of you who have been having some trouble with this concept, and some re-enforcement to those of you who already had a handle on the subject. In summary, if it's not meant to help, it's meant to hurt.....so take it with a grain of salt and move on with your life. Keep striving for excellence, and keep me posted with all of you success stories. Take care everyone!

See you next time!!!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

If It Ain't Broke........

"If it ain't broke.....don't fix it" (or so they say). I happen to disagree. Someone invented a perfectly good wheel a long time ago. Today, someone is making that same invention a whole lot better. So basically what I'm saying is: If it ain't broke......try to fix it anyway.

Some of you out there might be wondering what on earth I'm getting at.....the rest of you already have a pretty good grasp. In my humble opinion, there is no reason for stagnation or complacency. We live such short little lives. Why not make an impact? Why settle for less? Why not improve the quality of life for ourselves or for others? Why do less when we can do more? Why have that epiphany one moment before our death that lets us know that we have consciously wasted our lives? Why?

Sure, we might be content with the way things operate now. We might be content with our job, our finances, our tools, our toys, or the way our vehicles function.......and that is all well and good. But, did you ever stop to think about what it would be like if people were so "content" with everything generations ago? We would have nothing! We would have no modern conveniences and luxuries. Modern medicine probably would not exist. Science would be a joke. Our wheel would look more like a triangle or a square than a circle. Our quality of life would most likely be garbage. So what are we doing? Why are we so content? Let's make our impact as well.

So please, after you get done reading this, go out and look around. Find something that you could change for the better. Maybe you won't find that particular thing today or even tomorrow....but you will find it. And guess what? You will end up making an impact on someone's life. It doesn't matter if the impact is big or small. Any increase in quality of life is still an increase. If everyone does what you and I are about to do, we will see a lot of great new inventions and improvements come to life in the near future. So, just remember: If it ain't broke.....try to fix it anyway. Take care everyone!

See you next time!!!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Failing To Plan.....

There's a wise saying out there that I'd like to share with all of you. The saying goes: "Failing to plan.....is planning to fail." While in some cases this theory can be proven false by the ever so popular "Fly by the seat of your pants method", in most other cases(like those that really matter), this theory is usually quite accurate.

While planning can be a boring and tedious way of living or doing things, it will most likely bring about the greatest amount of success and the least amount of disappointments. Risks will become more calculated, and losses will most likely become less frequent. And while this last statement may sound like it was just referring to the corporate world or the world of finance and business, it can actually refer to many other life situations, complex personal problems or anything that involves a risk/reward scenario.

If you have been failing to plan, you have been setting yourself up. For what? You can answer that one. Have you fulfilled all of your goals? Achieved your dreams? Maximized your potential? Why or why not? Was it luck? Curse? Planning....or failure to do just that? It's time to assess things. It's time to start planning. Time to start planning for a better future. Take care everyone!

See you next time!!!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Explore Your Options

Sometimes we set ourselves on a one-way course to sail our rocket ships straight to the moon. Oftentimes, we are faced with obstacles that force us to ground our space shuttles ever so prematurely. When reality strikes, it can be as shocking as a frying pan to the back of the head. There is no warning. It just hits, and all we hear is the CLANG!!! and the seemingly infinite ringing in our ears.

So what is one to do in a situation like this? When life hits us with a frying pan, and reality has stopped us dead in our tracks......what are we to do? Carry on? No. Lay down and die? No, we can't do that either. We need to stop, think and explore every viable option we have.....even if its not a desirable one. We need to ask ourselves the very basic question: What is going to be the necessary move for my success and for my survival? Answer that, and you'll be on your way!

When reality strikes, often we feel like we are left without options. We feel pidgeon-holed and depressed. In all actuality, this is far from the truth. We are anxiety-ridden and have not sat down and done enough methodical thinking. We have not asked enough people for input. We have not exhausted all of our resources. We have given up all too early. We have not explored our options.

This world maybe cruel sometimes, but somehow people have always found a way to survive. These people are no different than you or I. They have just been strong enough and resourceful enough to explore all of their options. They used every ounce of strength that they had and they rose to the top......just like survivors always do. Listen, if you have made it this far, chances are you will make it the rest of the way. All you have to do is try. Oh, and explore your options. Take care everyone!

See you next time!!!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Did I Really Just Say That???????

Have you ever been so angry or emotional that you called someone a filthy name, or chewed someone out when they did not deserve it whatsoever? I have......and I'd be more than willing to bet you have too. Now, if you have any kind of conscience, I bet you wanted to retract your words or actions within minutes, if not seconds of of your disgraceful verbal outpour.

When we fly off at the mouth, we have essentially lost control of our rational selves, and are most likely running on sheer chemical and hormonal energy. We are amped up with adrenaline, filled with testosterone, blinded by emotion.......and really, just not thinking clearly. It seems that after some type of false self-righteous euphoria settles itself, we start realizing what just happened in the real world.......not just in the little fantasy we acted out. Our words just hurt someone, angered someone, got us fired, got us punched in the jaw, made someone cry, or permanently scarred someone's self-image.

After all of the damage is done, we are left in a state of shell shock. The big question that we start playing over and over in our minds is: "Did I really just say that?" And the answer is: "Yes". You really just said that. Those words are permanent. You have left an impression. Like it or not. So, we need to get a grip on ourselves. We are all emotional.....some of us more than others. However, that gives us no excuse to lose control of ourselves, and to say demeaning or vicious things to others. We need to think. We need to think before we act.....and think before we open our mouths. What we say just might be the last thing someone hears.....or the last thing that we get to say. Words were meant to be chosen wisely. Take care everyone!

See you next time!!!

Friday, October 9, 2009

My Own Worst Enemy

"I'm never going to make it. My life is a failure. Who would ever date someone like me?" Hold on a minute. Stop talk to yourself this way! It is self defeating and completely untrue. How do I know???? These have been my exact thoughts and my exact words (to myself) during some of the hardest and lonliest times of my life.

We are our own worst enemies. We brutalize ourselves with our words, and degrade the value of our existence with these type of thoughts. When we speak to ourselves this way, we feel absolutely horrible. Fact of the matter is, after so long.......we believe what we say to ourselves.

We need to stop being our own worst enemies, and start being our own best friends. We need to speak to ourselves positively. We need to think healthier thoughts consciously so that we can start conjuring up healthier thoughts subconsciously. After all, we eventually believe our words and our thoughts......positive or negative.

Our words are our weapons. They can be used to better things or to worsen them. It is completely up to us. Will we befriend ourselves, or will we live a life of internal struggle and conflict? We can be our own best friends or our own worst enemies. The choice is ours! Take care everyone!!!

See you next time!!!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

A Little Wiser This Time....

A person who makes a certain error once has not made a mistake. Instead, he or she has created an environment for themselves in which they are able to learn and grow from. That being said, if that same person fails to see their error as an opportunity to learn, they will repeat that error......then, it can easily be called a mistake.

Over the course of our lifetimes we will trip and fall hundreds, if not thousands of times. The question is: Will we learn to tie our shoes before making forward strides in the future? For some, the answer is yes. As for others.......I hope they invest in a good set of knee pads, 'cause life is gonna hurt.

If someone asked me how many times I've made some form of error or another, I could not even give them an honest number. I've fallen flat on my face a million times. Now that I am older and a little wiser, I am finally starting to learn from my blunders. Rarely am I repeating the same slipups more than once these days. So when did things change? They began to change when I decided that I truly wanted something better out of this life. They began to change when I started begin aware of myself and accountable for my actions. No longer could I blame anyone for things that didn't go my way. Now it is all about learning and finding solutions to any problem that I may face.

With age comes wisdom....well, most of the time. As we progress in chrological age, usually some form of more sophistocated thinking follows. This leads to better decision making, a better grasp on people(and ourselves), and a more indepth understanding of how this complex world around us tends to operate. So.....next time you trip and fall, don't just get up and start running again. First, take a look at your shoe laces or the ground beneath you. Find out why you fell in the first place. Once you know....then go. Not only will you get more out of life, but you'll be a little wiser this time too. Take care everyone!!!

See you next time!!!!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

What Are We Waiting For?

Have you have stared at your cell phone or computer screen, wishing that someone would contact you? Have you been so fixated on waiting that you missed out on other great opportunites? How many times did those people ever really call?

Life is now people. We are not promised another heartbeat. If someone is really interested in dating us, they will call......almost immediately. If someone is interested in doing business with us, they will usually call within a fairly short amount of time as well. If someone is really our friend, we should know in our hearts that they will always call us back....if not first.

This has been a heartbreaking lesson for me to learn over the course of my lifetime. Many people that I have been interested in building different forms of relationships with have not wanted to form similar ties with me. The reverse is also true. There have been many circumstances where I have not wanted to do business with others....or in some cases, even be their friends(very rare).

The main question I'm asking is: "What are we waiting for?" Are we waiting for people to change their minds? Let me be honest(both with myself and with all of you).......that rarely happens. Once most people make their decisions, it takes a lot for them to do a complete 180. This usually only happens if we realize that we have misjudged someone's character. Then we know it is up to us to give them a second chance......and a fair one. Otherwise, we usually know where we stand. All of the waiting in the world will not make the telephone ring. It will just break our hearts and damage our minds. We will feel inadequate, when in truth, we are not.

So.... stop waiting around already. Put the cell phone back in your pocket, close the laptop and find something to do. Life is now, and it waits for no one. Go out and live while you still have the chance. Take care everyone!

See you next time!!!

Monday, October 5, 2009

It's Fighting Time!

Sometimes life stops, turns around, and drop kicks us straight in the nuts. As mere mortals, we are left with no choice but to fall to our knees and whimper. As we contemplate our next move, often it feels like we are going to be down there for quite sometime. Well...... sometimes this is true. Other times it is not. It all depends on how bad we want to get our butts off of the ground. How bad do we want to stand on our own two feet? That is the question!

Life is a test of the human sprit. Will we rise from the smoldering ashes or will we drift away with the vapors? What will emerge? When this world beats us down and then laughs in our face, will we cry in our pillows or will we stick our chests out and walk with honor? What are we made of? We can't just lay down and die. No way!

It's fighting time ladies and gentlemen. I remeber a quote from an old action movie(unfortunately I can't remeber which one). The main character said: " You can break my back.....but you'll never break my spirit!" Those old action movies sure had some corny one-liners in them, but some of them sure did make a valid point or two. Life can test us, and even abuse us....but it will only break us if we let it. Take care everyone!!!

See you next time!!!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Drawing The Line

Have you ever given a new person your phone number just to be polite? I know I have. Sometimes, wonderful friendships are made this way....other times, some annoying S.O.B. decides they are going to text message you the very next morning at 6am while they are eating breakfast(and you are sleeping), at 7am while they are in the car(and you are still sleeping), at 8am when they are bored at work(and you are still sleeping), at 9am(when you have only been up for a half hour), and so on and so forth for the rest of the day and night.....every day and night. That is, until you draw the line.

Some people just have no sense of self-awareness. They are obsessive, controlling , manipulative, and very immature. They want what they want....and they want it now. If what they want is to talk to you....well, you just might be in for a migraine headache......until you draw the line. Sometimes you either have to stop answering the phone or replying to text messages permanently, change your number, or you just have to be very blunt and tell that individual that you no longer wish for them to call you.

Drawing the line is no easy task. It takes serious nerve sometimes. Usually the people who we are forced to cut ties from do not seem to listen or respect wishes very easily. They are often hard headed, close minded and selfish. And if you cut ties with them......they think you are the jerk! You are the crazy one! You are the one with the problems! I mean, why wouldn't anyone want to talk to someone they just met 84 times in one day? How crazy!

Some people have been fortunate enough not to encounter such individuals or such circumstances over the course of their lifetime(s). As for the rest of us.....should we only be so lucky! We need to really stay in touch with who we are and what we want. We need to be strong and assertive. We need to keep the ball in our court. This is our life and it should not be lived on anyone else's terms or conditions. It is for us to dictate! Draw the the line!
Take care everyone!!!

See you next time!!!!

Self-Empowerment

Frailty is defined as "a fault due to weakness especially to moral character"(at least according to http://mirriam-webster.com/ ). I believe frailty is a conditioning of our mind to fold under pressure(as in the case of being bullied or spearately but equally in the case of giving in to some form of temptation. Sure, we have all been frail at times(some of us more than others), but how long do we allow ourselves to remain in this state of mind? When do we gain strength and confidence? When do we start retraining our thought patterns with more positive phrases and self talk(no matter how corny it seems at first)? When????





Self-empowerment is a key factor in ganing both confidence and independence. Self-empowered individuals are often positive, self starters who have taken life into their hands in sturdy fashion without limiting their range of options for desirable career and social advancements. They have overcome most former feelings of frailty and know where they stand.





Self-empowerment is not one of those things one can not achieve overnight.It's going to take some time. So where do you stand? Are you easily swayed or bullied when making a decision? Are you afraid to ask for what you want? Do you voice your opinion every when you really feel strongly about something? Where do you stand? Where?





Think about it people. If frailty, fear and weakness are still a apart of your life, it is time to make a change. Empower yourself today. You can only become the person you envision yourself to be. Tell yourself that. Then tell yourself exactly what you want to be and envision it. For some it even serves them well to act the part. Do what works for you......and do it now! Take care everyone!!!!





See you next time!!!

Friday, October 2, 2009

Personal Evolution: The Growth of Self

I once remember reading a quote on a poster. It said something to the effect of "If you are still the same man at 40 that you were at 20......what have you done?" Correct my diminishing memory, but I believe this was quoted by none other than the great Mohammed Ali. For a man who has taken so many punishing blows to the head, he sure had a few wise words left for the rest of us.

Personal change and development is almost inevitable for most of us, but unfortunately not for all of us. This is something that many strive for, however, some just seem to hang on to childhood years or adolescent behaviors with no transformation in sight. They are so stuck on trivial things that happened to them that they can not progress forward into newer and brighter days. They are forever 13, 23 or 33. The clock just stopped ticking....and ultimately, it was by their own doing.

The growth of self is a process of concious self-assessment. It is a methodical assessment of ourselves and our behaviors as well as the behaviors of those who we surround ourselves with. It is an assessment of our world, our environment, and a desire to adapt and grow. It is a realization that some things are beyond our liking or our control......but, so what! That's life.

Do not let anything or anyone stand in the way of your personal growth or evolution. Those who are remaining emotionally stagnant will try to pull you down to former times in the most creative of ways, but it is up to you to resist. How bad do you want to move forward? Where do you envision yourself heading before your days are done? Will you let anything or anyone stop you? I sure hope not. There is much too much at stake. The risks far outweigh the rewards. So....onward and upward as they say! Evolve. Take care everyone!

See you next time!!!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Life is Precious

We walk through life with an amazing sense of confidence and carelessness sometimes. As we pound away at the ground beneath us, we never stop to think about what or who we might be getting trampled on the soles beneath us. All we care about is ourselves, and our dreams and our destination(s). We live life in a bubble. In fact, horses with blinders see more than we do. Why? Because they tune into to those around them with their other senses. We do not.

Life is precious, and we as humans never seem to realize it until death, illness or tragedy comes knocking. We treat others as if they do not matter.....then suddenly they are gone forever. Worst of all, most of us don't learn from this mistake the first or even second time around. To me this is truly heartbreaking. It really makes me question people, their morals and their thought processes. Have we just become numb from too many poor external influences? Is this the nature of all human beings? What's the reason?

I believe most of us start out warm blooded. As we get hurt and scarred, we put up walls to protect ourselves from other people. Eventually, this creates a distance between one human and another causing somewhat of an emotional desensitization. Relationships are not as close, people don't mean as much to us, and therefore we can not get hurt quite so deeply. In the end, the value of human life crashes like the Dow Jones during a time of economic downturn, and people become assets that are now worth nothing.

This is not how I want to be treated . This is not how I want my loved ones to be treated....and this is not how I wish to treat others. I sincerely hope that this is the case for all of you too. Life is precious. It is the type of beautiful miracle that only happens once. It is meant to be appreciated with each breath and with each encounter. Every moment is special. Every heartbeat is a gift. Every life counts. Take care everyone!

See you next time!!!