choices

List-making in 2012

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Last month at this point in time many of us were putting the finishing touches on our lists for the New Year, focusing upon goal-setting and trying to implement one step at a time. Now by the middle of February, many people are feeling overwhelmed and fatigued, unable to move ahead on their game plans.

So how about shifting perspective and start making “to be” lists before making “to do” lists? Each morning before beginning your daily activities, you can create your to be list and write down what you wish to express throughout the day. You could choose to be organized and efficient, spontaneous, compassionate, daring, reflective … the sky is the limit, and you hold the power to choose whatever is most appropriate for you in your own context.

After you have committed this to paper, next write down on another list what you wish to do as this person. Not only will this practice help you reconnect with your deeper values, but it will also produce positive emotions and renewed energy.

Going towards our highest ideals is key to maintaining motivation and enjoyment along the path in the journey of self-improvement!

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Patience & Passion

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Seek patience

and passion

in equal amounts.

Patience alone

will not build the temple.

Passion alone

will destroy its walls.

~ Maya Angelou ~

Where and how are the many ways you can add a little patience & passion in your life?

Think into Possibility

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In her “Daily Dream Builder”, Mary Morrissey writes:

“Every single thought we have is either into possibility or into limitation.  We can choose thoughts that make things more difficult, such as when we believe that we have to do things solely with our own power.
There’s a story about a boy and his father who were going for a walk when they came upon a great big rock in the middle of the road.  The little boy asked his dad, “Do you think I could move that rock if I tried really, really hard?” His dad said to him, “I believe that if you used all your strength you could move that rock just fine.”  The little boy got down and pushed his shoulder against that rock –he pushed and pushed and couldn’t move the rock.
Finally, he turned to his dad and said, “You were wrong, I can’t move that rock.”  And his father said, “No, son, I said that if you used all your strength you could; because part of your strength is in asking me to help.”
Thinking into limitation means you’ve got to do it all on your own.  Thinking into possibility means you can ask for help when it’s needed.”
What is one specific example from your life where you can switch to thinking into possibility?

What do you intend to do with this one, precious life?

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In the words of Monty Winters,

‘This is your life. Do what you love and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop overanalysing, all emotions are beautiful.Life is simple. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your minds, arms and heart to new people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often, getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them.Life is about the people you meet, and then things you create with them so go out and start creating. Life is short. Live your dream and share your passion.’

What’s your philosophy for a life well lived?

Top 5 of 2011

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It’s June already, and we are half way through our calendar year.  How has this year been for you up to this point?  Is it manifesting as you pictured it back on January 1st?
Let’s take a moment right now to focus on the clarity of our visions and the quality of our inner lives. In this way our outer expression can become more harmonious and aligned with our values; it energizes us and allows us to make our greatest contributions.  Continue by tapping in to some appreciations for this year so far.  For greater results, write down at least five things you appreciate most about 2011 thus far. These are not necessarily all the happiest things that have occurred in your life.  Instead, they may be events which have brought growth, more awareness, or the most personal development.
Your top 5 of 2011 list is up to you. What would you like to be, do and have more of in your top 5 for the second half of the year?

How happy …

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… have you decided to be today??

What feelings or realization does this question raise in you?Whose shoulders does it put the responsibility and empowerment to change firmly upon?

Next time you’re in a situation where the external factors don’t mirror your internal picture of the ideal world, try asking yourself this very question. It all begins with a simple decision, and you can be off and running, taking the lead in your own life!

Truthfulness – to be or not to be?

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While musing on the value of truthfulness and the guidelines around the philosophical arguments of when to be truthful, I decided on a personal guideline of practising ALWAYS being truthful to myself as it’s NEVER okay to lie to yourself. I consequently threw myself the following challenge and would now like to throw it out to you:Take a piece of paper, find a quiet corner and for 15 minutes write down, just for your own personal use, what you are reluctant to admit to yourself, to face up to and be honest about.

Remembering that we often present to the world a combination of both empowering and limiting stories, we might have the habit of choosing  the parts of an experience that prove that we, and the world, are just as we think and expect. We also tend to ignore what doesn’t fit in with our personal view of things.

Taken that we then act on these stories and make decisions based on them, what are some of the stories you are telling yourself? Being aware of them and how they are affecting you could help you to choose more empowering and positive ways of living authentically.

Transformation

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“All transformation begins with the courage to explore and examine those beliefs that do not support us. We can then reinterpret how we see ourselves, others, and the world from a new perspective marked by compassion, understanding, and hope. ” [Dr. Joe Rubino)

We’re now one month into the New Year. How are you coming along with your intentions to tweak the areas of your life where you would like to see transformations? If you’re feeling the need to refresh your inspiration or motivation, you might start by taking a look at the following areas …

What beliefs will you let go in order to fully support your deepest aspirations? And remember, you can begin by integrating compassion, understanding and hope into all aspects of your own life:

1) Health
2) Finances
3) Relationships
4) Family
5) Recreation and Fun
6) Spiritual Development

What will you celebrate?

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It’s December already, a month full of special events and holidays – and, let’s face it, stress!

So instead of rushing around blindly fulfilling social obligations, I would invite you to take a few minutes to center yourself and clarify some important goals. Ready? Now,  imagine yourself at your own 80th birthday party.  Ask yourself what the highlights of your life would be from that time looking back. Once you have a clear picture of what you value, of what is truly important to you in the big picture, you can get started on making these experiences and achievements a reality.

Maybe your future self focused upon time spent in nature with your family, or on writing a book, or time spent immersed in another country learning a new language. Now, see how this can shine light upon your activities in the here and now. Perhaps it is not as important as you thought to focus as much on the details of shopping and being the “perfect” holiday host …

When we give ourselves permission to make new choices based upon what we truly value, energy and enthusiasm begin to circulate anew and stress subsides. So take heart – reclaim the holiday season by CHOOSING what you celebrate!

People who wait for a magic wand fail to see that they are the magic wand.

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Don’t you just love that quote from Thomas Leonard?

It reminds me of Gandhi’s wise words about becoming the change you wish to see in the world. Now that might involve dropping a few limiting self-beliefs and redefining who you are. Remember, your past does not determine your present, neither your future.

Are you defining yourself in ways that are limitations  or in ways that are enhancements? How do you define yourself? Who are you? If you were to goggle your name, what definition of you would you find? How about writing it down now?

Hmmmm, makes me think of that other wonderful quote about how we help no one by playing small! So, let’s think, feel and act as that magic wand today, and experience the difference!