Six Keys To Success

By Brian G. Jett

I want to share with you something that I came up with that I call "The six keys to success".

Right off the bat:
Don't confuse how much money one has as to his or her success!

These keys will not unlock any opportunities of success without first having a strong and unfailing faith in God or that Being which is greater than you. Please don't go through life as your "own little god."
 
I encourage you to memorize these six keys by using the word ADVICE to do so.

Attitude
Bloom where you are planted. You have a choice to get back up after temporary set backs. Attitude is a small thing that makes a big difference!

Direction
If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there. Write your short term goals down on paper. I have discovered and continue to discover that putting your dreams and goals down on paper lock in or focus your belief that they can be achieved--even if you have to take a course correction in achieving your goals. Success comes in cans, failure comes in can'ts.

Let's continue with Brian's other keys for success:
http://motivateus.com/stories/sixkeys.htm

Thoughts become things

Everything is a thought before it materializes or manifests into something concrete.  Just how many thoughts do we have each day?  It has been documented at somewhere between 12,000 and 60,000 - plus or minus 10,000.  Do some research; you will find it is a common number.

So with that many thoughts flying around in your mind, what kind of thought habits do highly self-confident people have?

According to author and counselor Meg Selig, there are 7 habits anyone can practice to become more self-confident. One critical point that Meg focuses on is this: Tune into the little things you do right every day instead of over-focusing on what you think you did wrong.

Starting over

You can start over whenever you want or need to because there's nothing that says you can't.  Remember, this is your life.  If you didn't get it right or if something has thrown you off track, take a step to correct it and move forward.

There is no shame in changing your mind or direction.  This may happen more than once, so please get use to the idea of change. Embrace change, don't fight it; don't let it wreck your day or cause you to be negative.

You are in charge, so define your future and know that you can do this!

Could You Be The Next CEO?

A successful businessman was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.

Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together.

He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next C.E.O.. I have decided to choose one of you."

The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued.

"I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next C.E.O.."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed.

Everyday he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.

Jim kept checking his seed but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.

What is Jim going to do now? Continue reading:
http://motivateus.com/stories/chief-executive-officer.htm

Helping

Yes, the customer.  Years ago I sold cars and trucks for a living.  Loved helping people buy, not selling them on anything. I listened to what they wanted, asked a lot of questions, then helped them complete the sale.  Sure the boss passed out the paychecks at the end of the month, but it was commission from each sale, each customer, that made the total.

You see I loved my customers and they loved me.  So the next time you think your boss or your company pays you, make no mistake - if you don't take care of the customer, someone else will.  Give your best to each person and you will be rewarded.

Quote stories

There is a story behind every quote. Why would someone say this? Henry lost a son; it is in his memory that he asks all of us to live in the moment. As you go about your day today, think about how lucky you are to be here, at this time in history. Make the moments special, no matter how small they are.

Piano Lessons

Barbara was driving her six-year-old son, Benjamin, to his piano lesson. They were late, and Barbara was beginning to think she should have canceled it.

There was always so much to do, and Barbara, a night-duty nurse at the local hospital, had recently worked extra shifts. She was tired. The sleet storm and icy roads added to her tension. Maybe she should turn the car around.

"Mom!" Ben cried, "Look!"

Just ahead a car had lost control on a patch of ice. As Barbara tapped the brakes, the other car spun wildly, rolled over, then crashed sideways into a telephone pole.

Barbara pulled over, skidded to a stop and threw open her door. Thank goodness she was a nurse--she might be able to help these unfortunate passengers.

Then she paused. What about Ben? She couldn't take him with her -- little boys shouldn't see scenes like the one she anticipated.

But was it safe to leave him alone? What if their car were hit from behind? For a brief moment Barbara considered going on her way. Someone else was sure to come along. No!

"Ben, honey, promise me you'll stay in the car!"

What happens next? Continue to read: http://motivateus.com/stories/angels3.htm

Determination

Determination plays a major role in success.  It's hard sometimes to stay the course, especially when difficulties arise.

You can do it; keep telling yourself that.  Believe you have it in you to succeed.  Most people give up too soon because it's not always easy.  Remember, Yeremiah, you're not like that.

Embrace all of your dreams and take the necessary steps to bring them into reality.  You can do it, you are doing it, you will do it until you finish the job.

Marlene

Dream Big

Ever hear the phrase "Dream Big"?  I believe that is what this quote is trying to tell us and in the process, your life unfolds and experiences bring gifts to your life.  Some make achieve financial success, others love and harmony. 

It has also been said that if your goals aren't big enough and you aim too low - that's what you'll get.  You see you are too important and have too much to do to play it safe all the time.  Remember, there is always risk involved, in anything you pursue, in life.

Encouragement

Everyone needs encouragement and everyone needs to give encouragement to someone else. That's part of life. Each of us wants to feel connected, noticed and respected.

Encouragement, Yeremiah, is like a hug from your mom, a smile from your child, a good job from your boss. It makes you feel better, stronger, more capable.

After all, people are all about feelings. Be sure you are doing your part by bringing positive words and actions to others. You can do it! That's encouragement!

Marlene

Fear

I think we all have had to start over, and it's not always easy - even if it is something we want.

Whenever we make a change in life, we have to let go of something or many things to get something else.

Don't let fear stop you.  Life is constantly changing around us and in us. Learn to embrace change as a natural part of life.  Look at your new start as an adventure in learning more about yourself and the world around you.

Think differently

Time to think differently and move to a better life.  You can do it, just believe in yourself a little bit more.  Remember new behaviors take time - you have to practice them over and over again and then some. 

Here we are on the third day of May.  Don't waste any time.  Start to enjoy your life today!

7 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power Right Now

We all have such a lot to be grateful for... our friends, our loved ones, even the life we live.

I'm also grateful for my brain, though I'm told that aging is responsible for a decrease in your brain’s health and fitness.

If you're not ready to take that realization laying down... and want to maintain great brain health a long way through your
life, there are a number of things you can do RIGHT NOW to improve your mental powers...

I listed them in a recent blog post. Here's a snippet of what
I wrote:

1. Switch it up! Break Up Your Routine.

Try taking a different route to work, eating lunch in a different
spot, or reading a book as opposed to watching TV.

Anything that interrupts your habits asks your brain to make new and different connections and associations can help
stimulate the production of neurotrophins, an important protein responsible for superior brain health.

Follow this link here to read the full post...

7 Ways To Boost Your Brain Power Right Now

There are some really good action points here... I can't wait to get out and get started!

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Other Popular Articles (And Other Interesting Topics)…

The Unbelievable Power of Placebo - if you’ve ever wondered just how powerful your brain is, the placebo effect provides
the perfect example. DIscover how to harness the power of placebo to deliver huge success in life

8 Morning Habits For a Successful Life - If you want to have an awesome day, you need to set the stage right from the
get-go. So here are the top morning habits that will supercharge your success

How to kick your bad habits to the kerb - Psychiatrist Judson
Brewer talks about how habits start – be it good or bad – and
how to use the power of mindfulness to break them.

How to Draw Your Future - Patti Dobrowolski, a writer and
business consultant, did an eye-opening TED talk on this...

Watch the video here!

Are you manifesting your dreams or someone else's? -

How are we sure we’re following our dreams and not anyone
else’s? What are the signs that you might not be living your
own best life? Find out here

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https://www.facebook.com/ManifestationMiracle/

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Recommended Products and Resources

The Raikov Effect - Uncover the Secret Russian

Experiment that Lets You Legally “Steal” the Talents of Absolutely ANY Genius!

Uncover The Power of The Placebo Effect (Limited time free book) - The Simple ‘Brain Hack’ for Boosting
Energy, Productivity, Mood, Relaxation, Motivation & More.

I hope you have a fantastic week ahead. I will chat to
you again soon!

Your friend,

Heather Mathews
Author
Manifestation Miracle

Unica Publications Ltd
4281 Express Lane Suite L2521
Sarasota Florida 34238
USA

Gratitude

Gratitude – Make Yourself Happier
Posted: 02 May 2018 02:31 PM PDT

You know what the main difference between a happy life and a miserable life is?  Gratitude.
Happiness in life boils down to this:  If you are genuinely appreciative/grateful for things, you will be happy.  If you are not appreciative or grateful, your life may look desirable from the outside, but YOU will be miserable.
It’s not only your own happiness determined by your gratitude… it’s the happiness of all of those around you, as well.  If you are genuinely appreciative, it shows, not only in your words, but in your actions.  If you are appreciative of what others do for you, they will be happy to do things for you, meaning their happiness will increase, as well.
So give it a try sometime… pay attention to what others do for you, and realize that they are putting in their own time and effort to do something for you.  They’ll never have that time back, and whatever time they spend on you is time that they can’t spend on their own heart’s desire (unless, of course, what they are doing for you IS their heart’s desire).  If you truly take a moment to consider that, you actually will appreciate that they have done something for you.
Thank them.  Smile genuinely at them.  Meet their eyes.
Make sure you acknowledge the people who show you appreciation… smile back, meet their eyes and genuinely tell them they are welcome.  Wish them a good day as you leave.
You, and those around you, will feel the difference quickly, often in a single day, certainly within a week, and a month can make a lifetime’s worth of difference.
And, in keeping with this post, I genuinely appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this, and appreciate it even more if you comment and let me know, whether on the site, on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AMiracleADay) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/AMiracleADay).
I hope I’ve reminded you to take the time and that I’ve added a bit of happiness to your life, and those around you… combine this with a few moments of silence, and you should see a remarkable difference.
The post Gratitude – Make Yourself Happier appeared first on A Miracle A Day.

Be That Champion

Don't Doubt Your Beliefs and Convictions

By Brian G. Jett

What Mohammad Ali accomplished during his "Rumble In The Jungle" in defeating George Foreman, we can also not do what Ali's willingness to creatively think afforded him; a hefty hand back in return. Not only some bucks, but the championship belt.

During my third and fourth grade years, my family uprooted to Louisville, Kentucky. To our

surprise, we soon discovered the quick witted World Boxing Champion's mother lived less than one mile from our home. Ali was my dad's idol and such a realization mixed well with my father's assertive nature.

During one of Ali's visits to stay with his mother, my dad stung my brother and I with a sucker punch as he urged us to get in the car with his camera in hand.

"Why?" we asked.

"I know Ali is at his mom's house. I want you boys to meet the champ!" he firmly replied.

My brother hopped in and I, sadly, opted out. I was scared to be so crass as to go to this big man's childhood home. He had a tight schedule and limited time with his mom and, honestly, my dad's overly assertive manner embarrassed me.

My brother was game, I was entirely too tame! Like a domesticated AKC Terrier, anxiety struck my mind with deadly precision. Not jamming on Terrier bred dogs but my observation has been that they're rather wired for sound. Not all the time, but most of the time.

What did this occasion cause Brian to learn?  Read more:

http://motivateus.com/stories/act-like-a-champion.htm

Emotion

Emotion - yes that's what drives most people.  I have to admit, I use to try to be logical

with others when they were in highly charges situations and it didn't always work out

the way I wanted.  Over the course of many years,  I have learned that emotions and

feelings matter more than any logic to the majority of people.

Understanding and practicing these skills have been extremely helpful for me and probably for you too.  Now what could we all do to improve our emotional intelligence?

Jennifer Guttman, PsyD Clinical Psychology wrote an article about this subject that I would like to share with you.  It starts out like this:

"The most important factor in attempting to cultivate emotional intelligence is the importance of listening and not talking. When people feel like they are having difficulty with a social skill, their insecurities bring on talking. So, when people are insecure about something, they tend to talk a lot. The most important thing when you're trying to learn a skill often is to just be quiet. Listening is a vital part of trying to learn about emotional intelligence."

Here's a link to the rest of the article, Yeremiah. 

https://www.inc.com/quora/the-single-most-important-thing-you-can-do-to-build-emotional-intelligence.html

Friends

We have friends in life that will stick with us through thick and thin.  Be thankful for all who come into your life, no matter how long they stay, for they are there for a reason.

The Courage To Ask The Question

Will You Be The One?
Author Unknown

David was bringing food to his brothers at the battlefront when he saw Goliath. He wasn't thinking of becoming a hero, he just seized an opportunity other soldiers only dream about.

Opportunities will catch you by surprise, and if you're not alert and ready, you'll miss them. What others discovered in David that day - had been there all along!

If you're a leader, you already possess the talent necessary to lead. But courage is what will establish you as a leader before others. The people we revere most, demonstrate courage - courage on the battlefield and in the boardroom, courage to defend the defenseless, or simply to attempt what nobody else thought possible.

You say, 'But I don't have the money.' Don't worry; capital follows courage. What, always precedes how. Don't be intimidated by the numbers. God is not moved by spreadsheets and market conditions, He's moved by faith.

Don't let how intimidate you. It's because how is so challenging that it provides you with great opportunity.

Read more: http://motivateus.com/stories/the-courage-to-ask-the-question.htm

Choose your path?

Will you be a trailblazer? Each of us in our own way can make an imprint on the world. You can try and be like everyone else or you can explore your gifts and talents and maybe take your career up a notch. What else can be accomplished in your field?

Sit and think for a while over the weekend about what you want to do and what will be required. Allow your mind to open up a bit. Read something other than the news. Relax, reflect and rejuvenate.

Today is your day - make the most of it because it will take you to your future.

What's Your Attitude Like?

By Bob Stoess

Attitude is one of the most important ingredients in determining success or lack thereof for all people. Successful people have one thing in common - an expectant attitude of success.

Most people begin each morning in neutral and react to events of the day.

You can be one of the successful people in life by starting each day with a positive attitude, a gratitude for the opportunities you have, and an expectancy of the best for yourself.

Very interesting. Let's find out more

http://motivateus.com/stories/AnExpectantAttitude.htm

Bouncing Back

Asking for Help through Life's Setbacks

Life happens whether we are ready for it or not, and in May 2005, my mom passed away after an extended illness. I'm not sure we are ever really prepared to lose a parent, especially Mom, who has loved and nurtured us all of our lives. I had more things I needed to talk with her about, and I know I wasn't ready to let her go.

Less than one month later, my husband fell from a ladder, suffered a head injury, and died a week later.  My husband was not only my life partner but my business partner, and there I was left to run our business and my life alone.

After getting through the initial shock of losing the two people who had the greatest impact on my life, I started to pick up the pieces with the help and strength provided by family, friends, and business associates.

I quickly learned that asking for help was the only way I would survive the grief and keep my business and my home intact. I'd often find myself looking around in a daze, feeling overwhelmed because my challenges seemed so great.

Learning to put my ego aside and ask for the help I needed was a huge accomplishment. I discovered that people really wanted to help, but they didn't know how. My request opened the door for them to give the support they wanted to share.

Read what happens next: http://motivateus.com/stories/bouncing-back.htm

Life will surprise all of us, more than we can ever believe and we can make it through with the help of family, friends and associates.

Choosing

What are you choosing?  Be aware of what you are thinking, saying and doing and does it align with who you are, who you want to be.

They say that people can't change - I believe they can and do.  Too many examples of individuals who consciously made a decision and worked hard to bring that thought into reality.

Gratefulness is one quality I think we all aspire to have. But what does it mean to be grateful? Does it mean being thankful for all the good things that have come into your life? Yes. Does it mean being thankful for all the "bad" situations too? Yes.  But sometimes its hard to remember to be grateful, right?

So what can you do?

One suggestion is to make a vow to show appreciation every day for all the blessings you receive, whether you know about them or not. Write this vow down and put it in a place where you will be reminded of it each day.

When you make it a habit, I think you will find that your life is happier and brighter because of constant gratitude.

Get back up and try again.  You can do it, no matter what the challenge is.  Think.  Think again.  Ask for help if you need it.  If you can't get help, think of what YOU can do to cope with your situation until it changes.  It's up to you - make the effort, one more time.

Just My Advice

By Stefan Misiraca

Experience everything. Ask questions. Ask for the truth and the reality that comes with it. The only way you will get to know a person and be able to step past the boundaries that we all put up is through honesty.

Learn from peoples mistakes but more importantly know when it is ok to make your own because no one will do everything right. Never hold back, even if you think you are wasting your time. There will always be something to learn from any experience; it just depends on the way you look at things.

Prepare and expect the drama and uncertainty that comes with doing something different. Be ready for it, plan, and think of it as a personal challenge of your skills. If you can diffuse a problem or cope with a situation that might seem out of control to others, then you may have already won a battle. "

So far this makes sense to me. How about you Yeremiah?

Do you want to read more?

http://motivateus.com/stories/justmy.htm

Don't be afraid

So often people seem to be afraid that they aren't perfect and others will realize this.  They worry about what other people will think of them. Guess what? No one is perfect - no one. So let's remove that from our lifetime equation and focus on enthusiasm and excellence this month.

Can you be more enthusiastic about life? Your work? Your community? Do you realize that enthusiasm is contagious?  Let's start today and lift others up with your optimism and positive vibes.

Bouncing Back

Asking for Help through Life's Setbacks

Life happens whether we are ready for it or not, and in May 2005, my mom passed away after an extended illness. I'm not sure we are ever really prepared to lose a parent, especially Mom, who has loved and nurtured us all of our lives. I had more things I needed to talk with her about, and I know I wasn't ready to let her go.

Less than one month later, my husband fell from a ladder, suffered a head injury, and died a week later.  My husband was not only my life partner but my business partner, and there I was left to run our business and my life alone.

After getting through the initial shock of losing the two people who had the greatest impact on my life, I started to pick up the pieces with the help and strength provided by family, friends, and business associates.

I quickly learned that asking for help was the only way I would survive the grief and keep my business and my home intact. I'd often find myself looking around in a daze, feeling overwhelmed because my challenges seemed so great.

Learning to put my ego aside and ask for the help I needed was a huge accomplishment. I discovered that people really wanted to help, but they didn't know how. My request opened the door for them to give the support they wanted to share.

Read what happens next: http://motivateus.com/stories/bouncing-back.htm

Will you actively live today or just bustle through it?  I suspect you are going to do your best!  Why?  Because of who you are and who you aspire to be.  I know you will be kind and thoughtful to all you encounter and if not, you will reflect at the end of the day and commit to trying again tomorrow.

Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't get everything right.  Why?  Because no one does, not even 80% of the time.  At least no one I know.  Some are close but we are human and we need to always practice until we have mastered the skill we want.

Try

Get back up and try again.  You can do it, no matter what the challenge is.  Think.  Think again.  Ask for help if you need it.  If you can't get help, think of what YOU can do to cope with your situation until it changes.  It's up to you - make the effort, one more time.

Reaction

Your choice, again.  How we react to any situation is always up to us.  And yes, there are a lot of lessons to learn - some more than once. So if a test comes today, what will you choose?  An optimistic outlook or one of doom and gloom?  Might not be easy, no doubt, so prepare yourself as best you can and keep your mind focused on moving forward.

Words

Words have power. They are the building blocks and make up ideas and actions. Thoughts make up words as words make up thoughts. Writing is an art form to get idea's out. It cultivates and helps our minds express what ww need to say.

Determination

You also have, deep inside, a "never-say-die attitude".

In 1883, a creative engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with the Long Island. However bridge building experts throughout the world thought that this was an impossible feat and told Roebling to forget the idea. It just could not be done. It was not practical. It had never been done before.

Roebling could not ignore the vision he had in his mind of this bridge. He thought about it all the time and he knew deep in his heart that it could be done. He just had to share the dream with someone else. After much discussion and persuasion he managed to convince his son Washington, an up and coming engineer, that the bridge in fact could be built.

Working together for the first time, the father and son developed concepts of how it could be accomplished and how the obstacles could be overcome. With great excitement and inspiration, and the headiness of a wild challenge before them, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge.

The project started well, but when it was only a few months underway a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling. His son Washington was injured and left with a certain amount of brain damage, which resulted in him not being able to walk or talk or even move.

"We told them so."

"Crazy men and their crazy dreams."

People sure were ready to condemn the idea and talk about how crazy the whole thing was from the beginning.  But what did Washington think?

Read what happens next. http://motivateus.com/stories/determination.htm

Always Appreciate The Little Things

Sometimes Gifts Are Hard To Recognize

A married lady was expecting a birthday gift from her husband. For many months she had admired a beautiful diamond ring in a showroom, and knowing her husband could afford it, she told him that was all she wanted.

As her birthday approached, this lady awaited signs that her husband had purchased the diamond ring.

Finally, on the morning of her birthday, her husband called her into his study room. Her husband told her how proud he was to have such a good wife, and how much he loved her. He handed her a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, the wife opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the wife's name embossed in gold.

Angrily, she raised her voice to her husband and said, "With all your money, you give me a Bible?" And stormed out of the house, leaving her husband.

Doesn't sound like the wife was very grateful or loving towards her husband.

Read what happens next. http://motivateus.com/stories/always-appreciate.htm

Hard work sacrifice and Sheer Determination

As a result of hard work, sacrifices and sheer determination some people will win their gold medals today, tomorrow and into the future.  These are not extraordinary people.  These are ordinary people who developed their talents because of a non-stop dream and vision.

You too can win your gold medal Yeremiah, in your preferred sport or vocation in life.  Decide what you want, determine what you are willing to do to achieve it, create the plan, take some action, review and adjust if need be.

Yes, you will have to do this over and over again until you perfect your techniques.  Remember:  you will never be perfect but you can be excellent and amazing.

Here's to you today - you are like an Olympic athlete - waiting to perform.  Have you done enough to prepare for this moment?  Yes you have and you deserve the prize.

Take care today and relish in the thought that you can do this!

Forgive and Forget

By Vincent Magro-Attard

An old man once had an argument with his only son. He tried to apologize many times but the young man would not listen. The father never gave up because he loved his son with all his heart, but the son would not give in because he was too blinded by his pride.

Years passed and as the man lay in his deathbed, he made a final attempt to reconcile with his son, but still he would not listen and so the father died with a heart full of grief.

During this time the son too had a child who had now grown up into a young adult. To this child he never mentioned his father and when the young man asked about his grandfather he would tell him never to mention him again.

One day, they too were both involved in a hot argument and his son fled away as his father did many years before. The man was extremely saddened and this time he had no pride, but felt completely isolated.

He was afraid that he had lost his son forever and for the first time after many years he turned to God in prayer. At that moment something filled his heart and he realized how his father must have felt many years back.

He remembered how he had hurt his old man and only at that point he realized...

( read the rest of the article) http://motivateus.com/stories/forget.htm

Time to Change

There's no time like the present to start making changes, you know this. It's a perfect day to begin that new path to better relationships and a richer life.

Forget about everything else for just this one moment and ask yourself - is it important enough to me?  If it is, you will make a space for it in your life.  If not....

Endings Are Just Beginnings

How to move beyond breakups, layoffs, and unspoken words.
By Patricia Spadaro

"The beginning and the end reach out their hands to each other."
--- Chinese Proverb

How often do you think about a past event with sadness, regret, or anger?

Whether it's a bitter breakup, a surprise layoff, or words we regret having said (or not said), constantly wishing we could magically change what has already happened only keeps us stuck and brings us a lot of pain to boot.

While you probably know it's unhealthy to hold on to the past, you may not realize why.

Here's one reason that should be at the top of the list: When you choose to live in the past, you're operating with less than 100 percent of your energy in the present.

Holding on to anything for a long time takes energy and attention. Constantly bending your mind backwards in time is no different.

Whether you're consciously aware of it or not, refusing to let go and move on divides your attention and saps your energy.

It's like trying to water your garden with a hose that has holes in it. Only a trickle of that precious life-giving nutrient can come through. If you're tired, depressed, or unexcited about life, hanging on to old regrets at deep levels could be a hidden factor.

One way to reclaim your energy is...( read the rest of the article)

http://motivateus.com/stories/let-go-of-the-past.htm

Inspiration Ahead!!

Let's face it, we never know what will inspire us next.  Leave any preconceived notions at the door when you leave today.  Open up your eyes, open your mind, allow the beauty of life to unfold before you.

Today is a beautiful day to be alive.  Share one good thing that happened to you today with someone who is important to you. Ask them what was great about their day.

If you don't already, start looking for the moments that make you smile, laugh or ponder a bit more.

How Are You Dealing With Change?

I've gone through many major changes in my life: marriage; becoming a father (twice); quitting my job and changing careers three months after I got married; and, quitting my job again 2.5 years later to start my own business. I've also experienced all the disruptions and roadblocks involved in those kind of changes.

Through it all, one of the things I've noticed about change is; whether you like it or not; whether you embrace it or run from it; go with it, lead into it, or get dragged into it kicking and screaming, it's going to happen anyhow, with you or without you.

You see, what I've found out is: Change is the only constant. No matter how you react to it, and whether you like it or not, it doesn't matter: it's going to happen with you or without you.

However, I think where I learned the most about change and, more importantly how to succeed in a changing environment, is when my family and I packed ourselves up and moved from New York City (where we'd lived our entire lives) and relocated to Chapel Hill, NC in 1997.

What were the lessons learned? 

http://motivateus.com/stories/change-is-constant.htm

Trust

Trust is a boundary, yet not known to mankind. It has shaped our existence, but dwelled in our sight. To trust is to love without fear.

Though the truth be told, trust is followed by jealousy, an unknown entity in the world of love. A fear held by all, but revealed by few. The world is not a perfect place. It holds heartache, disappointment and anguish. But the world of love can be a wonderful thing. With sorrow comes friendship. With pain comes passion.

But at the base of them all lays trust: the beginning of all and the basis of life. Trust is the foundation that we must pursue in the face of love. For without it, it leaves us with nothing but fear.

Break from life

Give yourself a break today.  Be proud of what you have accomplished and look forward to becoming even better with time, education and a whole lot of practice.  Theory is great but

taking action and accomplishing the task helps us to realize that hey, I can do this!

The Triumps of the Human Spirit

The human spirit is triumphant. It deals with turmoils that society as well as other forces puts us through.

The Power of Positivity

The state of being positive is powerful, it is the same as being an optimist.

Time never stops

Time doesn't slow down or stop so you can accomplish your dream. 

You have to make the time.

What the quote means is don't use the passing of time as an excuse not to fulfill what you want to do.

If you want to lose weight, you know it's going to take time.  But if you fail to start, it'll take longer than you originally thought it would. 

Need to get in shape with exercise?  Start now, Yeremiah, because the time will fly and before you know it a week has passed, a month has passed, a year has
passed and you are still in the shape you were when you thought about starting.

Life will continue to go on so jump on board.  Achieve your dream by planning
and taking action.

Dance your Life Away!

Dancing impacts our brains powerfully to maximize its cognitive function, improve neuroplasticity, slows down aging, and boost memory.

There was a study conducted by Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City found that dancing on a regular basis reduced the risk of dementia by 76%! I know, nuts, right? Now that you know the stats, it's time to dance.

Today, I want you to dance like nobody's watching.

If you’re brave enough, record it, upload it, and share it using the hashtag #PrinceEaLoveChallenge. 

Dance to celebrate the brilliant light that you are, dance for your health, dance to shake off the troubles of day to day life and dance in celebration of making it through the 7-Day Love Challenge. 

Thanks for taking this journey with me. Wishing you continued loved filled days and joy. 

Obstacles

Life is full of obstacles and challenges. It is our choices to look at them in a positive or negative light. I choose to look at these obstacles as fun adventurs of life.  This produces  wave or a ripple effect of generosity, kindness, and love. I believe that this is the highest and most saught after way of being. When you love everything it is impossible for anyone or anything to bring you down. Your kindness leads the way as a beacon of hope and light for others to follow and they eventually take the lead from you.

Empathy? Compassion? Sympathy? Aren't they all the same? No, not at all. According to Motivational speaker, Sara Schairer, there is a distinct difference.

Empathy means that you feel what a person is feeling.

Sympathy means you can understand what the person is feeling.

Compassion is the willingness to relieve the suffering of another.

Hmm... there is more to learn about these emotions.  In fact I thought I would add a 

link to the article for additional understanding.

There are many good articles about this topic, so take a look around the net if you need some additional information.

Great Customer Service Is A Choice

No one can MAKE or FORCE you to serve customers well. That's because great service is a choice.

Harvey Mackay, author of the New York Times #1 bestsellers Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive and Beware the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt, tells a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point.

He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey.

He handed my friend a laminated card and said, "I'm Wally, your driver. While I'm loading your bags in the trunk, I'd like you to read my mission statement."

Taken aback, Harvey read the card.

Wally's Mission Statement:

What could the cab driver's mission statement be?  Let's find out:

http://motivateus.com/stories/excellent-customer-service.htm

The Tree of Life

The tree of life is one of the oldest spiritual signs of the world. From all over the world, we find tales of special magical trees. It stands in the center of the world. It is the first source of life.  Its fruit bestows immortality. It grows in Paradise, the first and most beautiful garden of the Earth. Its roots reach into the underworld, and its top pierces the heavons. It is old since time out of mind.  

A Message From The Universe

Written by Carol James

Are You Ready? A Message From The Big U to YOU

I am your best friend. I am your confidant. You can tell me anything at all and I will always understand and love you.

I know that you always do your very best and that sometimes your fears get the best of you. I know that you have come a long way and have grown and matured in immeasurable ways.

To me, you are a beautiful, bright shining light beaming with courage and soul. I am always here for you, waiting at your beck and call.

Tell me what you want. Tell me all your dreams and I will be delighted to help you live them. I can find people and arrange circumstances in ways that you could never imagine.

You can read more here: http://motivateus.com/stories/message-from-the-universe.htm

Opinions matter, but don't define you

If someone doesn't agree with your opinion, so what? It doesn't mean they are wrong, it means they think differently than you do. Are you going to put them down because of this? Seems to me that if you do, you're the smaller person.

Yeremiah, please don't get trapped into believing that you know everything and that your way is the only way. Others have ideas too. Let's spend time looking for common ground with others, rather than looking for differences

May You Always Be Blessed with Positive Days

May the days be good to you: comforting more often than crazy and giving more often then taking.

May the passing seasons make sure that any heartaches are replaced with a million smiles and that any hard journey eventually turn into nice, easy miles that take you everywhere you want to go.

May your dreams do their absolute best to come true. May your heart be filled with the kindness of friends, the caring of everyone you love, and the richness of memories you wouldn't trade for anything.

May life's little worries always stay small. May you get a little closer every day to any goal you want to acheive.

May any changes be good ones and any challenges turn out to be for the better.

May you find time to do the things you've always wanted to do!

And may you be blessed with positive days....forever.--Douglas Pagels

When You Beleive in Yourself, You Have So Much Going For You

You have abiities and talents and attributes that beong to yo alone, and you have what it takes to make your path a success...lead to happiness.

Find things to be positive about every day!

You have the courage and strength to see things through. You have smiles that will serve as your guides. You have a light that  will shine in you till the end of time.

You have gifts that have never been opened and personal journeys waiting to be explored. You have so much going for you.

You are a special person, and you have a future that is in the best hands. And you need to remember: if you have plans you want to act on and dreams you've always wanted to come true....

You have what it takes, because....you have you.  --Douglas Pagels

If You Have the Right Attitude, You Can't Go Wrong

You are personally responsible for so much of the sunshine that brightens up your life. Optimists and gentle souls continually benifit from their own versions of daylight saving time. They get extra hours of happiness and sunshine every day.

Always take time for the things that bring a sense of joy to your heart. Reap the rewards that will come from all the good intentions you have and the people who are so glad to have you in their days.

Move ahead of every worry. Move beyond any sorrows. Always look on the bright side. And have yourself a wealth....of beautiful tomorrows. --Douglas Pagels

You Really Can Make Each Day a Positive One!

You can be optmistic. Because people who can expect things to turn out for the best often set the stage to recieve a beautiful result.

You can put things in perspective. Because some things are important, and others are definitely not.

You can remember that beyond the clouds, the sun is still shining. You can meet each challenge and give it all you've got.

You can count your blessings. You can be inspired to climb your ladders and have some nice, long talks with your wishing stars. You can be strong and patient. You can be gentle and wise.

And you can believe in happy endings. Because you are the author of the story of your life.  --Douglas Pagels

Today is a gift. Enjoy the present.

When a new day unfolds in the story of your life, wonderful things can come into view....Brand-new mornings can beckon you. New promises can be made. New commitments can be kept. New ways of seeing the world can make you wonder why you never envisioned this before. New people can care. New smies can appear. New memories can be made. Old worries can fade and make you wonder why they even bothered you so much to begin with.

Today is a gift that can't be unwrapped and to show you what's inside.
--Douglas Pagels

Be Optimistic and Happy and Wise .....and Make the Most of Every Day

Each day brings with it the miracle of a new beginning. Many of the moments ahead will be marvelously disguised as ordinary days, but each one of us has the chance to make something extraordinary out of them.

Sometimes it's important to work for the pot of gold.

But other times it's essential to take off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.  --Douglas Pagels

Daily Readings to Make Your Life the Best It Can Be

Monday: Never forget that a life well lived is simply a compilation of days well spent. Make today special!

Tuesday: Unwind a little and smile a lot and try not to be negative about anything.

Wednesday: Don't just have minutes in the day. Have moments in time.

Thursday: Shine bright enough to light your way and be grateful whenever you can.

Friday: Know that the happiest people in the world are those who have a hard time recalling their worries and an easy time remembering their blessings.

Saturday: Realize that you can always turn a difficult situation around and make it turn out right.

And someday: Discover every joy that wants to come true for you....on your precious journey through life. 
--Douglas Pagels

Stay Positive, No Matter What

You're an original, an individual, a masterpiece. Celebrate that, don't let your uniqueness make you shy. Don't be someone other than the wonder you are. Every star is imortant to the sky.

Stay positive, no matter what.

And when it seems like your getting overlooked and under-appreciated, find some reassurance and comfort in quietly saying this:

I am aware that I am less then some people would prefer me to be, but most people are unaware that I am so much more than what they see.
--Douglas Pagels

Making Today as Sweet as It Can Be

Living life as a positive person means living a life thatis blessed with awareness, appreciation, and accomplishment.

When you are a positive person, there is aways a brighter light in your life. More goals get reached and more journeys take you exacty where you want to go. You can add immensely to your serenity and your opportunities can blossom more beautifully.

When you have hope in your heart and a great attitude, you can live with an abundance of goodness and grace shining inside you. --Douglas Pagels

Positively Wonderful News About Your Future

Yesterday is behind you. What's done is done, and it's important for you to take what you learned from the past and just move on. Today is a brand-new opportunity, a blank canvas, an unwritten page...just waiting to see. All that needs to happen right now is for you.... to do all the amazing things you're capable of.

And tomorrow! That's the place where promises come true. You'll need to be smart and stay strong to live the life you want to have. But don't ever forget: you are creative, and capable, and wise, and I know you have what it takes to make your days everything you want them to be. And remember this for sure....

You can't change a single thing about the past, but you can change absolutely everything about the future.    
--Douglas Pagels

Every Day Is a Chance to Shine in Your Own Specia Way

No one else in the entire world is exactly like you. You're a one-of-a-kind treasure, uniquely here in this space and time. You are here to shine in your own wonderful way, sharing your smie in the best way you can, and remembering all the while that a little light somewhere makes a brighter light everywhere. You can -- and you do -- make a wonderful contribution to the world.

Never forget what a treasure you are. You may not always get to hear all the compliments you sweetly deserve, but you are so worthy of such an abundance... of friendship, joy, and love.   --Douglas Pagels

Always Look on the Bright Side!

A wise person once said, "Today is a day to have a good day."

As you go through the year ahead, remember that each sunrise brings us new opportunities to bring smies and success into our lives. Every day is filled with so many possibilities! Never forget that you are wished such beautiful opportunities in all the months to come and that you are so deserving of every joy this year will bring. Make every day a positive one, and may you be bessed with all these things....

A little more joy, a little less stress, a lot more recognition of your wonderfulness.

Abundance in your life, blessings in your day, dreams that come true, and hopes that stay.

A rainbow on the horizon, an angel by your side...and everything that could ever bring a smile to your life. --Douglas Pagels

Dealing with Frustrations

How many times have you gotten frustrated when difficulties arise and you can't control the outcome?  Me?  More times than you could imagine. 

Like you, Yeremiah, I'm human too. 

I've made a conscious decision not to be bitter over things I can't control.  I just try to work my way through the situations the best I can.  Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I fail.

Today I will remember others who have many difficulties in their lives. They may need love, understanding, attention or just an ear to listen.  I will give what I can and continue on my path.

I hope your day is filled with a bit of reflection - if something is making you bitter - let it go.

You will feel a huge weight lifting off your shoulders.  Do it for you - you deserve it!

HANDLING CHANGE - IT ALL ABOUT OUR REALIONSHIPS

Written by Marlene Blas

How hard is to adjust to change? I think it depends on whether or not the change was your idea. When we decide to change, we usually jump in with both feet, excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. When change is forced upon us, we rebel. We look for every reason that the change imposed will not work.

What could happen if we learned to embrace change as a normal part of our lives and didn't fight with ourselves over it? Isn't it really our own perception of change that either holds us back or propels us forward?

Many of us have our own ideas on what is an acceptable change and what isn't. The truth is change happens to us everyday. People change everyday; they grow. Our circumstances change a bit everyday as something new is thrown into the equation.

Yet, even though we intellectually know that change is constant, we fight to keep what is; what's familiar.

This New Year will be a year of change for all of us. I suggest we look for new ways to handle change, if change brings us stress and discomfort.

I have had a multitude of changes happen in my life over the last ten years, not all wanted. Some of the changes brought tears to my eyes, pains to my heart and questions to my soul. Other brought joy, sheer bliss and gratefulness.

How did I survive all of it?

You can read more here: http://motivateus.com/stories/2change.htm

My Personal Greatest Hero

Jimmy Yen -

Who do we most respect and admire? Why our Heroes of course. What are the characteristics of a Hero? Heroes are courageous and self-reliant, and they are greatly admired. Being courageous and self-reliant are the characteristics that create heroes. Being admired is something that comes afterward.

Name a genuine Hero who followed the crowd? It’s a crazy question, because Heroes don’t follow the crowd. A hero may or may not lead other people, but all heroes lead themselves. Heroes are self confident independent thinkers who make courageous choices. By committing their entire focus to their goals, Heroes leave no time or energy for worry or self-inflicted emotional suffering. Heroism is a path to a joyful life as well as to inspired service.

Want to be a Hero, just pick one to emulate - WRONG. To be heroic, don’t emulate a hero, learn from one. Heroes don’t follow anyone, they set their own course.

At the end of this article there is an exercise for considering your own greatest hero and which of their qualities inspire you.

First thought

What do you think about the very first thing in the morning?

Your thoughts during the first half-hour of the morning will greatly influence the entire day. You may not realize this, but it is nevertheless a fact.

If you set out with worry and depression, and bitterness of soul toward fate or man, you are giving the key note to a day of discord and misfortunes.

If you think peace, hope, and happiness, you are sounding a note of harmony and success. The result may not be felt at once, but it will not fail to make itself evident eventually.

Control your morning thoughts. You can do it.

The first moment on waking, no matter what your mood, say to yourself:

"I will get all the comfort and pleasure possible out of this day, and I will do something to add to the measure of the world's happiness or well-being. I will control myself when tempted to be irritable or unhappy, I will look for the bright side of every event."

Once you say these things over to yourself in a calm, earnest way, you will begin to feel more cheerful. The worries and troubles of the coming day will seem less colossal.

Then say:

"I shall be given help to meet anything that comes today. Everything will be for the best. I shall succeed in whatever I undertake. I cannot fail."

Do not let it discourage you if the moment you leave your room you encounter a trouble or a disaster. This usually happens. When we make any boasts, spiritually or physically, we are put to the test. The occult forces about us are not unlike human beings.

When a schoolboy boasts of his strength, and says he can "lick any boy in school," he generally gets a chance to prove it. When we declare we are brave enough to overcome any fate, we find our strength put to the test at once.

But that is all right.

Prove your words to be true. Regard the troubles and cares you encounter as the "punching bags" of fate, given you to develop your spiritual muscle. Go at them with courage and keep to your morning resolve.

By and by the troubles will lessen, and you will find yourself master of circumstances.

--- Ella Wilcox Wheeler

Happiness is Important

"Are you bored with life? Then throw yourself into some work you believe in with all your heart, live for it, die for it, and you will find happiness that you had thought could never be yours."

--- Dale Carnegie

I think this quote kind of speaks for itself.  If you're not doing this now, think about what you would like to do. How can you move closer to your vision? 

What will you need to get started?  A plan?  How will you work your plan? What steps can you take each day, that will help you get closer to your goal?

Roads

Where are you going?  Is there a clear path or are you a trailblazer, building your own? Life is like that - sometimes it clear which road to follow and at other times, we must decide on our own. 

When you are going somewhere, you will know what to do.  Good luck on the journey, enjoy each moment!  If you need to change direction or pick another path, do so with confidence. 

Greatness is here to stay

Are you ready for a great day today?  A great week? 

Today's quote speaks to the optimist in you.  What exactly is an optimist?  According to the dictionary:

1. a person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future or the success of something.

"only an eternal optimist could expect success"

2. a person who believes that this world is the best of all possible worlds or that good must ultimately prevail over evil.

Being an optimist doesn't mean you can't have frustrating moments or feel down sometimes.  What it does mean is that you can see past the doom and gloom with the expectation of brighter moments and days ahead.

I Approve of Myself

For the next month, say over and over to yourself, “I APPROVE OF MYSELF.”

Do this three or four hundred times a day, at least. No, it’s not too many times. When you are worrying, you go over your problem at least that many times. Let “I approve of myself” become a walking mantra, something you just say over and over and over to yourself, almost nonstop.

Saying “I approve of myself” is a guaranteed way to bring up everything buried in your consciousness that is in opposition.

When negative thoughts come up, such as, “How can I approve of myself when I am fat?” or “It’s silly to think this can do any good,” or “I am no good,” or whatever your negative babble will be, this is the time to take mental control. Give these thoughts no importance. Just see them for what they are — another way to keep you stuck in the past. Gently say to these thoughts, “I let you go; I approve of myself.”

Even considering doing this exercise can bring up a lot of stuff, like “It feels silly,” “It doesn’t feel true,” “It’s a lie,” “It sounds stuck up,” or “How can I approve of myself when I do that?”

Let all these thoughts just pass through. These are only resistance thoughts. They have no power over you unless you choose to believe them.

“I approve of myself, I approve of myself, I approve of myself.” No matter what happens, no matter who says what to you, no matter who does what to you, just keep it going. In fact, when you can say that to yourself when someone is doing something you don’t approve of, you will know you are growing and changing.

Thoughts have no power over us unless we give in to them. Thoughts are only words strung together. They have NO MEANING WHATSOEVER. Only we give meaning to them. Let us choose to think thoughts that nourish and support us.

Everyone Is Capable

Your Team Members Do Not Have To Be Perfect!
By Mike Marino, Jr.

I would like to say that, the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. I believe everyone wants to constantly improve. I believe each one of us is created as perfection; however, the results we create are excellent, so there is lots of room for improvement in what we do.

The associates I hired in my bicycle and lawn mower shop like myself, were never perfect; however, they were excellent. Working with them as they improved taught me new ways to show forgiveness, understanding, and patience.

My first employee was in a wheelchair from an auto accident that happened when he was sixteen. I hired him to answer the telephone and talk to customers who came into the store. My second employee had one arm.

Word spread that I hired people with physical challenges. The placement officer at a local community college with a rehabilitation school called on my business about hiring people with physical and mental limitations.

One day the placement officer asked me to interview a young man who was having trouble finding a job. He told me that David was a little shy, did not talk much and was afraid to go on interviews. He requested that I grant David an interview just for practice. He plainly told David that I had no positions open at the time and the interview was just for practice.

When David came in for the interview, he hardly said a word. I told him what we do at the bicycle Shop and showed him around. When the interview was over I told him I would keep his application on file. Then I took a few minutes to coach David on how to apply for a job. I told David to keep showing up (figuratively) because the number one thing an employer wants in an associate is dependability.

David was very quiet (he was evaluated as a slow learner in school). Every ten days or so, for weeks after the interview, David walked into the bicycle shop and stood by the front door. He never said a word, just stood by the door. I would tell him kindly, "I really do not have any positions open at this time." I wished he would go away but he kept showing up!

The shop was a very labor-intensive place to work, with students unloading trucks, assembling bicycles and lawn mowers, making repairs and waiting on customers. I usually had seventeen employees at one time, mostly high school and college students.

David continued to keep coming by about every ten days. He never said a word.

One day, shortly before Christmas, a large tractor-trailer backed up to the shop, packed with 250 new, unassembled bicycles. It had to be unloaded right away or the driver would leave, and it might be a long time before I could get him back for the delivery.

It was raining. Some of my student workers (without physical limitations) chose not to brave the weather to get into work, so I was short handed. The place was crowded with shoppers. Frustrated customers were waiting to be served. A line formed at the counter.

It seemed everything was going wrong and on top of it, David came in the front door and just stood there.

Hmm... What would you do in this situation? Tell David to leave or get in here and help?

Let's find the answer and much more:
http://motivateus.com/stories/your-team.htm

Endless Train of Thoughts

Does your mind often feel like a busy station? 

The next time it feels like there’s an endless train of thoughts, try this: Get off the train of thoughts.  Just as you can sit on the platform and watch the trains come and go, in the same way, watch your thoughts come and go.

Just sit and watch, and you'll most probably find that all the trains have departed from your mind. Anonymous

Laughing

Laughter has a beautiful way of easing the burdens you carry on a daily basis. It allows you to relax for a minute, enjoy yourself before you get back to the business of being so serious.

We need to learn how to relieve stress in a positive way; laughter can do this.

Who's Problem Is It Really?

A man feared his wife wasn't hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her, he called the family Doctor to discuss the problem.

The Doctor told him there is a simple informal test the husband could perform to give the Doctor a better idea about her hearing loss.

Here's what you do," said the Doctor, "stand about 40 feet away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response."

That evening, the wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he was in the den. He says to himself, "I'm about 40 feet away, let's see what happens." Then in a normal tone he asks, 'Honey, what's for dinner?"

No response.

What happens next?

Remember this has to do with our perception. Let's read a bit more:
http://motivateus.com/stories/perception.htm

7 Steps For Success

Write Down Your Goals

Discipline yourself to do what you know you need to do to be the very best in your field. Perhaps the best definition of self discipline is this:

"Self discipline is the ability to make yourself do what you should do when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not."

It is easy to do something when you feel like it. It's when you don't feel like it and you force yourself to do it anyway that you move your life and career onto the fast track.

What decisions do you need to make today in order to start moving toward the top of your field?

Whatever it is, either to get in or get out, make a decision today and then get started. This single act alone can change the whole direction of your life.

Seven Steps to Success

There is a powerful seven step formula that you can use to set and achieve your goals for the rest of your life. Every single successful person uses this formula or some variation of this formula to achieve vastly more than the average person. And so can you. Here it is:
http://motivateus.com/stories/seven-steps-for-success.htm

Riddle of Life

Here’s a riddle: What do traffic jams, long lines and waiting for a vacation to start all have in common?

Aside from the painfully obvious fact that they’re completely unwelcome stressors in our lives, there’s another answer: They’re all situations where we could use a little extra patience.

In our defense, it’s not really surprising or fault-worthy if we don’t practice the virtue often.

In a digitally obsessed world, we’re used to having what we need immediately and right at our fingertips. Even further, we’re constantly busy. Between rushing from work, to home, to kids’ recitals or Zumba class, it’s no wonder we don’t really have patience. Our environment makes us think that we don’t have the time for it.

However, despite our aversion, research suggests that if we practiced patience, we’d be a whole lot better off. Here are five ways we can learn to cultivate more patience — and why we should want to.

The link to the rest of the article:  Hope it helps!

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/19/patience-tips_n_5843928.html

Spirituality

I do believe in angels and have known many people who see them with wings.  I have only seen them with human faces, young and old.

Often I wonder how they really are enjoying their life experience. 

As humans, we're not perfect.  We hurt others with unkind words or deeds.  Most of the time we are not even aware of what we are doing because we don't slow down long enough to live in the present moment and be with people fully.

Always wanted an angel to appear to me.  Maybe someday one will. Until then I will keep trying each day to do my best, as I know you will too.

Question: Have you ever seen or known a real angel?

Light of Life

The light is right there inside of you; you are the bright light you've been looking for.  Maybe you are a light of truth, or of hope or of faith, integrity - the list can go on and on.  I would venture to guess that you are one, two, three or more bright lights to many people.

If you keep those parts hidden you are depriving yourself and others of your greatness.

Shine a bit today, if you're not use to it.  Don't be afraid that you won't get it right.  You will.  Maybe not the first, second or third time, but I can guarantee you if you practice  - your beacon will twinkle.

Responsibility

When you take responsibility for your actions and do everything in your power to correct them, go grow, you learn and you move on.  Don't get stuck by holding on to pride or whatever it is that holds you back.

Learn to be that bigger person, if you are not already.  Your life becomes lighter when you do.

Friday is maybe your last day of work this week - reach out to someone over the weekend by phone or in person, not by email, text or social networks.  Enjoy conversing with a person you really know. 

Sight and Sound

By Miles Patrick Yohnke

Insight From Unexpected Places

I have to admit that the first time I saw her, I felt sorry for her. It was the summer of '92.

By her walk, you could tell she was a proud lady.

Her posture was like something found on the catwalks of a Milan fashion show. She was well-poised and sophistically dressed with coifed hair. She moved with a breezy pace along the streets of my recently moved to area of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

This nearly retired, petite lady was legally blind.

I would see her from afar over the course of more than two decades.

She moved so speedily that the moment to meet, let alone talk, never really presented itself.

But in the summer of '17 though, it did.

So what happens next? What will we learn?

Sight and Sound - Read the rest of the story:
http://motivateus.com/stories/miles-patrick-yohnke-sight-and-sound.htm

Have a wonderful day and take care!

Love and blessings,

Marlene

P.S.

Miles is celebrating his birthday today. Through his 50+ articles on our website, he has tried to engage and enlighten us to what life has been like in his world and so many other people.

Thank you Miles for always bringing your best to everything you do and believing in the goodness of people. Happy, happy birthday!

Fostering Growth

By Miles Patrick Yohnke

On the night of Tuesday, March 15th, 2016, she was there listening to her brother Case take some of his last breaths. His eyes fully open, though previously closed for all of that day, she didn't know when his time would come but she would be with him.

She was close to him during all of his life and was there, in Northern California where he resided, far away from her own home in Waterford, Michigan, for those tough last weeks, those last hardest moments.

Continue reading about how someone's live changed in a way they never imagined, and as a result how my life changed too.

Fostering Growth - The Rest Of The Story:
http://motivateus.com/stories/miles-patrick-yohnke-fostering-growth.htm

Never Give Up

By Murali Duggineni

Just imagine a young girl who learned dancing when she was three-years old and whose greatest passion remains dancing.

She loses one of her legs in an accident.

Read on this true incident that took place almost 20 years ago and find out whether she gives up dancing or fights back to realize what she believes in:

Your Own Star

By Miles Patrick Yohnke

Copyright © 2017 - All Rights Reserved.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder where you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.

This is a popular English lullaby. The lyrics are from an early 19th-century English poem, "The Star". Many of us were sung to sleep with this song as children. Perhaps you were.

A lullaby or cradle song is a soothing song or piece of music, usually played for or sung to children. It fosters rest, well-being, comfort and envelopes love.

A star is a luminous sphere of plasma held together by its own gravity.

As an adult, what holds us together? As children we look up at the stars - often wanting to be one - A star in some form.

The Oscar Award-winning documentary film "20 Feet from Stardom" features Grammy Award-winning artist Lisa Fischer.

If one attends any of Lisa's live concerts, you realize and it is clearly evident that she is not only a star, but that she is totally, spiritually at one within her own being. A star within her own galaxy. Her own solar system. Her own orbit. Her vocal ability and connection to a song causes a gravitational pull that the listener cannot escape nor would want to.

You may wonder, how did she get there? To be that perfect?

Continue reading:

http://motivateus.com/stories/your-own-star.htm

A Time Comes In Our Life Our Awakening

A time comes in our life when we finally get it. When in the midst of all our fears and insanity, we stop dead in our tracks, and somewhere the voice inside our head cries out ~ ENOUGH!

Enough fighting and crying and struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, our sobs begin to subside, we shudder once or twice, we blink back our tears, and through a mantle of wet lashes we begin to look at the world through new eyes.

This is our awakening.

We realize that it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. We come to terms with the fact that he/she is not Prince Charming or Cinderella, and we are not Cinderella or Prince Charming!

We awaken to the fact that we are not perfect, that not everyone will always love, appreciate, or approve of who or what we are, and that's okay. (They're entitled to their own views and opinions.) And we learn the importance of loving and championing ourselves; and in the process a sense of newfound confidence is born of self-approval.

We stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to us (or didn't do for us) and we learn that the only thing we can really count on is God (the supernatural power of the universe.)

We learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say, and sometimes they don't even know themselves.

We also learn that not everyone will always be there for us; and that it's not always about us. So, we learn to stand on our own, and to take care of ourselves, and in the process, a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

We stop judging and pointing fingers and we begin to accept people as they are, and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties; and in the process, a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

We realize that much of the way we view ourselves and the world around us, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into our psyche.

We begin to sift through all that we've been fed about how we should behave, how we should look, and how much we should weigh; what we should wear and where we should shop, and what we should drive; how and where we should live, and what we should do for a living; who we should sleep with, who we should marry, and what we should expect of a marriage; the importance of having and raising children, or what we owe our parents.

We learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And we begin reassessing and redefining who we are and what we really stand for.

Continue reading:

http://motivateus.com/stories/t-comes.htm

Grandpa's Little Buddy

By Brian G. Jett

As Steven stood awkwardly on the bank of Lake Malone in Western Kentucky, his grandfather watched his "Little Buddy" desperately attempt to get just one of the many flat rocks he'd gathered to skip over the lake's sun reflective surface.

"Keep at it son!" his grandfather shouted with much enthusiasm.

"Grandpa," Steven asked in his pre-adolescent and breaking voice, "Why am I no good at anything I try? I want to be a great pitcher like you used to be!"

His grandfather gently touched his shoulder while observing his grandson's eyes beginning to brim with tears. "Little Buddy, let me tell you why you are already a great pitcher and will be a better pitcher than your old grandpa ever was. Can I give you a little advice son?

Steven looked intensely into his hero's eyes and replied, "Yes grandpa! I'll do anything to be great like you!"

His grandfather sat him down on a hollowed out log and pulled him in close. "Little Buddy, I want you to remember what I am about to tell you and all I ask is that you never forget what I had to learn the hard way. Do you promise you will remember?" Steven's grandfather asked.

Without pause, Steven assured his grandfather he'd remember any and everything he told him.

His grandfather continued, "If you think someone is better than you, always remember that you are the only one who is thinking the other guy is."

His grandson looked at him inquisitively and caught his grandfather off guard with his response. "So you're saying that I need to use my brain, is that what you said grandpa?"

"You got it Little Buddy! Many folks focus on what they are doing wrong, but the winners figure out what they are doing right."

His grandson replied with yet another super insight based on what he'd heard his grandfather say. "So I need to tell myself that I am good?" he asked.

His grandfather smiled and went further: "Not only do you need to tell yourself that you're good, you must always believe that you are great! You see Little Buddy, you've got determination and grit. I've been watching you throw those stones for over two hours and anyone who stays at it that long has what it takes to be a winner even though he may get a bit down on occasion!"

As they walked back up the hill to the home Steven's grandfather built for him and his wife 20 years earlier, his grandfather took hold of his Little Buddy's hand and stated the last piece of wisdom Steven would ever hear him provide. "

You'll be at the pitcher's mound next season and I'll be there Lord willing. When you're on that mound, I want you to repeat to yourself what I'm about to tell you when you start to throw each ball. Are you listening son?"

What could the grandfather possibly say? Continue reading:

http://motivateus.com/stories/l-buddy.htm

If You Want More Energy (Naturally) or You're Feeling Tired and Overwhelmed, Check This Out...

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Subscribers have asked us if we can recommend supplements that naturally boost energy, help with fatigue, weight loss, and burn-out, and are cost-effective, promote health, and have the ingredients promised.

We literally searched the globe to find vitamins and supplements we were willing to recommend...

In 2003, we found a New Zealand company that actually delivers what they promise (what a concept!). Their excellent products can be shipped to the US. We've been using their products since 2003, and our experience with their products has been great.

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Even if you're happy with your current formula, sign up for their Free Newsletter and blog updates.

Why not check them out? Visit:

http://www.theinternetguide.com/aug24.html

Self Growth

Are you interested in self-growth for your personal life or business life? Be as patient as you would with someone else.  You will need tools for your growth toolbox.  Stay tuned, tomorrow we will unveil an easy way to learn.

What Kind Of Friend Are You?

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.

He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?"

"This is Heaven, sir," the man answered.

"Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked.

"Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up." The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

"Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveler asked.

What did the man say? Continue reading:

http://www.motivateus.com/stories/whatkind.htm

Explosions Of The Heart

Written by Miles Patrick Yohnke

I had experienced the black car parade at the age of five, after my father was killed in a potash mine accident, so I know death intimately.

Growing up in the 70's, before the billboards, advertising and paralegal companies that sprung up creating easy divorces (i.e. No Complications. Call Now), it was still fairly common to have two parents at home. In school, I was the only one in our class that didn't have a father.

Father's day was always awkward. The teacher would say, "Class, today we are making something for our Dads." "Oh, great," I thought, as I placed 'Ken' for my oldest brother on the item I made. Awkward, it was just plain awkward.

I know depression and hatred all too well. Having a learning disorder, I was unmercifully bullied through elementary school. Not only from the fellow students, but from the teachers as well. Les e bon temps roule, Let the Good times roll.

Like many, I have had my heart broken. Dumped. Depleted. Rejected. Various forms of physical anguish, different kinds of sad-various shades. However, I didn't know fire.

I live in what is called the cool district of our city--the Broadway district. I live on the top floor, facing southwest. It is a great view. People tell me it looks like the cover artwork of "Hotel California" by the Eagles. Indeed it is like that. On the morning of Wednesday, Aug 8th, 2012 at 2:52am, I was awakened by a very loud, ground shaking bang! Kaboom! Explosions rang out.

I ran to my living room window to see what happened. Thick dark smoke was danced ominously about. It appeared to be coming out the new high rise that was just built. The sound of a car horn blaring. I real sense of chaos was occurring before my eyes. Something far more then me.

There's much more to this story. Continue reading:

http://www.motivateus.com/stories/explosions-of-the-heart.htm

Start Believing In You Written by Stanley Anukege

No matter the kind of booing or abuses you get, just because you're not good at something, shouldn't stop you from being the champion you are.

Yes, we’re all champions if we see ourselves as one.

Growing up for me was a challenge. I started out at primary school and was always asked by my teacher to sit at the back of the class because I was a dullard.

I kept forgetting things; I forgot nursery rhymes and spellings. I was the butt of class jokes and I was all alone, friendless and dejected and always in dullsville. I hated school, but my dad would hear none of it. He kept telling me I was a champion, if I believed it.

A turn around came one day when I remembered the spelling of the word 'Cognoscenti '; a word all the other 'bright students' had forgotten how to spell because they spent their free time making fun of me.

I wasn't asked to spell, even though I raised up my hands. So I stood up and went to the front of class, with 23 pairs of eyes piercing me like darts.

The intensity is increasing? What happens next?:

http://www.motivateus.com/stories/start-believing-in-you.htm

Acceptance

Why does it seem that we can accept others the way they are, yet we have a hard time accepting ourselves?  No matter where you are on your life path, you are incredible and deserve all the love, attention, kindness and forgiveness you give to others.

Give a little bit to yourself each day.  Imagine how you will feel in 30 days!

Problems

Everyone has problems that they have to deal with. They are part of life, your life. You can let them defeat you or you can use them to motivate you. It's all in how you look at things - half empty or half full.

What could happen if the next time a problem arose and you said, "Okay, this will not defeat me. I have solved many problems before and I can do it again!"

Can you imagine this scenario - coming from your position of strength?

I wish you a beautiful day knowing you can handle everything that comes your way.

Just for today.....

Just for today I will be happy. This assumes what Abraham Lincoln said is true: 'Most folks are about as happy as they make their mind up to be.' Happiness comes from within; it is not a matter of externals.

Just for today I will try to adjust myself to what is; not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my family, my business, and my luck as they come and fit myself to them.

Just for today I will take care of my body. I will exercise it, care for it, nourish it, not abuse or neglect it, so that it will be a perfect machine for my bidding.

Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought, and concentration.

Let's see what the other 6 are:

http://www.motivateus.com/stories/jft.htm

Face The Challenges

Written by Dale Schlundt, M.A.

Life May Be A Consistent Challenge, But That Is OK...

I am sitting here in jury duty, waiting for my name to be called. I haven't decided whether it is better not to be called, ultimately just sitting here all day, or to be picked for a case and at least be doing something. I'll let you know on my decision later. Regardless, I began thinking, what a better time to write about a topic that we can all use, inspiration.

Now to finish telling you about why this subject seems so relevant right now, I am an educator and this is my first day of spring break... To top it off, my laptop will not connect to the internet. So if you are reading this article, you should know that I ended up restraining myself from performing a Steven Segal kick on my computer, despite the strong urge I am having to do so at the moment.

Regardless of how my day seems to be going at the courthouse and the tasks I still need to complete at home (grading papers), which my civic duty is preventing me from accomplishing, my life is pretty good.

The idea I am writing about for this piece is that the older I become, the more I realize that what my father told me was true. Life is a constant fight to survive. But the good news... that doesn't have to be a negative thing.

What does the writer mean? Let's keep reading:

http://www.motivateus.com/stories/life-is-a-challenge-and-that-is-okay.htm

True Friends

Having a true friend can enrich your life. If you don't have one yet, you will. Life is good and you can be a true friend to someone else too.

Try yout best always

Always keep trying; don't give up if you don't make it the first time, second time, third... If you have heart, you know that whatever comes your way, you will get through it.

Be Unique; Be Yourself

Written by Stanley Anukege

Funny how you'd ask a kid today what he/she'd like to be when they grow up and they'd say,

'I want to be like my daddy or like my mummy.'

You ask the same question to teenagers and you'd hear them saying they want to be like R.Kelly or Obama; like Dora Akunyili or Beyonce.

These people are great in their own rights, yes they are; read the papers, but that's not enough reason to spend your time living out a life just trying to be an image of another person.

This same question is not just limited to kids and teens.  Ask adults, business men/women and they'd also tell you they want to be like Bill Gates or Ellen Sirleaf Johnson.

We all have people as role models, who we want to be like.

Folks, we live in a world that is populated with more than a billion people. If you doubt me, ask the Chinese. Different people from different backgrounds, some are born with silver spoons and others with no spoon at all. We live in a world of challenges and solutions, obstacles and stepping-stones, depending on where you're looking.

Let's continue:

http://www.motivateus.com/stories/be-unique.htm

Important Rule

One of the most important rules to me is to expect to win. Always have this in your mind - admit that you can't see it any other way. Create, prepare and go for it!

Teamwork Victory! - What To Focus On To Strengthen Your Team

Written by Katrina Costa (Stull)

Concentrate 10% on lack of communication...
And 90% in being PART OF ESTABLISHING IT.

Concentrate 10% on un-professionalism...
And 90% on LEADING BY EXAMPLE.

Concentrate 10% on someone else's weakness...
And 90% on IMPROVING YOUR OWN.

Concentrate 10% on accusations...
And 90% on GETTING THE FACTS.

Get The Idea? 

Read the entire list:

http://www.motivateus.com/stories/team.htm

How to Disagree Without Being Disagreeable

7 Tips for Having More Productive Discussions

Written by Carly Stec | @CarlyStec

George S. Patton once said: "If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking."

 

In business, stirring the proverbial pot can be a good thing. And while negotiating these matters can be challenging -- especially when they involve our teammates or bosses -- differences in opinion will often lead to progress.

 

The most important thing to remember is that there is a big difference between healthy, productive disagreements and heated arguments. In order for two parties to come to a mutually beneficial agreement, there has to be a level of professionalism and respect.

While navigating this territory can feel like a slippery slope, we've defined a few tips below to help you speak your mind, without letting the situation spiral out of control.

How to Disagree (Without Being Disagreeable)

1) Be mindful of your tone.

 What Does The Writer Mean? 

Read the entire article on HubSpot:

https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/disagree-without-being-disagreeable

Gratitude

"Everything you have experienced has lead you to this moment.  Gratitude is an important element in anyone's success.  Ask around, ask your friends about being grateful.  You might be surprised at what they tell you."

Talent

You have so much talent and ability.  Stretch yourself and have lofty goals.  Remember everything that has been created began as a thought in someone's mind.  You can create too.  Believe in yourself and don't let fear stand in your way.

Don't give up!

It will be hard sometimes and you may want to quit.  You may not understand why but something inside of you says Keep Going.  Do it; give it your best shot each and every time.  You may not win again but you cannot lose forever.