B +

Fit and Feelin' Fabulous - What Happens When You Know You're on the Right Track to Swimsuit Season!

2008-02-13T11:39:00.000-08:00

Fit and Feelin' Fabulous is my new mantra as the real me begins to reappear before my very eyes, just in time to flaunt that gorgeous Victoria's Secret swimsuit I've been using as an incentive for the past two years!

I downloaded Natalia Rose's Raw Food Detox Diet book to my PDA after running into Carol Alt's website while surfing the Web not long ago. Carol and I are practically the same age, but definitely not the same physique, and I have been struggling with the same health and weight challenges Carol described since switching back to the Standard American Diet after a brief love affair with living foods ten years ago.

This latest encounter prompted me to seriously reconsider my interpretation of "Take no thought" since I've spent so much time in the kitchen over the years planning and cooking family meals, but literally "took no thought" when it came to grabbing something fresh and natural from the frig -- no thought about preparation (always ready to eat,) no thought about quantity or quality of the food on my plate, no thought about health or weight or energy levels.

I know in my heart of hearts "there is nothing either good or bad," but leaving my ingrained food beliefs behind has proven to be one of the biggest challenges of my life! I also realize "Right is radical," as Mrs. Eddy so eloquently demonstrated in her own lifework, and I went to extremes in the opposite direction from her teachings in Christian Science when I first stepped into the living foods movement. OTOH, Carol and Natalia seem much more sensible in their relaxed, easy-going approach to improving one's lifestyle than most raw advocates I've known. Natalia also talks about the Law of Attraction in her newest book, The New Energy Body, so I'm really looking forward to reading what she has to say.

The great thing about this program is it allows for the occasional dinner out with family & friends, unlimited fresh fare with no need for calorie counting or a rigid exercise regime, and best of all - rich dark 70% chocolate is regarded as a staple treat for those in transition! I know it works because I've done it and never felt better in my life, and yes, I have no doubts that I attracted this into my experience after a very rough day a few weeks back when I made a decision that something had to give... and NOW!

Prior to that, I had jokingly challenged myself to get into a pair of my daughter's old jeans by the time she returned at the end of the spring semester, so that inadvertently put out a specific goal to the Universe and got the ball rolling. Obviously, this has been one of the missing ingredients to successfully implementing my ultimate plan to feel fit and fabulous forever!

So far, I've taken things slowly and let my husband do the thinking about what he wants for dinner, while I eat what is readily available and most appetizing to my palate. Interestingly enough, DH had begun to frequent the produce section more often on his shopping trips for the family before I discovered Carol and Natalia's work -- so the Universe was preparing the way for a new day even before it was revealed to me! Btw, I've already dropped a dress size in the past week or so and it FEELS SO GOOD :D See ya' on the beach!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reflection of Perfection ~ I AM!
Your Secret Pal, Pen :o)

L.U.C.K. = Living Under Correct Knowledge (James Ray)
*Blinkie by Fawn@DuckDollz*

Oprah Discovers "The Secret" ::: The Official Secret Blog

2007-02-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

What Is The Secret?: Oprah Discovers "The Secret" ::: The Official Secret Blog

Pay Attention

2006-05-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

This past month I've been checking out the works of Kimberly Mac, The 'Naked' Vegan ;) who presents Healthy LIVEstyle courses for incorporating into the menu, whole, natural, and living foods such as Michael Thurmond advocates in the Six Week Body Makeover, which I presented to myself as a birthday gift last year.

Kimberly recently sent me an autographed copy of Wake Up... Live the Life You Love: Finding Your Life’s Passion, a compilation of inspirational stories with co-contributors, including herself, Deepak Chopra, Dr. Wayne Dyer and others. As one who has also overcome serious health challenges in the past, Kimberly's story was especially uplifting.

About twelve years ago, Kimberly was suddenly stricken with a debilitating illness, leaving her unable to walk. The doctors eventually diagnosed her with an "incurable" condition known as Fybromyalgia. Kimberly faced the spectre of living the rest of her life on drug therapy, but instead she decided to take control of her own destiny and sought out holistic methods of healing. Today Kimberly Mac is disease-free, in the best of health, and successful as a Rejuvenation and Health Educator, Best-selling Author, Certified Living Foods Chef & Instructor, Speaker and Radio Personality. Life goes on!

Another inspirational contributor to the book, Bruce Towers, sums up his positive approach to life in two brief words: Pay Attention. In his article, "Childhood Dreams, Adults Wake Up," Bruce writes:

"There's only one of us here. Energy is just another word for love. Love is all there is.

"We - for lack of a better word - are playing a game. We are pretending to be separate people. There is no you. There is no me. There's only love. We're looking in a mirror. We're talking to ourself. This appearing to be you and me is an illusion. So pay attention.

"The universe is our body. The universe is a projection, a creation, an emanation from and of our subconscious. Change the deep beliefs and feelings in our subconscious and the universe changes. Or, as Wayne Dyer likes to say, 'Change the way we look at things and the things we look at change.' We regain control of the universe by knowing, as we look at it, it's us.

"The only sane way to deal with a universe of love is with love."

Vayan con Dios {Love}, Amigos ~

2006-04-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter

La Vierge à L'agneau (1903) by William Bouguereau
[translation: Virgin and Lamb]

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser:
teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. - PROVERBS.

LAMB OF GOD. The spiritual idea of Love; self-immolation;
innocence and purity; sacrifice. ~ GLOSSARY,
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy

Consecration required
Paul had a clear sense of the demands of Truth upon mortals physically and spiritually, when he said: "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." SCIENCE OF BEING, Ibid.

Keep the Faith, Hope, but most of all ~
Love, Penne

Random Acts of Kindness

2006-03-25T09:22:00.000-08:00

I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again. --- William Penn 1644

This quote has been shared here courtesy of WWW.HappyOtter.Com in exchange for 1 Random Act of Kindness. If you pass it along to others, please email a brief description of your act of kindness to Kindness@HappyOtter.Com

Long Time...

2006-03-17T05:29:00.000-08:00

Its been a long time since I've posted. Lots of things have hapened since Last I wrote anything. All positive now and ready to look back and find the lessons in the challenges. I think that is the purpose of positive thinking.

(David Crosby)

[Intro. (Electric Guitar)]

It's been a long time comin'
It's goin' to be a long time gone

And it appears to be a long
Appears to be a long
Appears to be a long time
Yes, a long, long, long, long time before the dawn

Turn turn any corner
Hear you must hear what the people say
You know there's something that's goin' on around here
The surely, surely, surely won't stand the light of day, no

And it appears to be a long
Appears to be a long, mmm
Appears to be a long time
Such a long, long time before the dawn

[Instrumental (Electric Guitar)]

Speak out you got to speak out against the madness
You got to speak your mind if you dare
But don't, no don't, no, try to get yourself elected
If you do you had better cut your hair, mmm

And it appears to be a long
Appears to be a long, mmm
Appears to be a long time
Such a long, long, long, long time before the dawn

It's been a long time comin' (Long time comin')
It's goin' to be a long time gone (Long time gone)

But you know
The darkest hour
Is always, always just before the dawn

And it appears to be a long
Appears to be a long
Appears to be a long time
Such a long, long, long, long time before the dawn

[Ending (Electric Guitar)]

I'm Grateful For...

2006-03-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

New Wings' remembrances and encouragement of me & my goals!! I adore the bright, sunny "Gratitude Journal" graphic on your 43T entries. Is that your own unique design? God is Love, and truly All I need to feel fulfilled in my heart all year long.

Vayan con Dios, Amigos

May you all have a Happy V day! on grow spiritually on 43 Things

Took Top Honors and Earned My BLUE KEY!

2006-03-05T14:19:00.000-08:00

Six Weeks Perfectly on Plan with the Six Week Body Makeover and counting... Lost 8.5 lb. and 26.0 in. total for the New Body U. Winter Session — 10 lb. and 28.0 in. total since the first of the year. Swimsuit season, here I come!!

Welcome to the Team! on be Fit & Feel Fabulous Forever! on 43 Things

Positive Experience

2006-02-02T05:31:00.000-08:00

Joined a simulation game called New Body University on the Six Week Body Makeover forum and have been having a blast for the past few weeks... not to mention sticking with the program! So far, so good -- I've surprised myself with the will and determination to make this a bona fide lifestyle change for good.

Be Fit & Feel Fabulous Forever! on 43 Things

Seeing God in a Positive Light

2006-01-18T04:29:00.000-08:00

Personally, I'm stumped as to the reason for questioning the existence of a Higher Power, within or without ourselves. To me, individually, it makes a difference in my life to believe there's more to me than mere flesh and blood. If it seems to make no difference to others, then that's their prerogative as long as we can all live and let live in harmony. I think we're all in agreement that it's a matter of perspective, need, and ultimately, faith (understanding, not blind.)

If I AM and all that ever was or will be, then the all-knowing, all-loving God, good, exists on earth as it is in heaven. If the kingdom of God is here and now (neither lo here nor lo there,) but within, then all there is to do is learn to recognize that for what it is. If that truth holds up to the test of time, then in that light, everything which contradicts it is surely based on fear and false belief.

As for a personal Devil, or duality of God -- Mary Baker Eddy addresses this age-old belief throughout her writings. I have never seen it explained so clearly and logically anywhere else, and although I have not studied other philosophies extensively -- I have heard many people of different faiths speak of their core beliefs and inquired to learn if other theories come close to Christian Science. So far, I have found nothing quite like it. To get a whole 'nother perspective on the co-existence of good and evil, check out Healing Unlimited's article, Is there a personal devil?

Vayan con Dios, Amigos ~

See more at Philosophy Spirit -> God vs no God discussion

Control Conflict

2006-01-10T10:35:00.000-08:00

Remain calm and detached. Allow others to rage while you consider the appropriate response. Should you reason, agree, apologize, fight or leave? Which is to your benefit and to the benefit of those you must protect? Arguing often makes the other party become more defensive and determined to prevail. Let go of your anger. It only clouds the issue and draws you into a quick response. Whenever possible use kindness as your weapon against evil. Neutralize shouting with soft words. Answer threats with serene confidence. Speak plainly. Don’t use foul language or sarcasm. Breathe deeply with long exhalations. Let the anger wash over you. Maintain your presence. Don’t exaggerate. Don’t lie. Attack the argument and not the person.
Long term relationships are almost always more important than short-term problems. Be an active peacemaker, building bridges of understanding. Success.org

When I am centered, calm and attuned with my instincts I am in the very best possition to achieve this principle. We can’t avoid the fact that life is full of inconsistencies, detours and other nuisances, but if we become in tune with our instincts, we see how controlling conflict is nothing less and nothing more than following our intuitive thoughts and feelings…

See more progress on: apply success principles in my life daily

Linguists at Heart

2006-01-08T06:29:00.000-08:00

Practicing... on learn to speak the language of the heart with fluency. on 43 Things

I'm so encouraged that NVC has been a positive influence in others' lives, and very happy to have been the one to introduce it to a few of the friends I've made on 43T and elsewhere. I enjoy the camaraderie and learning we share on our NVC practice group, Synergy Communication (if only it wasn't based on Yahoo! for those who have been bit!) Here's an interesting exchange that took place there recently when a new member used an unfamiliar expression and I asked for the meaning:

Bill wrote:
>
> I am happy to share. Thank you for asking!
>
> Gassho is a Japanese word that means, more or less, "bowing with
> hands palm-to-palm". One of my teachers taught me to use it in
> letters when I wanted communicate deep respect and gratitude. I
> wanted to do that here, for I appreciate having a group of people
> that I can reach out to as I explore NVC.
>
> And so... Gassho!
>
> Bill

Once I learned its meaning, I had to know how it is pronounced so that whenever I read it in my head, I will "hear" it as it's meant to be received. According to this Japanese page, the word is pronounced with a long 'A' (gae-show) with the accent on the first syllable(?) if I'm translating correctly. So, in that light,

Gassho, Tomodachi and to all those practicing compassion in our lives!
Penne (pronounced like the coin or the pasta :),
linguist at heart learning the language of the heart

Lead by example...

2006-01-01T18:39:00.000-08:00

Start acting immediately as the person you will be, a person of character with a sound reputation. Your words, your manner, your attitude, your dress, your posture and your actions are all reflections. In modern society, people are constantly bombarded with visual and auditory messages. People need cues to sort good from bad and to find order so that they can make decisions. In many different aspects of your daily life, you are giving off cues that can be positive or negative. If you speak well, dress appropriately, smile, are courteous, work hard, volunteer and don’t complain, you give people short cuts to view you in your best light.
You must never expect others to do what you would not do. You must be fair, firm, friendly and dependable. If you have to correct someone, do it in private. You have succeeded as a leader when your team works just as well in your absence. Be constantly on the lookout for heroes in your own life to admire and emulate. Adopt their styles. Then, lead by example.
Success.org

Leadership is a fine quality to be. Notice I did not say “have”, as “having” implies the possibility of acquiring “it” or loosing “it”...However, when you lead, it does not really matter wether you have followers or not. When you are a leader, you are in command and mastery of your ship.
Sure, there are storms to navigate thru and challenges to overcome…
A leader does not loose leadership because of set backs and challenges, on the contrary, a leader learns, experiences and enjoys the results of going thru life, knowing that if all is well within…All will eventually be well without.
We might have to learn certain “acquirable” leadership qualities…but, ultimatelly, wether you or I realize it or not we ARE already leaders within…

See more progress on: apply success principles in my life daily

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2005-12-30T10:08:00.000-08:00

To everyone who’s been a positive influence in my life, both online and off. Admittedly, I haven’t been much of a team player on this or any other goal for the past few months, but my excuse is that I’ve been struggling to get my act together offline during the majority of that time. I just signed up for Michael Thurmond’s 6 Week Body Makeover forum and I’m looking forward to working with the members there to move things along on a positive note. Would be thrilled to have you all join me in the quest to attain the ultimate goal of being Fit & Feeling Fabulous Forever!

Cheers ~
Penne

Christ and Buddha Holiday Greetings...

2005-12-24T22:16:00.000-08:00

I have been studying Buddhism and thought at this time of the year, they very much resemble prayers of the true Christian…
Christ and Buddha Holiday greetings!
Peace,

New Wings…

Buddhist Prayers

By the power and the truth of this practice,
may all beings have happiness, and the causes of happiness.
May all be free from sorrow, and the causes of sorrow.
May all never be separated from the sacred happiness
which is sorrowless.
And may all live in equanimity,
without too much attachment and too much aversion,
And live believing in the equality of all that lives.

May all beings be filled with joy and peace.
May all beings everywhere,
The strong and the weak,
The great and the small,
The mean and the powerful,
The short and the long,
the subtle and the gross:
May all beings everywhere,
Seen and unseen,
Dwelling far off or nearby,
Being or waiting to become:
May all be filled with lasting joy.
Let no one deceive another,

Let no one anywhere despise another,
Let no one out of anger or resentment
Wish suffering on anyone at all.
Just as a mother with her own life
Protects her child, her only child, from harm,
So within yourself let grow
A boundless love for all creatures.

Let your love flow outward through the universe,
To its height, its depth, its broad extent,
A limitless love, without hatred or enmity.
Then as you stand or walk,
Sit or lie down,
As long as you are awake,
Strive for this with a one-pointed mind;
Your life will bring heaven to earth.
Sutta Nipata
Buddha’s Discourse on Good Will

See more progress on: Wish everyone a merry *Christmas*!

Give yourself the gift of self reliance...

2005-12-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

If there is one gift that you can give yourself that will enhance the overall quality of your life, it is self-reliance. You already possess everything you will need to succeed. You can work on your own schedule toward your own goals without feeling pressured by the demands of others.
When you are self-reliant, if you lose your job, you’ll get another. If you lose that job, you’ll start your own business. You can make more money as a self-employed handyman applying the Action Principles to your work than a lazy lawyer will ever earn. You need the will, the self-confidence and a realistic plan. As a follower of the Action Principles, you will have them. Life just can’t get you down because you are in control of yourself.Success.org

I wish it would be that easy. At least that is not the case for me today. Maybe tomorrow. Some of us have to work harder at this than others. It is just a fact of life. But… Can I still claim to be successful even if I am not 100 percent self reliant? Can we cooperate with one another so as to balance the task?
Can I still be in charge of myself even when I have to rely on others?
Is self reliance really the answer?

See more progress on: apply success principles in my life daily

Religious? Spiritual? Philosopher?

2005-12-20T12:17:00.000-08:00

We Need you!. We have a Board called Philosophy Spirit. We are looking for a few good people from all walks of life: Christian, Budhist, Jedis (Force followers), Muslim, Other religious belief systems not listed here.
We are looking to Unify religious beliefs and help one another coexist by sharing and dialoging about what you feel and know about your particular religious belief system.
We are also trying to study Quantum Physics and the discoveries and hypothesis generated by the controversial movie: “What the Bleep do we Know”.
If you are interested, please come and join us at:
Philosophy Spirit

See more progress on: encourage others

My year in review

2005-12-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

Interesting. To see the robots post stats like this and help me see things in a new light is very interesting. To be honest….this has been by far the hardest year of my life. It seemed like no matter what I did at every corner was some kind of trial. I’m even going through one now as I write this. I have had to battle my way through so much this year….even to live,after almost dying this past April.
I guess this website has really helped me put things in perspective and has helped keep me focused on the positive and the good things instead of all of the bad. The bad things….though very bad…were STILL far outweighed by the good….....and that definitely is something to be thankful for. So maybe…maybe 2005 wasn’t the worst year of my life afterall…..maybe it was the best because it taught me that even in the face of adversity life is worth living.

Learn more about Frannie Girl

PNN-Positive News Network

2005-12-14T01:16:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh! another positive blog...! With Positive news!
Cool! Way Cool!

PNN-Positive News Network

Hibernation

2005-12-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
Anne Bradstreet,

Well.......it has certainly been an interesting progression into the winter months. from unseasonably warm Autumn days to sudden drops into frigid temperatures and mountains of snow. I was listening to someone discuss animals the other day and how they hibernate. That sort of thing always interests me because I do love little furry things. I found it quite interesting how some animals sleep for a while then wake up to eat and go back to sleep. Others sleep non stop. While still others sleep only when needed and come back at just the right time when food is available again. Interesting how that works.
I thought about that the more I thought of how cold it is and how nice it would be to sleep through the cold months and wake up when it's beautiful and warm again. However I also remembered that in the Summer when it was relentlessly hot and humid I looked forward to the snow and the cold. Funny how when we are in the midst of something we always look forward to when it's different and never really take time to enjoy the diversity of the moment. If it was Warm and like Summer all the time we wouldn't appreciate the beauty of it as much and likewise if it was cold all the time. There is a benefit to the changing seasons....it makes us appreciate the next thing more. So it is in our lives too.
While we are in the miserable heat of turmoil all we can think of is how wonderful it will be to be in the cool daily routine again. when we're in that daily routine all we can think about is how boring it is and that some activity would be glorious. Each season in life has it's joy and it's moments of praying for the next thing. It's human nature. Instead of anxiously looking forward and missing the benefits of the present season let's slow down and soak up all that God has for us in this season and then when it's time to change to the next it will be a glorious and exciting transition.

Positive direction

2005-12-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

My attempts to make time and space to complete the last book in the revised series of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (by Mary Baker Eddy) have been mostly futile, and in the efforts to pursue a related goal, I have come to realize exactly why this has been such a challenge (besides the obvious run-in with MAM.) There seems to be no end to the amount of tasks to be accomplished in my life, and this past month I have been implementing a planning system to organize my thoughts in conjunction with my highest needs.

Order and discipline are two of the skills which need honing so I can accomplish this goal in a timely manner. I am slowly, but surely, working it all into my schedule in the form “big rocks” as Steven Covey (of FranklinCovey.com) refers to those things which hold top priority in our lives. Following his admonition to designate time and space for planning and “sharpening the saw” (self-improvement, study) as essential to daily business—I am determined to make that happen!

Because I usually prefer to jump right in to the day’s routine and tackle whatever’s on the agenda, stopping long enough to see the big picture and organize my day is something that I have often neglected to do. I can get a lot accomplished in this way, but not always those things on the top of my list of priorities.

My weekly schedule is still somewhat flexible, but now the daily task lists are itemized accordingly, so I have some positive direction. I’ve been getting a running start by making out my plan and doing some reading on the treadmill each morning, which meets my needs to get going right away and still put in the necessary time to meet a few of the most important, life-altering goals on my list.

Vayan con Dios, Amigos

See more progress on: complete reading the 226th edition (1902) of the Christian Science Textbook (last major revision before the final 1910 issue.)

Life Maintenance Outage ends on a positive note

2005-12-12T08:57:00.000-08:00

Followup: Life Maintenance Outage begins on a positive note on Organize my life in 43 Days on 43 Things

An ambitious goal

Today’s the first day of a cyber-sabbatical for me as Day 43 of my goal to “Organize My Life” rapidly approaches. I have so much to do offline in preparation for the holidays that I must find more time to concentrate on hearth and home for the timebeing. It’s been a very productive learning period, and I know a whole lot more about organizing my life in terms of priorities and goals now. I’ve also gained many new friends and new skills to help me along that path — NOW it’s time to get serious about putting them into action! I’ll be watching from the wings for the next few weeks while I enjoy some time with family, and report back on my progress ASAP. In the meantime…

¡Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo, Amigos!
Penne and the Crew

Supporting America’s Second Harvest Hurricane Relief Fund

Applaud the beginner

2005-12-11T00:42:00.000-08:00

You walk into a karate school for a first visit and see kicking, punching, blocking, chopping and flipping. It can be intimidating if you’ve never done these things. Or, you may look and feel awkward learning to snow ski or rollerblade or taking a foreign language. But persist; this is your first day and there will never be another first day.
Any new endeavor may be tough in the beginning. Accept this. You must believe in yourself. Initially, critics may feel free to ridicule your ideas and goals as foolish and unrealistic. When you ultimately succeed, everyone will claim to have been on your team from the beginning. Take action and persist. Applaud those who try, because the first step is often the toughest. Welcome the newcomer.Success.org

I have been a beginner many times…
I still feel at times I am still a beginner, when it comes to new experiences in life. One thing is for sure, when we persist and persevere, wonderful things happen. If it does not work the first time, try again, if it does not work the second time…try again…If it does not work the third time…well perhaps the thing you were trying to accomplish or do was really not for you. Try elsewhere, try something different, persist…persevere in what your heart and gut are leading you to do…
There is a book I recall reading that really hits a chord with me today, it is called “Zen Mind Beginner’s mind”. Basically, if I keep my mind open, and the cup is empty, I can still fill them with new ideas, new insights…

See more progress on: apply success principles in my life daily

Positive experience and lots of fun!

2005-12-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

Newbies check out Lissa Explains It All—our kids all taught themselves HTML from this site. Surf over and visit our family’s site sometime (actually my daughter did the current layout on the homepage): http://www.ardfamilyco-op.net

See more progress on: create my own website

[EDIT: For some reason, the old "earned my wings" title cropped up, even though I changed it before saving my entry at 43T... go figure. HAND-pda]

Find The Positive

2005-12-06T19:00:00.000-08:00

If my first rule of happiness is learning to love yourself (faults and all!), my second is…

Find The Positive (in every situation, in everybody)

Concentrating on the positive aspects of a situation, even if something has gone wrong in your life, makes the world seem a far better place. If you choose instead to wallow in your misery then it’s very hard to escape that mindset.

I’m a great believer these days in learning from my mistakes. When you start to do this, rather than beating yourself up over something you’ve done wrong, you can see it as a positive thing and determine that you won’t make the same mistake ever again. It’s very empowering.

The amazing thing is that once you start concentrating on seeing the world in a more positive light, everything in your life miraculously seems to start going better. Suddenly you’re in a virtuous circle, where more positive thoughts yield more positive results, which in turn result in even more positive thoughts.

Never is this more true than in your dealings with other people. Everybody is a mixture of good and bad, we all have our good side and we all have our faults. You can choose which aspect of other people you want to focus on. How many of us have started off in a relationship where we could only see the good in our partner, only to find that after a few months or years we could only find fault?!

It’s very hard to deal with people who moan all the time, about their lives or about other people. I’m sure you’ve met people like that and you know how wearing it can be. Just being around them can bring you down.

Never let yourself become one of those miserable souls, always try to be positive about life and the people in it, and you’ll find you’re somebody people want to be around.

Remember, smile at the world and it will smile back at you, frown at the world and it frowns too.

Spread Your Enthusiasm!

2005-12-02T23:52:00.000-08:00

Putting the Action Principles to work in your life will elevate your soul and lift your spirit. You will feel a zest for life. You will live full, enriched days. This will happen because you will have taken the quiet time to think, organize and prioritize your days. You will love many things and these things will become part of your day. You will be in control. Every day you will do good things for yourself and others. Words like boring, bland and uneventful will rarely describe your work or your relationships.

Listen to your favorite CD. Call a friend. Read a good book. Smile. Hear. See. Feel. Smell. Take a walk and look at all the wonders of your world. Let everyone in your life know that life is worth living.
Be known as a motivator. Ask others about their goals and how you can help them. Make people feel part of a successful team. Solicit their input. Keep everyone informed and involved. Establish performance incentives. Look for opportunities to praise and reward. Enthusiasm is contagious.

Sucess.org

Yeah babee! Woo Hoo! I love it when I am enthusiastic about life and living! It is great to feel great! No matter what the heck is happening out there. If nothing else, the enthusiasm eventually spreads like fire!
I might not be all I want to be, but I am sure happy to not be the person I once was!
I hope you too can feel this way.
Feel the love, feel the rush of life flowing thru your veins and arteries…Feel your breath coming in… and leaving…Look at the sea, sparkling with sun rays broken up in a million pieces…Look at trees, look at all the good things that you are and forget the things that you regret… (boy that sounds like rhyming)
If nobody cares, fine, You care!. If you are running against the wind, fine, then feel the wind! Go with the flow of life! It is worth it…

See more progress on: apply success principles in my life daily

Finally!

2005-11-28T15:44:00.000-08:00

Got a website now…Pretty psyched about generating some more local business as well as on line…

See more progress on: create my own website

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-11-23T20:22:00.000-08:00

May you all have a happy and safe thanksgiving holiday!

See more progress on: be a good friend

Test Post for B+

2005-11-21T21:05:00.000-08:00

Test post for B+

I found a little gadget that just might do a trick. Powered by qumana, this editor lets you post directly from your computer.

Powered By Qumana

A Positive Strategy for Keeping Up with the Flow

2005-11-20T15:33:00.000-08:00

Organize my life in 43 Days (continued from 43 Things)

I’ve been following the FranklinCovey Focus program this month, and they had a few interesting things to say about TO DO lists.

TO Do lists are composed of everything you can think of that needs to be done. The beauty of it is that you can make it out on a Monday and it’s still good on Friday. When you’re done with something, you check it off with a big checkmark. Why? Because it feels good. Accomplishments = Endorphin Rush. If we do something that’s not on the list, we add it so we can check it off and feel the rush. It’s good to record what we’ve done and have a history of our accomplishments. The problem with To Do lists (which may not be the same with everyone) is that they’re typically made up of things we need to do just to keep our nose above the water. In other words, it’s a Survival List. It’s too big and high priority things rarely get on it.

Weekly Planning changes the first part of that because high priority things are already there. First we look at how our time is scheduled, look at the “big rocks,” then make a list JUST FOR TODAY. The idea is not to fill the day. For example, if you have a three-hour meeting, that leaves five hours left in the day. Rule of Thumb: Never plan for more than 65% of your time; high response positions (e.g., homeschool moms ;) should plan for even less, because at least 51% of your time is going to be spent in response.

Once the tasks are listed JUST FOR TODAY, very quickly put them in alphabetical order of value [i.e., how important is it JUST FOR TODAY (not longterm)] and then each set (ABC) in the numerical order (123) in which individual tasks will be done. Hint: There will be fewer A’s (biggest payoff/return on investment) than B’s (where we spend the majority of the day.)

Creating the list is one thing; doing it is another.

Power is the ability to act. – Anthony Robbins, Unlimited Power

In the world it is easy to live after the world’s opinions, and in solitude, it is easy to live after one’s own; but the great one is he who in the midst of a crowd, can keep with a perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

JUST FOR TODAY I will finish what I start. -- Messies Anonymous

The task list is created according to our values, roles, and goals. These things are not necessarily the easiest, but most important. The Weekly Plan represents the big rocks, i.e., highest priorities. In the rush of the day we have to have the courage to make the plan happen. Then we find the peace and control we are seeking.

Excellent online tutorials available at Franklin Covey Learning Center: http://www.franklincovey.com/fclearning/index.html

Comes a time when all good things come to an end...

2005-11-15T22:02:00.000-08:00

I am still going to continue to post and answer comments here at 43 things and at B+, a 43T blog adventure, however, things have picked up for me a bit, where I have to put more emphasis on the things I need to put emphasis on…
You are all a very real part of my personal and professional development here at 43Things, and still am very grateful to belong to this awesome community!

Peace and God Bless you!

See more progress on: work because I like to, not because I have to

Thank You!

2005-11-13T17:46:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to drop a line or two to say hi and to let our team know, as well as the readers of this blog, that life has been kind of busy lately, whose isn't?! LOL
I remai firm and dedicated to what the purpose of this blog is all about. A blogging about positive things, inside and outside of our lives, and wanted to let you all know that my life has forever changed as a result of having found a place called 43 Things where similar minds share and give of what they know.
This blog here is, and will continue to be a continuation of that 43Things spirit.
Other exciting things are happenning in the web communities that have been born as a result of people wanting to get together and share the good and positive about life.
And for that I am grateful!
Thanks Team!, thanks 43T bots! Thank you readers!

Peace,

Tags: positive,blogging,blog,readers

Just do what you can with what you have...

2005-11-10T00:25:00.000-08:00

...and leave the results and the rest to the God of your understanding. God will provide the means!

See more progress on: Be less of a perfectionist

Mutual Admiration Society

2005-11-06T04:41:00.000-08:00

43 People

There are people in the world who lead me to believe me that there is hope for the future of our race, and I count my friends and colleagues at 43(Positive :)Things among them. I’ve been involved in a lot of online communities, but never one as diversified and unified as this one, which brings People together from all Places and backgrounds to share Ideas on All-Consuming (and not-so-all-consuming) Things/topics of interest.

I’m so grateful to know you and look forward to meeting in person someday. Thank you for taking the time to share your warmth and generosity with me. It truly is a mutual admiration society :) and that is definitely something to celebrate!

Vayan con Dios, Amigos

Positive Posts and Profiles

2005-11-03T04:41:00.000-08:00

Had to go through the back door to figure out how to create a new post this morning -- where there's a will, there's always a way! Clicked the Edit icon on my last message, then hit the Create tab to bring up a new textbox and here 'tis. Haven't checked out the FAQ, but there must be a better way ;)

Just wanted to say how pleased I am to see my name on the list of Contributors here on B+. I surfed over to update my profile after noticing a nice graphic on someone else's comment box elsewhere and decided to peruse the team profiles this morning. I enjoyed getting to know everyone better and encourage others to share a little more about yourself with us. Have a wonderful day, Amigos, and...

Vayan con Dios

Just got started and earned my wings!

2005-11-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

GOTO http://buddyflies.bookcrossing.com to see my entries and HAVE FUN!

See more progress on: register some books on BookCrossing.com and release them

After I posted, this quote showed up on 43T:
The act of writing is the act of discovering what you believe.
- David Hare

Life Maintenance Outage begins on a positive note

2005-11-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

My husband began the regular maintenance outage at his nuclear plant last Friday, and I thought this would be the perfect motivational opportunity to tune up my act, too. I’ll be 43 for at least 43 more days, and NOW is the accepted time (II Corinthians vi. 2.) to get down to business!

I have a new FranklinCovey Planner, courtesy of The Pampered Chef, which proved a Godsend while planning for a big Community event last month. This morning I’m taking the first step toward this goal by learning how to use the system even more effectively with the online tutorial.

I want to touch base with all of my goals each week of the LMO, keep in contact with my teammates and supporters, and make a positive change for the better by making time work for me!

Vayan con Dios, Amigos

“And the evening and the morning were the first day.” (Genesis i. 5.) The objects of time and sense disappear in the illumination of spiritual understanding, and Mind measures time according to the good that is unfolded. This unfolding is God’s day, and “there shall be no night there.” – Glossary, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy

See more progress on: Organize my life in 43 Days

P.S. I installed the blog add-on to 43T, but the formatting loses (or rather gains, as in extra line breaks) something in the translation. Don't know which party is responsible for that, but it's still nice to have the option in addition to the Google BlogThis! button on the toolbar. HAND-pda

Language of the heart

2005-10-30T05:05:00.000-08:00

Gratitude on learn to speak the language of the heart with fluency. on 43 Things:

The realization that all inharmony is unreal brings objects and thoughts into human view in their true light, and presents them as beautiful and immortal. Harmony in man is as real and immortal as in music. Discord is unreal and mortal.

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy

DAB: Removed to Ultrasound Comment Section

2005-10-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

Not sure how to delete a message which should have been posted in another spot, so please forgive the newbie blogger and let me know the proper procedure. Thanks and HAND-pda

And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was [free] born.
Acts 22:28

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Acts 17:28

Holy Bible, King James Version, read by Alexander Scourby

Science is Positive

2005-10-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

See new entry at One easy way to do this: on encourage other people on 43 Things

Trying out the BlogThis! button for the first time from 43Things :) Thanks for posting my previous message to the Blog, BW. I'm thrilled to finally be here and hope to make a positive contribution to the team! Enjoy the weekend and...

Vayan con Dios, Amigos ~

When a new spiritual idea is borne to earth, the prophetic Scripture of Isaiah is renewedly fulfilled: “Unto us a child is born, . . . and his name shall be called Wonderful.”

Jesus once said of his lessons: “My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” (John vii. 16,17.)

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy

Wonderful Things are Happening!

Ultrasound

2005-10-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

I had the most delightful experience yesterday. Funny thing is, tons of frustration and anxiety led up to it.

I awoke yesterday at 5:00 a.m. -- I could not sleep anymore. My body was filled with tension and anxiety. I had a doctor's appointment for an ultrasound, just to make sure everything was going well with my pregancy. Because of my earlier miscarriage, I was so anxious. How would I deal with the ultrasound showing that my baby wasn't well or-- even worse-- not alive anymore? I didn't think that I would be able to handle it. These thoughts would run through my head, making me anxious and sick to my stomach.

I talked to my husband about it. He acknowledged my fears but then told me that he just knew that the baby was okay. It amazes me at his complete and total faith. As much as he tried to comfort me, it didn't really help. I was so caught in the tangle of fear that I couldn't get out.

My appointment was at 10:15. I was supposed to be there at 9:45 to fill out all my paperwork. Arriving promptly, I filled everything out and then sat there with my loving husband. And then we sat. And sat some more. We watched women go in and out and in and out-- people who came after I did went in before us. Finally, at 11:15 (a FULL HOUR) after my appointment, we were called into the ultrasound room.

As she asked me to lay down, my heart was racing and my hands were clammy. Now was the moment of truth-- would my baby be okay? Would I have a great day or another devastating day? She squirted the warmed gel on my stomach and started moving the ultrasound device around. I wanted to close my eyes and keep them open at the same time. My husband grasped my hand as we both looked up at the monitor. I could feel his tension and excitement. I am sure that he could feel mine.

Then, suddenly, up popped this little head and this little body, moving and squirming and pushing and just wriggling around. My baby was fine. In fact, it was moving so much, the technician even commented on it. It has a working heart and kidneys and stomach and brain. We saw its face and a foot with five wonderfully perfect toes. My husband even saw its fingers. It was moving around so much, the technician could not determine the sex. That is fine with me! I am just absolutely ecstatic that it is alive and well and VERY active.

All of a sudden a sense of calm has almost overwhelmed me. I am sure that all things are good and are going to go well. We were able to videotape this ultrasound, so, whenever I worry, I will be able to pop the tape in and see my wonderfully squirmy baby, pushing against the ultrasound device.

We have another ultrasound in 2 weeks. Because I am considered "at risk" I will probably be having them at least once every 4 weeks. It was one of the most joyful days of my life. And to think, it started out as one of the most negative.

hERE IS A CONVERSATION FROM A GOOD FRIEND...

2005-10-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Broken Wings,

PenneArdICS replied to your comment in which you said:
> Hello ((penneardics))
>
> Sorry I have not been in touvh too much lately. Hey, I still like my
> Giraffe ears, but they have not grown much (my wife can tell ya...LOL)
> Anyway, just wanted to get a word out to ya for a safe Wilma
> landing...I don't think it is going to affect us much here in central
> Florida, but I pray that it does not cause too much more havock than
> what it ahs already caused in Mexico, the islands and Cuba... Still
> have several positions open for volunteers willing to spark postings
> at the Positive Blog. Let me know and I can resend an invite (you can
> even post from 43things once you are in... there is only 2 of us that
> are still somewhat active, but it has dwindled.. Ay caramba! Bueno,
> asi es la vida, anyway, stay safe and dry this weekend! Dios te
> Bendiga! :)

Their reply was:

Hola {{Broken Wings}}
---------------------
Here's something positive for the blog -- we are extremely grateful to
have been spared from the wrath of Wilma here in central Florida! Those
in her path are in our prayers this week. Muchas gracias for your notes,
Amigo -- I would be thrilled to contribute to your project as time
allows, but was under the impression that all the slots had been filled.
That's why I wasn't surprised at not receiving a formal invitation to
participate. Sorry to hear it never made it to the intended destination.
Yes, if there's room for one more, please send another invite to my
Inbox (you may have noticed that I recently added you to my Buddy list
on MSN if you need a reminder of the address - look for the Leia icon.)
I've been curious to see the team work you've got going, and I'm
especially glad to know that we have the capability of posting to the
Positive Blog from 43T (I can use all the time-savers and conveniences I
can get these days!) Giraffes 'R' Us (Makes me wonder if the founder of
the toy company was also an NVC supporter -- Geoffrey says, Have Fun,
Not War!) Â¡Salud! :)

Tags: friends,Wilma,Positive

Thanks

2005-10-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

Thank you for relaxing some of the rules. I was worried that I would not be able to participate anymore because I haven't been able to write much.

Currently I am sleeping about 10 hours a day-- the baby is just really tiring me out. When I am awake, I frantically try to get everything done for my job as a high school English teacher. This includes creating meaningful lesson plans and grading tons of essays. To top it off, I have to take a class that is occupying my Monday nights. It is all I can do to keep my head above water.

Because of having to prioritize, I figure keeping my job and my teacher certification is a smidge more important than posting here. Please be patient with me. Hopefully things will be a little bit less hectic at work and I will be able to post again.

Thank you,
tengo

Well...

2005-10-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

I think, to remain positive when things go well is not a big deal... To maintain that same positive attitude when things seem to have gone to, or to be going to hell, that is the real challenge. It is even more of a challenge in some circumstances that in others. However, I have found out, in my years of life and living that if I trust the God of my understanding with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength that things not only develop the way they are supposed to, but they work always for the best. All I have to do, is let God be who He is, and get out of the way.

Tags: good,life,challenges,God

Agenda is a great topic!

2005-10-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

Hello Good Man. Hello everybody!
Thanks for your response. Format?
Sure. Thank You for asking!
I believe more of you have asked as well, so here it is... OK as I promised, we would ease up and modify some of the rules of the game, so that we all can still rfemain in the same page... These are being modified this October 17th of 2005...

1. As long as we are willing to get together with the rest of the team at least once a week, to say hello and tell us that you, meaning anyone here, is alive, well, and checking the place out, you will be in. We have not heard from some of you most recently, but we have met most, if not all of us by now. You all are great people, regardless of wether you post little or much.
2. We will not tolerate lurkers after a reasonable period of time.(Posting at least once a month I guess is a reasonable expectation...).
We understand about being busy, but if you signed up just to sign up, then eventually "the boot" (getting dismissed from the Blog Team) will fall heavily upon you. What is a reasonable period of time? Well, If you mean well, if you are learning something and if you are real busy with other activities of life and living...that period might be longer for you than for others...
Please understand this blog is now a collaborative project. If you are serious about contributing your best, it will show, If, for some reason you decide you do not want to participate, that is fine too, but let the rest of us know...

Please Understand we are not just talking to you directly but to all of us in general.

3. No one will do any editing of anybody else's posts, unless it is something having to do with profanity, sexual connotation, sexual harassment or anything else that would be grounds for disciplinary action at any site on the internet, or out in the real world in general. This goes for the ladies as well. We are an equal volunteering employer...LOL

4. If you want to be promoted to Administrator of the blog, you need to prove yourself trustworthy not only of ourselves, but the rest of the team. We will be narrowing down the administrative team and perhaps bringing aboard from within our ranks those that would like to participate in a more active fashion. We know some of you lead hectic, busy lives, so we can accomodate to that. We also get busy with our lives, and we too need to make a living, so we can understand fairly well being busy with life things...

5. Posting a minimum of once a month continues to be the norm. Attending team meetings is not as long as you are not just lurking. We understand being busy, and if you need to accomodate extra time for your self we can understand.

6. The main thing is to have fun, relax, get to know each other and believe in what the team is all about.

7. We come from different backgrounds and experiences and we've all been burnt (hurt)before. I think we all know what I am talking about. If you don't, please ask somebody. So, as long as we practice the Golden Rule with one another and with the world outside we should remain cool in the midst of the storm. I mention the Golden Rule because it is a very Universal one and all of us can understand it.

8. Eventually, if we all follow simple, easy to follow directions, we will reap the benefits of teamwork, thinking , sharing, and cooperation.

9. If we have not touched upon a rule that you think it is important for the safety and well being of all of us here involved, please email one of the contributing members, post it, or let Ed (aka Broken Wings) know one way or another, and if it is sensible enough we can incorporate it into these starter ones.

10. Ed, aka Broken Wings has been working the blog in the background now for a while. He really needs at least one other person to help him continue to improve the infraestructure of the blog:

Someone in charge of Link categories and perhaps of research on behalf of the team
Someone that knows about blog positioning and HTML as well as other languages (A webmaster is or would be ideal)
Someone to take charge of Yahoo forum and Chats
A host
A moderator
An Internet marketing savvy
Any other helpful position(s) you can think of...

Please understand these positions would not be paid, but if we all pitch in a bit here and there, I trully believe we can teke us all to the top!

11. We reserve the right to dismiss anyone that does not follow the directions here stated. But, we are reasonable and capable of constructive dialogue, we have been just trying to lay down "the law" so that there is no yeah-buts later.

12. If you stick around long enough like some of you have already, not just here, but else where, you will see that... Every day, in Every way...Thru the Grace of our Creator.. we will get better and better. Our friend Stan posted something regarding this wonderful affirmation that Emile Coue first thought about.

13. These rules were written and today modified for the benefit of all of us. If you feel something needs to be added and/or deleted, please continue to let us know.

14. As time goes by, this blog can and will incorporate people from different countries, cultures, backgrounds and upbringing, but for now we will continue were we are.

Blog membership is not open to the public. If you have been a contributing member of 43things.com and would like to participate in the posting or the decission making of our B+ team, please get together with one of us so we can perhaps bring you in. The most important requirement is that you be a member of 43 Things and are in good standing with that site.

15. If you have any questions, Please ask me or somebody. Ok? ;)

Thanks and...
God Bless You!
Namaste!
Shalom!
Peace and Love!
May the Force be with You!
(Your salutation and farewell goes here!)

It's official now!!!

2005-10-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

Our blog is a public event now! I added a couple of features and opened comments to anyone... As you can see, there is a code that will post everytime you post something new. These are tags, which search engines use to retrieve keywords from blogs so that if a search is made on a subject or word, thef spider will catch the tag word or words, thereby increasing our web positioning. Please ask if you need help with this feature. Other than that, enjoy our

GRAND OPENING!

Technorati tags: new,blog,positive,team

When Fear Cripples

2005-10-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, " I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along ." . . . You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
- Eleanor Roosevelt

About eight years ago I had a particularly bad series of events involving car accidents. Within a year and a half I was in three accidents...all of them almost 6 months to the day of each other. One accident is bad enough....but three.......it was bad.
The first was during a snow storm. My brother's birthday was the next day so I rushed out to the store to pick up the item I had been waiting till th last minute to get. While I was in the store it began to snow. Normally that wouldn't be a problem, living in New England you learn quickly how to drive in bad weather. The store I was at however as at the top of a very steep hill and surrounded by busy streets. I had an old Volvo with semi-bad tires and the snow was still fresh....so sand on the road, no plow had been by yet.
As I crept over the top of the hill on the long four lane driveway and edged my way down the slippery pavement I suddenly saw my worst fear. A car had spun out and sat sideways completely blocking my lane. The driver had shut off his car, gotten out and was looking at his front tires. In the lane to my direct left was another car and in each of the two lanes coming up the hill was a car. I couldn't possibly swerve into another lane without causing another accident. My only out was to turn hard to the right and try to jump the curb and go down another steep hill into a parking lot about 30 feet below. So as I picked up speed sliding faster and faster towards the other car I did just that. To my surprise though the curb was too high and instead of removing myself from the potential accident I in fact spun out sideways and slid down even faster to hit the stopped car lengthwise.
**SIGH**
Six months later I was on my way to work one morning. I had a cold and was continually having to blow my nose so I kept a tiny box of kleenex within easy reach. I was an assistant manager of a pet store at that time so I was in a hurry to get to work and open up for the day. In front of me for almost the entire drive was a particularly elderly gentleman in a mini van who was very careful to remain within the exact speed limit. Every block or so he would brake to slow back down to 35mph. I kept a good two car distance between us just because he made me nervous and the last thing I wanted was another accident. As we kept our slow and steady pace I cranked up my radio in an attempt to destress myself. Suddenly I needed a kleenex. I reached down to where I kept them but couldn't find the box. I felt around some more...still nothing. Finally in desparation I looked down and grabbed one. In that instant the man in front braked yet again and in the micro seconds that I started to look back up, I hit him full force. Totalling my car, sending me to the hospital and putting me out of work for a couple of weeks.
Double **SIGH**
Fast forward yet another six months. My then boyfriend and I were taking some people home after church. A young teenager from the church youth group and my friend. I had organized us by who would be getting out first. So the teenager was in the front seat and my friend and I were in the backseat of his tiny hatchback. As we all laughed and talked we came to the street of the first drop off. Suddenly from behind a car full of teenagers careened into us at full speed miraculously stopping just short of encasing my friend and I into the back seat.
Triple **SIGH**
After those accidents I didn't drive for two years. I was too afraid to. I didn't even like getting into a car with others. When I did get in a car it was with much apprehension and constant fear of every little thing. I changed jobs to a store that was on a direct bus route and avoided going out with people other than my boyfriend as much as possible, and walked as many places as I could. I was living in a prison of fear. It was understandable of course....those things were traumatic experiences for me so when I told people I didn't drive and explained why they understood and sympathized. One woman I worked with was even in the same place and stopped driving years earlier because her sister had been killed tragically in a car.
Over time however I began to miss the degree of freedom I had once had. I missed being able to just pick up and go for a drive in the country or not having to wait in two feet of snow for an extra 45 minutes because the bus was running behind. I saw the woman I worked with through new eyes. She was about 30 years older than me and she had become completely dependent on others because of her fear and I didn't want to end up like that. I had come to the point that I realized....it was time. I had to face my fear head on with no looking back.
It was terrifying at first....and I drove like a 95 year old for a while....but each time I got behind that wheel it got easier. Eventually I reached the point that the fear was totally gone.

Fear comes in many shapes and sizes.....but whatever it is that you fear, I pray you get to the point that you can face it head on and say, "I have lived through this terror, I can take the next thing that comes along."

Peace,
FG

The Impact of Silence

2005-10-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

"It's good to shut up sometimes."
-Marcel Marceau

A rather interesting quote from a man who was made famous because of his silence, don't you think? Makes me wonder about the lessons he must have learned from being so silent and just watching and listening. As I read it I was reminded of an experience we had at our street ministry a little over a year ago. Two of our regular volunteers are a sweet, newly married couple who have great hearts of service and desparately want to serve their God with all that they have. However, at times I have seen pride cause them to struggle with an intense aversion towards a lot of the very people we minister to. I am always asking God to break through that pride and other mental or emotional garbage with them and show them how He sees these poor and homeless people. After all, these people that are so different than what we're used to, are in fact, the entire reason we are out there. They need someone, anyone, to show them love and acceptance in a wounded lonely life where they have had none.

I always love the fact that God is so gentle with us and even has a sense of humor. We tend to lash out and correct or judge harshly making a scene and leaving wounds in the hearts of others all in the name of justice. God is so opposite though. Like any loving father, He tends to discipline in creative ways that He knows will get our attention, and make the lesson stick. This was definitely one of those lessons.

On this particular Saturday, I was behind the table serving soup and the husband of this couple was standing next to me serving the drinks which consist of water and in warm weather iced tea. This was a beautiful warm day so the water was especially in demand. As I waited for the next person in line to reach me, I glanced over to see one of our regular ladies approaching the drinks. She is only about 35, about the same age as this newly married couple, and has a very sweet and childlike spirit due to severe mental illness.

Additionally, heavy medication tends to make her talk to herself a lot....and loudly. Usually though, the things she says keep us all laughing because they are the things a 5 year old would say, blunt and yet, innocent.

She has very curly hair, which she usually lets go fuzzy. She wears every piece of jewelry she has ever owned and odd clothing combinations as well as about five layers of nail polish, all of which are chipped and peeling. She's always so bubbly though that you can't help but smile at her when she comes by. I watched as she approached the table quietly muttering to herself, and then I suddenly felt a twinge in my stomach because I knew who would be handing her the water. I quickly looked at him just in time to see him scanning her up and down and curling his lip at her current state. I was so hurt inside I wanted to lash out at him and tell him to get off the serving line if he couldn't treat her with respect. However, inside my heart I heard God tell me to keep quiet and watch what would happen next.

Just then as I saw her reach for a cup and he pulled his hand away, her muttering became audible for all of us to hear. I watched in amazement as she looked him square in the eye and quoted him the Bible verse, "..And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Just then she took a sip and walked away and was gone for the day.

I wanted to start crying as I watched his eyes get big and follow her as she disappeared into the crowd. God is sooooooooo GOOD, and He always gets His point across far better than we ever could. Had I lashed out at him, I would have set a bad example for all the people around me, both behind and in front of the table. I wouldn't have gained anything, but instead, would have lost the trust and respect of so many who need us to be gentle with them, and learn from our example. I also wouldn't have made the point to this young man as well as God was able to, through the gentle ramblings of the very one who should have been offended by his actions the most.

Sometimes it truly is good to shut up and wait and to let God fight our battles for us. A misplaced word can illicit the effect of a bowling ball on a glass top table…sending shards of glass everywhere that can never be fixed or replaced…and some never even to be found. I'm glad I kept my mouth shut that day, and avoided those shards. I'm not always so successful however, but at least now I know if I can learn the art of well placed silence, I can avoid many regrets for years to come. Besides, God really does handle those situations so much better than we would.

Peace,
FG

On Love and Effective Communication...

2005-10-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

I have been following Ms. Aleta Pippin’s Authentic Entrepeneur’s Wisdom now for a while…
This week’s topic really hits a cord with Learning to speak the language of the heart, so I thought I would share with you.
The writing struck a cord with me, as I read about this lady communicating to her daughter more than her words…Her tone of voice and demeanor probably painted psycological stage for her daughter that will last for years to come…
Here are, in her words, some questions to ask ourselves when we communicate with other human beings, specially the little ones!...
“To become more effective in your communication, ask yourself these questions before communicating.

1. Why am I communicating this?
2. Will it help the other person?
3. Does it help to resolve a problem?
4. Will I feel better having shared?
5. Am I considering the other person’s feelings?

If you decide to share, a good idea is to consider how best to communicate your real feelings or thoughts without attacking the other person. The best way is with “I” sentences. “I feel frustrated when…”
She then explains that ourt reality is that all of us wants to feel loved and respected for who we are, and that it is extremely important we ask ourselves these questions before we engage the mouth…
I encourage you to go read on Ms. Pippin’s weekly power thoughts and enhance your business ans well as your personal life with her Power thinking and Wisdom unlimited.

See more progress on: learn to speak the language of the heart with fluency.

Risk Failure

2005-09-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

Be ready. There is no better time to start taking positive action than right now. You research and you have confidence in your preparations. You don’t allow yourself to become paralyzed by indecision. You realize that a time comes when you must act. If you hesitate too long, doubts will linger and turn into fears. Yes, you may stumble. Yes, you may be rejected. Yes, you may fail. This is life. Life’s winners accept that in trying they may have to adjust and even start again and again. The difference between successful people and others is not whether you make mistakes or even temporarily fail, but how you respond.
Many people look for guarantees before taking independent action. Yet, in seeking assurances, they frequently receive cautions, which can easily be used as excuses for inaction. Be aware that those who love you the most may be the loudest in warning you not to risk.
Success.org

Well, at the moment that is not the case for me. I have a very supportive family: wife, step kids, and parents, that have stuck with me thru thick and thin. It has been thru them that I have been able to come this far in the development of my life as I know it. It has been them putting up with me and my dysfunction that has allowed me to be who I am today. It is them that deserve the credit for a lot of my successes. I could not have made it this far without them.

See more progress on: apply success principles in my life daily

Learning To Love Yourself

2005-09-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

(I wrote this on 43 Things today, and I thought it would be appropriate as my first entry on this blog so I hope you'll forgive me for reproducing it).

It is the greatest love of all!

So many people are desperately searching for something to make them happy, for example lots of money, a better job, or somebody to love and be loved by.

All of these things are wonderful to have, but the quest for happiness won’t be successfully met by any of them. In fact, I think the reverse is true…people chase these goals and get frustrated and disappointed when they fail to achieve them (especially love – I blame Hollywood!).

Imagine you had them all, great job, piles of money, and a partner who you loved and who loved you BUT you didn’t like yourself. Do you think you’d be happy? I’d suggest not.

The secret of happiness lies in learning, and I mean learning, to like yourself. It might take some effort at first, but what could possibly be more important than finding out how to make yourself happy?

The great thing is that once you find the secrets you can pass them onto others (children, partners etc). These people will also benefit hugely if you are a happier person.

If you’re a negative thinker, then the first step is to find a method to conquer the ‘chatterbox’ that is constantly nagging in your head with those negative thoughts. On this site I’ve suggested a couple of books that helped me do this, but there are other approaches and you need to find the one that works for you.

I love this quote…

“Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have”.

I highly recommend using this site to make a list of 43 Things you like about yourself – I know there might be 143 Things you don’t like about yourself, but appreciating your own qualities and accepting your weaknesses is a great starting point towards learning to love yourself.

Unexpected Sparks

2005-09-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

"Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks."
~Samuel Johnson

Have you ever had something fly out at you from left field and completely take you off guard? Of course you have....we ALL have....it's part of life. Some of those things that surprise us are good.........others aren't. The water main that broke in my house this week and ruined all of my furniture and donations for the homeless, wasn't a good thing. It was totally unexpected, unprepared for, and most definitely, unwanted.

SSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhh.........POW!!! Curveball...left field.

Some of the things that hit us unexpectedly are FAR more tragic though......far more deep and earth shattering for us. Things that scar us and drag us to the depths of grief and agony. Hurricane Katrina is a good example. It wasn't a good thing, it was somewhat expected...but not to the cataclysmic level of devastation that it caused...and it is VERY safe to say that it was unwanted by ALL.

PPPFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffttttttttttt..........**BOOM**!!!!! Cannon hit.........from behind.

What happens when we get hit out of the blue like that? Well....there are a few emotional and understandable possibilities.
Panic.......when everything goes into a slow motion dream state and you feel like you're watching a movie, because this couldn't possibly be happening.
Shock........when you step back for a moment, survey your surroundings or what's left of them, you realize it is happening and you're helpless to do anything to stop it.
Devestation.......when your mind and heart begin to tally the depth of the loss that sends you into a tailspin.
Hopelessness.......the process of being in that tailspin, as you see the ground rapidly approaching your face.
Anger.......the justifiable rage at HOW could this have happened, WHO is to blame, and WHO will make it right.
Peace...........what?!?! PEACE?!?!?!? That doesn't fit in here.....WHAT peace?? We're talking tragedy and loss here.....they don't go hand in hand in this discussion......................................or do they? Foreign concept, ISN'T it?
However, somewhere.....buried within each unexpected hit....no matter how tragic..how devastating...how much it brings you to the depths of agony that you never even knew could be felt by a human......SOMEWHERE....there is a scarlet chord of hope and purpose that will, IN TIME......give birth to peace.

For me, the peace this week was in knowing that despite all the loss in my home our insurance will help us rebuild and replace the material things that were destroyed.
For others it goes deeper. I'm sure you're thinking to yourself...how selfish of her...how callous and unfeeling to use Katrina as a comparison because, there is no good that's come out of it...NO peace. I beg to differ though.
Just this week I saw a story about a family who went through Katrina and have reached and anchored into their peace.
They are a loving, poor African American family who were already experiencing the pangs of desperation before they lost everything...well.....not everything. You see...for them, they will never mourn the losses of their home, their car, their jobs, their possessions, their pets or whatever else they lost.....in fact....they will look back at Katrina as a miraculous answer to prayer. How on earth could that be possible....we've all seen and heard the stories of tragedy on TV. Well........it's very simple.
Their son who was lying in the hospital dying, because he was in desparate need of a heart transplant, is now alive even though they were told there was no hope for him. How? Well....they were poor and had no money to pay for all the special things he needed to sustain him until a donor could be found. So they sat at his bedside on a death watch......waiting for the moment he would take his last breath.
Suddenly however, a miracle came their way in the form of hurricane Katrina. The hospital was evacuated and they along with their son were transported to a children's hospital in Texas, a hospital that specializes in heart transplants for children. Suddenly....in realizing that this family had lost everything, the government paid for a special flight to Germany, for the hospital staff to pick up and PAY for the very expensive device that was needed to save his life, and flew it back to Texas and inserted it into his body so he could live. Now, this family, who would have not only lost their beloved son, but all they had worked for in their lives...has been handed a scarlet chord of hope and PEACE. They will never regret the loss of their home....or their possessions....and they will never curse hurricane Katrina....hard as that is to believe....because out of the ash heap, they have been handed something beautiful....the life of their dear son.

We are all victims of unexpected circumstances at some point in our lives....some worse than others....but somewhere....buried deep within....there can be found peace.
What do I wish for you? What do I pray for you? I pray that whatever hits you....no matter how devastating....you find and grasp onto your scarlet chord of peace and let it lead you to the brightest blazes of gladness that lie somewhere beyond the tragedy of the moment.

Peace,
~FG

Maintain a Positive Mental Attitude...

2005-09-17T23:07:00.000-07:00

A positive mental attitude results from a life dedicated to self-improvement and service. With a personal commitment to doing your best today, you don’t have to be overly concerned about tomorrow. You can be confident that good things will happen and be equally confident that if trouble comes you will have the strength and skills to cope, take control and then conquer. You are tough. You stay at it. You don’t allow your doubts to destroy your dreams. Hope does spring eternal.

You are thankful to have the curiosity to keep learning. You are grateful to see opportunity knock so often. You are thankful to have the personality to keep making new friends. Your mind can only hold one thought at a time so make that one thought positive. Count your blessings. The way is clear. The world is a better place because you are in it.
Success.org

Yes! YES! yes!..This is one of my favorite ones. If I keep a positive mental attitude, most other success principles follow right behind…
That is why I love mixing psycological principles of health and well being with Spirituality! What a powerful combination!

See more progress on: apply success principles in my life daily

"Never had it so good!"

2005-09-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

This is the way my father has responded to the common question of how he's doing for years.
I shared this with someone on 43Things today and let them know that it has had a powerful impact on my life. A message of positive affirmation of the glory of a new day.

When I think of the possible alternatives and contemplate that I am where i am and I am who I am and that by the grace of God I have one more day to learn and grow it's not too hard to exclaim, "I've never had it so good!"

A friend of mine named Kirk Weisler has taken to adding the sig line, "Make it a great day! It's your choice." This is just another way of reaching that positive self affirmation. Find one that works for you. Something to remind you as Emile Coue stated,

"Every day, and in every way, I am becoming better and
better."

wow!

2005-09-16T01:28:00.000-07:00

these robots do not stop creating great things in life…LOL

See more progress on: Help test 43people.com: the next new thing from The Robot Co-op

Here is a good one on Perseverance...

2005-09-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

September 14, 2005
Patient Perseverance
Drawing Strength From Plants
Each season, grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees let a part of themselves go in the form of seeds. Every one of those seeds is a point of life, containing the full potential of the parent. In the quest to find a rooting spot, they are buffeted by winds, parched by sun, and soaked by rain. And, as likely as not, they find cement or stone rather than fertile soil. Yet each season, the seeds find what purchase they can and put forth their roots, slowly creating more space for themselves and pushing ever upward, even when the new world they discover is harsh and unpredictable.
the rest of the article

Sometimes I just don’t get it. It is like duh! that’s why?.
All I know is all I know, and all you know is all you know. But that is all we need to propell us to our next level of achievement, excellence and glory. The road might seem upwards, but it rally is only the next stretch…Upwards to the plateau… were, using the same analogy as Daily Om, the seedling finds that cranny in the ground, were it can settle in and grow. Sometimes it takes longer than others, but the end is the same if you and I allow it to happen: settling down, growth, new seeds, new life…

See more progress on: focus

Embracing both Positivity and Negativity

2005-09-13T04:03:00.000-07:00

I thought that I might bring this up since this blog is bordering excessive positivity. I think that some people are being positive for the sake of it and that negativity must be ignored at all costs and must be 'patched up'. I find that the awareness of negativity is important in understanding positivity. As tengomillama has said just before, duality is part of this reality and the duality between positivity and negativity is essential. Ignoring one will not nullify it's effects. Embracing both will enhance one's understanding of both and provide a more holistic perception.

The following information was referred from http://www.naturesmagick.net/Manifesting.html

To manifest your desires into real life, one must embrace both the positive and, contrary to conventional New Age myth, the negative currents as well. Remember, the positive exists not for itself, but to merge with the negative.

As long as you cling to a "positive" or a dual notion of reality, you are precisely prolonging the need for both polarities to exist. Instead of bridging the gap between the two, you expand it. Instead of reconciling the dynamic interaction of two creative forces, you instead stay "positive". And as long as you stay "positive", creation is impossible.

Some New Agers are channelers to some of the positive energies but most are powerless and skillless in knowing how to use them. Most don't seem to realize these energies exist to serve their creation, not their emotion.

Failing this recognition, most lack the responsibility and the discipline to mold these energies into concrete reality. They confuse "feeling energy" or "feeling good" or "feeling positive" with creation and mastery of both polarities.

(This leaves many New Agers wondering why their lives have not been transformed into their desired reality, not realizing that you need 3rd dimensional skills to transform 4th dimensional energy. Remember: reconcile both polarities. But since most limp New Agers refer to "3rd Dimension" as mostly negative, and having failed to reconcile their existence with it, they then wonder why they lead such miserable lives.)

Having more positive does not "overcome" the negative. The negative will simply produce more negative to counterbalance the positive since they both exist to be reconciled. Any negativity you encounter is therefore the negativity you have invited to yourself. And it will be those who will be strong enough to embrace both the positive and the negative undercurrents, both the joy and the pain, who will be doing the creative "work" of transformation."

Embracing the duality

2005-09-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

One thing that I have noticed is that I have been able to become more positive once I accepted the duality of my personality. I was raised around boys-- I grew up as quite a tomboy. It took me an incredibly long time to embrace my feminine side.

I was always taught that women were the weaker of the sex, only good for cooking, cleaning, and giving birth. I couldn't stand being thought of as weak. I did everything that I could to deny that I was feminine.

Then I met my husband. He makes me feel like a princess yet an equal. I began embracing my femininity and realized that it actually made me stronger than I was before! I allowed myself to be my full, whole self.

This led to greater positivity because I accepted (and loved) myself for who I was, not what I was expected to be.

Make sense?

Make every moment count

2005-09-09T00:26:00.000-07:00

I think this excerpt from Dick Leider's book really motivates me to live every moment and makes me feel that I have fully used it. I think that it also says something about goals. Don't just write them down, actually DO THEM!

If I had my life over again, I'd dare to make more mistakes next time. I would limber up. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would climb more mountains and skip more rivers. I would eat more icecream and eat less beans. I would perhaps have more troubles, but I would have fewer imaginary ones. You see, I am one of those people who lives seriously, hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I've had my moments, but if I had to do it all over again, I'd have more of them. In fact I'd try to have nothing else, just moments, one after the other instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I've been one of those people who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat and a parachute. If I had to do it again, I'd travel lighter than i have. I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.

~Dick Leider - Author of "The Power of Purpose"

Things I am learning from you lately...

2005-09-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

M. Scott Peck:
The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.

Molly Ivins:
The thing about democracy, beloveds, is that it is not neat, orderly, or quiet. It requires a certain relish for confusion.

Tom Peters:
If you’re not confused, you’re not paying attention.

One way to become enthusiastic is to look for the plus sign. To make progress in any difficult situation, you have to start with what’s right about it and build on that.
—Norman Vincent Peale

Henry James:
Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind.

Philo:
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
—Frederick Douglass

James Russell Lowell:
He who is firmly seated in authority soon learns to think security, and not progress, the highest lesson of statecraft.

John Dewey:
Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of the imagination.
from The Quest For Certainty

Dorothy Thompson:
Of all forms of government and society, those of free men and women are in many respects the most brittle. They give the fullest freedom for activities of private persons and groups who often identify their own interests, essentially selfish, with the general welfare.

E. B. White:
Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time.

George Orwell:
In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.

Laurence J. Peter:
Democracy is a process by which the people are free to choose the man who will get the blame.

Mohandas K. Gandhi:
To safeguard democracy the people must have a keen sense of independence, self-respect, and their oneness.

See more progress on: learn something new every day

The Genuine Article

2005-09-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

One key to being a good and positive human being is to be apt at giving. To give freely is one of the primary ideas that sustains humanity. When no highly obstructive governments existed the societies of this world shared with one another, for the purpose of life, love, and unity. They worked collectively to benefit the village, they worked to sustain life for all those that they called their own. They shared and gave the fruits of their efforts to those who where in need, to benefit all, freely. As we have progressed forward through the centuries the fundamental idea of giving is often lost inside the context of giving to get, instead of giving without clause. I work for more in my life so that I may be able to give some of that to others, to share with my friends, my family, and my God. In doing this I am built up not by getting something physical in return but by knowing that by giving more to others than for myself I can be humbled. One who is humbled is exalted in many ways, mostly in being truly happy. When you can give something to someone and see them smile outside and in it is an amazing feeling of greatness, the ultimate reward. It can be a thing that can cure the pain and anguish that life can put in front of us. In a time when many have needs beyond our understanding we should strive to learn that making a personal sacrifice for someone in need, or someone we love, is a much greater opportunity to be good and positive than buying something we like for ourselves. Imagine being the person who works an entire lifetime. Who lives near poverty not because they are poor, but because they wished to share more with others than to serve their own self interests of personal gain. This person is a genuine article of " Good and Positive ".

Here is a poem I wrote to express this idea..

A Horrible Fuss

Give up your muffin to buy someone a rose,

So your heart will be lifted up instead of your nose.

Give up your spare change for someone in need,

So your fellow man will not think you are all about greed.

Silently send a gift to your mate,

Tell them months later and you'll make them feel great!

It's easy to live in this world if only for us,

But doing this makes things such a horrible fuss.

Finding Positivity in Negative Occasions

2005-09-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I have realized going through my pregnancy is that I need to find the positivity in negative occasions. For instance-- I have had horrible morning sickness- almost to the point where I don't want to get out of bed. I just keep on reminding myself that it is a good thing-- that means that the baby is developing the way it should.

I could sit around and moan and groan at how horrible my life is, but I choose to find the positive (most of the time anyway). It is a good thing. Of course, I also can't wait until it is over! :-)

Intending and Requesting

2005-09-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

posted Fri Jul 8, 02:57 am by montalk (http://noblerealms.org/)

Some say we have power to create our own reality, that through belief and intent we can and should specify our personal future. And yet experience shows reality is already predicated upon a design more elegant than anything we can specify through our ephemeral desires.

Others therefore say we should go with the flow and accept what comes. And yet experience shows that while some things are destined, more mundane things are left to choice—if not choice, then chance. The law of chance is without design and without mercy, and abandoning the responsibility to choose invites the law of chance into one’s life with often unpleasant consequences.

The bigger things in life we cannot change. The smaller things we can. Life is a river whose flow we cannot reverse, yet we have freedom to navigate within that flow. Near the shore we move slowly and roughly; near the center we move quickly and smoothly. We can humbly accept the bigger things and still actively direct the smaller things. We can and we must. But how?

For what is within our power and wisdom to specify, we may intend. For what is beyond our power to direct or wisdom to specify, we may make a request. Intending and requesting are two of the most powerful tools we have for shaping our experiences within the framework of destiny.

Intend for the mundane things you know you need. Intend for a good parking spot, intend for the perfect product or service at the perfect price, intend for a good job when you’re looking for one, intend for a positive and exciting day, intend for anything that is inconsequential to destiny and respects freewill. Intend or it will be left to chance.

Be specific when you intend. Mentally outline or visualize what you want. This sharpens the focus of conscious energy upon that selected probable future. If you want a blue shirt under ten dollars, then visualize the blue shirt and intend that it be under ten dollars. If you want compensation for the money you just spent on a book, then intend that you be doubly compensated. If you want a safe road trip, then go over each potential complication and intend that it not arise. Whatever your intent, be specific. You are projecting your own energy into the matrix of probable futures and selecting a particular one to manifest.

For the more important things, make requests. Request knowledge, wisdom, insight, guidance, protection. Request an answer to a puzzling question, request illumination, request that you learn your lessons as smoothly and efficiently as possible, request that you are given the best opportunities for fulfilling your potential. You cannot intend for these because they are beyond your wisdom to accurately specify. Therefore leave their fulfillment to the discretion of wiser forces like your positive Higher Self, the Universe, and divine forces. Be general and earnest in your request, and have faith and patience. By being general you leave the outcome entirely open and thereby allow possibilities to manifest that you could never have imagined.

Intending is commanding, and when done wisely commanding is the proper exercise of spiritual power. Over time reality will tell you what is mundane and what is significant, and you’ll get better at intending for what is within your place to intend.

Requesting is humbly knocking on the door to assistance by wiser forces. Such forces respect freewill and only assist when you request. Never requesting anything keeps the door closed. Disappointment means reality has something better in store for you at a better time.

Requesting when you should be intending is a form of wishing and only robs you of power. Intending when you should be requesting spits in the face of higher wisdom and is a display of spiritual hubris, while intending for what clearly goes against destiny and freewill is black magic. The lesson: don’t pray to Jesus for a new car, intend for a new car; don’t command reality into unraveling for you a mystery, request it or else you might learn the right thing at the wrong time or wrong thing at the right time. To intend is to command, to request is to ask.

Requesting is easy. When you feel like you need assistance, call up from within the feeling of gratitude and humility, then state your request verbally while paying full attention to the meaning of your request. Remain silent for several seconds and wait to receive a feeling of comfort that your request has been acknowledged. Then go away in certainty and relief that your request will be answered in the right way at the right time.

Intending is also easy. Just hold in your mind exactly what it is you want and then go do something else. Just like ordering something through the mail. In between intending and manifesting must be a temporary period of forgetting. If you want a good parking spot, give yourself enough time to forget about your intent before you get there. If you are intending for a good day, do it when you first wake up. This gives reality some breathing room to reshuffle the timeline.

The only real difference between intending and requesting is whom you address and how specific or general your intent. By intending, you acknowledge yourself as the source of power influencing reality. By requesting, you humbly address forces wiser and more powerful than yourself.

Attention freezes the object of attention, so restlessly anticipating something will put it off. This is simple quantum mechanics. The sooner you think about something else the sooner reality can get to work. Anticipation kills the future – it is better to have doubt than to anticipate, it is better to have patience than doubt, and there is no easier way to be patient than keeping yourself busy with other things.

These are metaphysical tools to catalyze the flow of experience and assist rather than undermine destiny. Most people only understand the physical side of life, that getting anywhere requires planning and physical action. Of course, doing is central to getting anything done, but direct action is only part of the equation. To summarize the rest: intend wisely, request earnestly, and go with the flow gracefully.

By Montalk

Powerful Phrases for Positive People

2005-09-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

I came across with this inspirational speech of Rich Devos regarding the powerful phrases for positive people which are as follows:

"I'm proud of you."
"I believe in you."
"I trust you."
"I love you."
"You can do it."

What a beautiful world will this place be if everyone of us are aware of these phrases and will use them in our everyday journey.

Let's use these powerful phrases, teammates!

Easy Does It

2005-09-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

I think, for the sake of simplicity that the best way the majority of us are going to be able to join in conversation, is via good ole IM:
either Yahoo, or MSN…
IRQ or whatever the heck it’s called is a bit out of my league..I am not sure for the rest of you, but if I were to prefer anything?... I would say to meet at Mc. Donalds at 3:00 pm so we can have a burger and chat for an hour or so…LOL

See more progress on: start a positive things team blog

Pad thinking

2005-09-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

“Carry index cards, a hand-held computer or a small notebook. Borrow napkins to write on. As you become an action-oriented person, positive thoughts will occur with increasing regularity. Write down your ideas. You will have good ideas because you will have many ideas. Review your notes before your quiet time or before bed. You will become your own best therapist. You will see the ways to solving your own problems, finding your own route to happiness and realizing your own dreams. Spend most of your time thinking about solutions and not problems. Get back to recording your thoughts.
success.org”

Well, for one thing, I don’t think a lot of us are thinking of napkins these days…LOL
I am my own best therapist, but sometimes I need a nudge from my family and friends, and when the stuff hits the fan, well there is plenty of help available. The best possible help I get is from a sense of connection to a Higher Power. There are hundreds of testimonials out there that prove the fact that, no matter what our circumstances in life are, and no matter which particular creed or religion we practice, people live happier and more productive lives when they believe. I believe that we here in America will come out of this Hurricane destruction better equipped, stronger and with a new sense of comm-unity.
What are your thoughts?

See more progress on: apply success principles in my life daily

Leap of faith

2005-09-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

Come to the edge, He said.
They said: We are afraid.
Come to the edge, He said.
They came,He pushed them,...........and they flew.
~Guillaume Apollinaire

How many times in life have we felt like we are standing on the edge of a frightening and deadly precipice with no way out? I don't know about you....but I have felt that way many times. Each time however I have felt the gentle nudging of my God to trust Him and take a blind leap of faith. When I let go of my fears and my insecurities,my anger and my doubt I can jump......and each time He has caught me.
Much easier said than done though, right? Of course it is. The circumstances we are in dictate those fears and insecurities, anger and doubt. The key however is to come to the realization that as you stand on the edge of that precipice there is no turning back.....only forward. Those things are done and gone, they can not be undone unfortunately,they can not be taken back. So what are your choices from here? You can crumble and give up because things didn't go the way they were supposed to. You can become bitter and hard because things didn't go the way they were supposed to. Or, you can stand up,take a deep and possibly painful breath and somehow go on because for some reason things just didn't go the way they were supposed to. No matter what you can't change the fact that things didn't go the way they were supposed to, but you CAN change how you react to it.
When you feel you're at that edge, with a wasteland behind you.......take that frightening leap........He will never let you fall from His grasp.

discussion board

2005-09-02T05:44:00.000-07:00

Katia has directed us to a web forum where we can discuss things. Here is the URL:
http://www.eboards4all.com/622765/index.html

Please go there and join if possible. There are a couple of threads already started there, but you can always start a new one if you'd like. Thanks :)

I savor this moment...

2005-09-02T03:41:00.000-07:00

I savor this moment by living it in joy and acting on its opportunities…
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” -Psalm 118:24
Daily Word

See more progress on: think Positive thoughts

The Journey ahead in all its difficulty

2005-09-02T02:45:00.000-07:00

Everything we do puts us one step closer to finding out who we really are. That’s right, we don’t know who we are. One perception of this reality can be seen by viewing how far you have travelled in discovering yourself.

Indeed, we will never truly find out who we really are because this would be overwhelming. If we knew who we really are and how powerful we would become, we would be embarrassed in our situation for feeling so minute. We would be in awe of the power and give up trying to get there. This is also the reason why time exists; there is a past and future to organise experiences so it doesn’t all happen at once.

Our name is only a label of our human body. What we can achieve in this lifetime is not limited to our beliefs and views. We are able to achieve anything, but this is within the imposed limits of your reality. Once you have learnt all the lessons (emotional and spiritual) imposed in your situation, you will be at the same level of the reality and thus be able to manipulate it. One example would be if you learnt all there is to know about success, you would be able to manipulate success and be successful.

This is why some people have particular psychic abilities. Eventually teleportation will be accessible. This can only be obtained through working on yourself and learning all the lessons beforehand. By enduring the physical plane and living it in all it’s crudity, you will eventually learn all these lessons and transcend it with new abilities.

That’s what makes this journey so wonderful. We are not equiped with telepathy and the variety of psychic faculties. We are flying blind on this Earth plane. We have the potential to grow enormously and that’s what makes this journey so wonderful. If we remembered all our past lives, we would not grow as fast because we would have carried those habits and personalities from those lives. We would have entrenched ourselves in our old ways. Our mind would be less supple.

Being yourself is difficult because you don’t know who you are. The only thing you can do is feel and think what you should be doing and do it. Follow your intuition, but also use your intellect to avoid repeating mistakes. The journey you are on is sacred and wonderful.

Agenda

2005-09-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

So in what format will this process function? Will we have roaming topics, will we have editing? I would love to get a technical breakdown on the process flow so that I can easily time my comitment to this. Any thoughts off the cuff?

The Good Man

Friends are like melons...

2005-09-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

Friends are like melons; shall I tell you why? To find one good you must one hundred try. —Claude Mermet

See more progress on: be a good friend

OK, So the blog should be stealth now...

2005-09-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

What this means is that we can use it as we used Instant Messenger, and such. I have to run out the door now, but will be adding to this post as soon as I come back (within the next few hours)
I do not know if it is really stealth, maybe you can try accessing the blog before signing in and see if it will let you peek.
No, we are not starting a secret society either...LOL
What I am trying to do is to have a safe place to chat and see what all our ideas are about the Blog and were we want to take it... This now is chatting as it is in IM, except it is being done asynchronously, same way as it is done via e-mail..

I am looking forward to hearing from you all.
I am looking forward to getting at least a couple of more people that would be able to help us with more technical issues etc...
I would love to see us get into affiliate programs, as a team so that we all partake in the pie if anybody clicks on our links or banners, etc
I would love to see our blog pop up on the first page of major search engines such as Google and others...
Looking forward to hearing from you all and hoping I am not scaring anyone away...LOL

Peace,

Hello Team...

2005-09-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Just a few thoughts…
I think we are pretty much set, except for maybe a few details here and there.
I will be closing the blog to the public so that we can discuss among ourselves were it is we want to take this blog of ours to. Then, we will reopen it.
I will be researching the possibility of adding a couple of people that have serious computer, Internet skills so they help us with the more techie stuff… More about this later…
I know there is at least a couple of us that might need an extra hand and help. That’s part of the reason for having gotten together, so we can continue to help one another and help others in return…It cannot fail! It is a win-win-win situation.
More later at the blog…;)

See more progress on: start a positive things team blog

Living vs. Existing

2005-09-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
-Mahatma Gandhi

It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.
-St. Francis of Assisi

From what I’ve seen, these quotes explain perfectly the difference between living and existing.

Life is not made up of events, per se. It’s made up of how we process them and how we react to them. The events alone don’t make a person who they are. If you lost the memory of what you’d been through in your life, the particular pieces wouldn’t matter anymore - rather, what you’d gained (or lost) from them would be the thing to define you.

This is an edit of something I wrote a few days ago about my goal to live rather than exist:

“I think part of this, a big part, is being a good person, a kind person; choosing one’s words to impart the most help and happiness possible; choosing one’s actions to create the best possible outcome every minute of the day instead of falling into a pessimistic funk.

It’s having empathy for others while still being able to keep yourself whole rather than shattered for caring so deeply.

It’s caring deeply in the first place.

It’s seeing a problem in the world and doing all you can to fix it yourself, then inspiring others to help you (because they are amazing somebodies with voices) instead of yelling at them to stop being lazy nobodies.

It’s when you see everything as miraculous rather than nothing as miraculous; everything as original, new, beautiful, rather than everything “already having been done”, old, ugly, useless.

It’s when you can get up in the morning and be grateful for more chances to do - whatever that may involve.

It’s loving freely and easily while still understanding that people are just human, and they will disappoint you sometimes - but it’s worth it for all the joy friendship, family, and relationships bring - the joy that can come from the mingling of lives.

It’s when every second is worth it for no other reason than the fact that it is yours.

It’s when you are able to see your mistakes without hating yourself for them; It’s when you’re able to see your beauty and talent and want everyone else to feel that good about themselves, too.

It’s when you are your own strongest advocate.

It’s when you are able to share whatever you are best at – your passion – your essence – with others freely - whether that may be photography, writing, astronomy, or anything else.

It’s when you live and breathe a constant striving for, not better per se, but for goodness and whatever goodness is to you.

It really has nothing to do with the experiences you’ve collected, but more to do with the experiences you seek and why you seek them. Experiencing is not living. Not even close. I have been through more than many older than me… and yet most of my life has been permeated by this awful feeling of stagnation and nothing and third person viewing of everything that should be mine to cherish.

Living… now that is something else entirely, and something you can do on a day when all your day consists of (according to one who thinks living is a collection of snapshots and should be judged by how “interesting” those snapshots are) is a trip to the grocery store. Getting off the computer, stopping watching TV… only abandoning these habits will not promise you life. It promises you more snapshots. It is the person him or herself who makes these beautiful…

... I have no intention to be a saint. But I want to be a good person, and I want people to remember me as that. I want to touch a lot of lives, if only in the smallest of ways, because that, I think, is the greatest gift and the greatest form of creation… creation in the sense of having added a little piece of happiness. A little piece of hope... and the ability to act on it.

Maybe adding a little bit of innocence to the world - the great gift of staying childlike in awe even after spending time here. I know I’m trying.”

With all these things in mind, I am happier than I can ever remember being on a regular basis.

In The Midst Of Calamity

2005-08-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

Beyond the azure blue, there is a God concealed from human sight.. It is behind the creation of this world that humans must seek faith. Not faith limited in the context of words, but faith that is limitless through works. In the midst of calamity we must be tenacious in embracing the good in humanity, we must be tenacious in seeking the lost, we must be tenacious in being positive examples, we must not let the fate of this world be our demise. In all things we must see the good inside the bad, the glass half full instead of the heart half empty. I find comfort in knowing that compassion and benevolence exists in so many places where so much is absent, to fill that sad and uncomfortable rift that aims to tear us apart from our true purpose in life. In the midst of calamity we can become stronger, work harder, love more, have meekness, engage in prayer, are renewed in conviction, meditate and embrace the true nature of being like our Creator.

Welcome!

2005-08-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

Test Post from 43T…
I just checked the choices we have for a blog, and it appears that Blogger will be, at least for now, as Blogger is the easiest and least expensive to use of the four choices.
We will be able to post directly from here (43T) however there is one thing all of us will have to do, and that is to add this blog to your particular 43T account so that you can post right from the comfort of your 43T cyber home…Of course we’ll all be able to post directly from Blogger, as we’ll all be able to access the blog directly from there as well…
One think is that I do not have a name for the blog yet, so since I really want to get the ball rolling, I will go ahead and name it All Things Good and Positive. Just for the sake of creating the account. Later on we can change the name or whatever.
The other thing I’d like you all to start thinking about is:
1. The Categories we want to post under…several come to mind:

Religion and Spirituality
News
Personal
Work
Leisure
Relationships
Thoughts and Ideas
Psychology
Social
etc…feel free to think of catgegories, and we will add them as time and posting goes by…

2.Nothing to sweat now as we will be able to decide what goes were when we start sending posts…
3. Also, if you know anybody at 43T that would benefit from our team efforts or that you know can add to the blog/team, please feel free to invite them. Should be preferably a 43T member…We can talk more about this as time unfolds…

I am really psyched about this, as I am about 43T and other team blog situations (Boing Boing and other team blogging comes to mind…
I am also thinking long term in terms of being able to have ramifications for possibly generating income of some sort, either by having a team store, referral links, PayPal for the team, affiliate programs, etc, etc…
ANY AND ALL IDEAS ARE WELCOME!

Hello Team!

2005-08-31T13:51:00.000-07:00

I am glad we are all here! I am looking forward to us having the greatest blog ever! LOL
Well, I seriously believe that we can achieve great things together, and that good and positive will out weight bad and negative in the end...
The thought of Lord of The Rings just popped in my head... It really was an inspiring movie to me, and I believe countless others...
I don't want to get side tracked, I just wanted to post a few things...
Please feel free to post away. I believe that we all have something great to contributer to ourselves, to others and to the communities we live in.
Feel free to be creative, witty, funny, serious, dead serious, inspiring, poetic, factual, a dreamer, a constructive critic, a praiser, or any other qualifier you feel you fit in.
And, one last thing, for now...
I don't know what I am doing either...LOL
But I am doing It. WE are doing it...

I know there are team blogs out there that have become number one in the "blogosphere"...
Why not ours? ;)

Kicking things off

2005-08-31T13:49:00.000-07:00

Ok. I'll get things rolling here with a quote I shared with my group at work recently.

"I often marvel how it is that though each man loves himself beyond all else, he should yet value his own opinion of himself less than that of others"
Marcus Aurelius

Wooo Hooo!

2005-08-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

We now officially have a 43Things Team blog called All Things Good and Positive!
WELCOME!