Small Steps . . . In Several Directions

I usually post others' articles here. Since weight loss has been such a difficult issue for me, I didn't feel I had much to add to this discussion. But recently, I am making strides in weight loss, healthy living and being at peace with myself.
A couple years ago I started a vegetable garden. I always "tried" to be healthy, but it seemed like a huge effort. And whenever I saw sweets, my efforts were derailed. But I am finally doing better by eating my home-grown vegies and fruit, as well as buying locally grown vegetables and fruit, sometimes I even splurge for organic if the price is reasonable.
I am eating more whole grains and I started buying more low-fat items. The non-fat Greek yogurt tastes better than the full fat regular yogurt. I guess we have to experiment a little to find healthy foods that we like. My husband is diabetic, so after two years of going without rice, he finally decided that brown rice and grains are not so bad. Personally, I've gotten to the point where processed food actually tastes bad to me. That helps a lot.
I decided that I am not giving up coffee anymore. There is more evidence that it is good for you than there is that it is bad. Plus, drinking coffee helps you lose weight, especially if you drink it in the morning, then wait two hours to eat breakfast.
I am also eating less. It was hard at first. I don't really like to waste food, so my doctor's suggestion of throwing 1/5 of the food on my plate into the garbage didn't work. My secret is a sweet treat after dinner. Knowing I'm going to have something later has helped me cut down to where I am eating half as much. The sweet treat is usually healthy: low fat ice cream or sorbet. I don't feel like I am depriving myself anymore. I think that is the key.
I've also been exercising. I have an elyptical machine. I walk a lot and cleaning the house and/or gardening is actually pretty good exercise.
But perhaps the most important thing I am doing is working on my dreams. I am trying to get a good draft of my novel done. This is a dream I have had for years, and the time I spend writing or thinking about writing is time I am not thinking about eating.
So . . . Relax . . . Enjoy your life . . . Have fun with your family . . . But most important, start making your dreams come true.
Life is good. It is meant to be enjoyed. Like the song says "Don't worry. Be happy."

Travel Dreams, Get on the Right Track

DreamCast: Travel Dreams, Get on the Right Track for the New Year
December 25, 2011
By Cortney Litwin
Are You on the Right Path?

Are you on the right path, one that will lead to joy, prosperity and success in the coming year? The answer can be found within your dreams. After all, your dreams are reflections of your desires, needs and aspirations, as well as messengers from your Higher Self.

Travel dreams are particularly revealing about your life path. Dreaming of a plane (the greater perspective), train (getting on track) or automobile (what’s driving you) will reveal if you’re headed in the right direction, if you need to get clear about your direction, or if you need a change of direction. Pay special attention to how you feel within the dream (and upon waking), who is doing the driving, and the condition of the vehicle and roads. These clues will help uncover the dream’s message.

Feeling Lost

Annie in New York City obviously needs some clarity about her direction. She writes:

I have a recurring dream of being lost in the subway and unable to find the right train to get home. If I could just once succeed in my dream, I feel it would be a breakthrough. Is there something I can do? I’m stuck.

Typically, subterranean locations, like Annie’s subway, symbolize the subconscious. Being lost underground points to hidden emotions that are blocking her ability to get home (choose the right path). If Annie can discover what is hindering her ability to move forward, she’ll find her way “home.”

Taking Control

In dreams, the driver of the vehicle is the one in control. If you’re not in the driver’s seat, look to see who is influencing your choices. Betsi in Prescott Valley, Arizona, is in the process of creating a new path for herself—if she doesn’t let some emerging fears derail her progress. She writes:

I have been married 30 years and I recently opened my own small business. In my dream I’m sitting in the backseat of my husband’s jeep, and he’s driving. It’s nighttime, and he’s looking for a street. He drives down one street that ends up being fenced off, so he drives further and finally parks between a blue trailer and a house, which is a very tight fit. He opens the door to the jeep, extends his hand to me and says, “This is where you get out; it’s time for you to die.” I slap his arm and tell him “No!” because I’m scared. What does this mean?

Stepping out of your old life and into something new is often scary, especially if it affects another person. Because her husband was driving, Betsi may be overly influenced by his feelings. She may also be afraid to exhibit her independence (stepping out of the Jeep), which will allow her old self to pass away—likely a good thing, because it would be a “very tight fit” if she let her fears prevent her from growing.

Accidents and Car Trouble

If something is amiss with your dream vehicle, something is likely amiss with your inner or outer life as well. Recently divorced, Carmen from San Diego, California is likely struggling with some emotional issues. She relays this dream:

I am driving my car with other people, when all of a sudden the car overheats and I see smoke coming out of the engine. I stop and ask for help.

The overheated engine and asking for help indicate that that Carmen needs assistance in dealing with her anger. Seeking the advice from a therapist or trusted friend will help jumpstart her new life.

Dreaming of an accident is another sign that you’re headed for trouble, and that it’s time to take a good look at where you’re headed and/or how you’re getting there. Nazela in Georgetown, Guyana witnessed an accident in the following dream:

I dreamed that people were killed when a trash truck crashed into a house.

This succinct dream points to some “trash” in Nazela’s life, such as a negative attitude, habit, situation or person that she needs to release so she can move forward.

On the Right Track

If you’ve eliminated the “trash” from your life and are ready for a fresh start, you may have an encouraging dream that shows you’re headed in the right direction.

Lil from Orange, Connecticut had such a dream. She writes:

I am the driver of a long train. The road is good, and there is clear water on the side of the road.

As the conductor of the train, Lil is making decisions based on her own inner guidance. The good road symbolizes a good path, while the clear water symbolizes emotional clarity, which will enable her to see where she needs to go and make good choices about her direction.

May your own direction be true, your choices clear, and your path unimpeded in 2012 and beyond.

Take Control of Your Life in 2012

Take Control of Your Life in 2012
December 30, 2011
By Holly Allender Kraig
Your Life Doesn’t Just Happen, You Make It Happen

With this year on its way out, I envision who will I be this time next year. Will I be stronger? Will I get over my anger issues? Will I lose the weight? Now here’s the difference between me today and a few years ago: now I can firmly answer “Yes!” to all those questions. Here’s why: I took control over my life.

Psychic Liam has empowered people all over the world to take more responsibility in their lives. In his video, Liam tells the story of one women who realized through working with Liam how she has allowed things to “just happen” to her. Have you ever said, “I don’t know. It just happened!” That’s a pretty lame excuse for not taking control of your life.

As my mom told me after I broke the vase, “Holly, things don’t break on their own.” Same as your life. It can’t break down without agreeing to let it break down! So this next year, are you going to agree to let yourself continue to break your life? Are you going to agree to “just let it happen?” Or would you like new ways to take control of your life?

1. Get Help!

The definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So look very closely at what you do when you encounter change, crisis or an issue. Do you go for the cigarette immediately when bad news hits? Do you immediately call your best friend to gossip about the drama you now find yourself in? I’m willing to bet these don’t help. Get real help! Find real solutions. My favorite methods are talking with a psychic, writing it down, hypnotherapy, NLP sessions, massage therapy, exercising and screaming (at the top of my lungs driving down the highway). This year, find new ways to solve old problems. And you’re not weak, stupid or wrong to ask for help. Anyone who tells you different can talk to me.

2. Catch Yourself

This year, I’ve learned to be more aware of what I’m doing, when I’m doing it and asking myself, “Why am I doing this?” In a meeting, if I get annoyed, I immediately catch myself and ask, “Why are you so annoyed?” When my husband does something that annoys me, I ask myself about it before I jump down his throat. Yoga and NLP are great ways to explore how to become more mindful of your actions, emotions and reactions.

3. Change Your Perspective

How long have you been upset at your sister, family member or friend? Do you even remember why you are? Do you get angry or dread going into work? Do you know why? It’s time to change your perspective. Between catching yourself and asking for help, you will be well on your way. But now is the time to also question how you think about stuff.

There are really good reasons why you’re angry, defensive and/or emotional. You just need to take the time to understand why. When you do, you’ll be empowered with information to change your life. It might even be time to change your perspective or update your out-of-date thinking. Psychic Liam is great at helping getting to the root of issues and uncovering new paths. With his background, he can help open doors that you never knew existed. (Don’t just take my word for it! Call Liam and find out for yourself!)

Find out who you really are, embrace it and have a wonderful New Year celebrating the wonderful You!

Why Positive Thinking Can Heal
By Psychic Verbena
March 24, 2011
Consciousness and the New Biology

In his groundbreaking book The Biology of Belief, Bruce H.Lipton, Ph.D. uses the leading edge biological science of epigenetics to demonstrate why and how what we believe and what we think about affects our physical reality, right down to the healthy function of individual cells.

Maybe you’re already convinced about the power of positive thinking and the effects of the Law of Attraction, but if you’re like me and like to have a few facts and a smattering of logic to support what you intuitively understand, then you’re going to want to read Lipton’s book.

Lipton doesn’t just talk about new biological theories, either. He’s an epic myth-buster in several areas, using the latest science to help us move light years beyond the ideas of Newton and Descartes and into the leading edge of scientific thought in the 21st century.

His book is so compelling that every time I found Lipton’s detailed scientific proofs a bit daunting and skipped ahead in a chapter, I found myself so amazed by his conclusions that I inevitably went back and read what I’d skipped.

Starting with a new understanding of the role of our genetic strands of DNA, which until recently was believed to be the primary cause or director of cell behavior, Lipton painstakingly builds a clear, comprehensible scientific case for the new belief that the primary cause of cell behavior is its response to its environment.

This completely trashes the idea that humans – or, indeed any living things – are helpless victims of genetic programming (remember the movie “Jurassic Park”?). Your physical body is not a machine endlessly replicating programmed behavior, but rather a collection of individually conscious cells which, through a complex system of intercommunication, work together for the health and well-being of the whole (you).

Next, he explains how the new physics, quantum mechanics, interacts with biology to remind us that solid matter is not actually solid, that it is at its core pure energy. As Lipton says, “…we do not live in a universe with discrete [sic] physical objects separated by dead space. The Universe is one, indivisible, dynamic whole [author’s italics] in which energy and matter are so deeply entangled it is impossible to consider them as independent elements.”

This concept is a key to how your thoughts affect not only your health but the unfolding reality of the world around you!

For the next important concept, Lipton refers us to scientist Candace Pert’s book Molecules of Emotion, the ideas in which were featured in the mind-blowing 2004 movie What the Bleep Do We Know? Pert’s studies of how the brain interacts with the body revealed that your mind, rather than existing solely in your head, is actually distributed throughout your body via signal molecules. And, even more important, her studies show that the larger self-consciousness of your forebrain can intentionally use the rest of your physical brain to “generate ‘molecules of emotion’” which can override the unconscious, faulty programming which many agree produces unhappiness or disease.

These “molecules of emotion” are key to understanding why traditional ideas about positive thinking often don’t work, especially over a sustained period of time. Most popular positive thinking focuses on your rational mind through self-talk, but it’s actually the chemical reactions created by your emotional responses that are most important, and your emotional responses are usually triggered or controlled by your beliefs.

Using the placebo effect (in which patients are cured by taking harmless substances which they believe are medicine) and the effectiveness of hypnosis as examples, Lipton next discusses the stages of human learning and the levels of consciousness in which they take place.

He describes the various frequencies of brain activity, from Delta (slowest) to Beta (fastest), which frequencies are typical at which ages, and why reprogramming of subconscious beliefs and retraining in positive thinking are most effective by accessing the Delta or Theta states, which are the normal frequencies for infants to six-year-olds. In adults, Delta state is reached in deep, dreamless sleep or deepest relaxation, which is why subliminal sleep programming can be so effective. Theta is reached in meditation.

In his epilogue, Lipton finally allows himself to cut loose and speculate about how these discoveries can positively impact our future, as individuals and as a society, bringing in everyone from Mickey Mouse as the sorcerer’s apprentice in “Fantasia” to Darwin through fractal geometry and Rumi, stirring them all together into vision to inspire even the most hardened cynic.

http://www.ivillage.com/rescue-your-resolutions-5/4-b-121626?nlcid=wh|12-27-2011|

http://www.ivillage.com/rescue-your-resolutions-5/4-b-121626?nlcid=wh|12-27-2011|

How to Handle Unrealistic Relatives at Christmas

How to Handle Unrealistic Relatives at Christmas
by Robert Preston

Robert Preston is a professional writer who majored in journalism at The College of New Jersey. In addition to work for various websites, Preston has done public relations with Major League Lacrosse's New Jersey Pride organization, where he served as the team's beat reporter.
By Robert Preston, eHow Contributor

updated January 31, 2011

Holiday gatherings can be joyous occasions, with relatives coming from afar to be together and share a meal. But a family gathering can bring as many headaches as it does smiles, particularly when you must deal with a difficult relative. One of the more frustrating experiences at a Christmas gathering is dealing with a family member who has unrealistic expectations and demands. Whether commenting on the gifts, the food or the weather, an unrealistic guest always has something to complain about.

Instructions

1. Prepare responses to problems a complainer is likely to find in foreseeable areas, such as the food.
* 2 Remain calm when dealing with the unrealistic guest. Responding with anger or complaints of your own will escalate the problem.
* 3 Take breaks away from the unrealistic family member when possible.
* 4 Ignore the complaints on a personal level. As you anticipate the member with unrealistic expectations to find faults, it becomes easier to prevent his or her complaints from upsetting you.
* 5 Deflect complaints when possible by pre-empting them or agreeing. Making a simple statement like, "The biscuits are a bit overcooked" as they are brought out can cut the complainer off before he or she starts.
* 6 Remember that your time with the complainer is temporary. This realization can help keep you calm as things get irritating.
* 7 Have an exit plan, such as a specific time you must be on the road, if you are not the host.
* 8 Relax in the days after the family's visit. Failing to properly unwind from the stress of dealing with a difficult relative can cast a shadow that hangs for weeks if you don't allow for a proper relaxation period.

* Life Coach TrainingErickson.edu/Coach-Training
Professional ICF Coach Training. The Gold Standard of Coaching!

Read more: How to Handle Unrealistic Relatives at Christmas | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7875582_handle-unrealistic-relatives-christmas.html#ixzz1hIyk9OdE

5 Steps to Letting Things Go

5 Steps to Letting Things Go
December 17, 2011 By Psychic Yemaya
Let Go to Find Happiness!

We are moving in a very fast paced world these days, and if we aren’t careful, it’s much too easy to get stuck! It’s hard to know when you yourself are stuck; however, a few clues or symptoms are: you feel confused about “what to do,” and no matter how you try to make yourself think about “moving forward” away from the person, place or thing that’s holding you back from being happy… you still go right back to the old behaviors.
One popular definition of “insanity” is to keep going back to the same thing, doing the same thing, over and over and somehow expecting a different result. Once you realize in your intelligential mind that some thing, some place, or SOMEONE, is bad for you, how can you make yourself let go and move forward? Use these five steps!

1. Clearly simply knowing something is bad for you is not enough. You need to gather the evidence and the proof. I will write down the things that I KNOW for sure, events, situations, moments and the way they made me feel in that moment. If it applies, then perhaps asking your friends and loved ones to supply their notes or moments for your “proof” box. Get a box or container and gather these.

2. In order to “let go” of something, it helps us to “see” what will take that place. So come up with ideas of what to do with your time, how you can use the space, or what you will do differently ONCE that negative energy is gone from your life. I like to decorate the outside of that “letting go” box with these things, but I’m an artsy-crafty kinda gal. You can make a list, or whatever allows you to compare them.

3. Now is the deeper work of deciding HOW to best take action. What do YOU need to do, buy, create, say, to move the game piece forward on this? You need to sit down and come up with three to five solid steps to take, and the timelines of when to take them; it will then start to become “doable.” Now commit to yourself the date you WILL take the first step. Mark that on your calendar, and remember to keep actively reviewing this process and your calendar with updates for the next steps.

4. Stay honest with yourself. Stay on the deadlines you create… if you cannot do that, then it’s time to admit that you cannot control this aspect of your life, and seek the help or counsel of someone that can help you to face up to this change.

5. Don’t be afraid of conflict or emotion. Avoiding those can keep you stuck, and being stuck can be like being in a jail cell which you yourself created!

Most of all, love yourself, and remember that you deserve to be happy, and that you are the one that creates your life, and no one can hurt you without your permission! It’s time to change!
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi

Coach Sherrie says: I need this advice as much as anyone does! 8-) Sherrie

Get Busy Working Towards the Dream! by Carmen Honacker

Stop the BS and Grow
December 11, 2011
By Carmen Honacker
Stop Feeling Sorry for Yourself and Get Busy Working Towards the Dream!

The top killers in the US, and quite arguably in the Western World, are heart attacks, diabetes and obesity. What do all of these have in common? Well, stress, of course! And what causes continuously high stress levels that can no longer be dealt with by the body? Being unhappy, feeling powerless, not getting what you want in life and feeling stuck.

How we feel and perceive the world creates our reality, and therefore determines how successful, happy and healthy we are. A twisted mind causes a twisted heart and body! And please, let’s not start with the excuse of happy people getting sick as well. I will always argue that a sick mind and soul are the top reasons for most chronic conditions, such as asthma, fibromyalgia, headaches, chest pains, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, etc.

Let me share how the chain reaction started and then progressed over seven years. I started out with a sick upbringing, which created a sick way of perceiving the world and those in it. I had no tools to attract good things, because I also had no knowledge of what “happy” looked like. I felt most comfortable with other broken people, because they allowed me to shift the focus away from me, as I tried to help them get well. Of course, this plan never worked; instead I kept finding myself betrayed, abandoned, back-stabbed and used; which made me more and more angry, hurt and feeling hopeless and powerless. The more powerless I felt, the less I spoke up and tried to fight back. Instead, I bottled it up, until my body started to become sicker and sicker. I had no energy anymore, which made me not want to move, but sleep all the time. Being inactive made me gain weight, which made me feel worse. Then I started developing asthma, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I had heart palpitations, chest pains, joint pains and headaches all the time; at one point (six years ago) I had a nervous breakdown, and ended up hospitalized for two weeks. Finally, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Years went by, in which my health would go up and down. The more stress I experienced, the worse things would get for me physically. The doctors would run more tests, give me anti-anxiety meds and steroids and send me on my merry way. My negative experiences and outlook literally turned my body into a toxic dump that was no longer able to properly dispose of stress (hence, high cortisol levels, because my adrenals were working non-stop). I had to make a conscious decision to get well, because I was, in the truest sense, sick and tired.

“Take the time for an honest life review as the most significant modifications are made from the inside out.” – Faith ext. 9608

I have talked about it many times, and feel it is important to repeat it: there has to be some kind of light that goes on in one’s head. Some people may call it rock-bottom, others may call it being tired of their own BS, but there has to be a moment of complete self-awareness. I call it the “oh-shit” moment. As long as people are still afforded some kind of comfort by feeding their own misery and story, they will not shift and continue with their patterns, no matter how miserable they are.

In the past three years, I have finally reached almost all the goals I have set. I finally found the career I wanted, with a company that rivals Yahoo in pay, environment and responsibilities. I am starting my new job on the first of November. I found the man that fits who I am and loves me unconditionally, and I married him. I resolved some of my left-over issues with therapy; I now know how to properly set boundaries. I have disposed of all people, situations and circumstances that were toxic to me, because I finally had the proper tools in my tool belt to do so. I started Pilates, after I completed almost two years of personal training, and bought a bicycle, which I love riding down to the beach. I started meditation again. I sold my house and moved with my husband to a beautiful, amazingly designed and huge space in Playa Vista, with a bathroom the size of a small country!

I left no stone unturned. I didn’t sit on my butt, feeling sorry for myself and waiting for things to magically change or come to me. I did whatever I had to, and while there are still things left to do, I am sure as hell a whole lot closer. I went through a lot, but I’m living the American dream, because I worked my butt off for it. And if I can do it, so can you!

“Going within and becoming the best of who you are is a spiritual goal.” – TeriLynn

Easily Find Self-Fulfillment

Easily Find Self-Fulfillment
December 8, 2011
By S.K. Smith
Finding Fulfillment in the Process of Self-Improvement

Unlike the bulk of the other items on your day-to-day checklist of things to do, self-improvement is actually fun—and fulfilling. There’s no downside. Plus, it can generate change across the board in your life… anywhere you direct it, in fact! If you’re having trouble shifting gears from taking care of everyone else to taking care of yourself, it’s time to look at self work in a new way—as play. Here are three ways to do just that and incorporate some much needed me-time into your busy life in the process!

Shift Your Approach

Every team has a star player—and in your life, that’s you! Instead of putting everyone else first and telling yourself that you can afford to let your own needs slide (after all, you won’t be letting anyone down but yourself), get your head in the game, STAT! If you want to succeed in love, at work, as a parent or in any aspect of life it’s vital to be your best you. So instead of looking at your self-work as one more thing to add to your tedious to-do list, adjust your perception and instill this message in yourself as well as everyone around you: reflective, meditative “me-time” is good for everybody and everybody needs to take it. Not only will you taste the victory of taking control of your own life, you’ll have begun to shift the energetic playing field for everyone else!

Implement Your Strategy

Now that you’ve acknowledged your own need for fulfillment it’s time to put your game plan into action. Prioritize taking time for your own personal growth. That doesn’t mean squeezing in an hour to watch TV at night or having dinner with friends while your spouse watches the kids (though that stuff is important sometimes too), it means valuing yourself as an individual with wants, needs and dreams which need to acknowledged, evaluated and sometimes, adjusted. Balance is the goal of this game and if you can visualize how it will feel when you achieve it, you’ll be eager to get started. Remember, this isn’t meant to be torturous. Any activities you undertake for your own highest good should make you feel relaxed, present and reflective. Sure, you’re going to shake things up when you delve deep, but struggle leads to catharsis. Which is why you should.

Have No Fear

It’s not all fun and games when you’re facing down your demons. And while you may encounter some aspects of yourself you don’t particularly like when you’re totally honest with yourself – nobody’s perfect after all – you will probably find that the deeper you go, the more tension you release. A good cry goes a long way to alleviating years of pent up frustration and anger. Besides, what didn’t kill you the first time certainly can’t kill you now. The old adage is true, it can only make you stronger. So rather than running from your opponent (whether it be your own self-destructive patterns, a fear of change or anything else), recognize that you are up to the challenge of defeating it and remember: the prize—a life of endless possibilities—is truly worth it!

Anxiety Treatment Exercises by Ashley Brooks

Anxiety Treatment Exercises
Ashley Brooks

Ashley 'Ash' Brooks is a writer living in the Midwest. She has worked in the writing industry for over five years as a writer, editor and teacher. Brooks enjoys writing about animals (preferably cats), mental health, spirituality and computers. She has been published on Ehow.com. Brooks has a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing and a Master' of Arts in composition and rhetoric,
By Ashley Brooks, eHow Contributor

updated December 01, 2011
Exercises that help you relieve anxiety.

Anxiety disorders affect millions of people and are the most common mental illness in the United States. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America website, there are a number of effective therapies and exercises available to treat the symptoms of anxiety. Self-help exercises that you can practice to lessen the symptoms of your anxiety include guided meditation, breathing exercises and relaxation exercises.
Related Searches:

* Muscle Exercises
* How to Reduce Anxiety

1. Guided Meditations
*Meditation is a practice that is highly praised by business executives, religious leaders, spiritual healers and everyday people. The difference between guided and unguided meditation is that guided meditation give you a kind of script to follow while you meditate. You are given visual clues, encouragement and techniques to control your breathing and ease your stress. Guided meditations can help you cope with anxiety as the technique has been shown to reduce the heart rate, create a sense of calm and well-being, and promote a positive self-image. The resources section at the end of this article provides links to websites that offer guided meditations for you to use at your leisure. When doing a guided meditation, remember you only need about five to ten minutes. If you're suffering from anxiety, it is helpful to try a meditation before entering into a situation that you find stressful, such as being around large groups of people or being in a small area.

Breathing Exercises
*According to the article "5 Simple Exercises for Managing Anxiety" by Therese J. Borchard, breathing from your diaphragm creates a sense of well-being and calm. For this reason, when you begin feeling anxious, focus on slowing down your breathing and pushing that air deeper into your lungs. This will ease your rising tension and help you bring yourself back to the present. HolisticOnline.com's article "Breathing Exercises" suggests you stand with your feet shoulder width apart and inhale slowly while raising your hands above your head. Exhale, and turn your hands up toward the sky. Inhale once more and slowly rotate your hands back toward the ground, and slowly lower your arms while feeling the air rush out from your nostrils. You can repeat this exercise in sets for more effectiveness, as the technique forces you to focus on your breathing and your body, keeping your attention away from your worries.

Relaxation Exercises
*The MayoClinic.com article "Relaxation Techniques" presents a number of relaxation techniques you can use when you feel your anxiety levels rising. You should also consult your physician or a mental health professional to give you addition tips and techniques, especially if you begin feeling uncomfortable or distressed while performing these techniques.

You can use visualization to reduce anxiety by imagining yourself in a serene environment. Visualization is a somewhat misleading term, because although you imagine what the place looks like, you also involve all of your senses and imagine what the place feels and smells like. For example, if your place of serenity is an open field looking out over a green valley, you'd not only see the valley but also smell the slightly sweet scent of clover in the air, and you'd feel the wind running softly against your skin. Initially, you may have difficulties making the "image" stick, but relaxation exercises take practice; the more you do them, the stronger they'll be.

You can also try progressive muscle relaxation, in which you tense up groups of muscles (such as your upper arm muscles) and slowly relax them. You can do this throughout your whole body starting with your feet and ending with your face. (You may be surprised how much tension you carry in your face.) Progressive muscle relaxation can also help you fall asleep if anxiety makes it difficult for you to fall asleep.

Read more: Anxiety Treatment Exercises | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5626221_anxiety-treatment-exercises.html#ixzz1fQAjJkXw

Thanksgiving

New post on Search for Soul
Thanksgiving
by sampatron

OK, so everyone in the U.S. knows that tomorrow is Thanksgiving. For those not in the U.S. or not familiar with the day, it’s when we “officially” take a holiday to express gratitude for all the things we have in our lives.

Many of us think that means only the good things and not everything, but, as much as I’d rather not be grateful for everything, or even some things, in my life, I have to admit that even the “bad times” have had some positive outcomes. Generally not immediately, but after a while, sometimes quite a while.

Ordinarily I avoid jumping on the bandwagon with these highly publicized holidays but this one is different. In spite of the fact that commerce has promoted excess consumption in the form of food, it’s the closest we come to a “pure” holiday, that is, not ruled by consumerism. That’s changing, though, and it’s sad.

Traditionally, Christmas shopping has begun on the Friday after Thanksgiving, which is always the fourth Thursday of November. It’s called Black Friday because there’s enough money spent on that one day to keep some stores and businesses from ending their year in the red, or loss column of their balance sheet.

Now, however, businesses are either starting Black Friday at midnight, instead of waiting until regular business hours or even opening for business on the holiday itself, when the day is “supposed” to be spent with family and in gratitude for them, or – horrors! – advertising and using Black Friday sale prices before Thanksgiving itself.

Since I’m against excess in almost all cases, I’ll try not to let this post get excessive and get to my point quickly. That is, in this society so often characterized by complaint and grousing, I suggest that you try finding just one thing – one thing – that you normally would complain about and find something in it to be grateful for, to give thanks for.

Maybe it’s that your kids are always leaving their things lying around; be thankful that they have things to leave around and that you’re able to provide them with those things.

Maybe your husband/mate too often comes home late for dinner that you’ve slaved over; be grateful that he comes home.

I’m sure you get the idea, so find your own gripe to be thankful for and put your own spin on it.

Happy Thanksgiving.

LiveJournal Tags: Thanksgiving,thanksgiving,thanks,thanks for "bad" things,difficult times,holidays,excesses

The Power of Hope

Cultivate Hope During the Holidays
By Theresa Danna
Put the Happy in Happy Holidays

The word “hope” is mentioned often in Christmas songs of various genres: “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices” says one hymn; “Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope” according to a country song; and “Every hope is worth saving” claims a symphonic rock tune. Hope is a popular theme, one worth cultivating at any time of year.

The Power of Hope

In the book The Anatomy of Hope, author Jerome Groopman, M.D., writes that belief and expectation are two essential components of hope. Often when patients expect a particular drug or therapy to relieve their pain, they do experience relief—even if they are only given a placebo. Dr. Groopman explains that the placebo effect exists because belief and expectation actually block physical pain by releasing endorphins and enkephalins. He says that one spark of hope can set off a chain reaction in our bodies that helps the healing process.

Studies also show that the cultivation of hope has psychological benefits as well. Hopeful people do better in academics and athletics, for example, and experience less anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Holiday Hope

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Winter Solstice, each holiday has intertwining themes of light and hope. Light—in the form of stars, candles, or the sun—pierces darkness, offering the gift of hope. How will you cultivate your gift?

Karen Casey, author of the book Cultivating Hope, suggests keeping a journal of the times that others have reached out to you when you were afraid or troubled, giving you hope. Also record the times that you have provided a ray of hope to others. Write about how it feels on both the receiving end and giving end, so that you can become more aware of how hope works in your life.

Other ways to foster hope include reading stories of how hope has affected other people’s lives, such as the inspirational stories in the Chicken Soup series of books. Also, the holiday season is the best time of year to find movies on television that demonstrate hope and believing, ranging from classics like Miracle on 34th Street to more modern tales on the Hallmark and Lifetime networks.

If you don’t have time to read books or watch movies, try reading one or two brief motivational quotes each day. You can even have them delivered automatically through e-mail each day. Or simply post the word “Hope” or “Believe” someplace where you will see it often. And when you wake up each morning, say to yourself, “I believe something wonderful will happen to me today.”

“This may sound crazy but laughter is one of the greatest healers of all. Sometimes it’s better to put down the inspirational books and rent a bunch of DVD’s of stand up comedians. No plots, no romance just someone you think is really funny. Good comedians remind us just how absurd life can be. That, in itself is an inspiration.” – Chloe

If you are feeling depressed, a sense of control over your life will cultivate hope. Each day make small decisions and set attainable goals with full expectation and belief that you will accomplish them. Hope builds upon itself. The more you realize the power of hope in your life, the more hopeful you will feel.

Observe Hope in Action

If you do only one thing this holiday season to cultivate hope, let it be this: go to a mall and watch children as they stand in line to visit Santa Claus. You would be hard pressed to find any other place at this time of year where belief and expectation are demonstrated more strongly. Those kids have no doubt that Santa will deliver.

“There are many ways to celebrate, consider if you may need to release familiar obligations if they do not bring you joy, in order to find your own space to create holiday happiness!” – Yemaya

Avoid Family Drama on Thanksgiving

Avoid Family Drama on Thanksgiving
November 18, 2011
By Psychic Yemaya

How Not to Hit Your Sister Over the Head With the Fire Truck

Family challenges are truly some of the most difficult spiritual tests, as they last your whole life, yet these relationships tend to be the ones that can bring the most joy… or heartbreak. If we see life as a school, and each relationship, job, or social situation, as a particular “class,” we shift our perspective. This can give you the “space” to look at it without the dramatic history… and this tool can help you to curb your own reactions, disappointments, or even anger that may come up during “A Family Thanksgiving.”

1. Perception

Sit down and list the potential challenges for the upcoming celebration, whether those are individual relationships, the family dynamics, or smaller issues; about food, or how you “do” or “don’t do” something. No matter what form that challenge would take, add it to the list. Now step outside of the history that creates that drama, look at the situation as an outsider, and try to see why the people involved choose to hold on to that behavior or attitude? It usually boils down to their limitations. I love the saying; “there is no such thing as rejection, only other people’s limitations” it is true. If you can let go of the need to change the situation or that person, and accept that they are indeed limited in their ability to control that action, suddenly the drama balloon is deflated!

2. Compassion

It is so easy to judge another, especially if they are sitting in judgment of you! However, if you can find the compassion to try to understand what has happened to that person that could have caused them to be “limited” in their understanding, you can start to feel less irritation, and more compassion. To accept “why” they do or say these things does not lessen you. To accept them “as they are” does not mean you agree with what they say or do. To let them unveil their limitation in their words or deeds, does not mean they are “right.” It just means you are strong and confident enough to let them have their drama without buying a ticket to ride in it!

3. Being Right

It is a human drive to speak our opinions, our feelings, and to move to “correct” what we see as “wrong,” yet if we take away the concept of “right and wrong” (which is rarely an absolute truth) that same action is just a “joining in” to the drama. It escalates the negative energy, and infects all who hear or see it with the heaviness of it. I have a saying, “Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?” It is its own reward to simply be free of a “reaction” to negative actions or words.

By being compassionate, using a more spiritual perspective, we can find much more joy in our family gatherings, and set a much healthier example! You could change the future of your family gatherings one small quiet moment, by moment.

By Krishna Bill Tap the Limitless Source of Empowerment Within Yourself

Turn On Your True Power With Psychic Aid!
By Krishna Bill
Tap the Limitless Source of Empowerment Within Yourself and Conquer Life

What is empowerment? What is true power? What’s the best way to understand and fully manifest our own power?

These are critical questions facing all of us, especially in this trying time in history. We opened this question up to our psychics to see what they had to say on the issue, and got some excellent responses:

Cameron says:

“We all have creative power. Everyone is a creator. If you decide that you’re going to make pasta for dinner tonight, you’re a creator because you have to ‘create’ that meal. We’re creating all the time. We may often feel that we’re victimized by the circumstances around us and feel powerless, not realizing that we’re even creating how we think about a situation. We often have no idea how to fully manifest our power.

“The first thing that must be understood is that there’s a power within all of us that’s not ‘given’ by the world, and can’t be taken away. It exists, and runs through us, and we’re using that power all the time. However, just because we have power doesn’t mean that we feel ‘empowered.’ It’s our choice whether to use that power to our benefit, or to be too critical or hard on ourselves, affirming that we can’t do something we’d like to do.

“The best way to manifest power is to accept the fact that you’re extremely powerful, and that your creative power, when focused correctly, can transform your life. But in order to do this, you have to look at what you focus on, what you’re using your power to create. When you truly know how powerful you are, you finally understand that the only person who has to accept how powerful you are is you. And when you do, miracles happen.”

Anasela says:

“We’re already empowered!

“I believe we get lost in the debris of how, when, where or to whom empowerment gravitates to. Remember a moment when you wanted something so badly, and you went after it and it manifested? Remember how it felt? That was a moment of self-empowerment.

“See it, believe it, be fearless with your intent and, most importantly, accept it. The blessing with manifesting your own power is that energy will empower everyone around you.”

Shauna says:

“Manifesting your own power happens simultaneously with the recognition of your own truth. When you realize that there is a path to follow, or life requires you to break through old conditioning, it’s about deciding to manifest that individual path, change, or environment. It’s beyond the law of attraction.

“It’s a major step in re-assembling the blueprint of your future intention, not someone else’s. Intention, combined with images and your own voice, activates the gates of the Universe to make lasting changes in your life. If you want to change your relationship, then decide to do so. If you want to change careers, then decide to do so. This opens the floodgates to bring to you what you need in perfect and miraculous ways.

“Don’t doubt or try to figure out whether it’s possible or not. Realize what your truth is. Is your life controlled by your ‘I’ or someone else’s ‘I’? Is someone or a situation setting limits or boundaries on what you can achieve? Do you feel unworthy of receiving? It’s your God-given right to create and manifest your heart’s desire. Once you know what your heart’s desire is, then decide to manifest it. Think about the strongest influences in your life now. Which one drags or holds you back? Which one inspires you to go for it? Get rid of the levels ‘stuck,’ ‘guilt,’ ‘helpless’ or ‘unworthy.’ You are a miracle created by the Universal Creator, the One. You have to realize that you are not dependent on anyone except this positive life-force within you. Using that force to self-discipline and self-realize, you have the power to manifest your intention.

“Think about this. There is a tribe of American Indians who live in the southwest desert. They depend on the power of prayer to bring rain to their crops. They have to rain dance, pray, and wait for the rain to come. They have no doubt, no fear. A woman who was fortunate to eye-witness one of these ceremonies reported that out of a blue sky came a deluge of rain and the sun was still shining. You are as fully equipped as these Indians are.

“Affirmation: I let go of worn-out things and conditions, and I’m undisturbed by appearances. The tide of destiny has turned and my heart’s desire now manifests in my life in perfect and miraculous ways. My power is irresistible!”

What do power and empowerment mean to you?

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Laughter is the Best Medicine: Try Some!
November 4, 2011 at 5:00 pm By Donald Michael Kraig
The Power of Laughter to Cure Mind and Body

Late in his life, Norman Cousins, world famous author, professor, and journalist, developed a painful disease his doctors told him he had little hope of surviving. As part of his self-prescribed treatment, Cousins, the Adjunct Professor of Medical Humanities for the School of Medicine at UCLA, locked himself in a room and watched Marx Brothers comedy movies. As he revealed in his book, Anatomy of an Illness, he discovered that ten minutes of “genuine belly laughter” would result in hours of pain-free sleep. He ended up living for many productive years, eventually succumbing to another ailment.

Is laughter really the best medicine? Clearly, by itself, laughing won’t cure what ails you. But, in conjunction with other forms of medicine, laughter and having a good sense of humor is invaluable. Here are just a few things that laughter does that are beneficial for improving your health and keeping you healthy:

1. Exercise. When you have a big belly laugh you exercise the diaphragm (the biggest muscle in the body), as well as your abdominal muscles and even your shoulder muscles. The movement of the diaphragm helps your breathing and increases air flow. A good laugh is actually good exercise for your heart and lungs.

2. Stress, Hormones and More. The body produces lots of hormones. Some hormones, such as cortisol, epinephrine, dopamines and others increase stress levels. Laughter has been shown to reduce the formation of these hormones, thus preventing the increase of your stress levels and the negative effects of stress. At the same time, laughter increases hormones such as endorphins which increase feeling of well being and lower stress levels. Since increased stress levels are associated with stomach problems, insomnia, asthma, fatigue, high blood pressure, psoriasis, and even some types of heart disease and alcoholism, it is clear that laughter can help you in conjunction with your regular medical therapy.

(“Whatever it is that is causing you stress, most likely it is there to teach you a lesson. If you are feeling continued stress then you aren’t paying attention. Sometimes the truth stings a bit.” – William)

Laughter also increases the quantity of disease fighting antibodies and enhances the ability of your T Cells to fight disease. It makes your immune system stronger and more effective.

3. Mental Clearing. After a good laugh you have a physical and emotional release, making you better able to deal with illness, stress, and just daily life. Laughing lets you look at the stressful events in your life differently, so you are less likely to face the negative impact of anger, disappointment, stress, guilt, and other negative emotions. And when you’re laughing and feeling good about yourself other people will be attracted to you and you’ll increase your circle of friends.

There’s no doubt about it, laughter is fantastic for your mental and physical well being. But is there a right way to laugh for health?

How to Laugh

Just little giggles or snorts for a second or two don’t seem to have the health effects that can be brought on by deep laughter. Instead, you need a good, long, drawn-out belly laugh, the type where your sides hurt (from exercising the muscles) or your eyes tear. Laughing like this for just ten minutes a day can literally change your life.

But what if you don’t feel like laughing? Studies show that if you fake your laughter it can be just as good as a real laugh. So go ahead and fake laugh. Do it enough and you’ll probably start laughing for real, anyway.

A recent study at UC Berkeley and the University of Zurich showed that people who can laugh at themselves are more cheerful, less serious, and had better moods throughout the day. So learn to laugh at yourself and not take yourself so seriously. You’ll be happier and healthier.

Finally, here is my 100% non-medical, unofficial prescription for improved health, better healing, more friends, and a happier life: Take time out to be silly every day. If you haven’t been silly, take a silly break. Learn to laugh at yourself and the world around you. Laugh by yourself and with your friends and family. Make them big, joyous, belly laughs.

And best of all, you don’t need insurance and you won’t be charged a co-pay. Laughter is free. So for the price, laughter is the best medicine.

“Be kind and forgiving of yourself. We are all human and we all make mistakes.” – Rivers

Donald Michael Kraig graduated from UCLA with a degree in philosophy, and has become a certified hypnotherapist and Master NLP practitioner. His book, Modern Magick, is the most popular step-by-step course in real magick ever published.

Experience the Spiritual Power of Gratitude and Thankfulness

Gratitude, Not Attitude
November 2, 2011
By Krishna Bill
Experience the Spiritual Power of Gratitude and Thankfulness

Gratitude: We know it’s one of the most important keys to life and personal growth. But it can be hard to stay grateful when life throws so many challenges at us. We asked our psychics what the best way to practice and remain in gratitude was, and got some incredible responses.

Dawn shares:

“Gratitude. You can experience it a hundred times a day if you want to, but it has to become a conscious choice. It’s easy to experience the feeling of gratitude when someone does something kind for you. Thankfulness for small kindnesses can be automatic and expected—but when was the last time you looked down at the shoes on your feet and thought ‘Wow… how blessed I am to have shoes on my feet when millions of people don’t?’ We all have difficult days, we all are handed many challenges to get through and overcome. But the power of gratitude can lift you from the depths of darkness right back into the brightest light there is. The trick is to wake up. Look around and see the world with new eyes. You will be amazed at how much lighter your heart and spirit will feel when you make a conscious choice to use the power of gratitude on a daily basis.”

Marin reminds us:

“The more you give, the more you receive! There is no end to the amount of gratitude one can give or receive.”

Faith says:

“When you find yourself in a difficult situation where you have a choice to make, challenge yourself to take a deep breath and choose gratitude. Through the act of forgiveness, divine intelligence will help you to let go and transcend the situation that you are finding painful. In time, you will once again move forward, having transcended the pain or upset you once experienced. Observe how much lighter you feel after having made your choice for gratitude. The path of grace is accessed through gratitude. Be grateful for the challenges that bring detours on your path. For as hard as that is to do, the challenges in your life take you to your most cherished sacred desires.”

Michael underlines the importance of being grateful to yourself, also:

“Take time to be grateful for choices in your life. Expressing gratitude for the ability to make a choice at any given time allows you to better understand the choice at hand, as well as empowering you by helping you take control of the choices you make. Do this as often as you can think about it—make it a living expression of gratitude.”

Lucy counsels us to watch the flow of the divine:

“Know that God is everywhere, including inside of you. Where you are today is exactly where you need to be.”

Mariposa says:

“Free will empowers each of us to choose our attitudes in each moment. Each morning, the first thing you choose is your attitude for the day. Did you wake up feeling grateful? If not, you have the choice in that aware moment to empower yourself with gratitude.

“Each morning I wake up and say, ‘I know nothing of today. Show me the truth, and I will be grateful for all opportunities, the good and the not so good.’

“We live in a time of great transformation, where we can assist the whole by choosing to be in gratitude for all things. Being in a state of gratitude, there are no judgments on what we are grateful for. We can help the world in letting go of guilt by choosing to be grateful for all things. A wise teacher once told me, ‘When you choose to see life with eyes of gratitude, you will not worry about tomorrow.’

“As we celebrate this season, may we all choose to be grateful for just being alive in this time of great change and not worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will become a reflection of our gratitude.”

And finally, Quinn sums it up for us:

“What is the best way to experience the power of gratitude in your life?

“By giving it.”

Balance: The Key to Happiness

The Keys to Bliss and Balance
By LJ Innes
Balance: The Key to Happiness

They say too much of anything is never a good thing, and it’s really true. Too much work, and even too much play, can throw us off balance and make other parts of our lives feel off and out of sync. What do you do to find balance?

It’s easy to get engrossed in things. Work projects, television shows, working out at the gym. Interests and passions can quickly turn to obsessions when we lose sight of everything else around us. When we know how to balance and prioritize our lives, putting the important things first, that’s when we can find our bliss. Of course life can’t be all bliss; even that would be out of balance, but being happy and fulfilled should be the norm in our lives, so that when the hard stuff comes and takes so much out of us in a short time, we have a reserve of balance and bliss within us to sustain us and get us through.

If you’re in a bad mood because you have to work all the time, and you can’t find time to work out, then you already know that the one thing you need to balance things out is making that time. Working out relieves tension, gives us an outlet for aggression, and the sheer act of putting ourselves first can be what we need most of all.

Being Selfish is a Good Thing

With all the time you give to others, friends, family, bosses, how much of that time do you spend on yourself? It’s a strange paradox, but when you spend time getting in touch with your own needs, people respond differently. If you see yourself as important you change the very mood around you. Your schedule opens up. People respect your space. And because you are balanced and happy, you have that blissful aura surrounding you, making everyone respond differently. People no longer vie to be on top of your list of priorities, because it is clear that you hold the top position. They are in awe of you, your beauty, and your power. If you don’t respect the importance of your time, then no one else will. You set the precedent.

(As Chloe says, “Being clear with yourself about what your boundaries are is the first step to living with dignity and spiritual focus.”)

Eat, Sleep, Exercise

Our bodies need to eat healthy, enjoy long, restful, uninterrupted sleep, and exercise. In the end all we have of any worth is our health. You need to eat, sleep and exercise and not push those aside for other non-nourishing things in our lives. Replenishment and rejuvenation gives you armor to fight disease, depression and a host of other bad things that try to invade your space. Leave them no room to roam. Fight them off before they attack.

(And as Faith says, “Letting go brings you into balance aligning you with your true self. It is the most natural experience on earth to let go of what is hurting you. Letting go frees your mind of the attachment, thereby filling you with peace.”)

Balance and Bliss

Finding the balance in all you do allows you to prioritize sensibly, make good decisions, divide your time wisely and gives you that overall feel of bliss. Reflect on your typical day. Do you have balance and bliss in your life?

It’s as Simple as 10-10-10

Quiz: Are You On the Right Path?
By Holly Allender
It’s as Simple as 10-10-10

Suzy Welch, author of 10-10-10, was not just having a bad day, but lots of things were not going the way she wanted. She needed something to help her make sense of her relationship with her husband, children and her career path. She no longer felt in control of her life or the decisions she needed to make. It felt like life was dictating to her instead of the other way around.

Through her enlightenment, you can find salvation to confusing or overwhelming situations in the following three questions she calls 10-10-10: “What are the consequences of each of my options in ten minutes? In ten months? In ten years?”

As I read this, a light suddenly dawned for me, and I immediately put the 10-10-10 idea into practice. I was unhappy at my job and was confused if I should quit. So as I was making my way home from work, I asked myself those three questions in relation to quitting my job. Here’s what I came up with projecting myself into the future me:

In 10 minutes: I would feel relief that it was over. The hardship and anxiety I had there would be in the past.

In 10 months: I was surprised to find that I felt regret. Regret that I didn’t try a few other things to improve the situation. Also, the pain of having to find another job.

In 10 years: None of it would really matter. I saw myself in a job I enjoyed and myself happy.

But it was that 10 months that stopped me from quitting immediately. I went back to work the next day determined to see the situation differently and find ways to make my life there better.

I really liked this system and thought I would try this with a friend who was very unhappy in her relationship. She had broken up with him many times and always got back together with him. So I asked her the 10-10-10 questions about breaking up with him forever. Here’s what she learned about herself:

In 10 minutes: She felt relief that it was over.

In 10 months: She still felt good that he was out of her life. No more issues or nagging guilt. She felt free from his tangled grip and manipulations.

In 10 years: He was a distant memory and no longer a thought in her life. She had moved on and let it all go.

She surprised herself by her answers, but she had found clarity in a muddy situation. That night, she broke up with her boyfriend. Although the following months after the break up were difficult, she never wavered from her vision and she did feel happy and free.

I have continued to use this in my arsenal of tools against confusion and when I’ve chunked up. Finding clarity allowed myself and others to feel more empowered in our decisions. It also helped make the issues more tangible, and a path was carved showing the next step.

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The Power of Paradox: Surrender and Prayer

The Power of Paradox: Surrender and Prayer
By Theresa Danna

Asking, Then Letting Go

Some of life’s best results come about through the power of paradox. Consider the solution to escaping from quicksand. When you realize you’re stuck in the sinking sand hole, your first instinct is to thrash your arms and legs to get out. But that strategy only forces your weight to sink further into the pit. The solution to getting out of quicksand is to maneuver slowly into a position that allows you to float on your back, on top of this unusual mixture of sand and water. Surrendering to the situation, rather than reacting in fear, brings forth the desired result.

Action Through Non-Action

In verse 22 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao-tzu explains that if you want to be given everything, then you must give up everything. The Chinese expression “wu wei” describes a non-action way of living through which you accept life, rather than forcing it. In his book Silent Power, Stuart Wilde teaches that non-action requires us to be patient and “wait for things to unfold naturally.”

To be patient, we have to replace fear with faith. Oftentimes when we pray, we have a specific goal in mind that we want spiritual forces to help us achieve. We ask for a certain amount of money to pay for something or for a specific physical illness to be healed.

However, ironically, this sort of directed prayer does not always bring forth the desired results. According to a study reported in Larry Dossey’s book Healing Words, nondirected prayer—meaning an approach to prayer that is more open-ended, without a specific outcome in mind—is more effective. The faith expressed in the style of prayer that says “Thy will be done” or “in the highest good for all” can be frightening at first, because you are saying you will accept whatever God or the Universe gives you. But the paradox is that surrender is actually empowering.

Giving Over, Not Giving Up

Janet Quinn, a nurse who works with people who have AIDS, is quoted in Healing Words as saying that giving up is like saying there’s nothing else to do. The result of giving up is despair. But surrendering is an active choice that results in a higher quality of life, or, in some cases, a higher quality of dying. The result of giving over is peacefulness.

Praying in the spirit of surrender and trust in your spirit guides opens more possibilities for good. As Henri J. M. Nouwen explains in The Path of Waiting, to wait open-endedly allows our lives to be molded “according to God’s love and not according to our fear.”

Sink or Float

It’s easy to get trapped in the quicksand of life, trying hard each day to survive the stressors of work and relationships. To avoid being pulled deeper into the pit, start each day with a prayerful surrender to accept whatever is best, even if what is best might not feel so good at the moment. Simply say whatever words express your willingness to let go and have faith that you will float.

For some, the words, “Thy will be done” work best. For others, a different phrase might feel right, such as, “I accept whatever the world has for me today” or “I begin this day with confidence and faith in whatever happens.” As long as your intention is to faithfully receive rather than fearfully grab, you’ll float peacefully through your life’s journey.

Embrace Change, Take Action!

Embrace Change, Take Action!
By Psychic Yemaya
Procrastination is human, however, it can stall out your life, cause you to miss important deadlines, and affect your self esteem (which also affects your love life)! We can stop sitting in our mess crying for what we “wish” would have been, and take ACTION!

How many of you have thought about a reunion, wedding, or event, where you wanted to be slimmer when you attended, and then suddenly the time flies by, and its NEXT week… and nothing has changed. You meet someone but can’t invite them to your place as it’s dirty and cluttered? It can range from bills, dentist visits, sewing a small rip, all the way to basics of doing dishes, or picking up fresh fruits and vegetables!
You may decide to change something, tell all your friends and loved ones about this project and the “new leaf” you are turning over, and then you get distracted, day after day, and before you know it…. months have gone by and it’s still not done!

So let’s stop. I hear you saying, “It’s NOT that easy!” I do know that, I was the Queen of procrastination, and that is how I learned the difference between talk and ACTION. Here are the tools that I am using to change my life, may they bless yours as well!

1. Sit down and pick ONE project to use these tools on, if it works for you, then feel free to explore doing more, or even multiple tasks. Make sure the goals are realistic!

2. Stop talking about it and set an actual DATE to begin the actions to correct it. That means you get out the calendars (all of them) and mark circle that date in RED. I like to create a journal that starts by listing my intentions, and how long I realistically see it taking to finish.

3. Write what needs to be changed as a topic, with the first 1-3 small steps towards this. It is important to focus on THAT step, not ALL the steps, or the LAST steps, allow this to be broken down to just one simple step or task at a time. I like to create a journal that starts by listing my intentions, and how long I realistically see it taking to finish.

4. Think and speak positively about your commitment! The last sentence of step 2 is an example of step three; watch what you say and how you say it. Your subconscious mind hears negatives and immediately dumps the whole concept, so rephrase things into a positive. Example: “…what it is you WANT TO change” becomes “… what it is you ARE changing.” Another word hint: Remove the word TRY and think WILL instead!

5. Just keep moving forward, even if you slip up, or stall for awhile, start again as soon as you can, get back up on that horse! Remember that failure only applies when you quit trying!

6 Things Everyone Should Leave in the Past

6 Things Everyone Should Leave in the Past
By LJ Innes
Learning to Let Go

Are you holding a grudge over a silly argument you had with a loved one or a former love? Are you stuck in a place of hate and resentment or perhaps trying to hold on to something or someone that doesn’t fit in your present life or your plans for the future? One of the best ways to live your life to the fullest is to put the negative parts of your past in the past and leave them there.

We may not be able to forget our past, and some of it we don’t want to, but when the things you carry with you through life are the negative things from our past, we leave little hope for a life lived to its potential. Take with you, by all means, the lessons your past has taught you, but discard the resentments that those lessons may be borne from.

Negative events from our pasts may shape us, but they don’t define us. To give up our futures to events of the past is to rob ourselves of life and to give away our power to someone or something that isn’t worthy of our pity, let alone our power. Here are a few things to leave in your past that will help you grow and move on:

1. Hurtful words and arguments that made you feel small;
2. The image of yourself as half of a whole; you are always a whole person;
3. Anything you’ve forgiven someone for, making it off limits to bring up again;
4. Physical trinkets that spur on bad memories or make you cry; they’re just “things,” toss them;
5. Grudges; they eat away at you, hold you back, and limit your vision of what could be; or
6. Expectations that your future will be no better than the past; that’s just not so.

People and situations, both negative and positive, are part of what make us into who we are in the present. Luckily, over time, most of the experiences we remember from our past are the good ones. But to keep a negative experience alive is to invite it into your future; it will happily come along and hold you back when you should be moving forward. You could waste years of your life mulling over what might have been or could have been if things had been different, but the past cannot change, it has already happened.

Tabula Rasa

Tabula rasa is a Latin term meaning “clean slate.” Make a conscious effort to leave a negative past where it belongs, in the past. Be it a job or a romantic relationship or whatever, resolve to forgive and forget. If you forgive someone, then don’t bring up their past indiscretion again. If you move on from someone, remember why you did, and leave it that way. It is entirely possible to have a tabula rasa, and a future that looks as bright as the Sun. All you have to do is leave behind the things that no longer serve you.

How to Find Spiritual Enlightenment Anywhere

How to Find Spiritual Enlightenment Anywhere
By Eric J. Leech
The Truth is Everywhere if You Know How to Look

I would hazard a guess that the majority of you know someone who has embarked on a pilgrimage to achieve spiritual enlightenment. It has become a common belief, that in order to find our destiny, sometimes we need to travel across the world. This implies that we may have left a part of ourselves somewhere in a small Italian cafe. Perhaps, in an old English manor, or better yet, in some romantic tropical getaway, where the men and women roam free and naked. These trips may bring a certain amount of spiritual enlightenment. However, if we had to make such a pilgrimage each time we felt like we were losing our mind (or love), a good portion of us would be in the poor house by the end of the month.

J. Z. Knight, a mystic, teacher, author, and expert in the 2004 film, What the Bleep Do We Know?, has been all over the world. She has experienced the Nazca Lines of Peru, the Glastonbury Tor of England, and the Chartres Cathedral of Paris. However, out of all these great spiritual destinations, one of her favorite places to retreat is her own mind, as the sun is casting its farewell across the evening sky.

“I’ve been to just about every other place in the world—to the most powerful places,” says Knight. “There are many incredible sites to see, but the one place we are always welcome, is in our own backyard (mind)—contemplating the beauty and restoring hope.”

“It is not so much that a place heals us,” explains Knight. “It is our reaction to these places.” Whether you’re witnessing the Divine light of the Emei Shan mountains, or a simple cloud making its way across the sky, you are consciously making the decision to either see the moment as a gift, or a break in the day to think about your troubles, worries, and fears.

People often get the idea that the only way to escape their problems, is to go far away where their troubles can’t reach them. What they soon find out, is their miseries follow them no matter where they go. You can’t run from something that is such a huge part of you, and nor can you ignore its (your) effects without experiencing some sort of consequence.

“Spirituality is in our super consciousness,” says Knight. “We have in every moment of our life, the ability to contact our inner hero, our own awareness, and be our greatest defender.” How can you accomplish this? You can decide that you’re not going to be judgmental today. You are not going to live in fear. You can make the decision to reverse the negative flow of defeat and failure, and see yourself as a winner. You can treat yourself with respect, honor your needs, and allow yourself to make the right choices, not because you’re told they are what you have to do, but because you know they’re what’s best for you.

Our body experiences everything we think, and those thoughts are interconnected with our DNA and cellular response. “The moment we consciously make the decision to live for ourselves, we start to heal,” explains Knight. In a sense, our mind is the ultimate destination, where we can whisk ourselves away anytime to nourish the soul and replenish our spirit. Considering our body listens to what we tell it, if you choose to feel depressed and trapped, it will respect your wishes, and adapt itself to your woes. However, if you choose to walk outside your dome of negativity and breathe the wonder and mystery of everyday life, it will adjust to this rational, allowing the positive flow of energy to become the norm.

“You don’t have to be spiritual at a site (place). You can be spiritual on your way to the bathroom from your coffee break. You can say I have always been a genius. I have always been filled with joy. People think that if you wear a certain color, it makes you spiritual. If you wear a crystal, somehow you are going to be enlightened. If you do a certain diet, it will purify you. You can be the purest person, with the worst personality, and that is not going to wash the inner you. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing, and it doesn’t matter what you look like. What matters is that you care enough to ask the great questions inside of yourself, and you can do that at any moment. We only need to be told we can.” — J. Z. Knight

Change Your Perspective, Change Your Life!

Change Your Perspective, Change Your Life!
By S.K. Smith
How Your Point of View, Not What You See, Shapes Your Experience

Sometimes things happen that are beyond our control. The accidental death of a loved one, getting rear-ended at a red light or unfairly fired from a job when you didn’t deserve it. However, as traumatic as events like these may seem, on their own, they don’t actually hold any power over your life. It’s how you choose to interpret what goes down every day that matters.

Translation? If you can learn to look at the bright side when life hands you lemons—or at least seek out the lesson—you can change your life for the better.

Here are three simple ways shifting your perspective can improve your experience.

A Sunnier Outlook Equals a Happier Life

If you’re looking to for a general sense of well-being, optimism rules the day. How? For starters, like attracts like. Thereby, if you look for the gold in any given situation (no matter how buried), you’re more likely to find it. On the other hand, douse yourself in self-pity and bury your head in the sand, and you’ll find that you’re just in the dark. No matter how bad things seem, remember that the only constant in life is change. By combining positive thinking with active steps toward your goals, you’ll ensure that you meet them eventually—and feel a lot better in the process.

Honesty Doesn’t Have to Be Brutal

Sometimes we mistake beating ourselves up for being honest with ourselves. Sure, we all screw up sometimes and it’s vital to our personal and spiritual growth to acknowledge our mistakes. However, self-flagellation is no way to advance our own cause. If anything, it’s a surefire way to destroy self-esteem and ensure that our efforts stall out. Once you’ve admitted your mistakes, make it your point to learn from them and move on. That’s real honesty. After all…

Lessons are Given Until You Learn Them

Finally, there is one fundamental truth we should all understand no matter what happens in life. We will be presented with the same lessons over and over again until we learn them. The universe is funny that way—giving us what we need whether we ask for it or not. So, whether an event in your life was foreseeable or a freak accident, it’s important to take what you can from it and change accordingly. One of the definitions of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Thereby, it’s not just your perspective that will make a difference in your experience. Your actions impact your circumstances, too.

Speaking Your Truth

Keep Your Power!
By Carmen Honacker
Don’t Give Away Your Keys!

Speaking your truth is one of the most important keys to getting the life you want and the happiness you deserve. When I talk about speaking your truth, though, I’m talking about setting boundaries and sticking to them. I’m not talking about spewing whatever comes to mind whenever you feel like it, and to whomever you want to in order to get your point across!

So what’s the difference, you may ask? Speaking your truth doesn’t have an attachment to outcome! We don’t speak our truth in order to manipulate, persuade or force someone to do things our way, see things the way we want them to, or even agree with us. To speak your truth means to stand in your own power and to not allow anyone to take your power away. It has nothing to do with aggression, manipulation or being stubborn, selfish and mean-spirited.

Having an attachment to someone else’s reaction turns your “truth speaking” into an act of trying to get things your way and moves the focus away from you, i.e. holding someone else responsible. To be honest does not mean we have to be mean, a bully, manipulative or unkind, because in a way, we couldn’t care less what the other “feels” about it. It means that you have stated what is and what is not acceptable to your well-being and your own self and that should never be reliant on an outside source.

People are whatever they are and choose to be. Confronting those who have wronged you, or are still wronging you, won’t create peace of mind. The reason is that most people are absolutely unwilling to change or even see their part in an argument, problem or issue. But when we set our boundaries and claim our power, it doesn’t matter if a person changes their mind or point of view, because their action or reaction does not influence our happiness or our peace.

I used to have this very wrong. My idea of always being honest backfired big time, each and every time I would confront a person with their (in my mind) bad attitudes or unacceptable behaviors. I figured, if I speak clearly they’d get it. But they never did and the struggle, fights or arguments would continue. The more someone would misunderstand or misinterpret me, the more I would attempt to “set them straight.” Needless to say, this almost always failed completely. In the past, my “honesty” made quite a few enemies and the feeling of being seen completely distorted, or having been treated unfairly, weighed on me heavily.

To be honest, it’s hard for me to understand that not everyone likes or will like me. There are a lot of people who claim that they don’t care how others perceive them, but to me, and I would argue to most, it does matter. It matters because I’m actively attempting to make a difference in the world and I am actively attempting to be my higher self; and for all of us who take on these roles, we have to be mindful of our choices, words, actions, thoughts and emotions. We do not get to spew bad energy, we don’t get to be passive aggressive and we don’t get to manipulate others and be victims.

Making this decision makes it even more important to fully accept and love yourself. Accepting who you are and stopping to make excuses for it will allow you to keep your power and your peace of mind; as a permanent state of being. When you state and live your boundaries consistently, you will find no need to manipulate anymore. It doesn’t matter if someone agrees or doesn’t agree, because at the end of the day, it isn’t up to others to validate who you are! This power is given to you alone, my friend.

Living your life with honor, integrity, courage and kindness will, in return, attract those who do not require explanations. You will find yourself surrounded more by those who won’t continuously challenge, misinterpret or suck the life out of you and less by those who do not live by the same principles. The universe has a way of weeding out those who no longer belong or serve your growth anymore. So when you “lose” someone to your newly found ability to live in power, let it go and trust that another who has no problem with it will emerge. There is no empty space in the universe. Alas, getting rid of space occupied by those who do not deserve it, will allow a spot for those who do.

Creativity Coach Sherrie says: You also might try wearing more blue and singing or chanting. That helps keep the throat chakra in balance!

Live Your Best Life by Taryn Galewind

Live Your Best Life
By Taryn Galewind
Building the Foundations of Joy

Believe it or not, it’s easy to live in your best life. When you build a house, you want it to stand strong and shelter you from adversity for a long time. Your best life is like such a shelter. You just have to use the right corner stones, and the rest will follow naturally.

Be Faithful — Make sure your word is your bond. Cheat no one. Treat others as you wish to be treated. Be sure to count yourself among the faithful who believe in nurturing their spiritual selves.

Make Your Contribution — Every day for the rest of your life, contribute something to your own betterment, to the assistance of others, or to a charitable cause. Not all contributions are financial.

Engage With Others and With Life — No man, or woman, is an island. To live your best life, it is essential that you form strong, healthy bonds with others. You can’t reach your personal pinnacle without making commitments and connections to your friends and family, your work life, your spiritual life, and your life of joy. Reach out and you’ll find solace among others.

Explore Your Passions and Dreams — No matter how busy you are, make time to pursue your dreams and embrace your passions. Those are the things that fuel your psyche.

Be Frugal — Use your resources wisely, sharing what you can. Acquire only what you can use, conspicuous consumption may be toxic. Reign in your spending, simple living is filled with beauty.

Trust Your Inner Voice — Never stifle that quiet, persistent voice inside you. It speaks the truth for you. You know that, don’t you?

Forgive — Forgive us our transgressions, as we forgive those who transgress against us. No one ever moved forward by carrying a grudge.

Polish Your Personal Bests — Rev up your energy and designate regular time to exploring and recognizing your personal best assets in every aspect of your life. Shine them to a dazzling glow.

Feel and Express Gratitude — Give thanks in your head, in your heart, and with your voice for every blessing bestowed on you. Never overlook the simple fact that those around you shower blessing on you. Say thank you.

Live Tranquilly — Quiet your monkey brain. Take time to rest. Meditate and bring peace to each day. Pass this on to others.

Respect Humility — No matter how impressive your skills, no matter how great your beauty, no matter how massive your wealth, there is always room for you to improve.

Maximize Your Righteous Power — Some kinds of power corrupt, but power from kindness, sharing, self-knowledge, love, and spiritual dedication are unbeatable.

There. Those are the strong stones upon which to build the foundation of your best life. I defy you to be unhappy or unfulfilled if you embrace these powerful tenets and put them to their proper uses. Namaste.

This is me in another lifetime. ;-) on Twitpic

This is me in another lifetime. ;-) on Twitpic

What's my core message? www.gangaji.org

30 Ways to Nourish Your Mind, Body and Soul

30 Ways to Nourish Your Mind, Body and Soul
By Psychic Agnes

There is no better journey than living your best life. It is something we can all accomplish with a little patience, time, effort, and self-support. There is no such thing as ultimate perfection, but it possible to gain what is perfect for you to find happiness and contentment. Your life belongs solely to you in regards to loving yourself. Love for oneself gets stronger with practice and attentive action. Self-worth is the key which allows us to do, live, and believe all that we can perceive. Your mind, body, and soul can be fully enjoyed if you are willing to be bold. Here are thirty ways to allow the benefits to unfold and gain self-control.

1. Think and believe there is nothing you desire which can’t be achieved.

2. Never forget to love yourself first and appreciate your worth.

3. Accept your beauty, faults, flaws and all as part of your goodness.

4. Every now and again focus solely on your needs and happiness.

5. Remove all things, people, and places that don’t support your best interests.

6. Experience things independently and openly as your own best friend.

7. Gift yourself as much as you are willing to gift anyone else.

8. Don’t ignore your intuition, intellect, pride, emotions, desires, or wisdom.

9. Set aside time for learning and experiencing new things.

10. Surround yourself in physical, material and emotional comfort.

11. Stand up for yourself even when you don’t have the agreement of anyone else.

12. Value your own opinion about what is good for you.

13. Do not allow family or friendships to define your will, purpose, or happiness.

14. Be kind to yourself when you make a mistake while allowing yourself to give and take.

15. Discover the spiritual connection that makes sense and works for you.

16. Place high value on your personal truths and practices.

17. Accept relationships which compliment your life and ignore the ones that don’t.

18. Decide for yourself whom you want to be or become.

19. Show attentive care to meet your physical, mental, and emotional needs.

20. Live just as you are pleased and let your mind be eased.

21. Always have a contingency plan when things don’t work out or a means to adjust.

22. Never be afraid to walk away from harmful people, places, or things.

23. Don’t trouble yourself to justify the things you want, believe, or need.

24. Give and allow yourself all the things you want from someone else.

25. Don’t relinquish your personal power and authority over your own life.

26. Remember that life itself is a gift and nourish it.

27. Reach for joy and happiness until it becomes your reality.

28. Give yourself constant emotional, physical, mental relief from all forms of grief.

29. Chase ill-feelings away before allowing them to get in your way.

30. Protect and believe in yourself even if it means abandoning something or someone else.

It is hard to get living wrong as long as you are able, mindful, and willing to be strong. Your spirit is boundless and unlimited. Don’t waste or give your time focusing on regret as something better usually comes next. Your mind, body, and soul deserve gratitude and understanding. Once you fully and completely love yourself, it becomes easily seen, respected and admired by someone else.

Creativity & Life Coaching: Healing Dreams: Exploring the Dreams That Can Tran...

Creativity & Life Coaching: Healing Dreams: Exploring the Dreams That Can Tran...: Healing Dreams: Exploring the Dreams That Can Transform Your Life by - Powell's Books

Daily I Ching Hexagram Free from Tarot.com

Daily I Ching Hexagram Free from Tarot.com

Trinidadian Women: Find Time For Friends

Trinidadian Women: Find Time For Friends

In Trinidad, they call it "liming" -- relaxing and hanging out with people who understand you, support your goals and will give you a boost if your motivation sags. Experts say making time for some encouragement could help you drop a few dress sizes, too. According to a University of Pittsburgh study, 66 percent of weight-conscious people who spent an hour weekly with folks who were also striving to get slim and fit, were able to lose weight and keep it off long-term. The go-it-aloners? Only 24 percent of them successfully slimmed.

Why it Works: Losing weight is a long-term project and can be a fair bit of work, note University of Michigan researchers. Being surrounded by people who “get” what you’re going through can keep you on track toward your goal. Participants in a 2005 New England study lost 10 percent more weight when they worked out with a partner.

* Filed Under:
o cooking healthy,
o diet and fitness,
o food,
o getting healthy,
o healthy eating,
o weight loss


Read More http://www.ivillage.com/slim-down-secrets-women-around-world/4-b-371513#ixzz1Vu1nL0tk
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Weight Loss Wake Up Call

Weight Loss Wake Up Call
By Carmen Honacker
Get With the Program and Get Healthy!

We live in a society that condemns and discriminates against being overweight. It’s instilled early on that being thin means being successful and attractive. Yet what’s sold as attractive is so far off the grid that a mere 1% of the population actually meets the requirements. Having said that, though, there’s the other extreme, where all health issues and good advice are completely ignored, and gluttony rules above all.

I have been on both sides of the fence. There was a time when I was really skinny and a time when I was pretty overweight; although I stopped myself before I crossed the line to obesity. This “line” is different for everyone. I found it to be not too different from being a drug addict when it comes to the vicious cycle it creates and overcoming the hard-wiring that keeps you from doing the right thing. So what exactly got me to turn it all around? Well, I had reached my own personal “maximum density” at a size 14. I was also diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, I had no energy, my back always hurt and I simply felt like crap.

I started my journey to health almost two years ago, and here’s what I found…

1. It’s All In Your Head!

If you cannot fix your head, you won’t fix your body. It’s as simple as that. Your brain, specifically your reward center, craves carbs and sugars. You are addicted to both of them, and getting rid of the cravings and addiction is quite difficult and, in some cases, impossible to do on your own. Also, any and all negative thoughts you have about yourself, i.e. “I can’t do it,” “I won’t lose the weight,” “This is too difficult,” etc., reside in your unconscious; which is the driving force to create your reality in your conscious mind! Hence, I started with the head and went to hypnotherapy for weight loss. The image my hypnotherapist instilled in my unconscious about how I wanted to look and feel is always present and dictates my behaviors and choices in the now. Not treating the head will only end up in failure, once the initial excitement has worn off and the real work begins.

2. There’s Nothing Quick About It

Oh, how I hate the fads and quick weight loss diets all kinds of infomercials and “experts” promise to you. It’s all a lie! Losing weight permanently and efficiently requires lasting and consistent changes to one’s diet and lifestyle! Diets fail, because once we start eating “normal” again, we pack the weight back on and then some. Also, no diet works without exercise! In two years I have gone down to a size 6/8 and have lost about 12% body fat. Anyone who promises you to lose 10% or more body fat in three months is full of crap; unless you have no job, go to the gym seven days a week (for about three hours) and restrict yourself to a 1,000 calorie diet. Good luck with that!

3. Diets

By “diet” one should consider permanent changes to what one eats. I did it by keeping a food log. Everything I ate, no matter how small, was logged and accounted for. It’s quite a wake-up call when you see how much you thought you ate, versus what you actually consume! Then one can go about eliminating or cutting down on certain things. For me that meant sugars and white flower/processed foods and fast food.

4. Exercise

Turns out you have to work out if you want to lose weight, period! Not only does regular exercise speed up your metabolism, but it also creates endorphins, responsible for one’s feelings of well-being and happiness. I knew that I needed help here, too, so I opted for personal trainers, and I’m still with mine! Why? Because a trainer holds me accountable when I don’t feel like going to the gym and when it’s “too hard.” Plus, he will make sure that I progress, that I don’t injure myself, and that I reach my goals. He will push me when I think I can’t go on, or can’t do better. My trainer motivates and encourages me and keeps track of how far I have come; which is an excellent tool when it comes to staying with the program. You should see how amped up you are once you lose inches from your waist!

5. Genes

Here’s another thing no one talks about: your genes. There’s a reason that not all of us can be skinny and tall, for example. Fighting genes is the hardest thing in the equation, and there is only so far one can go when it comes to overcoming them! Not all of us are natural runners, sprinters, dancers or body builders. And sometimes you can only go so far before you hit the wall. This wall approaches quicker with passing age and is also determined by how long you have been inactive.

There comes a time in our life when we either become complacent and make excuses, or we, literally, get with the program. Guess which one holds the higher reward?

Dr. Oz's Healthy Habits for Today

Add More Flavor to Your Food

Your spice rack is full of beneficial, anti-aging powers. The every day superstars? Dr. Oz says research shows that cinnamon can decrease blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol, especially in people with type 2 diabetes. Paprika and cayenne pepper can help fight high blood pressure and improve circulation. In lab studies, he says, eating rosemary has been shown to improve learning rates in rats—data that has been reproduced in humans. Even ginger can decrease blood pressure, alleviate arthritis pain and reduce your risk of cancer.

Keep Reading: Dr. Oz's Ultimate Anti-Aging Checklist

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/health/Healthy-Habits-for-Today-This-Week-and-This-Month/5#ixzz1VDX61dHp

Identify Your Passions

by Susanne Goldstein

One way to figure out what you want to do, and align that with what you're good at is to identify what passions drive you to get out of bed in the morning, what interests captivate your attention and what skills you have to offer. I call the place where these three overlapping circles intersect the Sweet Spot (see diagram). Your Sweet Spot can help you discover the essence of your brand, and is an essential component of differentiating yourself from other hungry job seekers.

* Ask the most creative person in your life to help you do the following brainstorming exercise to discover your Sweet Spot.
* Grab three sheets of paper and some colored pens. Title one page with Passions, another with Interests, and the third page with Skills.
* Fill in the pages using the definitions above, being as open-minded as you can be. Once finished, randomly select one item from each list and begin brainstorming interesting things that you could do with your life that would allow you to work at the place where your Passions, Interests and Skills intersect.
* Example: Passion - experiencing new things. Interest - learning about different cultures. Skill - writing. Brainstorm idea - Travel the world, experience new things and meet people of varying backgrounds. Write a professional travel blog or for a magazine.