Respect Drives Success

The process of setting challenging goals and then writing out a plan to achieve them causes you to feel much more confident about achieving your dreams and consequently better about yourself.

You gain self-respect as you move step-by-step toward the completion of something that is important to you.  It really is the key to success!  It's so important to have clear plans for the changes you want to make in your life and to earnestly work toward realizing them.

Each progressive step you take toward reaching your goals is like a stepping stone  of 'like' and 'self-respect'.  You feel more positive and accomplished which fuels all your endeavors.

Serving Others With Love

Today you may feel to build youself up in the eyes of your neighbors.  Instead, serve others quietly and without fanfare.  Find a need and humbly fill it.  Anonymously lend a helping hand.  Share a word of kindness.

'If you want to influence others to serve and help you make a difference, you will get back when you give out.  The service ethic always boomerangs. '

~ Sheila Murray Bethel

Happiness is abundant in the joy of achievement.

Happiness doesn't come from successfully completing simple or mundane tasks, it comes from completing a task that demands your best efforts.

When you pour your heart and soul into something and you accomplish that something, the afterglow of satisfaction you feel is happiness.  It is the thrill of all your efforts and hard work.

Each and everyone of us needs  accomplish, achieve and triumph to be happy.  Our human spirit requires it.  Remember that happiness thrives in activity and accomplishment.

Release what needs to be free.

It's really hard to let go--for many, it is almost instinctive to cling.  Whether it's a love letter, a secure job, --holding on to what is no longer ours only causes pain.

When you let go of old things, you pave the way for new things --experiences that are perhaps more exciting, adventurous or you let go of that which is rotting and decaying, you are then ready to embrace the fresh, unopened buds of change.

Have the courage to let go.  When you relinquish the past, your future embraces you.

'Welcome Change'

There is nothing more certain in our lives than change.  Yet many of us fear change and make eleborate plans to avoid it.  We fear the new and find comfort in the stability of the known and familiar.

But to grow, you need to not only accept change, but to embrace it, joyfully.  Think of a flowing stream as representing your life.  In some places it flows smoothly, with barely a ripple as it travels on its journey.  At other places along the way, obstacles create a great turbulence, the water roars and thunders as it crashes through gorges and down steep falls.  These represent both the easy and difficult times you experience.

Yet, a stream may have a place where the water becomes banked up, stagnant, unhealthy.  Here, nothing thrives and nothing changes.

Welcome the rushing waters of change into our life, for change means growth, spiritual health, and self-realization.  Embrace each new direction you encounter with courage and enthusiasm.  It is the key to a happier you.

'Clean your spirit'

When our mothers told us to clean our rooms, they were unwittingly giving us a gift that would have lasting repercussions.    Although we grumbled when asked for  the umpteenth time to clear the mess, we were actually doing more than physically cleaning our rooms. We were cleaning our spirits as well.

There is a spiritual side to everything--even household, chores.  Cluttered rooms are often indicative of cluttered mind.  Messy houses may point to messy lives. 

From that platform of confidence, you can then go on to solve the more difficult aspects of your life, knowing that you have solidarity and order backing you up.

It's no secret that we have the ability to program ourselves to believe and act in negative ways.  The good news is that we're also blessed with the ability to program ourselves to believe and act in positive ways.

The starting point is awareness.

You should first become familiar with how your thoughts make you feel and act.  Ask yourself, what thought make me feel happy, sad, jealous, mad, etc? How do I react to my feelings?  Once you have the answers to these questions, consider yourself aware.

When you're in touch with your feelings  you're consciously able to program yourself for positive action.  Next time you catch yourself in a thought that doesn't feel good, stop and consciously choose to react in another way.  When you re-frame your thinking, everything changes.

Free Yourself from Toxic People

People that are happy with these lives are much more likely to support and encourage your happiness.  Those who have goals of their own are more likely to support you in  pursuit of your goals.  Those who express their creativity are more inclined to help you discover your own talent.

Armed with this knowledge, you can choose to associate with those that have your best interest at heart. 

Look carefully at the lives of the people in your circle of friends.  Do you 'hang out' with those who choose scarcity or abundance?  Perhaps, it's time to let go of friends who are unwilling to recognize happiness, to value goals or nurture talent; and time to welcome healthier friends into your inner circle.

But, before you view your friends with a critical eye, take a long look at yourself.  Are you happy, goal oriented and in pursuit of your talents?  If not, take steps to include these virtues in your life.  You'll be amazed at how old friends may change and how new friends may suddenly appear.

Clear your mind, and appreciate the moment

The more your life is packed with deadlines and stress, the more you'll benefit from taking time out to just 'be' is the moment.

Clear your mind of everything that's gone by and everything that's to come.

Focus on the blue sky above or the clouds racing by.  Feel the warmth of the sun on your face or the cool of the raindrops on your hand.  Look at the grass, the trees.  Breathe in the scent of the flowers.

For a moment, just 'be'.  It will ground you and help you put everything else into perspective.

We were given all these muscles for a reason--to use them.  Without exercise, they become weakened and you become physically less than you could be.

Get out there~develop your own exercise. Jog in the park, play volleyball or tennis~swim, cycle, skip, ski, dance.  Just get those muscles moving.  You'll not only be fitter and more toned, you'll feel much better, as well.

And remember~those 650+ muscles include your 'smile' muscles.  They need exercise, too!

Thank You~Cindy

Think about the most self-confident people you know.  What is that makes them that way?

Self-confident people don't second-guess their capacity to succeed.  They trust their own abilities to do what needs to be done.

Start putting your faith in your own strengths and talents.  Move forward with conviction and confidence.

You have incredible gifts.  If you allow yourself to follow them you'll achieve great things.  Go ahead.  Follow your abilities.  They will lead you upward on a path that has no limits.

Often, the things we value most become so much a part of us we forget to appreciate them. We take things for granted and never give them a second thought.

Have you ever called them to thank them for something they've done, and never thought of saying thanks to your dearest friend for everything they have done for you?

Today is your day to reflect on the things and people that have done things for you. Take joy in your love for your  your family members and your friends.  Then, find away to let them know how much they mean to you.

"It's not where you start; it's how you finish."

When looking at the picture, we all know that how we finish is more important than where we start.  Many successful people started out in life with odds against them, and came through winners.

When working towards goals, forget that you may have started out at a disadvantage, met hurdles or made mistakes along the way. Move past the past!

Start looking forward.  Then, you will move ahead in leaps and bounds.

How many things in your daily life do you do just for the joy of it?

When you do something just for the 'joy' of it, you are not worried about what you get in return, nor do you do it because you 'should' or 'have to'.  You do it because you want to.

As you infuse your life with this kind of joy, you internalize the message that you cherish, love and respect yourself.  Your self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth all get a boost because you're doing things that are important to you.

Do something today, just for the 'joy' of it.  When you experience joy, others around you feel it too!

Talent does not mean you have to be an artist who paints masterpieces, or a gymnast who does flips.  Talent resides within you, in many different ways.

Caring for others is a talent, teaching is a talent, making people feel welcome is a talent, solving problems is a talent.

Never underestimate your talents.  Focus on and accept the talents you have, and you will find great fulfillment in life.

Old magazines, stacks of books, clothes you never wear, piles of papers, towers of magazines and drawers full of who knows what.  It's called clutter, and the more it collects the less you want to deal with  it.

Clutter can overwhelm you and drain your energy.

Eliminating clutter is healthy.  No longer do you pour energy into looking through papers for that one lost item.  No more do you ignore anxiety about piles that disguise forgotten responsibilities.  No hours of frustration are added to you preparation for the day, as you pull wrinkled clothes from your closet becasue they're wedged too tightly.

You can start clearing out, start small~by clearning out one drawer, one cabinet, or one shelf.  You won't feel overwhelmed and results will give you the motivation to tackle the next pile.

Organization is a gift that you deserve.  Give it to yourself.

Resentment is like a parasite.  It feeds on you and leaves you weakened by its presence.  Its only purpose is to take from you- and take it all.

Break free and shake resentment off!  There's simply no room in your life for this negative energy.  You have so much to do and so many places to go.

Start by focusing on what you do have.  Concentrate on what could be. Forgive, forget, and move on.

Let go of resentment today and you'll be amazed by all the space it leaves in your life for better things.

So many times we live our lives during what others want us to do or what we think is expected of us.  This may be practical at work, where you need to fulfill our job duties, but your personal life is different.

If you're always doing what others want, you end up neglecting your own interests and needs.  Over time, your spirit withers, and you feel caught in an undertime of survival.

You're important and so is your calendar and mark some time off, just for you.    Consider this time an investment in your emotional health and wellness.  Enjoy it without guilt, no ifs, and no buts.  This is time to give back to yourself.

From an early age, we've all been taught the importance of problem solving.  Yet, sometimes, we can help people more by not trying to find solutions.  In fact, on occasion, silent listening and empathy can be a priceless gift.

People who are grieving the loss of a loved one or a relationship, need time to mourn, not quick solutions.    They need you to listen while they pour out their hearts; they want a silent hug, not instant answers.

An understanding smile and hand on the shoulder may be the best support you can give.

Ten Sunny Ways to Make Your Day A Good One

A good day is when you wake up remembering that a good day happens by CHOICE not chance!

A good day is when you  live the day in the present, being grateful for the little things in life.

A good day is a day that you  look back on and smile, because you allowed yourself to be open to something new without realizing it at the time.

A good day is when you can feel anger, pain, sadness, etc. but not let it take over.

A good day is when you relax and go with the flow.

A good day is drama free.

A good day is when you're aware that you are a kind and compassionate person and treat yourself that way.

A good day is when you don't use excuses to paralyze your thoughts and dreams or allow fear to keep you  from stepping out and doing something you believe in.

A good day is connecting with people who are on the same self exploration journey as you are.

A good day is the realization that EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY no matter what happens!

Your welcome~my dear friend, Krystyna~

Thank you for the reverse thread

It's important to look back on past successes but it's even more important to use your vision to look ahead.

When we spend too much time looking back at past events, we get caught up in the "woulda, shoulda, coulda", talk.  Learn from your past, then let it go.

Focus your imagination on your future.  When you send these good thoughts out in front of you, they prepare and smooth the way.  Use your imaginator to reel in all the possibilities that lie ahead.

Picture your ultimate success and then get to work creating it.

Thank you dear Nance - beautiful tulips !

Love, Krystyna.

Hi~Krystyna...please reverse this thread~thank you

Imagine how dull life would be if you only saw things in black and white.  What if all the infinitely wonderful shades that we, as people , are able to appreciate turned to shades of gray?

Our greater sensitivity enables us to find magic within the ordinary. 

Never under estimate your abilities, your creativity and your sensitivity. With all these talents no one can deny that you are an amazing human being!

Imagine your ideal self--a person filled with health, happiness and prosperity.  Imagine living the life of your dreams.

This is not as distant or unreachable as it may seem. You are a reflection of your thoughts.  If you think you can do great things, you will. 

For changes to happen you need to enlarge your thoughts.  You need to hold a vision of yourself that will carry you through adversity and give you the strength to climb mountains.

So, hold your ideal self in your thoughts.  Stay true to it.  You will become as great as what you hold in your mind.

Your Welcome~Krystyna~Please reverse this thread~Thank you.

There isn't a meaningful goal that can be achieved without facing obstacles and hurdles.  It's an inevitable part of life's road to success.  The more you come  to grips with this, the faster you'll get where you want  to go!

Instead of seeing difficulties as the end of your dreams, see them as part of your journey.  View obstacles as challenges, which once overcome, will bring you closer to your destruction.  Refuse to be stopped-keep focusing on where you want to go.

When the going gets tough, remind yourself that snags build wisdom, perserverance and strength.  With this outlook your frustrations will transform to motivations and success will come your way more quickly.

Thank you dear Nancy ! I like this thread very much...

Love, Krystyna.

Seven Superfoods

Wheat

This grain, which is found in everything from bread to pasta to cakes, is healthier when it is refined as little as possible. Whole-wheat products (those that are certified 100% whole wheat) contain 30 percent of your recommended daily fiber intake, as well as high levels of manganese and magnesium. A diet rich in whole grains is also thought to increase your energy level and lower your risk of type-2 diabetes, gallstones, and other health issues.

Barley
Another whole grain, barley can be found in breads and cereals, as well as in hearty winter soups. High in fiber, barley is good for intestinal health and can lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of colon cancer and type-2 diabetes if eaten regularly. Barley also contains trace amounts of copper, which have been shown to help reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

Grapes

Everyone knows that grape juice and red wine are tasty—but healthy? Grapes contain nutritional compounds called flavonoids, which are believed to reduce your risk of blood clots and protect your body from damage by the "free radicals" found in LDL, or "bad," cholesterol. Rich in antioxidants, grapes may provide protection against cardiovascular disease, particularly in women.

Figs

These sweet fruits, eaten either dried or fresh, are high in potassium, a mineral that helps control blood pressure. They are also high in dietary fiber, which may help you lose weight, and they are a fruit source of calcium, which can help preserve bone density. Fig leaves, which are not typically eaten but can be made into an extract, are thought to help lower insulin levels in diabetics.

Pomegranate

These strange-looking seed fruits are back in vogue as health-giving super-foods, particularly in juice form. The fruits are rich in antioxidants, which prevent LDL cholesterol from doing its damage, and it helps prevent blood clots by keeping blood platelets from clumping together. Pomegranates may also help reduce the risk of breast cancer and lessen the symptoms of arthritis.

Olives

Olives, and the extra-virgin oil that is made from a single pressing of the fruit, contain many of the antioxidants that are thought to protect against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol compounds. They also are high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are called "the healing fats" because they lower the effects of "bad" cholesterol while raising "good" cholesterol levels. High in vitamin E, olive oil also is thought to protect against colon cancer, and it is helpful in fighting gastritis and other stomach ailments.

Honey

Raw honey, in addition to being a natural sweetener, is replete with antioxidants and is considered to be an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal substance. It is thought to have tumor-fighting properties, and may help prevent colon cancer. The daily consumption of a spoonful of honey is said to increase antioxidant levels in the blood, and is the healthiest sweetener for type-2 diabetics. Honey also may have wound-healing and muscle-regenerating properties.

You've just woken up, and you're on the wrong side of the bed. Is there any way to switch to the other side? Absolutely.

For those times when your mind is addled, and your center is shaky; open this little black bag of cures and find your beautiful balance!

Spend your first 15 seconds awake planning something nice to do for yourself today. "This can really set you up in a good mood--even if it's just going by the farmers' market and getting fresh strawberries."

The longer you lie there, the more you ruminate, the darker your outlook is likely to become. So get vertical and make a cup of coffee, take a shower, feed the cat...

Make that two glasses of water upon awakening, the time when our bodies are dehydrated.  Dehydration causes fatigue, which affects your mood.

You already know the number one way of chasing away a bad mood: exercise. A workout at the gym sure helps. But even just a few minutes of movement--a fast walk, for example--raises energy and reduces tension.

When you're dogged by anxiety or the dread you woke up with, try to pinpoint what's causing it. Did someone say anything the day before? Do you have a meeting today you wish you didn't? Was it the dream you were having when the alarm went off? "If you can figure out why you're upset, that's halfway to feeling better.

Generosity and gratitude are both big contributors to happiness. Do something nice for a stranger or friend and see if you don't feel better about yourself. Also, jot down three things that you're grateful for. It seems so simple, but counting your blessings just has a way of making you remember the sun is shining.

A significant part of your environment is the people you spend time with.  These people have a huge impact on you and your decisions. This is precisely why you need to be sure you surround yourself with those who support you and your ambitions.

Do your best to avoid people who belittle your enthusiasm, put you down or try to squash your dreams.  On your best to seek out those that support your goals and share your energy.

Surround yourself with positive people.  When you combine that with both positive energy and attitude, you can't help help but soar.

We have different relationships to our lives, all of which are important.  Yet it's the people in our lives who add silly laughter. 

Society has changed significantly.  For many of us, our families reside in different places nowadays.  Each one of us can build stronger lives on the strength of our connections with others. 

In today's busy world, we need to find a place that is there for us, and building a community that adds a lot of value to your life.

Your friends and family ar your closest links to personal freedom.

Through your friendships with them, you learn, to share, to care, and to experience true joy.  Through these intimate connections, you learn what relationships really mean.

In times of sadness relationships comfort us, and in times of happiness they help us celebrate.

When you open your heart to another and share your deepest feelings; you open the door to personal freedom.

Typically it is our fear that holds us back from pursuing our purpose. Maybe you feel your purpose is unrealistic.  Possibily you do not have a good support system intact to help you take the steps needed. The first step in moving forward and getting some answers, is listening to that inner voice and giving it an opportunity to talk to you.  List any desires and dreams you have that you haven't admitted to anyone.

Are you spending the majority of your time doing things that do not have much value to you?  Remember, there is absolutely no right or wrong answer here.   It is important to fill your time with activities that bring you joy. 

Know that it is never too late to make changes in your life.  Living a life without purpose or passion is draining and unfullfilling.  You can absolutely begin to make necessary changes, a little at a time.  It is a matter of commitment and vision.  You need to be willing to take some risks and open yourself up to unknown possiblities.