Myths About Hypnosis

Hypnosis has been around for centuries, which is probably why a lot of people consider it a sort of magical method to control others. These hearsay or myths about hypnosis has aided in giving this method of healing a bad name. This and the unscrupulous people who use hypnotherapy to swindle and do bad things give hypnosis a bad name.

A Person's State during Hypnosis

Many people believe that subjects who undergo hypnosis are either asleep or unconscious of what they are doing. Actually, the subjects are not asleep and they are also aware of what they do except that they feel uninhibited and more relaxed thus giving them the opportunity to express themselves and to be more open minded regarding the suggestions of the hypnotist. Some may forget what they have done while they have undergone hypnosis while others say that they were aware of it but did not feel any impropriety at that time.

The myth that people under hypnosis are unaware of their surrounding is not true. These subjects are just so focused on one thing that they do not mind the surroundings but they are peripherally aware of it.

Susceptibility to Suggestions

People are afraid of hypnosis because they fear that they will be asked to do ridiculous things or even dangerous things. The myth that says you can not say no to a hypnotist is untrue. Although, the individual under hypnosis is uninhibited and very relaxed, any suggestions that may go against the subject's morals or principles can easily be rejected by him.

In hypnotherapy, which is quite different from hypnosis for entertainment, experts will not suggest anything underhand or against any moral code. In cases, of medical treatments, there is no illusion of entertainment. People who go under hypnosis during live entertainment are more susceptible to unearthly suggestions because they are left with the impression that this is all fun and games. This is the reason why the suggestions to be silly or ridiculous may be acceptable to some.

Not everybody can be Hypnotized

This myth about hypnosis is double sided because it depends on the definition of hypnotized. While not everybody can go under a hypnotist's effort to hypnotize, everybody has at some point in their lives, become hypnotized. Watching a riveting movie often lads us to a state that can be called hypnosis. We get so absorbed by the movie that we tune out our surroundings and get so involved in the movie that we cry for the protagonist and get so mad at the antagonist. This is just one example of self hypnosis that can occur to everybody.

Whereas, a hypnotist will have a difficult time hypnotizing someone who is reluctant to be hypnotized or has some unwillingness to take part in hypnosis. Eventually the hypnotist will overcome this situation but the cooperation f the individual is needed. You may have heard of some people being hypnotized by perfect strangers, these are little more than con artists who prey on the weaker minds which can be easily maneuvered just by conversing with them

You might get stuck in Hypnosis

Many people fear being hypnotized because they are afraid they might be left in a hypnotic state. There has been no record of anybody ever being left in a hypnotic state for ever. In some cases, some individuals have succumbed to sleep while being hypnotized due to the very relaxed state they are in. Others may be unwilling to leave the relaxed state they have found and stretch out their hypnosis.

These myths are some of the beliefs of some people regarding hypnosis. Due to these myths, many are afraid or unwilling to be hypnotized. Debunking the myths can help to bring light to many questions that we have regarding hypnosis.

Check out http://www.VoiceHypnosis.com for more hypnosis information.

Christianity As the World Changes

Most people seem to go through life doing what others do and never seem to question much about whether the people around them are actually right or wrong. How many of us do exactly what our parents, grandparents and great grandparents do? I was raised a Christian by Christians and they were raised Christians by other Christians and so on. I don't know when or who in my family tree actually decided to become part of the Christian faith. I don't think it really matters today.

Someone had to of made the decision and I will probably never know. I do know this, I have followed Christianity as far as I possibly could and the next step in my life is going to be based somehow on a more spiritually universal world. I can't seem to follow something, that doesn't make sense to me, anymore. Christianity is more or less a religion that people throughout history have made adjustments to, whenever they felt necessary.

This is often like changing a tire on a car as it starts to wear or goes flat. In order for the car to operate and run smoothly we will need to pay a little attention to it, this will require maintenance over time as the car begins to have problems. We have to solve these problems or our car will become useless and will need to be sent to the junkyard.

Religions throughout history have done the same, as the people become more intelligent and less dependent, they need to create new things and make adjustments. If they don't make these adjustments over time, the religion will no longer be necessary and be sent to the junk heap of time. This is what happened to the Greek and Roman gods, what makes you think, that your God or gods will stand the test of time.

Do you think there's going to be any more adjustments to Christianity in the future? It seems like the last adjustments were Scientology and the Mormons or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. These religions don't exactly follow what Paul started in the Roman Catholic Church. What will the next adjustment be and why will it be necessary?

If you choose to follow Christianity, how do you know which church is right, I mean their core beliefs are right, aren't they. To love your neighbor and be compassionate. To show kindness towards others and help the needy. Do you think that we're going to have to adjust this one day and start treating certain religious followers, whose skin color is deference or speaks a different language with cruelty. I wonder what the next adjustment in Christianity is going to be.

Men Problems Christianity

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Overcome the Fear of Change

Do you feel discomfort or fear when there are things changing in your life? This is quite common for adults to feel while children rarely experience those feelings. Children usually are excited about all the new things that are coming their way - new friends to play with and more things to learn.

When you were young, you did not resist change. You anticipated change. You anticipated growth. But many adults do not look forward to getting new jobs, switching careers or relocating to a new city. I wonder when people decide they have reached the point where they want things around them to stay the same.

Be aware of the fact that change is an unchanging truth. Intentional or not, your life is always changing. Look back one year ago or even 10, 20 and 30 years ago, how has your life changed? You have finished school. You have started a career. Maybe you have started a family also. How about the people around you, how have they changed? Have you lived in different places? I am sure you would notice lots of changes over the years. Yet, many people still have a strong tendency to resist change.

If you are among those who fear changes, here are three effective ways to help you overcome that fear:

"Feel the fear and do it anyway." Everyone has a comfort zone. Your fear is a warning that you are about to step outside of your comfort area. If it is your intention to do something different from what you are accustomed to, then your fear is a welcoming signal. Your comfort zone will grow each time you venture outside of it. Remember the first time you drove and you were not even sure how to do it on an empty road? How about the first time you drove on the expressway? How about now? Do you sometimes find yourself driving with one hand on the steering wheel and the other hand fumbling on the music player searching for your favorite song while talking to your friend sitting beside you? Rather than let you fear hold you back, embrace the opportunity to grow. Keep practicing until it becomes second nature to you.

Focus on your goal. The anticipation of pain is one of the main causes of fear. Do you realize that a lot of this pain resides only in your imagination. Have you ever experienced that actually taking the feared action has been much easier than you imagined it to be? Perhaps it was the first time for you performing on stage or it may have been the first job interview you had. To allay your fear, set your goal and understand why achieving this goal is important for you. Make a decision to do it and commit to it. Focus on your goal and it will help to keep your fear at bay.

Identify the benefits of change. When a person associates change with loss, it can be difficult. A caterpillar will never become a butterfly if it is so attached to its identity that it refuses to morph. What benefits will you gain from making that change? Will you lose anything as a result? Is it a true loss or a perceived loss? Many people are hard hit by the prospect of a job loss, retirement, relocation or family changes. For sure, those situations can be emotionally challenging but they can also open up opportunities for something even better.

Recognize that you are not alone feeling the fear of change. Join some support groups if you need emotional support. Recruit the help of mentors or coaches to help you gain an independent perspective and learn from their experiences so you can have a smooth or even fun transition.

Corinne Lor is a success coach who works with dissatisfied business professionals and people in transition, helping them realign their personal resources to meet multiple work and personal demands while having the joy of rediscovering their personal lives. Corinne Lor provides private individual sessions and group workshops through business enterprises.

Tips to Achieve the Life You Want

Everyone has things that they want to achieve in life, some just have no idea how to get there. Now there are a variety of reasons that people do not achieve these goals as they sometimes set them too lofty or they are just flat out unrealistic. This is not to say you should not have dreams, you just need to have dreams that are realistic and that you can work to achieve. Here are goal setting tips to help you get the life that you want and deserve.

1. Make a list of things that you want to achieve in life and put them all to paper. You cannot set goals to get there if you don't have a realistic idea of what you really want. It is okay to dream here, but remember that setting unrealistic goals for yourself will ultimately lead to disappointment down the road.
2. Prioritize all of your goals and set them up in the order that you want to achieve them. Keep them in order when possible. This will aid you in setting them up in a way that each goal achieved can lead you towards your next goal.
3. Set your goals up in stages so that each goal achieved is actually a series of small goals. Doing this will get you in the habit of experiencing success and allow you to deal with setbacks much easier.
4. Be ready to reevaluate and redo your plan. There will be setbacks, it is unavoidable, you just need to change your plan and stay focused to meet your ultimate goals.

Having goals in your life will keep you focused and give your purpose. This is something that everyone should consider doing. Remember though, not everyone accomplishes everything that they want as life has a way of throwing in some unique twists and turns. This is when you step back and redo your plan and show life that there is nothing that you cannot handle!

Get more goal setting tips and discover how to set and achieve goals

5 Secrets For Breaking Your Bad Habits

By nature, we are all creatures of habit. We instinctively adopt familiar routines for most activities. We eat about the same number of meals each day - at more or less the same times. We have a regular pattern of sleeping - unless it is perturbed by illness or shift work. Most everything we do is habitual.

You probably eat three meals each day, but why? Why not two or five? There is nothing particularly "natural" about our pattern of eating three meals each day - it is just a habit that we share with most of those around us. Actually, a number of studies indicate that eating five smaller meals is more satisfying and healthier than eating three large ones.

You will always have habits - things you do regularly and without conscious thought - but you do have the ability to CHOOSE your habits. Here's how...

1. Begin to pay attention to WHAT you do, WHEN you do it, and WHY you do it. One of the bad habits I fell into was eating a large dish of ice cream in the late evening. Obviously, "ice cream" was the "what," but the "when" was more than just "in the evening." "When" was times I felt stressed, hadn't had a satisfying dinner, or was bored. "Why" was mouth sensation, having something to do with my hands, and sometimes hunger.

2. Keep a journal of the "what", "when," and "why." Make an entry whenever you find yourself doing something that isn't really your choice. You will find that you gain better insight into the "when's" and "why's" as you get more entries in your journal. Soon a pattern will emerge that can enable you to find healthy habits to replace the harmful ones.

3. Look for other activities that would satisfy the "when" and "why." A hot bath for stress, hard candy for mouth sensation, a good book for activity, a warm bowl of soup for real hunger.

4. Make the undesirable activity difficult. Don't keep the cigarettes or ice cream in the house. When ice cream was in my own freezer, it was hard to resist, but when eating a dish of super chocolate chunk required a trip to the convenience store, it was much easier to turn my attention to other activities and a low calorie snack - if any snack at all.

5. Begin new habits not only because you need them to replace unhealthy ones, but also because they are the things you always wanted to do, but couldn't find the time or money. That book club or yoga class makes a great substitute for the eating or smoking, and you can more than pay for your health club membership with what you save on cigarettes.

Sign-Up for Jonathan's Daily Inspiration - Daily Quote email, and read his article: 7 Secrets for a Happy Life.

Jonathan Lockwood Huie is an author of self-awareness books. He has been dubbed "The Philosopher of Happiness" by those closest to him, in recognition of his on-going commitment to seeing Joy in all of life.

** Today is your day to dance lightly with life. It really is. - jonathan lockwood huie

Affirmations Don't Work, and How I Finally Got That They Do!

If you've been around the EFT world for any length of time at all, you'll know it's generally believed that affirmations don't work. Until now that is, with this powerful new work by the masterful metaphysician Dr Sylvia Hartmann, called "Power Affirmations".

I like Sylvia Hartmann's approach to life and healing in general, so when I received an email about her new book I thought I'd have a read of her sales page anyway, even though I'm fairly convinced that affirmations pretty much don't work. Why they don't work is that we all have subconscious but powerful limiting beliefs, or "yes-buts", that trigger an internal argument or discomfort when we make statements that are clearly not true.

But, I trust Sylvia and I know she would not be wasting her time or mine writing about something that just doesn't work. Still, I did think - "What, Sylvia's writing about affirmations? Why?" - before I actually clicked on to her site. And I liked what I read, enough to decide that $20 wasn't a huge risk if it turned out to be more of the same old affirmation stuff, and I bought the book.

At just 40 pages "Power Affirmations" is a quick read in Sylvia's very conversational easy-read style.

Now, I have read a lot about positive affirmations, because part of me wants it to be true that making clear statements about how I want to experience life, will be enough to make it happen. For at least fifteen years I've studied many books and DVDs about affirmations, attended lectures, listened to the audios, run a subliminal program on my computer, and in more recent years even joined a membership site or two, all in the quest to find the key that would unlock the door that I would step through to finally "get it"!

But I never did get it. Everything I discovered seemed like so much soul-searching was required, and constant focus, and it was all something I would put off actually doing until I had more time. And the EFT explanation for WHY I didn't get it made sense; all my yes-buts were getting in the way. I've diligently worked on finding my yes-buts and clearing them, and I know there's a long way to go still.

I also know I've got to "feel" the result I want, because charging it up with emotion makes the affirmation more powerful. I teach people how to process their emotions, I know how to process my own, I GET the emotion stuff. But I just couldn't get connected to the big house or the flashy car or really any other hook. So I also couldn't visualize any of it - very frustrating!

But Dr Hartmann taught me, in two pages, how to put the emotion and the pictures in to anything! It is so simple, and so clear, why didn't I see it before? And that's what I love about her teaching style - she understands where most people trip over the basics, shows you how to step over and up, and then takes you deeply and easily into how and more importantly WHY to create your own affirmations.

She also taught a simple amazingly-powerful way to completely nix the yes-buts. I tried it and felt the most incredible shift in my energy, that was really unexpected. I'll be using it every day, easily and seamlessly!

She also covers things I've not read elsewhere, like meta affirmations and affirmation cascades, and her own unique Vega Pattern.

If you're looking for a book that gives you lists of affirmations about any particular subject, this is not the book for you. There are no lists. Also, Sylvia Hartmann has long explored the evolution of consciousness using the language of magic. This makes sense to me, but it might not make sense to you.

For just 40-some pages, this is an information-packed ebook. More importantly, it's an action-packed ebook, with teaching and tools that actually work! At the end of Power Affirmations, all I can say about it is: I get it. Finally!

If you want to finally "get" how affirmations can and will work for you, and how you can powerfully transform anything about your life, get your clarity from http://www.affirmationsdontwork.info.

Are You a Spiritually Balanced Person?

Spiritualism is the ability of a person to know beyond the senses. The world can be understood as the combination of the matter and spirit. While the matter is visible and known to the senses, the spirit that is the cause of the matter is not known to the senses. The knowledge of the spirit is obtained by the observation of the matter.

Spirit is all pervasive in the world as all objects are derived from this spirit. The spirit is, therefore, also known as God, Paramatma (Universal Soul), Supreme etc. All branches of knowledge are an attempt of the man to understand this spirit. Einstein expressed this desire of the spiritual person in the following words,

"I just want to know the thoughts of God. The rest are details."

Spiritualism, contrary to the common perception, is not other-worldly as it is very much related to this world. It is an attempt to discover the ultimate reality which is hidden behind the material beings. When Newton saw an apple falling from tree, he did not focus his thoughts on the apple but on the force that is driving the apple to the ground. Then he found that the same force works between every material object of the universe. He called it gravity. Yet no one has ever seen the gravitational waves or understood the reason why such forces emerge from the matter. Yet this knowledge has been extremely valuable for the mankind.

Spirituality too is nothing but an attempt of the man to discover the unseen and unknown force that drives every reality of this world. The only requirement to become spiritual is to change the focus from the "form" to the "formless" as Osho said,

We should drop our obsession with form so that the formless can enter. The moment the manifest leaves our mind, the unmanifest enters."

Many thousands years back, Upanishads, explained spiritualism as the highest knowledge of the world in the following words (Mundaka, I, i, 6)

By this knowledge, the wise realize everywhere that which can not be perceived and grasped, which is without source, features, eyes and ears, which has neither hands nor feet, which is eternal, multiformed, all pervasive, extremely subtle and undimishing, and which is the source of all.

If the knowledge of the spirit can not be acquired by the mind and senses then, how one can get it. The answer is that the spiritual knowledge can be obtained only by the spark of the spirit that is present in every living creature, which we know as soul. Thus the source of spiritual knowledge is the soul which alone is capable of understanding the knowledge of the spirit. It is for this reason that the spiritual knowledge is also called self-realization as it emerges from within and not from outside.

Four Means of Spiritualism

The goal of spiritualism is to know the spirit, the all pervasive reality of the universe. It was found that such knowledge is possible only when the person transforms himself to a spiritual person and moves in the path of divinity or salvation. This is also known as yoga or union of Self with the God or Divine.

Bhagwat Gita provides for four paths of salvation viz. Gyanayoga (knowledge of Supreme), Karmayoga (Selfless Action), Bhaktiyoga (Faith) and Dhyanayoga (self-realization).

Since all branches of knowledge are nothing but the branches of the same tree, hence all the four paths are common in other branches of knowledge like science which describes these four steps as hypothesis, experimentation, analysis and theory.

However, people often follow the simplest path and stick to only one path instead of balancing the four methods of union. However, these people feel disappointed and disillusioned soon as they fail to evolve spiritually.

Only a person who strikes proper balance in all four types of spiritualism attaints the spiritual evolution.

1. Knowledge: Understanding Scriptures

The truth of spiritualism is hidden in the scriptures. Yet it is not the words of the scriptures that carry the essence of the knowledge but the spirit of the scriptures that can be realized only by the soul. Scriptures requires highest level of imagination and thoughts. The meanings of the texts of Bible are not comprehensible like science. For example, read this texts from Bible

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:35 (KJV)

Scriptures are like poems which mix reality with imagination and symbolism. The proper understanding of scriptures requires deep knowledge of life and man. Try understanding this para of Bible

Jesus said to her, `I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" (John 11:24-26)

Yet man with repeated effort and deep desire can grasp the truth of the scriptures just like a person after repeatedly seeing movies of different kinds or after reading fictions develop the ability to understand the truth after filtering the fiction or symbolism.

2. Selfless Action: Verification of Knowledge

Once a person has developed some understanding of the scriptures, the next step is to ensure that what he understood is correct. It has to be tested and verified just like a theory in science has to be verified by experiments. Roger Bacon (1214?-1294?) English philosopher, scientist said,

The strongest arguments prove nothing so long as the conclusions are not verified by experience. Experimental science is the queen of sciences and the goal of all speculation.

It is for this reason that Gita has given highest place to Karma amongst all paths of salvation as without action, the knowledge can never be verified. Further, like scientists, the person has to keep himself away in participating the experiments and work merely as an observer. Thus the requirement is selfless karma. Only when the experiment is done without selfish motive, the results are accurately known.

If the laws of the scriptures are properly understood, then the result of an action would result into the goal as predicted in the scriptures. If the results does not match than either the theory is wrong or the experiment is wrong.

3. Faith: Believe in Scriptures

If the theory is correct and the experiment has been performed rightly, the results of the action are same irrespective of the observer and the person. In this regard, there is no difference between a scientist and a spiritual person. Thus the results prove the theory that causes the development of faith in the theories of the scriptures.

Faith is the first achievement of the spiritually awakened person. He experiments not on others but on him, hence there are no chances of errors or manipulation. Can anyone doubt the truth of an incident which he has witnessed by his own eyes? Hence the faith is automatically generated. Repeated success of the experiment deepens the faith of the theory and his capability to understand the scriptures and the nature of the spirit.

Faith is highly valued in all religions. Bible elaborate the importance of faith in the following words

He (Jesus) told them, "Because of your lack of faith. I tell you with certainty, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.

Yet faith can never be forced as it is impossible to influence the soul. No one can lie to himself or fool himself. Faith or belief comes only when a person is really convinced about the truth or accuracy of the principles. Yet once the faith is achieved, nothing remains unachievable.

4. Self-Realization: The Power of Concentration

It takes considerable time before a person has developed the correct understanding of the scriptures and able to distinguish the truth from the symbolism. In the beginning, large deviations are found in the theory and the results of the action. However with concentration, one can realize the fault and get the right knowledge and right experimentation.

The process of deep thinking or concentration is often called the self-realization in religion as this knowledge is realized from within. In Gita, it is called Dhyanayoga or self realization which is the pinnacle of spiritualism. Self-realization has been given the highest place in all religions. In the Gita Lord Krishna says

I shall fully explain to you the Self-knowledge together with Self-realization after knowing that nothing more remains to be known in this world.

Francis Marie Arouet de Voltaire (1694-1778) French writer, philosopher explained the power of thinking in the following words,

No problem can stand the assault of sustained thinking.

A Balanced Approach to Spiritualism

Every person who intends to know the spirit or God has to balance all four paths as no single path can lead to spiritualism. Mere bookish knowledge of the scriptures can make a person philosopher but not spiritual. Knowledge without knowing is like cloths which are worn externally and can be changed anytime. This knowledge does not transform the person as he does not really know the spirit. He could only know the body of the spirit and not the True knowledge of Spirit just like none can understand a person merely from his photograph.

Similarly all selfless actions do not provide any benefit to man. First of all, without knowledge it is impossible to do any action as every action originates from a motive or desire. Action without proper knowledge may cause more harm to the person instead of giving any benefit to him.

The blind devotion or faith in the words of the scriptures is the most fetal error a man can commit in the name of religion. Such people are called fanatics or fundamentalists as they instead of knowing their scriptures know only the words. Thus they take body as the whole truth can commit unpardonable crimes in the name of God.

Finally, mere concentration does not yield to anything. It is virtually impossible to see the unseen and understand the formless without having some basic knowledge of the scriptures. Even the most awakened persons started from the scriptures before, they could develop their new understanding of the spirit. Self-realization does not come in vacuum but its feet lies firmly on the existing base of spirituality and religion. Yet the understanding and knowledge arising out of self-realization is fresh like a new born child, as it is designed from a purpose to help solve a real-life problem.

When a person combines all the four means of spiritualism, he is able to move to the higher and higher orbit of spiritualism and attain divinity, the goal of spiritualism and religion.

Dr. Awdhesh K Singh is an Engineer by education and philosopher by passion. He holds his PhD degree in the area of E-Governance.

He has published several papers in International Journals and Conferences on the subject of E-governance and the application of Artificial Intelligence tools like Fuzzy Logic (FL) and Expert Systems (ES) for E-governance.

He has keen interest in the study and application of Religion, Spirtuality and Philosophies for solving the real-life problems of the modern world.

Many of his articles are published on the website of Aatmic Science Forum and Science of Soul.

His can be contacted on the email aksinghirs [a] yahoo.com

Peaks and Valleys by Spencer Johnson

Spencer Johnson has done very well for himself by taking simple lessons and sharing them in short stories. It is not surprising that USA Today called him "The King of Parables." "Peaks and Valleys: Making Good And Bad Times Work For You - At Work And In Life" is Johnson's newest parable, and like those before it, this book contains more than meets the eye.

The book is short, only 99 pages, and some of those contain only one quote. And like his other books, it is a smaller formatted hardcover. However, despite its length, there are some practical pearls of wisdom that if applied will make one's life more positive. It would be easy to dismiss this book as too simple, or too easy. After all, in the text Johnson refers to the story as common sense. But how many people actually apply the simple lessons of life? Treat others as you want to be treated is a universal lesson found throughout history, but do people actually apply it? Some do of course, but so many don't.

Often, we spend countless hours, sometimes even lifetimes, searching for some profound truth or magic moment that will enlighten us and make all of our troubles disappear and success and riches materialize in abundances we only dream about. While searching for the complicated, we sometimes fail to listen to the simple. We forget what we know. We don't apply the lessons we do learn because we are too busy looking for something greater.

What I like about "Peaks and Valleys" and the other books by Spencer Johnson is that they remind us of the simple, and encourage us to apply these simple lessons to our own lives. One of the lessons in "Peaks and Valleys" is to imagine yourself enjoying a better future in such specific, believable detail, that you soon enjoy doing what takes you there. This is not new. Earl Nightengale taught the same lesson in his "Strangest Secret." Nightengale taught "We become what we think about most of the time." Others have taught variations of this, and it is so simple that it is often overlooked.

Just because I have heard variations of this lesson before does not mean I didn't enjoy it here. Like the young man in this book, I too forget these lessons at times, especially when the hustle and bustle and stresses of today's world seem to overwhelm at times. The short time it took me to read "Peaks and Valleys" was a relaxing reminder of some important concepts that when followed make life better.

I would encourage anyone to take a little time for yourself, find a relaxing place, and enjoy this short parable by Spencer Johnson. Then take a little longer to assess how you can apply the lessons from this story to your own life. If you do, you just might find yourself enjoying more Peaks and realize your Valleys are not as bad as you thought.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a mediator/attorney with Bennett Law Office P.C. and an author/speaker through his own company Burrese Enterprises Inc. He teaches people to live with the warrior's edge through his writing and speaking on a variety of topics focusing on the business areas of negotiation and success principles as well as self-defense and safety topics. He is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks, several instructional dvds, and numerous articles. You can find out more about Alain Burrese at his websites http://www.burrese.com and http://bennettlawofficepc.com

Understanding Faithful Followers In Religion

How can you honestly understand someone else's opinion if they sincerely differ from yours? For years I have been trying to understand the beliefs portrayed by organized religions around the world. Whenever someone is explaining part of their religion to me and I bring something to their attention, about their religion, and they don't know the answer, their replies always seem to be based around faith. You just need to believe.

I've been asking people for years, why do you believe? The answers vary from time to time but the essence of the answers are similar. Our conversations seem to start out with a few facts, which leads us into a friendly discussion about their religious beliefs and how they were formed. Whenever I start to dig a little too deep or ask some of these people questions that they don't have the answers to, the conversation always ends abruptly and the word faith always seems to appear.

I feel like this is the easy way out for religious believers.

I'm sure that they get frustrated with me, asking them questions about their religions, that they can't answer. Most of these people won't even bother to find the answers for themselves either, this has often irritated me, but at the same time I think I understand. Most people want to be a part of something but won't take the time to be involved in it. Living a life based on a little information, a lot of hope and the rest completely immersed in faith, seems like a life that is lived without questioning the most important thing in your life.

If I went to a place of worship and asked this question "What's the Most Important Thing in Your Life?" I would imagine most of these people would tell me it was their God or gods. God seems to be the main focus on their lives but they don't seek to understand how he came to be, why he doesn't help the poor, why won't God communicate with us, or even something as simple as understanding some, at the least 10% of your religion.

I don't believe there's anything wrong with living a faithful life. I have faith in things that are out of my control and am still seeking answers to their origins and existence. The sun, Earth, air, water and even God. I suggest to religious, nonbelievers and spiritual people all over the world, to gather a little more information about your beliefs, if they are indeed important to you.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, You Can Heal Your Life

If you want to read something funny and get your daily laugh in, you need to read this, it's funny Using Religion Responsibility . It's based on overindulgence.

Self Help Tips, Creating SMART Goals

Creating S.M.A.R.T. goals is easy. These are goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.

If you are creating S.M.A.R.T. goals you have a better chance to succeed.

They are very granular in natural. There is no ambiguity and there is a time frame for achieving.

If you are setting vague goals like this......"We will reduce operating expenses this year", you will probably get results that match. Vague, unmeasurable and not timely.

There is no way to measure the outcome because we do not know the specific destination. If your business is measuring its success like this you probably have employees who don't know if they are doing a good job or not and you probably are not achieving your goals.

A good example of a S.M.A.R.T. Goal is: "We will reduce operating expenses by 2% for the second quarter of the fiscal year". This contains all the elements that we need to reach our destination.

It is specific "reduce operating expenses by 2%, it is measurable, and it is timely. Of course it has to be attainable and realistic too.

Specific - A specific goal will contain enough detail to answer who, what, where, when.

Measurable - A measurable goal will contain an exact end. Answer the questions how much or how many is a good start.

Attainable - Goals must stretch you, but should be achievable with good effort. If they are not it could cause apathy because the goal seemed too far away.

Realistic - Do you think the goal is achievable? Can you get it done with maximum effort or will your maximum effort still come up short? Goals should not be easy...to the contrary. However, they should be realistic.

Timely - Set an exact start and end time. If you do not establish a start time, you will never begin. If you do not establish an end time you will never achieve your goal in a timely manner. Having a start and end time greatly increases your chance for success.

Creating these types of goals will help you achieve a higher percentage of them and this all adds up to driving more business. Let it work for you today.

Gregg Zban is a General Manager with Coca-Cola Enterprises and has created a website dedicated to better time management in business, with family, at school and more.

To learn more please visit http://www.choice-time-management.com

For freebies please visit http://www.GreggZban.com

Motivating Others - The Secret!

Can you really motivate others? In a word: NO!

I know that sounds weird coming from someone who makes a living in the business of motivation and engagement in the workplace; but I'm not going to waste your time with lies, platitudes, useless slogans and metaphysical crap. The fact is there is no secret when it comes to motivating others. You can provide external motivation, inspiration and incentive but ultimately all effective motivation is internal. If you want to motivate others you need to employ some simple protocols that are too often ignored by organization leaders:

• Find out what personally motivates each individual on your team.
• Empower people with the resources and opportunities that support each person's vision of success & happiness.
• Make sure everyone knows how important his or her role is in the success of the organization.
• Hold each person accountable for his or her role in personal and organizational success.

One more thing: Get rid of anyone who will not accept personal responsibility for his or her own success and happiness!

I define power as your ability or capacity to act or perform effectively. Give everyone in your organization the opportunity to perform effectively and the organization becomes more powerful. Simple, not easy!

Too often power is confused with control. Power is not control; control is an imposition of will. Power is effectiveness and a person is most effective when he knows his work is generating personal success and happiness.

But...some managers say it's impossible to know the individual needs of everyone in an organization. Divide and conquer! External motivation is a process of effective coaching and mentoring and that's best done on a small scale. You can manage the scale in two way.

• Delegate closer contact to smaller groups. Hold each management level accountable for knowing what motivates his or her immediate team.
• Make some time for nearly everyone you want to motivate. A little meaningful contact makes a large impression.

I'm not advocating an uncontrollable system of appeasement where everyone gets everything he thinks he's entitled to. Control should not be confused with power, but control is necessary to some degree at every level of an organization. Every individual is, however, entitled to at least one thing and that one thing is opportunity. A motivated person who doesn't see opportunity in your organization is going someplace else; you don't want to lose self-motivated people!

An effective organization understands the motivational drives of its people and strives to provide the opportunity for the individual to satisfy his or her drive for success. That drive converts directly to productivity and profit.

• Understand what motivates individuals in your organization.
• Establish effective coaching and mentoring that supports individual success.
• Provide opportunity for individual development and success.
• Hold individuals accountable for supporting organizational success.

You may not be able to motivate others, at least not on an internal level. You can provide external motivation based on the needs of the individuals on your team. Make sure external motivation is in synergy with those needs and the mission of the organization. Be a motivational example for others and you've got real power!

Jim Bouchard is America's Black Belt Powervator; speaker, coach & author of Dynamic Components of Personal POWER!

Visit: http://JimBouchard.org
Download your FREE white paper: The Actual Value of Motivation and Engagement in the Workplace: http://www.jimbouchard.org/BusinessPOWER.htm
Book Jim for your next corporate event, conference, convention or retreat. Call 800-786-8502

Questioning About Your Religion - Movie Video

Are you one of those who believed in your religion wholeheartedly and never has doubted it. Watch this video to gather some more information about questioning your religion.

Start Living Your Dreams Today and Create a Wonderful Life For Yourself And Your Family. Greg Vanden Berge is one of the best inspirations on the planet. You will be hearing a lot about this guy in the future. You can count on it.

Random Acts of Kindness and Pay it Forward

You can actually push the envelope a bit more in your life by practicing good deeds for no seemingly special or specific reason.

One very powerful action and attitude you can embrace is the practice of random acts of kindness while also creating the pay-it-forward system of living. Random acts of kindness are just that: They're random, and they're kind.

When you give out of your pure desire to give and you expect nothing in return, AND you do this only to benefit others, then you're practicing random acts of kindness. Think about the energy you're sowing: Love, acceptance, care, support, and generosity. These are all very powerful seeds to be planting in the garden of your life.

And although you do this without any expectation of return (in fact, you do it just for the sake of doing it, which in itself is a precious gift), the truth is these acts will benefit you in countless ways. I've never met anyone, given the choice to do anything they wanted to do, who wouldn't want to give merely for the purpose of helping humankind in some way.

Pay-it-forward comes from the movie of the same title. It was a system dreamed up by a very wise, very young man who proposed, as part of a homework assignment, if we each did something positive for three other people and asked them to do the same for three other people, in a very short time everyone in the world would be positively affected.

It's easy to pay back people when they've done you a favor. But this system is about doing someone a favor, then asking them to return it by doing one for someone else. Again, you're planting the seeds of lush abundance and prosperity by practicing random acts of kindness and by adopting a pay-it-forward attitude.

What can random act of kindness can you pay forward today? Get started and plant those seeds today that will provide you with a fruitful harvest tomorrow.

Ken Donaldson has been offering counseling, coaching, and educational programs since 1987. His programs are focused on empowering people to have more successful lives, businesses and relationships. Claim your FREE Relationship Success Special Report at http://www.marryufirst.com/ Ken is the author of Marry YourSelf First! Saying "I DO" to a Life of Passion, Power and Purpose.

The Truth About Gossip

Connecting with others is one of the most rewarding things about college. The times sitting around the dorm rooms swapping stories are some of the most memorable times for me.

As any woman knows, the gift of gab is KEY to your success if you want to survive dorm life. The chat sessions that we held in the dorm at all hours in the morning were some of the most fun and interesting times in college. We would order pizza and pig out while talking about who had lost or gained weight, and all of the interesting things that had gone on in our life, like our past romances or who we were dating at the time, or what good looking guy was our next ambition. But, often, when one of the regulars werent there, wed start gabbing about them, and what awful thing they had done this week. Since I was usually there during the sessions, it never occurred to me that I would be the subject of such talk. It just never crossed my mind. After all, I was so well liked, or so I thought!

After a run one day I came out of the shower to hear my name mentioned by one of my suite mates. To my horror, it wasn't just my suite mates, but my roommate and a whole room full of girls from the hall. As I stood in the bathroom listening to the talk and laughter in the room next to me, I quietly steamed. I heard about how often my boyfriend would let the phone ring 1000 times, how messy I was, how I was too loud and so on and so on. I couldnt believe that these were the same girls with whom I had confided my entire existence. I was in SHOCK that I was the subject of so many peoples disgust! They had been so nice to me in person, and now this?

I had no other choice than to confront them, head on. So, with my towel around my hair, and one around my dripping wet body, I quietly walked in the room during their lets talk about Mary gossip hour. The gasps of horror filled the room and now it was THEIR time to be shocked. And rather than yell and scream, I simply said: You know, Im really sorry that I have offended all of you like I have. And it is hard to believe that I had to sit here and hear all of the things that I have done wrong. But do you all realize that yesterday, Anne, you were talking about Kathryn? And Kathryn, the other day, you were talking bad about Lynn? And Lynn, you were dissing Elaine? And Elaine you were in disgust with Liz? So cant you see, all of us are sitting here right now, talking bad about ME, because Im the one that wasnt the room? But, if one of you left, that YOUR name would quickly be smeared all over the place? Is this how we want to be? Is this how we want to treat one another?

No one said a thing, but the words lingered stiffly in the air as everyone looked uncomfortably around the room. I quietly left as everyone was left with their own embarrassment of being exposed.

After that, things changed for me. Any time a gossip session started creeping up into the conversation, I remembered the time when I had been talked about so horribly. I remembered how bad I felt finding out that my friends were really disgusted with me and rather than tell me to my face, they opted to talk to others about it. I learned that I would always find people who were different from me, and it didnt matter that I understood what they did or not, that they were entitled to think and to act like they wanted to. I learned that even with our best friends, that we would sometimes disagree. I learned how important that loyalty was and what a great quality it was to develop. I learned that others would respect an individual who chose NOT to gossip and chose to stand apart from the people who do. And I learned, that I wanted to be that kind of person.

That day of gossip changed my life. I cant say that Im perfect now, but I do try to remember those lessons that I learned that day. I realize that I cant change or control anyone else, but I am in control of how I conduct myself. I also now have living proof that the words my mom told me so long ago were ones that I would want to live by: if you cant say anything nice, then dont say anything at all.

Mary Gardner, The Charisma Coach! is an Executive Communications Consultant and Trainer. She works with, coaches and trains individuals, sales teams, executives, and celebrities. She owned and operated one of the first coaching institutions on the east coast, CCI, in NYC, Philly and NJ. Mary has appeared on ABCs 20/20 and has self published a book on public speaking. Mary is married to Sway and is mommy to Jeremy 5, and lives in Orlando, FL.

Contact: http://www.marygardner.com

7 Secrets of the Millionaire Mindset

Ask anyone, "do you want more money?" and the answer is usually "yes!" More money can mean many things: freedom, fun, adventure, escape from bills, no more worries, a brand new BMW. Whatever it is we want, money is often the means to get it.

Why is it we don't have everything we want? We are definitely smart enough - we have after all sent a man to the moon, should we not be able to make a few extra thousand dollars? We certainly work hard enough - statistics have Australians working 40-60 hours per week. Americans have barely two weeks annual leave per annum. There is no lack of work ethic here.

So what keeps us from achieving the wealth we truly desire?

Is it lack of knowledge? No - there are thousands of books and articles on how to build wealth and there are thousands who have done it before - it is achievable. The answers are out there, for anyone to access.

Is it lack of desire? Surely not since most people express a true craving for more cash and can see the real benefits of building wealth.

The distinction between those who make millions and those who do not is not about intelligence, drive, work ethic, knowledge, skill, opportunity, or even luck. The difference lies almost entirely with beliefs and attitude. These distinctions boil down to seven basic secrets of what I call the "Millionaire Mindset".

Secret #1: Beliefs about Money

Millionaires have specific beliefs about money and wealth. This is the most fundamental and most important aspect of becoming (and staying) a millionaire.

Millionaire beliefs include:

* I deserve to be rich.

* There is more than enough wealth to go around.

* When I grow rich, so do others.

* I grow rich by adding value to people's lives. I do this by providing services, knowledge, or products that enrich others.

* Creating wealth is enjoyable and fun.

* If I desire it, I can achieve it, attract it, possess it, enjoy it.

* I am the captain of my own ship.

* I am not alone - in building wealth, I have many partners who assist me in the design, implementation, and administration of my products and services. We all benefit from the growth of wealth.

* Nobody suffers as a result of me being rich.

* Wealth brings the opportunity to assist others.

* I am very grateful for everything I have in my life already.

* I am on this planet to enjoy my life.

* I am already wealthy beyond measure.

How many of those beliefs do you share with the millionaires? Chances are if you do not have all the wealth you desire it is because you may have some limiting beliefs about yourself and money.

We develop our money beliefs primarily from our family and from our early experiences with money. Do you remember your first conscious thought about money? Was it a positive one? Quite often our experiences with money are negative or unsupportive, associated with guilt, blame, fear, jealousy and all manner of low-level emotional states.

Culturally we are also bombarded with messages about money. Have you heard of these ones?

* Money does not grow on trees.

* Money is the root of all evil.

* It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to pass through the gates of heaven.

* The meek shall inherit the earth.

* There is virtue in poverty.

When you think about it, these maxims are not at all helpful if you want to grow wealth. If you subscribe to these beliefs, then your ambitions will be in constant conflict with your underlying notions about wealth. The result? A stalemate. No wealth can be grown in these conditions.

Secret #2: Reasons for Building Wealth - The Carrot and the Stick

Millionaires have very specific and very compelling reasons for WHY they build wealth. These reasons keep them focussed on their goals. These may include the desire to experience freedom of choice, provide a solid education to their children, assist their favourite charity, eliminate personal debt, ensure a secure future for themselves, or simply to have fun.

Regardless of the particulars of 'why' they want to build wealth, all the reasons fall in to two distinct categories. These are the 'Carrots' and the 'Sticks'. Both 'Carrots' and 'Sticks' are essential components of the Millionaire Mindset.

'Carrots' are the juicy incentive. Just like the horse that has the carrot suspended out in front of him to keep him trotting along, aiming for the yummy treat, millionaires also have 'carrots'. These might be a new Jaguar, a house on the beach, overseas travel, a fancy wardrobe, a solid education fund for their children, the ability to donate to their favourite charity, a sense of freedom, a sense of adventure, the freedom of choice. The reasons are both tangible and esoteric. Basically the most important thing is that the 'carrots' feel good.

'Sticks' are the painful reminder of what they don't want. My aunt who is now very wealthy says the primary reason she worked so hard for financial independence is that she never wanted to experience again the poverty of her childhood. It was such a painful experience that it served as a whip, a 'stick', to drive her wealth creation activities. Other wealth creation 'sticks' might be the pain of oppressive debt, fear of retirement without sufficient funds, the worry of wondering from where the next meal will come.

Anthony Robbins claims that people will do more to avoid pain than they will do gain pleasure. This is a key observation in the development of the Millionaire Mindset. In order to carry through plans for wealth creation, the millionaire on the make needs to have both 'carrots' and 'sticks'. The sticks keep the feet to the fire, keep the awareness of pain as a spur to keep trying, to keep working the plan. The 'carrots' however provide the inspiration, the joy, and the rewards. The wealth 'horse' moves a lot more effectively if it has both 'carrots' and 'sticks' encouraging it along.

One last word about 'sticks'. If you have too many of them, your life becomes filled with fear - fear of poverty, fear of debt, fear of an under-funded retirement. This is no way to lead a life, and certainly a very anxious way to approach developing wealth. Some 'sticks' are a good way to get started, and then focus more on your 'carrots'. Not only are these much more fun to think about, they will make the process of building wealth far more pleasant and enjoyable.

Secret #3: It's not about the money

Every wealthy person knows that creating a fortune is never about the money itself. It is however about what the money can do. Money allows the experiences that provide pleasure. Ultimately building wealth is about feeling good - nothing more, nothing less. Can you feel good without building wealth? Absolutely! This is why a wealthy person feels good, feels 'wealthy', regardless of the balance of their bank account. For the wealthy person, accumulation of wealth is a process that is as enjoyable as the results.

Wealthy people are not hung up on outcomes or on the balance sheet. Wealthy people focus on the process of adding value to their clients, to their colleagues, to their employees, to their field of work. They know that in adding value, the laws of reciprocity dictate that value comes back to them in the end. In this way they can feel good at any given time. Creating wealth is as much about service to others as it is about feeling good in their own life.

Secret #4: Awareness is a key skill of wealth creation

Those who create and attract wealth have a heightened sense of self. They are keenly aware of what might be stopping their personal growth including personal effectiveness, limiting beliefs, low-level emotional patterns, and lack of knowledge or skill. They take active steps to eliminate blocks to their success.

Those with a Millionaire Mindset are also keenly sensitive to their environment. They surround themselves with people who support and assist them with their goals. They hire coaches, select mentors, and pay for the best advisers they can afford. They avoid individuals who are negative, pessimistic, or caustic in any way. They design inspiring surroundings that remind them of their personal vision and reflect their individual values. Everything around them is a reflection of who they are at the core and resonates with their vision of themselves already in possession of the wealth they desire.

Secret #5: Focus reveals opportunities

Along with heightened awareness, focus on key priorities operates like a giant floodlight: opportunities are revealed by the powerful, focussed light. Without clear focus, these same opportunities may still exist, but because awareness is unfocussed, the individual may not necessarily notice them.

Secret #6: Repeat baby steps

Having focus and heightened awareness is not enough to become wealthy. Inspired and deliberate action is required to create results. Wealthy individuals take measured steps in creating their outcomes. They know that some action is better than none and that baby steps in the moment lead to significant results over time.

Secret #7: Connect to joy, in the moment

True wealth comes in the experience of joy, in the moment. This is in fact a choice brought on by awareness of our connection to the whole of mankind, the whole of the universe. When we feel integrated and a part of the great experience of life, we can relax and savour the experience of the moment, now. A great sense of peace thus allows the flow of joy, happiness, and ultimately wealth and prosperity.

So how do you actually create wealth?

This is the question people always ask first when they want to escape poverty and make more money. It should in fact be the last question to answer. You cannot attract wealth if you do not have the right beliefs, reasons, focus, awareness, and attitude. Any financial project will flounder without these elements in place first.

With that caveat out of the way, how do you build wealth?

The simple answer is that there are a multitude of methods and strategies. You can employ one or many. These include:

* A traditional business enterprise

* Investing in shares, managed funds, bonds, etc

* Property investment

* An online business.

What we know for sure that there are very few 'jobs' that pay an extraordinary salary that turns in to massive wealth. Business and investment is really the key to wealth that does not depend on you actually turning up to deliver a service.

How do you get started on the technical side of things of wealth building?
First of all, pick the strategy that you will enjoy. If you are a technophobe, then maybe an on-line business is not for you. If you enjoy home making and decorating, maybe property investment is something for you to pursue. Whatever you choose, you have to enjoy it and make it fun!

There are plenty of good resources out there to teach you the nitty gritty of investing, business building etc. Don't feel you like you have to go it alone! Get advice, get help, get a coach, get a mentor. Educate yourself - read, read, read. Then take action - baby steps of course!

As a starting point, here are some great resources for you:

Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki

Cash Flow Quadrant - Robert Kiyosaki

The E Myth Revisited - Michael Gerber

You Were Born Rich - Bob Proctor

The One Minute Millionaire - Mark Victor Hansen

Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill

There are plenty of more books, links, and articles on my website www.innercompass.com.au to help lead you in the right direction.

Now go forth and prosper!

I wish you a life of love, laughter, joy, health, and prosperity.

Best wishes

Copyright 2006 Zo Herbert Routh, Inner Compass

Cancer survivor Zoe Routh is the Head Coach at Inner Compass, a personal development organisation that helps busy professionals work less and achieve more. Inner Compass offers practical strategies and solutions to improve personal effectiveness and live an inspired life.

Zoe has worked with groups and individuals since 1987. She has worked as a trainer, coach and facilitator in helping people achieve their personal best.

Inner Compass offers articles, resources, and coaching programs to help busy professionals radically improve their personal effectiveness to live an inspired life.

http://www.innercompass.com.au

Book Review of "The Ultimate Gift"

Are you feeling sorry for yourself? What if your problems were reasons to rejoice? Can you imagine that a crisis might be an opportunity or even a gift in disguise? That's just one of the lessons Jason Stevens learns in The Ultimate Gift, an inspirational novel by Jim Stovall.

Wealthy patriarch Howard Red Stevens has died, but he still has one last trick up his sleeve. The decedent's estate plan provides a living for all his greedy relatives. But the benefactor reserves a special gift for his great-nephew Jason, "the last great vestige of hope" for his family. He loves Jason too much to make him an instant millionaire.

In his revised will, Stevens entrusts one final task to his longtime friend Theodore J. Hamilton. The attorney is charged with the oversight of Stevens' ultimate gift. Webster defines ultimate as final. It can also mean utmost, the best or fundamental. Stevens' gift to Jason meets all of these criteria.

Over the course of a year, Hamilton shows Jason a sequence of videotaped messages produced by his great-uncle prior to his death. These messages challenge the spoiled young man with a series of tests and launch him on a hero's mythic journey in quest of his treasure.

Our hero encounters obstacles along his path. He grows and matures as he learns the meaning of a well-lived life. For some readers, the videotaped directives may feel a bit contrived. Swept up in the saga, I journeyed along with Jason, attempting to guess the nature of the gifts. There are no big surprises nor anything esoteric in this tale. Simple truths are often the most profound and always worth remembering.

The Ultimate Gift will probably appeal to readers who enjoyed Tuesdays with Morrie or The Five People You Meet in Heaven. The book refers to a merciful God. It affirms that "life is a gift from The Good Lord." Yet it does not put forth any religious creed or dogma. Its message is universal. The core values and life lessons are applicable to people of any religious persuasion and to those with no religious affiliation. I imagined the character Red Stevens as a wise and kindly elder like Jim Rohn sharing his philosophy of life.

Crafted as a novel, The Ultimate Gift is a tender allegory. It would make an ideal graduation present. The gifts granted by Stevens resemble an ethical will, a meaningful way to pass on core values, beliefs and cherished memories. Legal and financial professionals may choose to share this resource with clients who want to bestow more than material wealth upon their progeny.

The quaint illustrations and sepia tones give this book an old-fashioned feel that connotes a treasure map. In this case, the treasure lies within. The short chapters allow readers to digest the message in small bites, reflect and apply the lessons in their own lives. This is the type of book that is passed along by word of mouth. The topics and format make it ideal for a family reading circle or a book club.

The imaginary character Red Stevens teaches his great-nephew, "In the end, a person is only known by the impact he or she has on others." With his book, The Ultimate Gift, real life hero Jim Stovall has made an impact on millions. He has faced the challenge of total blindness and made it possible for us to see into our own hearts.

(c) 2008 Michele A. Nuzzo

Life transition coach and freelance journalist Michele Nuzzo is the founder of Midlife Menu. Michele guides baby boomers on a path to a more conscious and joyful life as they juggle careers, caregiving and retirement life-planning. She inspires midlife men and women to reinvent themselves and ignite the spark of passion and purpose in their second act of life. To receive her free caregiver and retirement tips, sign up for her free newsletter and comment on her blog, visit http://www.midlifemenu.com

Astrology and Love Compatibility - Horoscope Helps You Succeed in Love and Marriage

Have you been dumped? Have you been finding it difficult to find a true love and get the best out of your relationship? Are you still struggling in matters of love ? Do you find that you are constantly being rejected in matters of love? If your answer is in affirmative to any one or all of these questions it is high time that you make a reassessment of your relationships and the reasons leading to such disasters!

Quite often you may not be able to do the retrospective and find out the real reasons behind your problems. Astrology and Horoscope reading can do wonders in such cases. Indian Vedic Astrology, which is thousands of years old, can make the correct assessment of your relationships and emotional problems and suggest very effective remedial measures . No one is born with excellent relationship skills .The difference between a guy who is considered as a Cupid by many girls and another who is being dumped by all is very thin. If you can makeup the difference you would be stepping into the shoes of the former, and will be reaping success ever after.

Astrological predictions are not fatalistic readings of your life . On the other hand they are scientific analysis of the innate characteristics and talents of the subject and help fix the problems and find permanent solutions. The remedies in the form of offsetting 'Karmas', use of Gems and crystals and many more such remedies help to set right your approach and make you a well-balanced individual. There is no wrongdoing or making use of magic here. It is a pure spiritual remedy by invoking the universal energy by accepted ways and help save the individual by improving the personality and thereby the responses of the individual. The remedies suggested also help you to get suitable surroundings and situations conducive for your success .

If you are desperate over your failures in love life, it is time to act now and change your future and fate! Your success is guaranteed by our Astrological suggestions and you will see the changes within a couple of weeks of following our instructions

If you like to know more about the remedies that help you succeed in your love Visit Author's Blog for free details.

Raveendranath Menon is an astrologer . mystic and spiritual healer of repute with more than 25 years of service to the society. You may get accurate predictions for all your burning problems at his blog Love and Marriage in Astrology.

Positive Thinking - Self Help Tips

I am a huge advocate of positive thinking. I apply it in every aspect of my life. But lately, I have been wondering, is all this positive thinking starting to cloud my judgment? Am I so focused on the positive that I am just not in touch with reality anymore? When does positive thinking become delusion?

It all started about two weeks ago when I started to have a dangerous moment of self reflection. If someone asked me at that point, 'Are you happy with your life?' I would have said 'Sure, pretty much'. I would like to be less busy, I would like to have a bit more time, I would like to see my friends more, but generally, I am pretty positive about where I am with life. The problem is that then I started to question whether that positive feeling was in fact justified, or was it simply a state of mind.

So, I started to examine the facts, which is even more dangerous than self reflection! I started to look at my life as it stands and compared it with how I wanted it to be. I mentally skipped through every aspect of my life; relationship, friends, family, work and self. At the end of it all, low and behold, I wasn't feeling very positive anymore. It was actually a fairly sad and dreary tale.

Now don't get my wrong. I am not saying that everything in my life is awful or that there is nothing good that is happening for me. But, when I looked at where I am and where I wanted to be, there was a pretty big gap between the two. So, for someone that thought life was pretty good and easy, I was suddenly forced to consider that perhaps it was not.

Firstly, I thought about whether my goals were realistic or just down right ludicrous and some did not pass the test. If I did everything that I wanted to, I would never sleep and even then would struggle to get through it all, which resulted in reestablishing my expectations. But, even after that, I realized that there were parts of my life that I wanted to believe were amazing and fantastic, but when I looked at the cold hard truth, were a far cry from what I wanted them to be. For all my focusing on the positive, I had failed to see that the negatives were actually things that mattered to me and simply ignoring them would not make them go away. In this case, I had been so hell-bent on looking at the positive; I was deluding myself and damaging my life along the way.

Armed with this new awareness, I have since been forced to conduct a major review and the outcome continues to remain unknown. And, (surprise, surprise), I feel pretty positive about it! As I said, I am a huge fan of positive thinking. It can be the difference between amazing or ordinary, sparkling or flat. I truly believe that it is a conscious choice and way of life that drives satisfaction and well-being. But used in the wrong way, as I have now learned, it can result in misguided choices and poor direction.

I have absolutely no idea what the answers are for me right now. I am in a fairly confused state as a result of all of this turmoil. However I do believe that I will make all my dreams come true one way or the other, and that is something to feel positive about. So with that in mind, I will continue to bubble along and try to remember my important lesson. Stay positive, but do not lose sight of what is real!

find4me has been created to make it simpler and easier to manage your health and wellbeing. We provide practical information about what health and wellbeing services are available and finding those that are right for you. To read more articles like this one or suggest a topic of interest, just visit our blog

find4me was founded by Kareene Koh and is based around her passion for health and well-being. To find out more about find4me please visit http://www.find4me.com.au

You Will Be Judged by Your Cover

The First Impression is the Only Impression

One of the key reasons I have been able to pull myself out of poverty and into a life filled with personal and professional success is that I have always maintained an extremely high level of vigor in everything I do. Even when I found myself slipping and becoming bitter, acting less than enthused, and holding pity parties (that no one showed up for) I found a way to refresh, revitalize, and reenergize myself. I didn't and still don't depend on someone else to invigorate me. You can't maximize your success or attract success if you are miserable, empty of energy, and negative. Misery has enough company, it doesn't need you to join. Invigorating yourself is one of the eight precepts of a formula for success I developed called Fresh PASSION, which is a fresh take on Preparing yourself, Aspiring to reach your goals, Staying laser-focused, Selling your value, Invigorating yourself, Omitting the negative, and Nailing the brand.

Invigorating yourself will give you a huge leg up in making the all-important "three-second impression." In the three seconds it takes you to walk through a door and extend your hand to someone for the first time, that person has already made irreversible judgments about you. You send out hundreds of signals about yourself, and people read those signals and react to them long before you've had a chance to say anything of substance.

Success in the new millennium comes to people who are versatile and can make positive impressions in any group. Whether you are a self-employed professionals who have to constantly win new clients and customers to stay afloat, an unemployed individual in search of your next job, or an employed individual who desires to move into another job, the ability to make a positive, invigorated first impression is crucial. To ensure those judgments are favorable, you need to have self-confidence, a positive attitude, and a neat appearance.

Ask your friends, boss, colleagues, and other trusted members of your personal network to close their eyes and open them when you walk into the room and give their first impression of you. Compare this impression with your intended impression and work on closing the gaps. You can't see the big picture if you are in the frame; get help from someone who can tell you what you need to hear.

Also remember that the greatest temptation to give up, to slack off, and to lose sight of your goals will come just before you are about to succeed. Stay invigorated about achieving exponential personal and professional success-be it for yourself, your career, your organization, or your business.

Remember, success in the new millennium comes to people who are versatile and can make positive impressions in any group. None of this is possible without a constant flow of vigor and confidence that exudes from you and is obvious to everyone you come in contact with. You can't afford to allow this turbulent economy with its eroding 401(k)s (actually more like 201(k)s) deplete your vigor-you must stay invigorated in order to make decisions and take actions that will lead to your exponential success. So stay invigorated and make those first three seconds meaningful!

Today's success-driven article is a platinum nugget from Michael D. Brown's award-winning and signature work, Fresh PASSION: Get a Brand or Die a Generic. Based on the methods and attitudes Michael used to escape poverty and achieve continuing success in his own life, Fresh PASSION allows you to build a personal brand based on your unique strengths and abilities that will guarantee recognition in the professional and academic marketplaces.

http://www.TheMichaelDBrown.com

Michael D. Brown, MBA is a sought after motivational speaker, management expert and consultant, and best-selling author. Through Michael's signature programs and commitment to delivering results both through and with people, he has helped a number of Fortune 500 companies create and deliver world-class experiences that led to double-digit growth to their bottom lines.

http://www.TheMichaelDBrown.com

VIP - Very Inventive Procrastinator

Many of us think we have conquered procrastination and have become efficient workers. This may be true for some of us, but when it comes to procrastination we may have just become a little more creative. You may just be a V.I.P. - Very Inventive Procrastinator. Read the statements below to see how many you can identify with.

• I like to get a lot of little jobs out of the way before starting a major project.
• I have a messy desk, overflowing in-basket and paper that needs to be filed.
• I frequently go back to work with my "homework" still in my briefcase untouched.
• I frequently tell myself, "I'll put it here for now and put it away later."
• I have at least two major projects at work or at home that I am leaving until I have more time.
• I have several broken items at home waiting to be repaired or articles of clothing waiting to be mended.
• In the mornings I rarely get up when the alarm sounds or at the time I planned to get up.
• I like to stick with a task until it is perfect.

How many of those statements described you at least some of the time? According to Dr. Linda Sapadinin in her book It's About Time, there are six styles of procrastination:

• The Perfectionist- Spends too much time past the acceptable level of work
• The Dreamer- Focuses on fun and easy things in hopes the difficult will disappear
• The Worrier- Is afraid to make mistakes, so never gets started
• The Defier- Puts things off as a way to object to having to do it
• The Crisis-Maker- Lives for the adrenaline of working against the clock
• The Over-Doer- Takes on more can they can do in a timely manner

Which are you? Each type of procrastinator has uniquely inventive ways to procrastinate.
"...But I want it to be perfect!"
"...But I hate all those bothersome details"
"...But I'm afraid to change!"
"...But why should I have to do it?"
"...But I only get motivated at the last minute!"
"...But I have so much to do!"
Sound familiar? Not to worry, there is hope for VIPs who thought they had procrastination beat. The ideas below should help you kick the habit:

• Change your "can'ts", "shoulds", and "somedays" to "cans", "coulds", and specific times.
• Identify why you procrastinate. Do you try to perfect everything? Do you worry? Do you like the feeling of beating the clock? Do you take on too much?
• Set a goal for the thing you've been putting off. Pick a specific date to do it, and schedule time in your planner to get it done.
• Break down the overwhelming tasks into chunks, and do them a little at a time.
• Keep telling yourself, "If it's unpleasant, I'll do it now and get it over with."
• Disorganization breeds procrastination, so get organized.
• Tackle the distasteful tasks when you're feeling good or have just accomplished something significant.
• Force yourself to start. Once started, you'll build momentum. Keep starting, and you'll develop the do it now habit.
• Decide on a reward for finishing a task that you have been delaying. Example: a coffee break, a new shirt, a night on the town. Provide yourself with an incentive to get it done.

We would also like to acknowledge Harold Taylor's "Procrastination Self-Assessment" and "25 Ways to Overcome Procrastination for info in this article.

Colette Robicheau, President of Organize Anything, is a consultant, coach, and public speaker offering corporate, residential, and personal organizing services. Colette's humor and positive attitude are a great asset in her roles as professional organizer and life coach. An extensive background in professional organizing, project management and business development, have given Colette a no-nonsense approach to project completion with the ability to deliver on budget and on schedule. Email Colette or for more information, including great organizing tips, visit http://www.organizeanything.com.

Want To Control Your Thoughts?

Do you think that your thoughts can rule you? If your answer is YES then you are in the right path. Thoughts play an important role in our life. Our thoughts can be so influencing that we can even heal ailments with just only thoughts. Most of us know this. Also we can make things happen in the way you want them with your thoughts. With your thoughts you can do both good and bad. You may wonder how, just keep reading further.

Thoughts are broadly classified as Positive and Negative thoughts. As the name conveys, positive thoughts are the ones that we will have to give more importance as they do more good than the negative thoughts. There is never a moment a person is not thinking. Most of the time, we are carried away by our thoughts. And most of our thoughts are influenced by people around us.

First of all we must watch our thoughts. Just observe them cautiously. Of course it is difficult the first time. But, you know practice makes a man perfect! You will be able to master this art in no time, if you practice it regularly. Now, after watching them, the next step is to identify them. You can easily find out if it is a Positive or a negative thought. A negative thought is not only those which are bad for us but also the thoughts which will affect others are considered to be negative thoughts. After categorising, our major step will be to control the negative and replace them with the positive thoughts. This is not as easy as we say.

We have to replace the negative thoughts with our positive ones immediately whenever we find them taking control. Longer intervals for this replacement will weaken the positive thoughts and hence the effect will be less. When a negative thought comes and controls? Its origin is from the external forces. Majority of them is from the place and the people. They influence our thoughts and thus affect us. But we need not worry for this because; our thoughts will get influenced only to the extent we allow them. So its very easy for us now. We must be strong and must not allow our thoughts to get influenced. For this we need to practice.

For example, if you have failed in any of your attempts to complete an activity and you thoughts are in such a way which makes you feel more depressed then they are negative thoughts. Say if you think 'Oh I failed! I could not do it! How impotent I am' all these will add on to your failure and will never allow you to try again and succeed. Instead if you start thinking 'these are my new experience and learning that will help me in succeeding in the next attempt. I can do it!' then you will be a winner always!

When we keep reinforcing positive thoughts over the negative ones, we will soon realise that our negative thoughts are gradually getting vanished and we are in control of our thoughts, in turn our emotions. This will surely lead to a happy and peaceful life.

To learn more on thoughts, emotions, dreams do href=" http://mindmanage.blogspot.com/">Visit us

Estate Planning - The Life Estate

The life estate is something every first year law student learns about when they study the arcane and often bizarre history of property law that harkens back to the days of English knights, lords and serfs, and the transfer of property through the ceremonial throwing of dirt clods with oaths of duty to accompany. The life estate is about as old as they come as instruments of wealth transfer go and students love it, because it is relatively easy to understand. Apart from what students love and what is easy to remember, however, the life estate still has practical value today in your estate planning and assets management schemes.

The basic idea of the life estate is that a person can be left a piece of property for life, and upon their passing, the property in question can go to whoever is designated to receive that property afterward. The individual or group who receives the property after the life-tenant passes is called the remainderman or remaindermen, which is useful only in that it helps one to remember that the person who remains gets the property. If, for example, one wants to leave a family estate that has been with the family for many generations to their spouse and then have it immediately pass on to their children or another relative who will maintain the estate for the generation to come, then a life estate might be the perfect vehicle to do so. Another example is the same family estate, left to a surviving spouse until the surviving spouse either dies or remarries. Again, the aim is to ensure that the estate stays in family, a contingency which is threatened by the remarriage because that creates a new marital joint-tenancy, absent any other provision. Often the life-estate was used to keep assets, like the family home, headed down a single line of familial ownership.

However, the life estate has other uses, for example, it can leave an asset to be owned by one person until the death of third person. If an older relative has become incapacitated, such that it is difficult for them to make decisions for themselves, then the asset can be left in the care of another for the incapacitated person's lifetime. An example might be, that Blackacre (the fictitious name for a piece of property used in law schools everywhere) is left in the care of cousin Tilly, until great aunt Nelly's death. Thus, Tilly is allowed to make Nelly comfortable at Blackacre (the family home) until Nelly passes on. In this instance, Nelly's life is what is called, the measuring life of the life estate, and Tilly's ownership ends when Nelly is gone.

On the whole, the life estate may be falling out of use for a number of reasons and being replaced by the much more fluid instrument of the trust. But, the life estate still captures, from time to time, our instincts regarding how property is to pass from one generation to another and that is why it is still relevant even for an estate planner who uses it very rarely. It helps us to ask and to get the answer to very difficult questions, which is part of the act of estate planning. Both the client and the attorney must face tough questions, and the life estate (even if it is sometimes regarded as a legal relic of the past) tells us how people used to answer questions of intra-generational wealth transfer and why. We may use different instruments to bring about our legal ends (or we may not), but even if we do, the life-estate still has relevance in helping us think about the questions that underlie the choices to be made in estate planning.

Ronald Hudkins is an advocate for consumer awareness. He has noted that more than 70% of the American public fails to make appropriate estate plans prior to death or incapacitation and as such; authored an Ebook "Asset Protection and Estate Planning for All Ages" It is available for free download at http://stores.lulu.com/rhudkins

How to Achieve Your Goals by Using Simple Proven Steps

Do you want to be rich? Do you want to live the kind of lifestyle you always wanted? Do you want to achieve the great success you always dream of? In fact, achieving great success is not as complicated as you might think. As long as you have the desire and willing to take the necessary action, it is possible for you to achieve what you want in your life.

If you are serious and truly want to achieve your goals, here are some simple and proven steps that you can follow right away...

1. You must be visionary and know what you want in your future. Many people live a mediocre life; they struggle through life without ever knowing why. The only reason for this is that they do not know what they really want in their life. Do you have dreams? Do you know what your goals are? Do you know what have any targets in your life? Knowing what you want is the first step to achieving it. You cannot hit a target that you cannot see.

2. Once you know what you want, you must then know why you want it. This is because without knowing why you want it, you will never achieve it. It is the reason that will propel you, motivate you and inspire you into taking action to make it comes true. If goal setting, visualization, law of attraction, affirmation, etc do not work for you, it is because your desire is not strong enough. Your desire will be backed up by the reason deep within you. So find out why you want to achieve what you want today.

3. After you follow through the first two steps, this step will be easy for you. You have to have the courage to venture out of your comfort zone and take the necessary action to make your goals and dreams come true. If you are just standing right there without doing anything, you will never reach another point of your life. You have to be willing to make the decision and take the action to achieve your goals.

These are the simple and proven steps how you can achieve your goals in your life. The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Therefore, take the first step now to find out what you really want to achieve in your life, know the reasons and take the action right away.

Fail to achieve your goals or live the kind of lifestyle you desire? No problem. Just follow through my proven, step-by-step and FREE Success Blueprint system... You're about to discover how to master your mind, design your very own destiny and transform into living a successful life that you always desire

For more information, please visit http://www.TheMillionaireSecrets.net/success-blueprint.html

One Of The Many Ways To Develop A Positive Attitude

One of the most effective ways to develop a positive attitude is through the practice of positive affirmations. What are positive affirmations? Positive affirmations are positive statements that are written in the first person, in the present, and are specific. Positive affirmations are retraining your subconscious mind to look and think positively at something rather than approaching something with a negative attitude. There have been many books written about positive affirmations as well as many audio books and seminars.

There are numerous ways to develop a positive attitude, and positive affirmations are one very effective method. Some experts suggest one of these ways to develop a positive attitude is to start your positive affirmations in front of a mirror. The following rules of thumb are helpful in putting your positive affirmations into use:

Some experts advise writing or typing out their affirmations up to 20 times per day.

A response column next to each affirmation my help get rid of any lingering negative thoughts - for every negative write the opposite in the positive form.

Write in the first person (I will create wealth).

Search out motivational/inspirational material to reaffirm your positive affirmations on a daily basis.

Consider stating your affirmations in front of a mirror or taping them to your mirror.

Vocalizing, actually speaking your affirmations engages more than one sense and makes more of an impact (see and hear them).

Affirmations must make a positive statement (I will create wealth).

Use your own name, as affirmations are more effective when you include your name.

Affirmations be written in the present tense - don't think of what you don't have today, think of yourself as already having these things today. Use words like "now" in your affirmations.

Affirmation need to be specific

Be in the present - don't think of what you don't have today, think of yourself as already having these things. Use words like "now" in your affirmations.

Affirmations are one of the ways to develop a positive attitude. The key is to choose to see things more positively, to engage in behaviors that will help you stay on the positive attitude track, and to believe that you are deserving of good things.

Jeri Atleson has been a successful internet entrepreneur for 3 years. She has a passion for learning and mentoring others to achieve their financial goals. To learn more about Jeri and how she may be able to help you achieve your financial success online with a free coaching session, visit her website at http://atleson.legitimatebusinessfromhome.net/index.html

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How to Write Affirmations

So you want to know how to write affirmations!

Don't worry you don't have to be a professional writer it's a simple formula and a powerful tool.

Writing positive affirmations and positive thinking go hand in hand in my opinion. Writing positive affirmations is a great way to discover the power of positive thinking as it gradually changes your mindset with every positive word you write and recite.

How To Write Affirmations
Keep these important points in mind when composing your affirmations and you will be writing beautiful affirmations in no time.

• Phrase the affirmations in the present. Example: I am, it is, I have, is
• Create a feeling of having, remember you are affirming something (definition of affirming: state as a fact) Example: I have a reliable and smooth running car.
• You are taking a negative and turning it into a positive Example: I never have enough money (negative) I always have more than enough money to meet my needs. (positive)
• Recognize the meaning of every word in your affirmation as you recite it.
• Always use positive words never include words like, don't, can't, have not, or will not.
Example: I will not be sick. Changes to: I am healthy and strong.
• Recite your affirmations daily. Find the right time of day. Morning affirmations is a great way to start your day and evening affirmations is a great way to end your day.
• Lastly be very clear and only affirm (state as a fact) what you truly want.

Benefits to Writing Your Own Affirmations
There are many benefits to writing your own affirmations.

1. First they are unique and customized for you and only you.
2. They fit perfectly your individual needs and wants for your life.
3. It changes your mindset by teaching you a positive perspective for your thoughts.
4. It empowers you because you are taking an active part in molding your life.
5. They can help you find inspiration within yourself.
6. You can customize them for specific areas of your life like career, financial, self-esteem, and health.

So get busy and start writing your own affirmations. Keep a special journal specifically for your personal affirmations. Discover the joy and power in writing your own affirmations.

I've always wanted to know "why" am I here what is the purpose of my being on this earth in this body. In the 70s, with the big "new age" movement going on, there were plenty of new resources to helped answer my questions, for me the philosophy made sense. Authors were writing books based on the new age thinking that body, mind, and spirit are connected. That hit home for me, so here I am writing and sharing.
Learn more about how to write affirmations and their positive affects on your life at Living Words of Wisdom.

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