Do you recognize all the wonderful qualities that you possess?
If you're feeling low in morale at this present time and have lost your sense of self-worth, focus on all the amazing gifts that you have to offer.
Consider your experience, skills, expertise, knowledge, and abilities. Focus on everything that has shaped your life for the better - including your gifts of happiness, love, empathy, understanding, etc.
Celebrate the incredible individual that you are.
When you recognize the gifts and qualities that you have to offer, other people will see it too! And these other people may well want to invest in someone just like you!
Your mission for today is this - Go out and share the love!
Don't know how?
Well, here are just a few ideas:
* Say it with flowers. Give roses to someone - anyone - to brighten up their day.
* Circulate your favorite love poetry. Better still, write your own!
* Give a friend a hug today. Ask them to pass it on!
* Say `I love you!' to all those you really care about.
* Express your love for the world around you by showing how much you care.
And don't forget to love yourself! Yes, that's right. You need to invest love in yourself too. When you are embraced in love, your heart is free to love others.
Time is, undoubtedly, one of our greatest preoccupations in life.
It's something that we never seem to have enough of.
The concept of time was recently explored in fascinating detail by Professor Brian Cox on Horizon in a program titled `What Time is It?' Do watch it if the opportunity arises as it'll make you think about time in ways that will inspire you!
Here are a few interesting facts relating to time:
* The ancient Greeks enjoyed a ten-day week!
* The Romans constructed their first sundial in 164 BC
* Some of the earliest clocks only showed hours.
* A jiffy is a period of time lasting only 1/100 of a second.
* At the speed of light, time stops!
* It is said that the Hopi Indians in Arizona do not measure the passing of time.
* The pendulum clock was developed in the 17th century.
* Time passes more slowly in the Earth's orbit so when astronauts return, they are a little younger than if they had spent the time on Earth.
* Time is relative to the person observing it!
Are you having the time of your life? I hope so! Because remember -
The Roman poet Ovid once said: `Tempus edax rerum', which means Time conquers all!
William James (1842 - 1910), was a pioneering American psychologist and philosopher, who said:
"If you would be learned, you will be learned ... if you would be rich, you will be rich ... but work for whatever it is you want exclusively and don't at the same time wish for a thousand other things.
"We become what we make our minds to become. It is nobody's fault that the great majority of the people never make up their minds to become anything at all."
How true is that?
We are what we make our minds up to become, but it is so easy to be distracted with a million and one different things, especially with the Internet. We are bombarded with new ideas, new information, and new opportunities every day.
But we need to learn to focus and stop ourselves from suffering from information overload.
How many people go through life plodding along, and at the end of it realize they have achieved nothing at all? Don't let this happen to you!
James went on to say:
"There is no more miserable a human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision.
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes."
Once you decide to take action and focus on what you want to become, then you will be well on the way to fulfilling your life's calling.
At the end of your life you'll be able to look back and have no regrets.
James said:
"Act as if what you do makes a difference... It does."
When you're younger there's a notion that if you're talented - at writing, art, sport, music, drama, whatever - you are going to be the next highly successful person.
But in reality this just doesn't always bear out. Talent is not enough.
The world is littered with extremely talented people who just didn't persist or put in the time. Talent alone doesn't get you there. You need to put in the hard slog too.
Persistence is the ability to maintain action regardless of your feelings.
You press on even when you feel like quitting.
When you work on any big goal, sometimes you'll feel motivated; sometimes you won't. But it's not your motivation that will produce results - it's your action.
Persistence allows you to keep taking action even when you don't feel motivated to do so, and therefore you keep moving forward towards your goal.
Persistence will ultimately provide its own motivation. If you simply keep taking action, you'll eventually get results, and results can be very motivating.
For example, you decide to write a novel and struggle with the first three chapters, but than you feel the story is taking a life of its own and is starting to flow on the page. It's then you become a lot more enthusiastic about writing the rest of the novel.
Are you putting enough work into your endeavors, or are you just dreaming of the golden times ahead?
Don't be a dreamer, be a doer!
Now go out there and keep on knocking on those doors of opportunity!
So to be successful and achieve your dreams in life you have to believe in yourself, and you have to take any opportunities that come your way with both hands.
Opportunities are everywhere, but most people don't see them, believing the lucky breaks are not for them. They believe they cannot change and there is no point in even trying. Such people just think they are being realistic.
But we know the truth!
Success is there for anyone who will get off his or her backside and chase it down! You know and truly believe that whatever you want, you can go out there and seize it. You can imagine and feel it before you even have it! Your enthusiasm and belief pulls you to success.
Don't follow the crowd who believe in mediocrity, but follow your own path and live life to the full. Once you understand the power of belief, you will recognize the role it plays in achieving success.
Simply believing that something can be done multiplies your chances of success ten-fold, and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy!
"Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe."
Wise words!
So, how's your self-belief? Are you a winner? Do you believe that you can create the good stuff in life?
I love to be out in the world at every opportunity and always find that being in natural surroundings is inspiring and rejuvenating.
Being connected to nature and the outdoors reconnects us to something deeper and keeps us grounded. You are able to be more in touch with who you are, and relationships with others and the world around you take on a deeper meaning.
The Scottish born American naturalist John Muir said:
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you... while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."
When out in the field you're much more likely to feel happy and comforted. You start to feel part of the rhythms of nature, a small part of something much bigger.
And as well as being good for the soul, spending time in the great outdoors - walking, cycling, and other outdoor pursuits - is a great way to stay fit and have fun!
"We are surrounded by beauty and live in a world of wonder, if only we take the time to see what is all around us and permit ourselves to feel deeply and genuinely. In the smallest detail we might discover tranquil harmony and in the largest expanse elation and joy. We can find meaning and values in caring for the Earth and its creatures."
So put on your walking boots and get out there! Spend a weekend away in a romantic cottage hideaway or treat yourself to a luxury country hotel.
With more space to breathe and more time to share, let the breathtaking natural beauty revitalize your spirit and stir your soul!
Yes ... you heard me right ... you do know that there is a genius within you? Yes, that's right!
In fact, your genius may already be revealing itself in the work that you do or in your creative pursuits. Or it could be that your genius is waiting to be discovered!
But what is it to be genius? Surely you need an amazing IQ or some incredible talent?
There are many interpretations of genius. Some define genius as being an individual who can apply his or herself to mastering a subject. There are, indeed, genius scientists and academics but there are also genius artists, musicians, artisans, and teachers.
Surely you have to be born with genius?
Well, there are certainly many people who believe that we all have potential for genius and that it can be shaped.
So, how do you discover the genius within? Well, you could start focusing on what you're passionate about. Or you could try unlocking the genius within you. Take a look at the genius mindset!
Victor Hugo once said:
"Inspiration and genius - one and the same."
So, what inspires you?
Spend some time today exploring your genius side. You never know, it could take you on an incredible journey!
Retweet this EXACT message on Twitter. Just copy and paste the text below and post it to your account:
RT @karlmoore wishes you a Happy New Year, with a FREE copy of 'The 18 Rules of Happiness'! Download here: http://tinyurl.com/yhr5rvu
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As usual it is so good to hear from you buddy, and it is the inspiration of guys like yourself and Todd Silva who have helped us to do something this year which transcends anything we have ever felt before.
We told all our friends and relatives some months ago that we would not be either buying or receiving presents this year. Instead we would be donating the money we would have spent to The Donna Louise Trust which is a local children's hospice.
I swear to you Karl that the feeling we had when we posted the cheque was immense, and they sent a simple reply which was a card from one of the little angels residing there, and just beneath her gorgeous little face she had written the words "Thank You Chris & Tina".
That little card is now sitting beneath our Christmas tree on its own.
And it means FAR FAR more than opening prezzies tomorrow morning. The feeling of giving, particularly to children, and particularly to children who may be enjoying their last Christmas is absolutely AMAZING.
Please forward this to anyone, everyone Karl if you wish. Tell them that GIVING and not receiving at Christmas feels absolutely AWESOME.
Have a GREAT Christmas my good friend, and we wish you everything you want and need for 2010
"My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?"
Today, many hundreds of thousands of individuals across our great blue planet are celebrating. It's a great feeling.
Today's post is partially a Random Act of Kindness, partially a message of inspiration, partially a greeting for the holidays, and wholly a big dollop of love.
Why?
Because Christmas is here. It's the time for you to open your heart and embrace the world around you.
You see, anyone that knows me... knows one thing.
I love this time of year!
It's magical. People everywhere -- at least those not caught in the crazed, ever-busy last-minute gift rush -- open their hearts and become just a little more loving.
It's the time we can officially be jovial and say "I LOVE YOU!" without feeling like an idiot.
It's rationed happiness.
Of course, you could be like that all year round -- and feel great as a result. But if you don't, AT LEAST do it for Christmas, and live every minute of the holidays to the full!
So, what can you do to get into the Christmas spirit?
They're small acts of kindness, done for the good of some stranger, solely for the purpose of making their like more joyful -- without expecting anything in return!
This week, my mother donated much of her wages to abandoned cat and dog charities up in the North East of England. (And my mum has a lot of big bills to pay!)
On Saturday, I helped an elderly man overloaded with bags up the steep hill to our local train station.
Last night, I gave a surprise visit to an elderly friend -- and decorated his otherwise-Christmas-free house with bright tinsel and wreaths and "Merry Christmas!" signs. They cost me �7 in total, and changed his mindset completely!
Those are just a few festive Random Act's of Kindness you can use to change someone else's life -- and make yourself feel great at the same time.
A Random Act of Kindness is, after all, simply an act of love.
And what is Christmas if not love?
Before signing off today, I'd like to give you a couple of quick Christmas gifts.
And so, as this glorious day slowly retires and the sound of sleighbells gently ring in the distance, allow me to wish you... a very, very merry Christmas!
With love, with happiness, with a big smile and wide pupils... I wish you all the very, very best.
I was reading the book 'The Demon-Haunted World,' by late American science popularist Carl Sagan -- incidentally, a true hero of mine -- and he unexpectedly opened one of his chapters with:
My parents died years ago. I was very close to them. I still miss them terribly. I know I always will. I long to believe that their essence, their personalities, what I loved so much about them, are - really and truly - still in existence somewhere.
I wouldn't ask very much, just five or ten minutes a year, say, to tell them about their grandchildren, to catch them up on the latest news, to remind them that I love them.
There's a part of me - no matter how childish it sounds - that wonders how they are.
"Is everything all right?" I want to ask. The last words I found myself saying to my father, at the moment of his death, were "Take care."
Wow.
This is a man writing on the subject of superstition, life after death, UFOs, religions, mystical powers -- and why we shouldn't believe in any of it -- unveiling something universal in us all.
That very human emotion of grief, loss, a yearning for love.
What does chapter opening say to you?
What does it inspire you to do, or change? How does it make you feel? And how could you alter your day and attitude - in honour of those words?
You never know what you have... until you don't have it.
Don't risk taking taking anything in life for granted.
There's one truly fantastic scene in Alice in Wonderland.
It occurs after Alice has shrunk, and she's exploring the dark, mystical forest - desperately attempting to find her way.
Suddenly the disappearing-reappearing Cheshire Cat appears, perched high in a tree, and offers to give her directions: "Where you are going?"
"I don't know!" replies Alice.
The cat responds: "Well, if you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there!"
What a revelation.
Do you know where you're going?
Let me ask you something.
Have you ever been to a party, expecting it to be absolutely great - and it was? Or have you ever gone on a night out, expecting it to be truly terrible - and it was?
Perhaps you've got out of bed, stubbed your toe, and decided this was going to be a bad day - and it was? Or maybe you woke up, the sun was shining, and you made the decision that today was going to be fantastic- and it was?
It's funny. You see, we usually get the outcome we expect.
In other words, our intention sets our direction.
It's not that the physical world around us changes. It's just that the way we perceive events alters. It's all in our relative perception.
We notice the good things at the party, and make light of the bad. We soak up the sunshine and smile during a good day, and become a grump on the bad.
We consistently prove ourselves right.
So, here's the trick.
By setting a good intention on the things you do, you'll automatically achieve many more positive outcomes!
In fact, this simple principle forms the basis of almost every self-development fad out there.
From The Secret to What The Bleep, from the Law of Attraction to Cosmic Ordering - and yes, even prayer - they're all based on the idea of setting your mind to something and letting yourself achieve it.
Yet most of these fads build up complicated systems and beliefs to help warrant the price tag. They make it more complex to warrant your purchase of the next book, the next DVD, the next seminar ticket.
But it's really not that difficult.
Distilled, simplified, unwrapped, the concept is the most uncomplicated thing you'll ever encounter.
Quite simply: Intention sets direction. Full stop.
Set your intention - and you'll set your direction.
So, where in your life can you start setting your direction?
Try spending a few moments in bed before getting up, deciding that this is going to be a wonderful day. Take a minute before your night out to make the decision that you're going to hook up with some great people. When meeting that annoying business client, set an intention that you're going to get along great and make a real connection today.
It might not work every time, but it'll work more than life without intention.
Increase your intention even further. Begin intending positive outcomes during the smallest of exercises. During meetings. During walks. During simple car journeys. During coffee breaks with friends.
Set an intention of happiness and positivity - and watch itcome about in your life.
Try it on your mindset, too. Set an intention of being great fun during the party. Set an intention of writing a fantastic novel. Set an intention of being a wonderful parent.
But whatever you do - set an intention.
Henry Ford once said: "Whether you think you can or you can't, you're probably right."
Think about it.
He was actually saying that whatever we believe will happen, will happen. The things that we hold in mind will ultimately come about. Our intention sets our direction.
This is really one of the ultimate self-development secrets. By applying this, we're setting the compass by which our personal ship sails. It might sound stupidly simple, but it works - and works well.
So, discover it for yourself the easy way. Make setting your intention part of your daily ritual.
Because if you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there.
But if you're smart enough, you won't be at all offended by what follows. All you need is a genuine desire for freedom - and an open heart.
Let me start by asking a question.
How many of us are limiting our lives, because of the "religion" we have chosen?
It might be an actual religion, such as Judaism. It might be the 10-step system from our favourite self-help book. It might be the general belief system of the society in which we live.
We each have our own "religion."
And these religions are holding us back.
They provide a framework to live within. But by default, any framework keeps you packed in.
Does your chosen religion hold you back?
Our religions force us to do things differently. We don't take action, because it's against our religion. We don't follow our bliss, because it's against our religion. We feel unable to change, limited, bound by the system of our religion.
And that stops us from truly experiencing freedom.
So, this section is all about realizing that many of us use our "religions" as an excuse for not taking action. When we realize that, we can learn to disregard the religion - and do it anyway.
Today's post is about realizing that there are really no rules.
It's about releasing our own "religions."
That's freedom.
Let's start with the self-help world.
Now this is an industry littered with redundant religions.
The Secret. Cosmic ordering. Positive thinking. The Law of Attraction. Tarot cards. What The Bleep.
These are all systems which tell you how to live. The Law of Attraction has probably received the most focus in recent years. It tells you that similar things are attracted to each other - so think rich, and you'll attract more money into your life.
Some of these things can certainly help guide you toward success.
However they still impose a new set of rules for you to live by, a new religion to follow. You have to make sure you "attract" correctly. You need to follow the precise seven steps for "ordering" from the universe.
When you don't "manifest" the right way - you blame your negative thinking, and beat yourself up. The rules of the religion start to constrain you, and ultimately begin to lead your life.
Right? Think about it.
The truth is that almost 100% of all self-help systems are based on just a couple of core principles.
But these simple principles are so easy, they aren't attractive enough to most people. So self-development authors surround them in hype and ritual, giving them a seeming importance.
Readers follow these rituals, and limit their experience - by trying to force themselves to follow rules and principles that are simply not important.
Would you prefer to follow the rules of a self-development guru - or would you prefer to be free?
You don't need to follow the crowd when it comes to success and your own freedom.
To experience true freedom, you need to realize that the rules around you can all be dropped. And, if you wish, that includes this one!
The same can be said about the world of real religions - systems that contain more rules than most!
How many people reading this book are currently being restricted by their theistic religion?
They beat themselves up for "sinning." They change their lifestyles to align themselves with their God. They don't mix with certain people because that's what is written.
Let's get one thing straight here: Today, as ever, religions are being used to control people. No doubt about it.
The "rules" are progressively changing, with modern day "leaders" telling the world which bits should and shouldn't be adhered to. The Book of Leviticus tells us we shouldn't eat prawns, but how many Christians adhere to that these days? How many even know about it?
The rules are fluid. They're not "real." They're not Holybound. And there's no such thing as that mean, evil God sitting and judging you.
Religions are just a set of rules invented to keep the masses in control. They're a form of police, with the ultimate threat: eternal damnation. Something we can neither prove nor disprove. And so the members of religion continuously live in fear.
Don't.
Decide right now to be free.
Don't let the rules of religion hold you back, or limit your life. I guarantee you'll regret it if you do.
It doesn't matter whether you're Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Islamic, or a Scientologist - if you feel limited in any way by your religion, you are NOT experiencing true freedom. If you feel you are sinning, you are NOT experiencing true freedom.
And so.
Every day, people use their religion - from the Law of Attraction to Christianity - to determine how they act. They change their lives to fit the rules. They limit themselves and their actions. And when they get things wrong, they feel bad and punish themselves.
Long story short: Religions restrict you. Release your religion.
And the next time you feel yourself limited by religion in ANY way whatsoever, remind yourself that the real truth is quite simple. Religion forces you to adhere to man-made rules. True freedom doesn't.
So - be free.
Understand this section on a deep level, and you'll have taken a massive jump in your journey toward true self-development.
If you're around over the next hour, be sure to tune in to WARL 1320!
I rarely agree to give interviews. But I've enjoyed Charlie Profit and his work so much over the past few years -- I agreed to be his special guest on the Impact:Success show.
Tune in to listen to my thoughts on self-development, inspiration and success in today's rapidly changing world.
If you're in Massachusetts, just tune in. Otherwise, listen live online at:
Letting go is one of the most powerful self-development skills you'll ever learn.
It'll grant you the super-human ability to let go of troublesome emotions at will, enabling you to control your fear, anger, pride and ego - all in one fell swoop.
Now, we all experience emotions every single day.
Emotions are what make us human. And more often than not, they help us. Evolution has selected our basic range of emotions to be the best for our survival.
We experience grief after death. We experience fear when confronted with danger. We experience anger when we're rubbed up the wrong way. These are essential to living.
But sometimes emotions run riot.
They go wild, and lead us into doing things we don't really want to do.
Emotions cause us to fear public speaking, our words drying up and our bodies freezing in terror the moment we stand on that platform. Emotions cause us to continue ignoring once good friends, because we're still angry at what happened, and can't reach forgiveness. Emotions keep us yearning for our addictions to things such as bad relationships or gambling.
So, emotions aren't always good for us. Logically, they don't make sense.
But here's something to remember:
You are not your emotions!
This is a core mistake almost everyone makes. You experience your emotions, yes. But you are not your emotions. They're just "feelings" passing through. They're not you.
Right? Think about it. You are not your emotions.
And that's not all.
Because emotions are not you, you can actually "let go" of unwanted emotions - on demand. You can switch off fear and anger, as easily as you'd switch off a light.
Almost every type of therapy out there has the ultimate goal of helping you to let go of your unwanted emotions.
From psychotherapy to tribal screaming therapy, the ultimate goal is the same. To help you let go of the emotions you don't want. To release, to let go of your attachments. To say "F**k it!" and move on.
But these types of therapy can be a little long-winded. Letting go of emotions directly is really the quickest, easiest and most straight-forward personal growth technique.
So, how can you let go of your unwanted emotions?
Well, it can really be as simple as asking yourself the question: "Can I let this go?"
Remember, you are not your emotions. Right now, you're tightly holding onto your emotions without even realizing it. You have a tight clench around anger with that annoying person. You have what Buddhists would call an attachment to fear when it comes to public speaking.
You are actually the one holding on to the emotion. You're in control, and you don't even realize it.
So, make a decision to let go of it. To loosen the clench. To release.
Imagine holding onto a small ball, with a really firm grip. So firm in fact, that it's actually hurting you to hold it. But you keep on squeezing it tight. You almost don't realize that you can let go.
That's how most of us treat emotions. We don't realize that we can simply let go of the grip... and let the ball fall away.
That's what letting go, or "releasing," is all about.
So, bring to the front of your mind any situation which may have an emotional charge for you right now. A particular person, a frustrating situation, a "mini" addiction. Whatever that may be, and wherever you are at the moment. No need to relax, particularly.
Then, remembering what we've said about emotions, ask yourself: "Can I let this go?"
Answer "Yes" or "No" out loud. It doesn't matter which you answer, just say the first and most natural thing that comes to mind. Both responses are good.
Then, if you can, feel yourself unclench the emotion. Allow the tension to be released, and the emotion to roll away if needed. You may wish to breathe out while doing this, or imagine a door in your abdomen opening up. Really feel it release.
The process should feel something like when the doctor calls to let you know those worrying tests have come back all clear: a release of tension and anxiety.
If you find yourself resisting, ask yourself: "Can I let this go - just for this moment? Just for now? Just for fun? And just because it's a smart thing to do?"
Again, feel yourself unclenching. Then check how you're feeling. Emotions are like onions: they're layered, and removing one sometimes unveils another. If there's still some charge there, repeat the questioning until you're clear of resistance, or feel like stopping.
This, quite simply, is the basic releasing process.
If you find resistance coming up when you're asking "Can I let this go?" ... whether that resistance is anger, fear, lust, greed, passion ... then ask yourself: "Can I hold onto this for a little longer?"
If the answer is yes, ask yourself a few more times: "And a little longer still?"
Then either give yourself permission to hold onto it for a little longer. Or, if you decide you've held onto that "bad" emotion for long enough - then just let it go.
Try it out for yourself. Ask "Can I let this go?" with all of your issues and negative emotions.
And you may as well do it now.
You can let go of emotions at any time - even while mid-conversation in a busy restaurant. No special meditation positions or relaxation CDs required.
Also, it's worth noting that this is only a very brief introduction to letting go. As this is such an important topic, I've covered it much more comprehensively - alongside a number of other releasing techniques - inside my book, "The Secret Art of Self-Development." (ISBN 0955993504.)
Master this powerful skill for yourself - and you'll suddenly begin enjoying much more happiness, freedom and emotional control in your life.
Letting go is a true self-development miracle, the real secret behind almost every therapy out there.
Today, a slice of wisdom from the famous Aesop Fables.
This is for anyone about to take a leap into the unknown ...
Two frogs lived together in a marsh. But one hot summer the marsh dried up, and they had to leave to find somewhere nice and damp ... as is the whim of frogs.
On their travels, they came to a deep well.
One of them looked down and said, “This looks like a nice cool, damp place. Let's jump in and settle here”.
But the other frog, who had a wiser head on his shoulders, replied, "Not so fast, my friend. Supposing this well dried up like the marsh - how would we ever get out again?"
The wisdom behind this simple little tale is ...
Look (and think) before you leap!
Something may look good, but do your research first. Only take that leap when you're absolutely sure it's the best choice.
Of course, in some instances, leaping into the unknown – without a care in the world – can be an exhilarating choice. But that's another story for another time!
'Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art' - Leonardo da Vinci
Once in a while, someone comes along and changes the world significantly. One such person was Leonardo da Vinci.
I have always been fascinated by the power of human potential ... by the spark of imagination that can lead to great acts, deeds or inventions. And Da Vinci really does lead the way as one of the most shining lights that ever lived.
Some might say that this great man, born April 15 1452, was a visionary. Indeed, Da Vinci, recognized as a scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, painter, sculptor, architect, botanist, musician and writer, has been described as the "Renaissance man" - a man whose "unquenchable curiosity" was equalled only by his powers of invention.
Apart from being an excellent artist - one of the greatest painters - he is recognized as the most diversely talented person ever to have lived.
His scientific vision resulted in him conceptualizing so many inventions that have since come to pass – the helicopter, tank, calculator, the double hull, solar power and an outline of a rudimentary theory of plate tectonics!
He was, without question, a man before his time.
He worked tirelessly and once said:
'A well-spent day brings happy sleep'.
Well, it is obvious from his great art works and his science, which inspired future generations that he did as much as he could in the time that he had.
His quest for knowledge and for the realization of his immense imagination was his driving force.
We all have the spark of genius within us. We all have imagination.
Let's then also make the most of it in the time that we have.
If life isn't going your way at the moment, be comforted by the mantra - `This, too, will pass!'
In fact, say it out loud. `This, too, will pass!'
You see, everything in life is transient. Every situation is fleeting and nothing remains the same.
So, if you're having the worst day ever, say: This, too, will pass.
If you're sad because you've fallen out with a loved one, say: This, too, will pass.
If you're feeling low and can't imagine how life will improve, say and believe: This, too, will pass.
When you become aware of life's fleeting moments and your emotional response to those moments, you're able to stand back and detach. It doesn't mean that you don't care. On the contrary!
Actually, it means you're awakening to life's transience and realize that you can move on from any sadness or suffering.
So, if someone shouts at you today or makes you feel miserable, just remember that this, too, will pass.
Born in 1840, Monet's art was as much a lesson in life as it was in creativity.
In 1862 he went to Paris and took painting lessons. While there, he got to know Auguste Renoir, Sisley, Bazille and others. But Monet's concern was to reflect the influence of light on a subject and he soon turned away from studio painting in favour of painting in the open air.
The public and art critics ridiculed these new paintings that looked so different from any conventional art style at that time.
But Monet persevered.
Slowly, the public and critics started to recognize the value of impressionism and interest in Monet began to grow.
In 1890 Monet began to paint systematically the same subjects under different light conditions. The first subjects were the haystacks behind his house.
At the end he had painted 25 different versions of the haystacks.
He said:
"I want the unobtainable. Other artists paint a bridge, a house, a boat, and that's the end. They are finished. I want to paint the air which surrounds the bridge, the house, the boat, the beauty of the air in which these objects are located, and that is nothing short of impossible."
After 1907 bad eyesight and rheumatism made it more difficult for Monet to paint, but he continued. His greatest project was centred on his garden with a pond of water lilies and a Japanese bridge. In 1926, at the age of 83, he finished the last great challenge of his life - a commission by the French government for 22 mural paintings of water lilies.
He actually died that year.
The lessons that Monet shares with us are these:
- You must believe in yourself and your work even when your talents are ridiculed.
- You need to practice, practice, practice, to become a master of your craft.
- Even in adversity be determined and focused to complete your life's work.
Once upon a time (as the best stories go), there was a poor, young man travelling in search of work.
A storm was brewing so he decided to seek shelter in a cave for the night.
Next morning, as day-light filled the cave, he rubbed his eyes in disbelief ... there, in front of him, was a treasure chest filled with gold coins and shining jewels. He couldn't believe his good fortune.
His find meant that he was now a very rich man.
Over the months that followed, the now rich, young man moved into a palace fit for a king. He knew that he never needed to work again so he hired servants to take care of his every need.
He had cooks, cleaners, dressers, gardeners, laborers and even people to fan his hot brow as he lounged in the afternoon sun!
The young man spent his days feasting on fruit and wine. He didn't lift a finger. Nor did it cross his mind that he could put his good fortune to greater use by helping his family or the poor people in the village.
Lazily, he slept his days away, enjoying the pleasures of his riches.
And this continued for many months and years. Until, one day, one of his servants said that there were no more gold coins or shining jewels to pay for all the luxuries that he had.
On hearing this news, the servants left the young, now very unfit man.
But he was far too weak to do anything for himself. He had entrusted everything to his servants and had forgotten how to cook or care for himself. His body had grown so weak that he really did struggle to lift a finger.
And because he had other people to think for him, his mind had become sluggish and dull.
His biggest mistake was that he had neglected his true riches ... the gifts that were his mind, body and spirit ... and his laziness had cost him everything.
There are several messages in this story but one to focus on is 'use it or lose it'.
When we neglect any aspect of our lives that is important ... whether health, fitness, or learned skills, expertise or knowledge, we risk losing the benefits of what we had.
Laziness is often the cause but so is not making time for the things that really matter.
If we don't look after our friendships, we lose them. If we don't look after our fitness, we lose it. If we don't look after our intellect, we can lose that too.
So, take some time to consider what's important to you and ask yourself whether you're giving it the care or attention it needs.
Have you ever thought about the words that you use every day?
Have you ever considered how they shape your life?
Words can inspire, motivate, empower and uplift you to make a difference in your life.
Words written 2,000 years ago can still inspire us today. The Greek philosopher Aristotle said:
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
Jumping to the 20th century, Jean Piaget, the Swiss philosopher and natural scientist well known for his work studying children, said:
"Education, for most people, means trying to lead the child to resemble the typical adult of his society, but for me, education means making creators... You have to make inventors, innovators, not conformists."
Teacher comments can have a major impact on a child's self-esteem. Children desperately need someone to believe in their worth and encourage them to try their best.
Jerry Moe is the National Director of Children's Programs at the Betty Ford Center. He is an author, lecturer and trainer on issues for young children from addicted families.
At one of his lectures he shared his childhood, where his parents were alcoholics and not really there to help him grow into a confident person.
As an adolescent he started to show delinquent behavior, when one day a substitute teacher called him to one side and said...
"You are too good to get in trouble. I see a lovable child underneath your tough exterior. You are a valuable human being. I know you can make a contribution to this world".
These words were so powerful that they turned Jerry's life around and he began to believe he was indeed a worthwhile person.
Isn't that amazing?!
So, as you go about your day, think about how you use your words.
What will you say to inspire those you meet?
I will leave you with these inspiring words from an unknown author:
"Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Choose your words, for they become actions. Understand your actions, for they become habits. Study your habits, for they will become your character. Develop your character, for it becomes your destiny."
Happiness! ... Are you waiting for it to come into your life?
If so, then you need to know that happiness isn't something you wait for until all the elements in your life are in place. Happiness is a choice that you have right now!
Trust me ... it's true!
You could say I know a thing or two about happiness.
Apart from being a pretty happy soul, last month I released my new book - The 18 Rules of Happiness - and have helped publish numerous courses on the subject.
In particular, I know that happiness is always inside us.
It is an innate quality of the human spirit and is present no matter what is going on in the world around us.
One key way of raising your happiness levels is to create happiness for other people.
When you share a smile or bring laughter into someone else's day, you also increase the joy within you. Try it!
So, don't wait until tomorrow. Choose happiness now and enjoy life.
No, I don't mean your shopping list or even your daily to-do list. ;-)
I'm talking about THE List ... of all the experiences you'd like to have before you pass over into the great blue yonder.
We all have an idea of the experiences that we'd like to have. Perhaps you'd like to explore the Great Pyramids in Egypt or go swimming with dolphins or try western horse riding in Nevada, and so on.
Yet, how often do you sit and dream and say "one day"?
Okay, some experiences take planning but you should start the process by making a list of all the things you'd like to experience.
Once you have this list, you can start checking off each experience as you live it - and even add more exciting experiences to the list as you go along!
But, it all needs to start with The List!
What's more, you need to keep your list before you each day so that it's a constant prompt of all those experiences that you have lined up!
I was fortunate to experience the Northern Lights earlier this year... one of those awe-inspiring events that were on MY List. It was a truly magical experience!
So, if you don't have a List, create one today.
In fact, do post a comment here about some of the experiences on your list. Set yourself a target date as to when you aim to achieve them.
Remember, we're not here for a long time - we're here for a good time. So make the most of every moment!
You see, most people don't like acknowledging that they have an ego because it's the side of them that shouts, screams, and craves attention.
Our egos make us act and do things that we can often abhor in other people.
And it's our egos that we must acknowledge and keep in check.
Think back over the last week or so and, unless you're a saint, you will recognize some event or situation that has caused your ego to surface.
The ego often gives rise to the bad in us.
Perhaps you've said something that hurt a friend or loved one. Perhaps it's something that you didn't say! Perhaps you've acted foolishly as a result of your ego?
The ego is often what makes us dwell on past situations, making it seem ten times worse. The ego can make us obsess to a point where our mood is impacted. Ego can even make us act in a way that could be perceived as childish, thoughtless, selfish or just plain mean!
Yes, the ego has a lot to answer for!
Fortunately, you can control your ego. In doing so, you can release the angst that the ego often causes.
This is what you have to do ...
The next time you feel your emotions rise to boiling point, ask yourself: Is this my ego? Am I feeling this way because my ego is threatened in some way?
Once you acknowledge your ego's involvement, you can move quickly on from a situation without further concern and without it causing any trouble.
It's simple but ultimately effective! Give it a try!
I hope that in spite of all the doom and gloom in the world that you're feeling happy and optimistic.
It's true that there's no escaping the fact that we're living in challenging times.
With all the continued media talk of recession and financial crisis, you can't help but feel a little despondent, concerned and even depressed. And yet, I often think that all this negative talk makes us spiral even further down into despair.
The fact is, negativity feeds on negativity.
Now, more than ever before, we need lots of positive vibes to lift our spirits so that we can see a way out of the darkness.
Yes, these challenges are real but each generation has faced challenges one way or another and one thing we should learn from that is that it doesn't help matters to endlessly moan about them.
We need positive thoughts, positive intentions, and positive action.
If each of us becomes a ray of light - a bright beacon of positive energy - then we can move forward. We can make a difference.
So, today, turn off the negative news and tune into your positive mood.
If you follow my blog on a regular basis, you will know that my favorite color is yellow.
It's such a vibrant, happy, sunny color that wearing anything yellow brings happiness into my day.
Naturally, I try to wear my favorite color whenever I can.
I also hope that by wearing something yellow it also passes on a little brightness and sunshine into the lives of those I meet along the way.
But, what makes all the different colors?
Well, color is created with light and electromagnetic energy. There are seven colors on the visible spectrum, and these are: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.
Each color is measured in wavelengths and frequencies. Red, for example, has a higher wavelength but a lower frequency whereas violet, at the top of the spectrum, has a lower wavelength and a higher frequency.
Color really is fascinating and Color Therapists note the importance of color in our lives. Often, the colors we are most drawn to are the colors that we need to maintain a sense of well-being.
Yes, color really is that significant. It can, and does, make a difference to how we think and feel.
The color red, for example, is considered to be lively and energizing. Blue is a calming, soothing color. Whereas green is considered to be a very healing, nurturing color.
Instinctively, we often know what colors suit us.
So, what's your favorite color?
Are you wearing your favorite color today?
Why not experiment and see how wearing a different colored tie, shirt or dress makes you feel!
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