We are all blessed with unique knowledge and skills that we are dying to express. When you find how to express this wisdom, the whole world is waiting to hear it and benefit from it. Go ahead, take the leap, go out of your comfort zone and share yourself with the world. You never know who it might benefit.
Thanks for stopping by, John
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Our brain is the most powerful computer in the Universe.
The Words we say to ourselves consciously and subconsciously determine our lives. We must have a constant vigil of our words. Use positive, re-enforcing, motivating and passionate words to create the life you want.
When we say, “I knew I couldn’t do it”, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. But, when we say, “I know I can do this”, that too is a self-fulfilling prophecy! It’s the same number of words, it takes the same amount of effort to think or say. Which would you rather use?
This is a great quote to help you remember the power of YOUR WORDs:
“Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”
-Frank Outlaw
As your mother used to tell you, “Watch your words my dear!”
Your words can make you HAPPY, or sad, it’s your choice!
Thanks, come back soon.
(© by John McFadden, 2011)
(A note before we start. I am very happy for the people of Egypt and their new found freedom. Today, I am using their revolution as a metaphor for an unhappy or unfulfilled personal life. I am in no way minimizing the importance of the revolution and comparing my plight to an entire country.)
The people of Egypt have been under the control of a dictator for decades. During that time their lives have been controlled, their freedom denied, their daily options restricted and their hearts became heavy.
Much like the people of Egypt those of us who work in a corporate cubical, we too can feel controlled, living by the leaders rules, with no regard for our own personal needs and wants. Under these circumstances our hearts become heavy and we become frustrated with pent up emotions and soon, our bodies start to show signs of stress and sickness. In Egypt, a revolution released their frustration. In our lives in a cubicle this frustration leads to sickness such as the flu.
During these times we can review our situation, decide what isn’t working for us, and plan a big, sometimes major, adjustment to our lives. This is the time for inner reflection, then develop a long range life plan, gather our strength and take action. Eventually, something “breaks”, in Egypt a revolution occurs, in our lives we get sick.
The flu hit me hard. The cubicle stress finally became more than my body could fight off. While throwing up and nursing my physical pains I used the time to evaluate my diet, my exercise program (or lack of one) and my mental state of mind and compared my current life to the one I’d dreamed of. Was I doing what I’d planned, what I love and was I doing what I needed to in order to have the life and retirement a want and deserve? Apparently, I wasn’t because I was very sick. Something had to change and quickly.
I spent the week taking care of my basic needs with rest, lots of hot tea and soaking in a hot tub with lavender salts. It took a long time but it helped. As I got stronger I began simple yoga moves and poses and meditation. During meditation I relaxed, healed my body and worked on my mind.
Through meditation I evaluated my current work situation and lifestyle. I learned that I was allowing circumstances at work to make me overly stressed. In turn, the stress caused me to come home at night and neglect my exercise and doing things, like photography and writing, that I’m passionate about. In short, I was neglecting my inner spirit. I wondered if I should take the leap, like the duck in the photo and move on to better things and places.
In order to get better and be happier I used meditation and self affirmations to put my job into perspective. I learned there are parts of my job that I like and I’m really good at my job overall. I would no longer let this job define me. I wrote affirmations focusing on the good things in my work and life and read them many times a day. Soon I was able to go to work, feeling good, and knowing this job is a necessary stepping stone to my long term life goals. From that point on, work was a lot easier and I felt better. Then I was able to look deep inside and find the things I’m passionate about. I found that I am most happy when helping others get the lives they want by writing articles like this and talking to people one on one or in small groups. Also, I enjoy worldwide adventure and luxury travel and photography and being creative.
Knowing what motivates me and what I’m passionate about is a great relief, a great breakthrough for me and meant I now have something to build on and work for. While recovering I set up and exercise plan, wrote a flight plan of how I’m going to get to a nice, comfortable retirement, in a great place where I can feed my creative spirit daily and be true to yourself. From now on I’m living my plan daily and know that I will have the live I want.
The Revolution in Egypt and down time due to sickness such as the flu serve similar purposes, they are a chance to make major changes in our lives that puts us in the driver’s seat of our future. In my situation, the flu started my own revolution and freed me from past constraints. I hope you listen to your body because it’s talking to you everyday. Find out what makes you feel good and passionate. Take care of your Mind, Body and Spirit. Make a flight plan for your future and monitor your progress. Be happy and love your life. Be a positive example for others. Live long and love others.
We tend to attach our identity to one part of our lives. It could be work, “I’m an accountant”, “I work for 3M”, or it could be a person, “I’m Mary’s husband”. But aren’t you a whole lot more than that one thing?
Yes you are. As an example, your job does not define you and it shouldn’t consumer all your waking thoughts. Instead, honor all that you are and can be. When you think of yourself as a whole person, your work, your relationships, your artistic side, your love of sports, and your charitable activities you will be happier. That happiness will be projected out into the world and new people and opportunities will come your way.
So, how do you decide who you really are?
One way is to ask yourself the “I am …….” questions.
Get a piece of paper and write down “I am (a good person, happy, a good brother/husband/sister/wife)”.
As you do this it’s important to say the words out loud. Say what you are out loud, then write it down. It sounds simple, most good things are, but keep at it. Fill the page up with your wonderful traits, habits, talents, etc.
When you’re done say them out loud everyday. Soon, you’ll find yourself with more confidence, holding your head up high, being happier, living life with style, and show the world who you are. Then you’ll attract new people into your life and you’ll help each other to live your dreams.
Give it a try, it can’t hurt.
(I’d like to thank Denise Silvernail for introducing me to this technique. When your web site is up I’ll refer readers to you.)