Decision Conquers Fear

“Indecision is the seedling of fear! Indecision crystallizes into doubt, the two blend and become fear!” ~ Napoleon Hill

Indecision breeds doubt which forms the basis for your fears. If you are not definite about your purpose, your passion and your dreams, then doubt will creep in and escalate into full blown fear.

Ask yourself the BE/DO/HAVE Questions:

*Who are you?”

*What are you here to do?”

“What do you truly desire?”

Allow these questions to marinate in your head until they reach your heart and then out comes your answers.

Don’t allow indecision to move into the fears and doubts that keep you from living the life you truly desire.

Just for today, conquer the devil called indecision and escape its evil cousin – fear!

Reach For a Truer Thought

“There can be no progress without change, no growth without renewal. There must be a constant stream of new thought – better thought and truer thought – to insure progression in life.” ~ Raymond Holliwell

Everything begins with a thought and our thoughts create the things in our lives. For progression to take place and growth to occur, there has to be consistent thought. Yes, we think thoughts every day, every moment; but the thoughts that most of us think are not new thoughts. They are rehashed worries, fears and doubts. They are the thoughts we had yesterday and the day before that.

Dr. Holliwell tells us that we must have better and truer thoughts to insure progression in life. This means we must consciously think about what we think about every moment. We must stop allowing every thought that falls into our heads to take ownership of us; because 98% of those thoughts are not serving us.

Just for today, think about what you think about. Reach for a better thought, a truer thought.

Friday’s Purposeful Question: LISTEN

When we feel overly attached to an outcome, it’s simply an indication that we need to reconnect with our Wise Self.

“Live your questions now, and perhaps even without knowing it, you will live along some distant day into your answers.” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

“Are you listening to your Wise Self today?”

~ From Cheryl Richardson’s Grace Cards.

Visit Cheryl’s site and click on A Touch of Grace to pick a Grace Card.

Growth

Accept the lesson. When things don’t go our way, something more important to the growth of our soul is in the works.

This is one of my favorites! Everything is a lesson for our growth. Everything! The good, the bad and the ugly!

You have two choices: to see everything as happening to you; OR to see everything as happening for you.

You get to choose!

~ From Cheryl Richardson’s Grace Cards.

Visit Cheryl’s site and click on A Touch of Grace to pick a Grace Card.

Peace

When we balance silence with activity, we discover true peace of mind – the source of all joy and happiness.

Having true peace means we are not controlled by our circumstances; but we can remain peaceful even in the chaotic moments. Trappist Monk and author Thomas Merton once said if you are peaceful then there is at least some peace.

During the storms of life, try not to get caught up in all the noise. Practice silence for that moment in time. Soon your practice will be your way of life and you will have true peace of mind, joy and happiness.

~ From Cheryl Richardson’s Grace Cards.

Visit Cheryl’s site and click on A Touch of Grace to pick a Grace Card.

Faith

Have faith. Every event we experience and every person we meet has been put in our path for a reason.

Most people tend to live in fear and anxiety because of uncertainty about the future. The present is the only moment you have; so think about the people and experiences in your immediate present. They have been put in your path for a reason.

Stop focusing all of your attention and energy on a future you do not know or on a past you cannot change. Plan your present moments and have faith!

~ From Cheryl Richardson’s Grace Cards. 

Visit Cheryl and click on A Touch of Grace to pick a Grace Card.

Mindfulness

Manage your mind. When we direct our thoughts and words toward the outcome we most desire, we ignite grace.

Everything is created twice – first in your mind, then in your reality. Think about what you think about most. What are you creating? What are you manifesting in your reality? Is it negativity? Is it doubt and worry?

Manage your mind. You may not be able to control every thought that lands in your mind; but you certainly have control over which ones you choose to entertain.

~ From Cheryl Richardson’s Grace Cards. 

Visit Cheryl’s site and click on A Touch of Grace to pick a Grace Card.

Friday’s Purposeful Question

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions.” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

It is said that the quality of your life is determined by the quality of your questions. So, what questions are you asking?

“There are many fine things which you mean to do some day, under what you think will be more favorable circumstances. But the only time that is yours is the present.” ~ Grenville Kleiser

“What have you been putting off doing that you can do today?”

“You can tell whether a woman is clever by her answers. You can tell whether she is wise by her questions.” ~ attributed to Naguib Mahfouz

Think For A Change

"We must dare to think "unthinkable" thoughts. We must learn to explore all the options and possibilities that confront us in a complex and rapidly changing world." ~ James William Fulbright

So, how often do you think? 

I mean think an original thought? 

Not merely rehash yesterday’s problems and worries, but really think new, creative and exciting thoughts? 

Hmmm…

“A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.” ~ William James

Just for today, think for a change!

Choose Joy!

I received this from the Daily Word and wanted to share it. It speaks volumes! Enjoy!

Joy overflows from within me.

Joy is my nature as a child of God. It does not fluctuate based on what is happening in my life. While I may feel happy or sad in any given moment, these feelings cannot swell or dampen the joy built into my very being. The buoyancy I experience from outer events is temporary, eventually needing to be refreshed by the next pleasing experience. True joy is not something I acquire from outer events or things -- it is something I release from within.

Life is all about making choices. Joy is also a choice. You can choose to live in a spirit of joy or you can choose to allow circumstances dictate your moods and feelings. Joy is that deep inner delight that nothing and no one can take away. You can feel sad and still have joy within your heart and express that joy to others.

So, just for today, choose JOY!

It Is In Giving That We Receive

“The happy heart gives away the best. To know how to receive is also a most important gift, which cultivates generosity in others and keeps strong the cycle of life.” ~ Dhyani Ywahoo

One of my favorite prayers says that it is in giving that we receive. I was always taught to give, give, give and never take. After all, I am a caregiver. I did not know how to receive. When someone would offer me a gift, I would graciously and stoically refuse. Then I was admonished, when you give, don’t you feel good? Yes, I answered. So, why are you depriving someone else that same feeling? Yikes!

I discovered that in my constant giving, I was also being selfish in not allowing others to give back to me.

When I learned that it was in giving that we received, I quickly shifted my consciousness and became not just a cheerful giver, but also a cheerful receiver!

Give the best of yourself, not just the leftovers!

Change Your Own Reality

 "Who wouldn't always say yes to reality

if that's what you're in love with?

What could happen that I wouldn't

welcome with all my heart?

“I don't know what's best for me, or you, or the world.

I don't try to impose my will on you or on anyone else.

I don't want to change you, improve you,

convert you, help you or heal you.

I just welcome things as they come and go.

That's true love." ~ Byron Katie

I think this an absolutely brilliant quote! We live in a world where people are forever trying to change other people. Well, it’s not your job to change anyone but yourself! You are not called to police the universe. You are called to love.

When we pray for someone, we pray that they change to become as we would like them to be – happier, more patient, more tolerant, healthier, wealthier, the list goes on and on.

How about loving them just the way they are?

Part of the suffering of this world comes from minding other people’s business; wanting to change what is. The only reality you have the power to change is your own. Work on changing your own reality, then see how the things around you begin to change.

Friday’s Purposeful Question

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions.” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

It is said that the quality of your life is determined by the quality of your questions. So, what questions are you asking?

“Where in your life are you procrastinating?"

"What are you planning to do about it?"

“You can tell whether a woman is clever by her answers. You can tell whether she is wise by her questions.” ~ attributed to Naguib Mahfouz

Asking For What You Want

Most people don’t always fully realize that we all have within us the ability to co-create our lives with the universe. So many of us are taught to accept what we are given and not even to dream of anything more. But our hopes and dreams are the universe whispering to us, planting an idea of what’s possible while directing us toward the best use of our gifts. The universe truly wants to give us our hearts’ desires, but we need to be clear about what they are and ask for them.

To ask for something does not mean to beg or plead from a place of lack or unworthiness. It’s like placing an order—we don’t need to beg the salesperson for what we want or prove to them that we deserve to have it. It is their job to give us what we ask for; we only have to tell them what we want. Once we have a clear vision of what we desire, we simply step into the silent realm where all possibilities exist and let our desires be known. Whatever methods we use to become still, it is important that we find the quiet space between our thoughts.

From that still and quiet place, we can announce our intentions to the pure energy of creation. By imagining all the details from every angle, including scent, color, and how it would feel to have it, we design our dreams to our specifications. Similar to dropping a pebble into a pond, the ripples created by our thoughts travel quickly from this place of stillness, echoing out into the world to align and orchestrate all the necessary details to bring our desires into manifestation. Before leaving this wonderful space to come back to the world, release any attachment to the outcome and express gratitude. By doing this daily, we focus our thoughts and our energy while regularly mingling with the essence that makes it possible to build the life of our dreams.

~ From Daily OM

Just For Laughs!

Have you had a good laugh today? It's great medicine and exercise! Enjoy!

Having Determination

A blind boy paid his way to a master’s degree at Northwestern University by taking notes on class lectures in Braille, typing them, and selling copies to classmates who had stronger eyes but weaker ambition.

One of the great mysteries of life is why some people who seem to have all the advantages – the right connections, education, and experience – never seem to amount to much while others who have had to struggle for everything they have reach incredible heights of success. It hinges on determination. If you have the will to succeed, you will somehow find a way, regardless of the obstacles you encounter.

Do you use all of your assets to achieve your goals, or are you handicapped by your lack of ambition? No other person can create in you a desire to succeed. With enough motivation, you will see things all around you that will help you reach your objectives, things that you may have overlooked many times before. ~ Wisdom from Napoleon Hill

Just for today, think about your life to date. STOP, TAKE A BREATH, and ASK:

Do you have the determination to receive your goals and intentions? Or, do you have a lack of ambition?

What is one small step you can take right now that will move you closer to your goals?

Take that one small step today!

Friday’s Purposeful Question

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions.” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

It is said that the quality of your life is determined by the quality of your questions. So, what questions are you asking?

"Who are you?"

“You can tell whether a woman is clever by her answers. You can tell whether she is wise by her questions.” ~ attributed to Naguib Mahfouz

Toltec Wisdom from don Miguel Ruiz

Most people think they know what they are. We say, I am a human, I am a man or a woman, and we describe all these characteristics based on our beliefs.

But what has happened is that when we are babies, before knowledge — before we ''know'' — everyone tells us what we are. Our mother tells us what we are, and because we are innocent we agree and believe. But what our mother tells us is what she believes about us. And our father projects another image to us, and again we agree. Our brothers, our sisters, the television, all tell us what we are, and we agree. And not just that. They also tell us what we should be but are not. And we believe that also.

Broken Toys

Broken Toys

As children bring their broken toys,

With tears, for us to mend;

I brought my broken dreams to God

because he was my friend.

But then instead of leaving him in peace to work alone,

I hung around and tried to help with ways that were my own.

At last, I snatched them back and cried,

"How could you be so slow?"

"My child," He said, "What could I do?

You never did let go...."

~ author unknown

Choose to Dance!

"Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching." ~ Satchel Paige

Now, to me, that is true purpose! And it’s all about making the choice. You can choose to dance like no one is watching or you can choose to feel embarrassment because you believe someone is watching and will judge you. It’s all a matter of mindset. As Napoleon Hill said, “your progress in life begins in your own mind and ends in the same place.”

How true is that? Dr. Hill goes on to say: Every great accomplishment began with the germ of an idea in the mind of a great person, then was shaped for practical usefulness and finally transformed into reality. Make your mind a fertile ground for ideas through constant study and learning, and condition through constant practice to discipline yourself to follow through on your good ideas. The most brilliant concept in the world is only a dream unless you take action. Even a mediocre idea that is put into practice is far more valuable than a flash of genius that languishes in a fallow, undisciplined mind.

So, will you make the choice to work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching? Or, will you choose not to? The choice is yours.

Just for today, make a choice and choose wisely!

Choose An Attitude of Gratitude

Have you ever had one of those days that start off bad and just get worse? I am sure we have all had those kinds of days. Yet, there is a way to create your day so that it begins great and just gets better.

I know you are asking, “How?”

The answer: Gratitude.

Seems simple and it is; but so few people indulge in an attitude of gratitude. Don’t believe me, just sit in a traffic jam and listen to the colorful language!

Begin your day with an attitude of gratitude. The fact that you woke up is enough to be grateful for. I mean, think of the alternative! Remember, it's all about your mindset.

So, just for today, begin your day with an attitude of gratitude. Be thankful!