Have you ever wondered if you were adopted?  I have!   I am so unlike either of my parents it makes me wonder to this day – was I (adopted)?  I also have very little in common with my brother.

I can sometimes see evidence of a congenital relationship to my grandmothers:  I am sometimes dictatorial like my paternal grandmother and a cleaning fanatic like my maternal grandmother.  Other than that, zip – zilch - nada. 

I saw an ad yesterday for a website that helps you trace your genealogy.  At first I was intrigued, falling for the “find out who you really are,” scheme.  Thankfully I quickly remembered that we determine who we are and what we become through our choices and our decisions.  While we might share traits with our ancestors like red hair and blue eyes, we are always in control of our actions.  (As difficult as that might be sometimes to accept.)

Alexander Graham Bell had it figured out a long time ago:

“A man, as a general rule, owes very little to what he is born with – a man is what he makes of himself.”

Until next time,

Live Joyfully!

You can subscribe to this blog here.

Get Inspired!  What do you want to create? Wake Up and Create the Life You Want: A Guide to Self-Empowerment has helped hundreds of people create the life of their dreams.  You can read their stories here.  If you choose the downloadable version, it comes with my free report on “The Science of Getting Rich.”

Get Organized!  Learn the secrets of getting and staying motivated and organized with the Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life E-book.  This inspiring book gives you step-by-step instructions for getting control of every area of your life.  Click here for the table of contents and to purchase.

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Posted under Education, Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Leadership, Motivation, Success

There is a magnet on my refrigerator that reads, “Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels.”  I look at it frequently and laugh.  My mother-in-law was just commenting the other day about how she wishes more people would do like she does and diet “when they need to,” and before it gets out of hand.  When she notices that she’s added a few pounds or her clothing feels tight, she cuts back on her food portions for a few days until she’s back down to the weight she wants.

My husband and I do the same thing.  In fact, this seems to be a common strategy among every thin person I know.  (There you have it; the diet secret over half of America is looking for – here’s another one.)

This morning I looked at that magnet and realized that the same concept could really be applied to nearly any aspect of self-discipline.  Whatever it is you’re trying to accomplish, you’ll probably have to “give up” something else in order to get it.  The longer you’ve been struggling with trying to achieve something, the more likely this is to be true.

For example, if you’ve been trying to become an early riser, but nearly every morning the feel of your bed is just too comfortable to overcome, you might need a phrase such as, “Nothing feels as good as getting an early start to my day.”  Think of all the reasons you want to become an early riser and develop a phrase for each of them.  When you go to bed at night, program your mind to think of one of them as soon as you awaken.  You might find that one of them works better than the others, or perhaps a rotation of all of them provide the jump-start you need to get going.  Before long, likely by 21 days, you’ll be an early riser.

You can do this with any goal.  List all of the reasons that you want something.  List all of the perceived obstacles that are keeping you from it.  Then create a phrase that puts the emphasis on doing the thing you really want to do.  Here’s another one.  I want a spotless, clean, sparkling home.  The only thing that keeps me from it is that I like to have time to sit, relax and read.  I use the excuse that I need that time and that it helps with my writing.  (Which is true, but there’s a balance in there somewhere.)  So a phrase such as, “Nothing is more relaxing than sitting down to read in a clean, spotless, sparkling home.”

The great part about this process is that it’s not just an affirmation – which are great, don’t get me wrong – but a phrase like this, especially if you’ve written it yourself, gets right to your motivation, and your true desire.

I have a client who used the “Nothing tastes as good . . .” phrase to lose weight.  I told her she could use that same concept to achieve all of her goals.  Not believing me, but wanting it to be true, we worked together on one of her other goals, which was to save more money.  She knew she was constantly spending money she didn’t need to, making impulse purchases.  When I asked her why she did that, she responded, “Because it makes me feel rich, I guess – I really don’t know.”

Ah, but that was it.  So I had her try this:  “Nothing feels as rich as having money in the bank.”  She loved it!  Every time she was tempted to spend frivolously, she remembered that phrase.  (We printed a card for her to carry in her wallet, but she never needed it. It is, however, a good idea to put the phrase where you’ll see it at the opportune time.)  The result was a large bank account which she eventually invested and is now on her way to financial independence.

Now it’s your turn.  What’s keeping you from creating the life of your dreams?  Only a phrase, really – just one little motivational phrase.  If you need help, just post a comment below or e-mail me.

Until next time,

Live Joyfully!

You can subscribe to this blog here.

Get Inspired! What do you want to create? Wake Up and Create the Life You Want: A Guide to Self-Empowerment has helped hundreds of people create the life of their dreams.  You can read their stories here. If you choose the downloadable version, it comes with my free report on “The Science of Getting Rich.”

Get Organized! Learn the secrets of getting and staying motivated and organized with the Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life E-book.  This inspiring book gives you step-by-step instructions for getting control of every area of your life.  Click here for the table of contents and to purchase.

***Please Note:  All transactions are processed through PayPal, but you can use Visa, MC, AMEX, or Discover.

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Posted under Dental Practice Management, Education, Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Leadership, Motivation, Success, Weight Loss

Probably the most commonly overlooked problem in the workplace is nutrition.  In fact, if our public schools were to serve children what many of us eat every day, we’d be screaming, “cruel and unusual punishment!” 

If your child showed symptoms of poor concentration, making mistakes out-of-the-ordinary for his/her intellect, and/or moodiness, s/he would surely be examined for some type of disorder.  (And probably put on some kind of medication.)

But how often do you make mistakes and then ask yourself, “What was I thinking,” or, “How did that happen; I know better than that?”  If you have difficulty concentrating on the task at hand, make frequent mistakes, or feel, (or have been accused of), being moody, it’s time to take a look at your diet.

I used to be one of those people who couldn’t stand the thought of breakfast.  Nowadays, I can’t live without it.  Why?  Because the earlier I eat, the sooner I feel good.  Not only does eating wake me up physically, but it gets me going emotionally and spiritually as well.  You know how hard it is to maintain the proper attitude when you’re physically hurting?  It’s really the same thing.

The biggest grievance I see in employee break rooms both in small businesses and corporations alike is the overabundance of products containing high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).  In addition to being blamed for the growing obesity problem in America, HFCS has been linked to diabetes, heart and liver problems, among other physical abnormalities, not so much because of the product itself, (that’s still up in the air), but because sugar, in all forms, robs the body of necessary nutrients that can be difficult to replace, especially if you’re unaware that there’s a problem.  (Until it’s too late.)  But I’m not going to debate the “side effects” of HFCS today – that’s another post!  Let’s just look at the effects of sugar on the body and brain.

When you eat something containing a high amount of sugar, your body’s digestive system goes to work, producing glucose that gets deposited into your bloodstream.  When your blood glucose level is increased rapidly, it stimulates your pancreas to secrete insulin in order to counteract and drop your blood sugar levels.  When that happens, you start to feel lethargic, lose ability to concentrate, feel like you’re in a fog, and start craving something sweet again to “keep you going.”  If you’re too busy to eat at that time, you’ll end up feeling depressed or be in a bad mood of some kind.  It’s a vicious cycle, because not concentrating well causes poor performance which leads to mistakes which causes your boss to yell at you making your mood worse, craving more sugar, causing another spike – you get the drift.

Various studies over the past 30 years have shown that sugar overloading can even lead to job dissatisfaction, even in offices that are relatively stress-free.  Think about that for a moment!

So what do you need to avoid?  Just about everything processed and sweet – your moon pies, jams and jellies, soft drinks, and most of those “health bars” you believe are so good for you.  Especially, don’t make a complete meal on them!!!  My point is this:  Anything can be okay in moderation; it’s overindulgence and addiction that interferes with your concentration, performance, and mood.  A processed oat bar is fine for a snack (although not my first choice) if you know you’re going to be eating in an hour, but it’s not lunch.  You need protein, carbs, and good fat at every meal.  Personally, I still follow the Zone diet as much as possible – not exactly – just closely.  I don’t believe in going overboard on anything.  I just stay balanced, paying attention to how I feel after I eat, and adjust if necessary.  I eat as many whole and raw foods as possible, (very possible during the summer months here in Kentucky), and keep my sugar intake to the old fashioned granulated kind – for my tea – thank you very much!  (If I gain a couple of pounds – it’s the first to go.  I just drink more water until I’m back down to my ideal weight – this trick works so quickly.)

I’ve also noticed that a light lunch works best also – perhaps because I’ve had a rather substantial breakfast – but I’m lighter and have more energy when I eat a salad with some leftover grilled chicken on it.  Half a sandwich with some fruit works well also.

One of my favorite snacks for the afternoon “pick me up,” is fruit.  It satisfies my craving for sugar if I have one, but it also quenches my thirst.  If I have a strong sugar craving, I realize that that means I had too many carbs for lunch, so I’ll add a handful of nuts to my snack and within a half hour, I’m ready to go again.

Be Good to Yourself
Since your diet has such an impact on your level of physical energy, and through it your levels of mental and emotional energy, the more fastidious you are about what you put into your mouth, the better you will feel, the more productive you will be, and the more joyously you can live – and that is so worth the effort!

Until next time,

Live Joyfully!

You can subscribe to this blog here.

Get Inspired!  What do you want to create? Wake Up and Create the Life You Want: A Guide to Self-Empowerment has helped hundreds of people create the life of their dreams.  You can read their stories here.  If you choose the downloadable version, it comes with my free report on “The Science of Getting Rich.”

Get Organized!  Learn the secrets of getting and staying motivated and organized with the Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life E-book.  This inspiring book gives you step-by-step instructions for getting control of every area of your life.  Click here for the table of contents and to purchase.

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Posted under Education, Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Success, Weight Loss

My uncle copied the following “diaries” out of book that someone had loaned to him.  He got such a kick out of the passages, having a love for both dogs and cats.  I would love to find the original author in order to give proper credit.  There are several versions of this floating around on the internet and none of them give credit, but I would like to, so if you know who the original author is, please leave a comment below.

The reason I felt the passages are blog-worthy, is because they highlight a very important tenet: To change your life, change your perspective.  Enjoy!

Excerpts from the Diary of a Dog

 

8:00 AM	Oh, boy, dog food – my favorite!
9:30 AM	Oh, boy, a car ride – my favorite!
9:40 AM	Oh, boy, a walk – my favorite!
10:30 AM	Oh, boy, another car ride – my favorite!
11:30 AM	Oh, boy, more dog food – my favorite!
12:00 PM	Oh, boy, the kids – my favorite!
1:00 PM	Oh, boy, the yard – my favorite!
4:00 PM	Oh, boy, the kids again – my favorite!
5:00 PM	Oh, boy, dog food again – my favorite!
5:30 PM	Oh, boy, Mom – my favorite!
6:00 PM	Oh, boy, playing ball – my favorite!
8:30 PM	Oh, boy, sleeping in my master’s bed – my favorite!

 

 

Excerpts from the Diary of a Cat

 

Day 283 of my captivity:  My captors continue to taunt me with the bizarre little dangling objects.  They dine lavishly on fresh meat while I’m forced to eat dry cereal.  I’m sustained by the hope of escape and the mild satisfaction I derive from ruining a few pieces of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant. 

 

Day 284 of my captivity:  I attempted to kill my captors this morning by weaving through their walking feet.  Nearly succeeded; must try this strategy at the top of the stairs.  Seeking to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair; must try this on their bed.

 

Day 285 of my captivity: To display my diabolical disposition and make sure they know exactly what I am capable of, I decapitated a mouse and deposited the headless body on the kitchen floor.  They only cooed and condescended, patting my head and calling me a “good hunter.”  Hmmm – not working according to plan.

 

Day 286 of my captivity: During a gathering of their accomplices, they placed me in solitary confinement.  I overheard that my confinement was due to my power of allergies.  Must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

 

Day 287 of my captivity: I am convinced the other household captives are flunkies, perhaps even snitches.  The dog is routinely released and seems naively happy to return.  He is, no doubt, a half-wit.  The bird speaks with the humans regularly; must be an informant.  I am certain he reports my every move.  Due to his current placement in the metal cage, his safety is assured.  I can wait.  It is only a matter of time . . .

Until next time,

Live Joyfully!  

You can subscribe to this blog here.

Get Inspired!  What do you want to create? Wake Up and Create the Life You Want: A Guide to Self-Empowerment has helped hundreds of people create the life of their dreams.  You can read their stories here.  If you choose the downloadable version, it comes with my free report on “The Science of Getting Rich.”

Get Organized!  Learn the secrets of getting and staying motivated and organized with the Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life E-book.  This inspiring book gives you step-by-step instructions for getting control of every area of your life.  Click here for the table of contents and to purchase.

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Posted under Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Leadership, Motivation, Success

I got a massage this past Thursday.  I’m ashamed to admit it, but it’s the first one I’ve had in about a year.  Even though it helps me tremendously, I have a difficult time making time to get it scheduled.

What I want to share with you today is something I learned in the process of getting ready for the massage.  As you know, I do a lot of gardening and lately have been doing extra cleaning duties with the new dental office.  As a result, my hands get very dry and chapped.  Gloves do not help much because with the length of time I have to wear them, my hands sweat.  (I wear gardening gloves for the proper chores, of course.)

In preparing for my massage, I gave myself a pedicure and noticed some rough skin around my heels.  Must be another symptom of turning 40!  To remedy the problem, I applied lotion.  Then I figured, while I was at it, might as well put lotion on my legs as well.  Next thing I know, I’m applying lotion to my entire body.  What a wonderful feeling!  I had no idea that I was so “dried up!”  It literally felt like taking a cool drink of water on a hot day.  And that good feeling lasted through to the next day as well.

For obvious reasons, I’ve been applying lotion every day since then, and plan to keep it going – another beautiful daily ritual.  I’ve definitely noticed the advantages to drinking more water, and I believe this new habit will feel much the same. 

It definitely brings new meaning for me to the phrase, “comfortable in your own skin.”

Until next time,

Live Joyfully!

You can subscribe to this blog here.

Get Inspired!  What do you want to create? Wake Up and Create the Life You Want: A Guide to Self-Empowerment has helped hundreds of people create the life of their dreams.  You can read their stories here.  If you choose the downloadable version, it comes with my free report on “The Science of Getting Rich.”

Get Organized!  Learn the secrets of getting and staying motivated and organized with the Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life E-book.  This inspiring book gives you step-by-step instructions for getting control of every area of your life.  Click here for the table of contents and to purchase.

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Posted under Inspiration

As my regular readers know, every once in a while a product comes along that wows me so much I just can’t keep my mouth shut about it.  Blooming & Rooting Soluble Plant Food by Ferti-lome is just such a product.  You can find it at your better gardening supply stores and nurseries.  The link above will take you to a site that will allow you to search for dealers in your area. 

I’ve been using this fertilizer for years and it has never let me down.  Everyone is always asking for my gardening secrets, well, this has to be one of them. I’ve tried other products, but nothing gives me the lush blooms of this product.  According to the package label, it is “Ideal for use on:  Berries [true] bulbs, citrus, container plants [I know], flowering shrubs, flowering trees,  flowers [definitely],  fruit trees, orchids, ornamentals, roses [for sure], shade trees, tomatoes [absolutely], transplants, vegetables [like white half-runner beans], and all blooming and fruiting plants.”

You can use it every time you water; instructions are included of course.   I’ve never had it “burn” my plants or had to worry about over-fertilizing.

I did, however, waste an entire 1.5 lb container this summer on the flowers in front of the new dental office.  I wanted to do a soil test before planting, but the landscaper talked me out of it.  This is another one of those times I wish I’d listened to my intuition.  Nearly every white wave petunia I planted died.  I lost a good 30 plants and possibly more. 

My county extension agent has been good to work with and I am awaiting the results of a soil test now to determine what to do to try to save the plants.  We know from a lab plant analysis that the trouble is in the soil, which to me is actually good news – it means I didn’t get diseased plants or have a pest problem.  Soil can be amended easily enough, but once you have a disease or pest issue in a garden, it can be next to possible to get rid of it completely without burning – which would not be possible where we are located.

I was a little worried that I had not been caring for the plants properly – turns out not to be true, either – so I haven’t lost my mind.  If I can get the soil amended before the end of this growing season, the Blooming & Rooting solution will have these plants back in their glory in no time. 

Maintaining a beautiful garden is an absolute joy for me and since my mission is to help others live more joyfully, I feel obligated to pass on any “trick” I can.  Please let me know if you decide to try the Blooming & Rooting solution, or if you have any questions about my experience with the product.  I’ll also be happy to answer any questions you might have about gardening. 

Until next time,

Live Joyfully! 

You can subscribe to this blog here.

Get Inspired!  What do you want to create? Wake Up and Create the Life You Want: A Guide to Self-Empowerment has helped hundreds of people create the life of their dreams.  You can read their stories here.  If you choose the downloadable version, it comes with my free report on “The Science of Getting Rich.”

Get Organized!  Learn the secrets of getting and staying motivated and organized with the Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life E-book.  This inspiring book gives you step-by-step instructions for getting control of every area of your life.  Click here for the table of contents and to purchase.

***Please Note:  All transactions are processed through PayPal, but you can use Visa, MC, AMEX, or Discover.

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Posted under Inspiration

I get the best e-mails from y’all.  Last week a new reader e-mailed me to ask if I had ever written anything on how to deal with chronic pain.  I explained that since I only write about what I know, I have not dealt with that subject here.

But then I got to thinking about it, you know me – the reflection queen – (who needs a mirror, right?), and I realized that I probably have more in common with chronic pain sufferers than I realized, I just had never thought about it before.  So in the interest of helping someone, here’s another part of my story.

I haven’t blogged about these things before, but I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 13 years old after nearly collapsing in a department store.  I’ve been in and out of chiropractic treatment for most of my life because of it.  I developed allergies and slight asthma symptoms in my twenties, nothing severe, not even enough to take allergy shots, but my asthma has just gotten bad enough that I now take Singulair daily.  Finally, I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse in my early thirties, something I have had all my life, but only found out about due to the development of symptoms for the syndrome. 

So let’s put some perspective on all of this.  On a daily basis, I have trouble eating, walking, breathing, sleeping, standing, sitting, and lying down.  Almost daily, I can count on either a headache from allergies, or a migraine from the MVPS.  At some time during the day, every day, either, and sometimes both, of my sacroiliac joints will give out on me and I have to stop what I’m doing for several minutes or even the rest of the day.  And my back always lets me know when it’s time to take more Tylenol and Aleve.

Sometimes when I awake in the morning I literally cannot get out of bed; not because I’m depressed or lazy, but because my blood pressure is too low.  (MVPS)  Chest pains are common, and could be asthma or MVPS.  I could go on and on, but I’m getting tired of thinking about all of this, which brings me around to my point.

Here are my options.  I could spend nearly every waking minute of my life in doctors’ offices taking allergy shots, having my heart monitored, getting chiropractic treatments, and on and on.  One problem with all of that is that those treatments all have side effects that are nearly just as bad as the symptoms you start with!

Another option, the one I’ve subconsciously chosen, (and now consciously choose) is to live my life, focusing on what I want.  I want to have a beautiful garden.  I want a clean home.  I want a writing, speaking, and coaching career. I want and choose to do a lot of things that I physically probably shouldn’t, but I love doing them. 

Now, I know there are many, many people out there who suffer much more than I do and I am not going to belittle anyone or say that you should stop any kind of treatment.  But here’s the thing: everything seems to be relative - especially pain.

Several years ago I had the stomach flu.  When I finally made it back to work, (I was working in my husband’s dental office at the time), one of the patients asked why I had been out for a few days.  I told her, and she shared a very poignant story with me.  She said, “Debra, I’m not glad you had that flu, but I have to tell you this.  You know I am a breast cancer survivor.  I’ve been through chemo and I know what that’s like.  A couple of years after I went through the cancer treatment, I had that stomach flu, and I’ll tell you this – I’d rather have the chemo!  I’m not kidding!”  We compared our symptoms and sure enough, they were exactly the same.  She wrapped up saying, “The reason I wanted to tell you that is this:  I hope you never have cancer, but if you do, and you wonder if you can handle it; if you’re asking yourself if can survive the treatments, I’m telling you right now that all you have to do is remember that stomach flu and you’ll know that you can stand chemo!”

Now, perhaps Betty’s cancer was discovered early and her treatments weren’t so bad – I don’t know.  Pain is a very relative thing – especially chronic pain. 

I choose to go about my life focusing on what I want.  When I hurt, I do something or take something, or get my mind off of it in whatever way I can.  Shifting my focus to the flower bed or the dirty basement that needs reorganizing, writing a post, or trouble-shooting someone else’s problem, is better relief than any pill has ever provided me.  When that’s not possible, or if it’s the end of the day, I’ll watch something good on television, like comedies or science fiction – something that requires focus - or read a good book.  Your mind really does control everything; to change your experience, change your perspective. 

It had never occurred to me until yesterday how often I have to deal with these things, but I’m glad it did – I can now relate to so many more people!

If you’re a chronic pain sufferer who’s found a positive way to cope, please share it with the rest of us by adding a comment below.

Until next time,

LIVE JOYFULLY!

You can subscribe to this blog here.

Get Inspired!  What do you want to create? Wake Up and Create the Life You Want: A Guide to Self-Empowerment has helped hundreds of people create the life of their dreams.  You can read their stories here.  If you choose the downloadable version, it comes with my free report on “The Science of Getting Rich.”

Get Organized!  Learn the secrets of getting and staying motivated and organized with the Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life E-book.  This inspiring book gives you step-by-step instructions for getting control of every area of your life.  Click here for the table of contents and to purchase.

***Please Note:  All transactions are processed through PayPal, but you can use Visa, MC, AMEX, or Discover.

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Posted under Education, Inspiration, Motivation

Vacationing and warm weather aside, summer is a time of year that almost everyone enjoys.  But if you’ve started a new job or have just started your own business and cannot take a week-long vacation this year, here are five maybe not-so-ordinary ways to enjoy the wonderful weather anyway.

1. Take an afternoon to just be.  I frequently talk about one hour of solitude, how about an entire afternoon (or morning)?  Sometimes we pack too much into our weekends when we know we won’t have time off.  But it really is the time off you’re craving – so take it!  Sit in the sun, read a non-business book, take a nap - whatever floats your boat.  Your work-week productivity will go up; try it and see!

2. Open the windows and clean the house.  This is not just for the Type A’s and clutter-control-aholics out there.  It will be easier to rest and relax on your days off if the house is clean, dust- and clutter-free.  Trust me – this works!  If you need more convincing, read Clutter Around You Creates Clutter in Your Brain, or Want Less Stress?  What often works for me is to open the windows and clean the house in the morning, that way the air is still cool.  Then I take my time off in the afternoon.

3. Spend an afternoon with good friends.  I took Monday afternoon off and spent it with two of my best friends.  We were supposed to hang out by the pool, but the weather did not cooperate.  We were able to grill out, share some great food, interesting conversation, and fun times.  It was relaxed and casual.  Sometimes when we think of having people over, we think it has to be a big ordeal, but it doesn’t.  Just friends hanging out – kind of like we did in college – remember those days?

4. Create your own motivational seminar.  You know all those motivational books you’ve been longing to read?  What about the ones you said you would read for a second time?  Pretend you’re going to a half-day workshop – at home.  Discipline yourself to sit for three to four hours, getting up only to stretch and go to the bathroom, and read that motivational book.  Imagine that the author is speaking to you and take notes.  It’s even better if can get outside in the shade, with some sweet tea!  If I’m going through the book for a second time, I like to create a “highlights” outline.  Then I can quickly refer to my outline anytime I want to remember the true highlights of the book.

5. Host a “Come as you will be” party.  If you have the time, space, and money, it’s always fun to throw a party.  This concept is from Jack Canfield’s book, The Success Principles, and the invitation reads:

Come as you will be . . . in 2013! [Pick a date about 5 years into the future.]  Join us for a celebration that will stretch your imagination and catapult you into your own future.  [Give party details:  When, Where, Given by, RSVP to, etc.  Then explain further:]

Arrive as who you will be 5 years from now.  Dress in your very best.  Speak only in the present tense the entire evening, as if it were already 2013, all your goals have been achieved, and all your dreams have already come true.  You will be videotaped as you arrive.  Bring props to show everyone what you have achieved in the years between, such as best-selling books you’ve written, magazine covers you’ve been on, awards you’ve won, and photographs or scrapbooks of your achievements.  Throughout the evening, you will have the opportunity to applaud others in their achievements and to receive congratulations.

Can you imagine attending something like that?

Make it a great summer—

Until next time,

Live Joyfully!

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Get Inspired!  What do you want to create? Wake Up and Create the Life You Want: A Guide to Self-Empowerment has helped hundreds of people create the life of their dreams.  You can read their stories here.  If you choose the downloadable version, it comes with my free report on “The Science of Getting Rich.”

Get Organized!  Learn the secrets of getting and staying motivated and organized with the Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life E-book.  This inspiring book gives you step-by-step instructions for getting control of every area of your life.  Click here for the table of contents and to purchase.

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Vacationing and warm weather aside, summer is a time of year that almost everyone enjoys.  But if you’ve started a new job or have just started your own business and cannot take a week-long vacation this year, here are five maybe not-so-ordinary ways to enjoy the wonderful weather anyway.

1. Take an afternoon to just be.  I frequently talk about one hour of solitude, how about an entire afternoon (or morning)?  Sometimes we pack too much into our weekends when we know we won’t have time off.  But it really is the time off you’re craving – so take it!  Sit in the sun, read a non-business book, take a nap - whatever floats your boat.  Your work-week productivity will go up; try it and see!

2. Open the windows and clean the house.  This is not just for the Type A’s and clutter-control-aholics out there.  It will be easier to rest and relax on your days off if the house is clean, dust- and clutter-free.  Trust me – this works!  If you need more convincing, read Clutter Around You Creates Clutter in Your Brain, or Want Less Stress?  What often works for me is to open the windows and clean the house in the morning, that way the air is still cool.  Then I take my time off in the afternoon.

3. Spend an afternoon with good friends.  I took Monday afternoon off and spent it with two of my best friends.  We were supposed to hang out by the pool, but the weather did not cooperate.  We were able to grill out, share some great food, interesting conversation, and fun times.  It was relaxed and casual.  Sometimes when we think of having people over, we think it has to be a big ordeal, but it doesn’t.  Just friends hanging out – kind of like we did in college – remember those days?

4. Create your own motivational seminar.  You know all those motivational books you’ve been longing to read?  What about the ones you said you would read for a second time?  Pretend you’re going to a half-day workshop – at home.  Discipline yourself to sit for three to four hours, getting up only to stretch and go to the bathroom, and read that motivational book.  Imagine that the author is speaking to you and take notes.  It’s even better if can get outside in the shade, with some sweet tea!  If I’m going through the book for a second time, I like to create a “highlights” outline.  Then I can quickly refer to my outline anytime I want to remember the true highlights of the book.

5. Host a “Come as you will be” party.  If you have the time, space, and money, it’s always fun to throw a party.  This concept is from Jack Canfield’s book, The Success Principles, and the invitation reads:

Come as you will be . . . in 2013! [Pick a date about 5 years into the future.]  Join us for a celebration that will stretch your imagination and catapult you into your own future.  [Give party details:  When, Where, Given by, RSVP to, etc.  Then explain further:]

Arrive as who you will be 5 years from now.  Dress in your very best.  Speak only in the present tense the entire evening, as if it were already 2013, all your goals have been achieved, and all your dreams have already come true.  You will be videotaped as you arrive.  Bring props to show everyone what you have achieved in the years between, such as best-selling books you’ve written, magazine covers you’ve been on, awards you’ve won, and photographs or scrapbooks of your achievements.  Throughout the evening, you will have the opportunity to applaud others in their achievements and to receive congratulations.

Can you imagine attending something like that?

Make it a great summer—

Until next time,

Live Joyfully!

You can subscribe to this blog here.

Get Inspired!  What do you want to create? Wake Up and Create the Life You Want: A Guide to Self-Empowerment has helped hundreds of people create the life of their dreams.  You can read their stories here.  If you choose the downloadable version, it comes with my free report on “The Science of Getting Rich.”

Get Organized!  Learn the secrets of getting and staying motivated and organized with the Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life E-book.  This inspiring book gives you step-by-step instructions for getting control of every area of your life.  Click here for the table of contents and to purchase.

***Please Note:  All transactions are processed through PayPal, but you can use Visa, MC, AMEX, or Discover.

Technorati Tags: Time Management, Personal Development, Conscious Creation, Coach, Success, Quit Smoking, Motivational Speaker, Retreat Leader, Motivation, Organize, Law of Attraction, Dental Practice Management, Consultant, Motivational Book, Self Help

Posted under Inspiration, Motivation