What's Next?

First, I want to thank all of you who messaged me yesterday. The best part about being a writer is having people read your work and comment on it.

You all rock!

In a few hours, it will be a new year and I am making a new writing commitment.

Since I have been writing non-fiction for a long time, I want to try creative fiction.

Like stories. Being Irish (I Wish Princess- did you all get that?) I love stories.

My grandma came to this country during the Potato Famine but before she left the old sod, she kissed the Blarney Stone.

According to legend, one kiss placed on that rock bestows the person with the gift of eloquence.

I always had a suspicion that it was genetically imparted too since I have always loved words.

So, for 2016 I will be using this blog to write stories.

But not just any old story; I will be adding a touch of mystery.

Until tomorrow...

Thank You

Thank you for reading my blog this year.

As some of you may remember, this blog was a commitment for me to write daily.

And I did. Tomorrow will be my 365th post. Some posts I loved while some I just posted. :)

I chose to write about motivation and achieving goals because I have a sincere desire to see people succeed.

And guess what?

My blog was noticed. Yes, by you, my faithful readers, but also by a publisher.

I have been offered an opportunity to participate in a writer's workshop for 13 weeks with the purpose of preparing a manuscript for this publishing house.

Sweet.

So to avoid copyright issues (since my book will be on motivation) this blog  will take an entirely new direction.

2015 was a year where I showed my faithfulness in blogging daily, but 2016 will be a year to explore my creativity. Or craziness...

Stay tuned.

Going to the Life Story Doctor

Have you ever gone to the doctor because you had flu symptoms or perhaps a pulled muscle?

I'm sure you expected the doctor to diagnose the problem and give you a prescription.

In other words, you anticipated getting better.

So why are you so discouraged about your life story? If things aren't going well at the moment, why do you feel 'terminal?' As in 'The End' of all your hopes and dreams?

If you're sick, you can get well.

If your life story has taken a wrong turn, U-turn, or maybe no turn, that can change.

Here's your prescription:

Imagine complete fulfillment of your goals every 4 hours. 

Take on an empty mind that does not have any negativity in it.

May cause feelings of euphoria and hope.

No, you don't have to send me your co-pay. This is on the house.

Courage and all that it Contains

Did you ever play that game where you find words within a word?

For instance, how many words can you find in 'courage?'

I found about 20 but according to this handy-dandy word maker, there are 80 words within the word courage.

Word Maker

When I first thought of the word courage, I could see certain ideas that would be useful when writing your life story.

Courage contains 'rage' perhaps against fear and discouragement.

Courage contains 'cougar,' an animal whose survival depends on its ability to use all of its skills.

Courage also contains 'grace,' which is a nice reminder that all that we have has been gifted to us.

When writing your life story, remember courage and all that it holds for you.

Make your life story contain all your hopes and dreams.

One Big Idea Away From Success

Everyone is only one big idea away from success.

Think:

Light bulb

Wheel

Plane

Telephone

Penicillin

What's your big idea?

Think:

I will live an amazing successful life.

I will write my life story and accomplish my goals and dreams.

I will live each day in confidence.

Yep. Those ideas will do it for you.

The Day After...

The day after a holiday can be either a let-down or a push forward.

The let-down feeling can come if you view the day as mostly preparation with little interaction.

"What? I cooked for 8 straight hours and everyone was done eating in 20 minutes!"

"Do you know how much traffic I sat in to buy that toy that was just broken?"

A push forward is totally different.

"I loved hearing grandma's stories about growing up. She overcame a lot of obstacles and is my inspiration."

"I am so proud of my cousin. Last year, she told us she had a big work-related goal and she achieved it."

The holidays give us a lot. Sure, they involve cooking, shopping, and cleaning.

But they give us a glimpse in the lives of those we love.

We get to see their life stories being written-- year after year-- holiday after holiday.

Write yours.

Reason for the Season

With all of the ways to greet people this holiday season, let's not focus on differences, but on what each of us brings to our festivities.

Love.

Peace.

Joy.

And let's put these emotions at the forefront when writing our life stories.

Every day.

What If I'm Disappointed?

Maybe your life story isn't going as well as you would like.

Maybe you're disappointed that your dreams and goals seem so inaccessible.

Maybe you think this whole writing-your-amazing-life-story thing is a joke.

It isn't.

Disappointment is a result of wrong thinking.

When your thoughts and your actions are not the same, you feel discouraged.

But there is a way to fix this.

Change your thoughts which will change your actions.

That sounds so simple, yet most of us aren't completely convinced that our thoughts direct our lives.

Why not try it and find out for yourself?

You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Halfway or No Way?

Is half of something better than nothing at all?

That depends.

Some money is better than being completely broke but half of a roof on your house would be pointless.

In life, make choices that will bring you a 100% return.

Like writing your life story with full confidence.

Or using every available opportunity to achieve your goals.

Don't think about whether your glass is half full or half empty.

Live with a 100% mindset; anything less will leave you thirsty for more.

Do You Really Have it All?

The short answer is yes.

But- you say- where is the million dollars, my luxury car, and my European villa?

They are in the world.

Yes, I'm right about that. The money, car, and expensive home all exist somewhere in the world.

But- you say- I want those things in my world. Now.

Really?

Are they part of your life story?

The problem with looking at other's people's stuff is that it may not be right for you.

What if I told you that instead of the money, car, and home you will be getting worldwide fame, your personal plane, and an island of your own in the Pacific?

That sounds good too, doesn't it?

When writing your life story, be confident but don't box yourself into a set of preconceived ideas.

Dream your own dream and that dream will show up in your life in living color.

Life is Normal

Yes, life is normal, but sometimes we think we're in a movie.

We seem to expect outrageous difficulties, demonic friends, and one plot problem after another.

You are not Stephen King. Don't imagine the worst with every turn of the page-- or day.

Life is made up of normal events.

Say no to drama.

Write your life story and tell it like it really is.

Feelings or Facts?

How do write your life story? Are you relying on feelings or facts?

Feelings can be false while facts are based on truth.

Although your emotions make up a big part of your life, they can lead you in the wrong direction. That's because our feelings are a result of what we are thinking.

Do you 'feel' discouraged or somehow unworthy of living an amazing life?

That thought is in your mind only.

The fact is that you are alive here today for a reason.

Feelings can fool you; facts will lead you forward.

Whining to the Finish Line?

I bet you read that title twice.

I wrote "whining" not "winning."

Sure, the words look a bit alike at first glance, but their meanings are polar opposites.

Whine...

   "to complain, usually often and loudly"

Win...

   "to be successful and achieve victory"

When writing your life story, I suggest winning over whining.

Even though whining is easy to do, it turns your focus away from your goals. And let's face it, complaining doesn't move you forward.

A winning attitude means you are looking at the finish line with determination.

It's a 'no-matter-what' perspective that is very powerful.

Write your life story like the winner you are.

Did You...?

Did you have a good night's sleep?

Did you take your vitamins?

Did you feed your pets?

Did you do your laundry?

Did you think about your goals and dreams?

No?

You are more than a body that needs to be fed and rested; you are more than an employee, wife, husband, friend, or pet lover.

You are a unique human being placed on the Earth at this particular time to tell us your life story.

Did you get that?

Free Shipping!

If your Inbox is anything like mine, you are getting a lot of emails this time of year advertising sales and free shipping.

'Tis the season...

Retailers know that free shipping makes money. No, that's not an oxymoron; giving people something free is a great way to motivate them to take action.

Oh, by the way, did I ever mention that you have been given a unique set of skills, hopes, and dreams to write your amazing life story?

And, yes, that was completely free.

It's time to ship your story.

Coal and Regrets

Santa's coming.

We all want the presents in that great big bag of his, but let's not forget that he still hands out coal to those who were naughty.

Of course, that's not you or me.

But sadly, many of us will gift ourselves with coal of a different type.

As the year ends, are you holding onto regrets, disappointments, and even fears?

Consider those things to be coal in your stocking.

And coal is only good for one thing-- fuel.

May that 'coal' fuel your motivation to move forward into the life story that is yours.

Got a Change in Mind?

It's easy to change some things, like your hair style or the kind of car you drive.

Those things are physical and you can manipulate the physical world.

But what if you wanted to change your home or work environment and make it less stressful?

Or maybe you want to be more successful on the job or in a personal venture?

While these things do touch the physical world, a large part of this type of change begins in the mind.

Your thoughts about stress and success will bring about these desired changes.

Perspective plays a big role in changing things that are not wholly in the physical world.

Think about what you want changed, 'see' it happen in your mind and then watch it come to life.

Name It and Claim It

There is a psychological principle that states that once you name something, you own it.

Names make things familiar and take away the fear of the unknown.

Today, how about giving your life story a title?

How about The Amazing Life Story of (your name)?

Or how's this: The Extraordinary Adventures of (your name)?

Name your story.

You already own it.

Are You Waiting for Your Cue?

If you were an actor on stage, you may be waiting for the line that introduces you.

Maybe something like this:

And now, the forces of the Universe are properly aligned to give (your name) an amazing life of peace, prosperity, and success.

Then you enter amid applause and stand in the spotlight.

That isn't going to happen.

Here's why:

You do not need to wait for someone to tell you it's okay to live an amazing life.

You are already on stage in the spotlight.

Live like the star you are.

How Do You Walk?

Do you saunter down the street with a swagger?

Or do you plod along without purpose or passion?

Walk the walk of a successful and happy person.

Stand upright, put your shoulders back, and raise your head.

And walk confidently into the awesome destiny that awaits you.

What Did You Order?

Have you ever gone to McDonalds's and got a Whopper?

That will never happen.

Whoppers are not available --at any time-- in a McDonald's.

Sometimes things are not there but we may look for them anyway.

Like problems.

If your life is going along well, don't stop and conjure up potential problems.

And I bet you can imagine some 'whoppers' of problems.

Write your life story and don't see what's not there.

Half Full or Half Empty?

You have all been asked the question:

       Is the glass half full or half empty?

Apparently, this is to determine if you are an optimist or pessimist.

But I am asking you a different question:

       Do you want to enjoy a full glass?

You can.

The Universe has given you all that you need to succeed.

Stop trying to analyze if you have a lot or a little; you have it all.

Now, go out and write your life story.

Cheers!

The Last Horse-and-Buggy Salesman

Can you imagine what it felt like to be the last horse-and-buggy-salesman?

Do you think people drove past him in their new automobile and gave him a snarky wave?

Life is like that.

Sometimes we are afraid of moving forward and end up not moving at all.

Rev up your engines today and trust in a future, even if it's different.

Quit

The end of the year is fast approaching.

How are you doing with achieving your goals and writing your life story?

Are you still encountering any hindrances?

Sometimes we need to quit something in order to move forward.

It may be putting a stop to procrastination, fear, or discouragement.

Or maybe you have some time-draining activities in your life that need to go.

Today...stop...and think about what is slowing you down or preventing you from moving forward.

And put a stop to them.

Quickly and quietly.

Probability and Procrastination

The more you procrastinate, the less likely it will be that you achieve your goals.

Stop making excuses, (even really good ones!) and start moving toward what you want.

By taking a step forward, you will dramatically increase the odds of you writing your life story and achieving your goals and dreams.

Start now.

Zeno's Paradox

Zeno's Paradox states that when you are moving forward, you must arrive at the halfway stage before reaching your goal.

As an example, let's say you are walking to your car. Before you get there, you must be halfway there. At that point, you continue to move toward the car, but now you will reach a halfway point again.

And again. And again.

In Zeno's Paradox, you would travel, one-half, one-fourth, one-eighth, one-sixteenth...and so on.

Or, in other words, theoretically, you would never arrive at your car because you will always have to move halfway from point to point.

Well, that doesn't happen, does it? You have probably walked to your car perfectly fine this morning.

That's because Zeno's Paradox does not take into account an important factor: time.

Time is not made of indivisible moments.

Now is now. It cannot be divided.

And that's a very good thing.

When we move toward our goals, we are in 'now.'

And great things happen then.

So, go write your life story.

Now.

Busy vs. Productive

Are you getting things done and writing your life story?

Or are you just busy?

Have your written down your goals and dreams? These are the framework for writing your life story, similar to an author constructing a plot.

Writing things down helps to get things done. 

While actions begin with your thoughts, when you write something down, you transfer that thought to the physical realm, which is a step closer to completing it.

 You will make your life-- and your life story-- more productive when you stop being busy.

Like and Share

"Like" and "Share" are two responses for Facebook posts.

What kind of response do people have for your real life "posts?"

Is what you're doing and saying something to be liked and shared?

If not, you could change that.

Write your life story, for yourself and those around you.

Where's the Future?

Where is the future?

Is the future a 'better' time to fulfill your dreams and goals?

Is it best to wait for that future?

Or maybe the future is when you will have more time to write your life story?

Exactly when will that be?

Psst...here's a secret.

The future is here. From the time I started writing this blog post to this moment, the 'future' arrived.

Time moves forward every second.

Don't wait for the future to write your life story; do it now.

Today.

The Day After

The day after an event or a major holiday always seems to be a bit of let-down, doesn't it?

All the preparation and expectation seems to lead to a day or an event that is over too quickly.

That doesn't happen when writing your life story.

Each day is a page in your story.

Each day comes with the possibility of something exciting and amazing.

Look for the best in every day.

It's there.

When Something is Missing

There is an unmistakable void in our lives when something or someone is missing.

Perhaps you physically lost an object or a person you love is no longer around.

You can either look for what is lost or accept that it's gone.

If it's meant to be part of your life story, it will return, if not, don't seek to restore what should not be.

Writing your life story may require some hard choices but make acceptance and hope the main characters.

How Are You Recognized?

Do people recognize you from your voice?

Or maybe by the way you walk?

But how do you want to be known?

By your actions, generosity, or intelligence?

Think about that.

It all goes into writing your life story.

Are You Playing Blind Man's Bluff?

If you are not familiar with the child's game of Blind Man's Bluff, here's how it works:

Someone is "It" and is blindfolded. That person must tag another player and then that player is "It."

The problem, of course, is the blindfold. It's very difficult to find someone when you can't see.

Many people feel life is like that: they are 'blind' to the path they need to follow and waste a lot of time running around.

But life doesn't have to be like that.

In the child's game, being blindfolded causes the player to listen.

In life, we need to listen too.

Go to a quiet place and close your eyes. Relax.

Think of your goals and dreams.

Imagine ways of achieving them.

"See" yourself succeeding.

Just like the player who is "It" will sense a movement that someone is nearby to tag, so will you sense the direction you need to take.

It will happen if you stop and listen. 

That's how to write your life story.

Free Time

When something is free, there is only one thing you need to do.

Take it.

Do you want more free time?

It's there for you.

Okay, it's probably hidden behind your To-Do list, but it's there.

Grab some free time. It's even better than chocolate.

Black Friday: A Day of Shame

No, this post isn't about the hordes of impatient, angry, and frustrated people looking to buy something at an outrageously low price.

This is about the origin of the name Black Friday.

There are several possibilities about why this day is 'black' but one that makes sense is this one:

Many retailers operate at a financial loss for most of the year (January-November) and only make a profit during the holiday season. Their financial records would be written in red ink to indicate their loss, but on this day--Black Friday-- they would finally make a profit and record it in black ink.

Wow, that's sad.

If my life was at a 'loss' all year, I would have taken steps prior to the day after Thanksgiving to fix things.

Wouldn't you?

Black Friday seems to flaunt the shame of losing all year while magically pulling profits out of a sales flyer.

Nah.

If you are in business, seek a profit all year. If you are in the 'red' get a different strategy.

When you write your life story, don't wait for the end of the year to lament the loss of time.

A New Year's resolution is just like a Black Friday deal.

Live at your best every day.

Every.

Single.

Day.

A Day (?) to Give Thanks

No, we don't only have one day to give thanks.

Every day is a gift.

But did you know that giving thanks actually improves your life and health?

Showing gratitude reduces stress, enhances your sense of well-being, and helps regulate blood sugar. It also has a positive effect on your heart and blood pressure.

Giving thanks is the smart-- and healthy-- thing to do.

But don't limit yourself to one day of thanksgiving; make every day an occasion to think about all the wonderful people and things in your life.

All of which goes into writing your life story.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Directed or Rejected?

Having your plans rejected hurts.

But it can also help.

Knowing what you don't want is as important as knowing what you do want.

If your plans have been derailed, think of it as being redirected.

Try to never resist the changes in your life; they signal steps that you need to take. 

Sometimes those steps may not be of your choosing, but they will move you toward an abundant life.

Playing Dress-Up

Remember the time in your life when you could be a fireman, zookeeper, or a caped crusader-- all in the same day?

Playing dress-up as a child was not only fun, it helped to kickstart the imagination.

Pretending to be an adult in a certain profession allows the child to 'see' life in a future sense.

Children understand the power of imagination.

And we can take a lesson from them.

To write your life story, you need to 'see' with your mind and heart. Not just your eyes.

But don't tie on a cape and try to fly, okay?

Do You Love Mondays?

Most people dread Mondays since it usually means going back to work.

But Fridays are highly anticipated.

Saturdays are fun days and Sundays are truly days of rest.

But...

When you're writing your life story, don't limit the days of the week to the activities associated with them.

Every day in your life has the potential for amazing and extraordinary events to occur.

Don't let the calendar tell you if it's a 'good' day or not.

Expect the best every day.

Be Brave

Sometimes bravery happens when you have no choice.

In our world of uber choices, we tend to resent being limited to one.

We also don't like having our backs to the wall.

But it happens.

Make it work for you. Be brave.

The only choice may be the best one. It might require more of you, but the return investment will be well worth it.

Writing your life story requires bravery.

It's your only choice and chance to make your life what it should be.

Life's Condiments

Ketchup and mustard are tasty condiments, but they cannot compare with the extras the Universe have given us.

The world didn't have to contain birds, trees, flowers, music, or glorious sunrises.

But it does.

Did you ever wonder why?

These 'condiments' flavor our lives with beauty.

They inspire and motivate us.

They come alongside us as witnesses to the abundance of the world in which we live.

Write your life story in perfect confidence.

Like Change?

Most of us don't like things to change because we associate it with something bad.

And that's not good.

Or even true.

When a caterpillar changes into a butterfly, that's normal.

When the seasons change, that's good old science at work.

You may find your life changing as you write your story.

Don't resist the changes.

Embrace them and see where they take you.

Life isn't a force that is meant to hurt you; like the changes and write your story.

From Point A to Point B

Today you will go to work...school...the mall...or the bank. Or someplace else.

How will you get there?

By car, bus, or perhaps walking?

But that's only the physical part of the journey.

The process of going anywhere begins in the mind. 

You must first think of going to a certain place and then you think of the steps to get there.

And guess what? This method actually works.

Let's use it when we write our life stories.

Think of your destination-- your goals and dreams-- and plot a course.

Focus on where you want to go and you will get there.

Let the Cat Out of the Bag

The origin of the expression, "Let the cat out of the bag" is somewhat uncertain.

One theory is that unscrupulous sellers of pigs would swap a cat for a porker, placing it in a bag. The buyer would discover the trickery when he came home and let the cat out of the bag.

Interesting, yes, but probably not completely true.

Perhaps the only benefit that came from this expression is a reminder to buyers to check their purchases carefully.

When writing your life story, it's good to check the truth now and then too.

What's in your 'bag'? 

Do you believe you have the skills, resources, and confidence to write your life story?

Or have you substituted fear, uncertainty, and discouragement?

Don't get cheated out of the amazing life you should have.

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

That's an interesting expression, isn't it?

The definition:

...to do something rather than just talk about it

How people spend their money is indicative of their true values and purpose.

But when writing your life story, money doesn't matter.

All you need is confidence.

And that's priceless.

Positioning Your Power

Have you ever lifted a refrigerator?

You could.

When we got a new one delivered, I was amazed that two men literally carried it in the house. They attached a lifting strap to each side of the refrigerator and were able to pick it up with apparent ease.

The straps probably weighed less than 5 pounds and the refrigerator was close to 300 pounds.

In life, when you align your purpose and power, you can do amazing things too.

The lifting straps aligned the deliverymen's strength and maximized it.

In life, your thoughts align your power and give you the ability to achieve your goals.

Think about it.

No Permission Needed

You don't need to ask anyone if you can pursue your goals and dreams.

You don't need to raise your hand and say, "I'm ready to start."

You just need to begin.

That's a very powerful and liberating thought, isn't it?

Tragedy and Triumph

What happened in Paris is a tragedy.

And it's also not the way life is supposed to be.

Focus not on the evil.

Focus on the outpouring of love and help that is directed to all the victims.

This tragedy will be a triumph in human compassion.

No one can take away our ability to love and hope.

No one.

Thinking of a Change?

Change happens when you agree to it.

Yes. You are in control.

I know that's hard to remember when there are days when life seems to spiral out of your grasp.

But you do control your life.

Every thought that you have is a potential action. You do not act upon anything unless the idea first comes into your mind.

Your life and the control you have originates in your thoughts.

Are you tired of the way things are going right now?

Think yourself out of those problems.

No, that doesn't mean you will magically make them disappear. It means that you are agreeing to a change.

And that change will happen because you want it.

Report Card Time?

Who is grading your life?

Who is telling you that you are doing a good job-- or not?

And why are you listening?