True Value

No, today's post is not about that chain of hardware stores. Instead, I want to look at what you value, and realize that the value of anything is subjective. 

Value is determined by how much people want or respect that item.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of status associated with value which is why certain things are priced very high.

When dealing with your life 'story' the only value that matters is what you believe to be important.

Since my life's goal revolves around writing, I place a very high premium on words. However, other people may see the life of a writer as one that doesn't produce a lot of income or generate enough fame.

Who's right?

When it comes to my life 'story, I am.

The value of my life increases significantly when I pursue what is valuable to me.

Life is more than a ledger of profits; it's actually a lifetime of purpose.

Your lifetime and your purpose.

What's Your Normal?

There are a lot of 'normal' things in life like...

...98.6 is the normal body temperature

...it's normal to cry at sad movies

...dogs normally bark at the mailman

But some things in life that seem normal shouldn't be, like...

...nothing good ever happens to me

...I will never have enough money to buy a (fill in the blank).

...life is just a series of hardships

Be careful what you consider normal. Anything less than the best isn't normal, it's just what you have come to expect as normal. And, yes, there's a big difference between the two.

My Book is Mentioned in a News Story!

Readers of this blog will know that in my book  I mention 'unlocking your potential' to achieve your life's goals.

Apparently, this phrase has somehow (cough, cough) become the exclusive sound byte of the Carly Fiorina campaign.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/25/fiorina-unlocking-potential_n_6752958.html

This article mentions the countless number of people who have used this phrase: everyone from Winston Churchill to Ronald Reagan to yours truly, Joyce Handzo. Yes, my book mentions this concept, but as my readers know, I use it in the context of the laws of physics: specifically, unlocking your potential energy. (And the experiments in my book are all geared toward 'showing' readers how this works.)

Anyway, I thought it was interesting and demonstrates the point I have been making here.

Write your life 'story' and do whatever you can every day to achieve the dream of your heart. 

You never know who's watching!

Danger: Black Hole

In space, a black hole is a location that has so much gravity that nothing can escape its pull, including light.

We all know the properties of gravity to ground and tether us to the earth. And, yes, for the most part that's a very good thing.

But in terms of writing your life 'story' too much gravity (or grounding yourself in the status quo) is definitely bad. And it gets even worse when there is absolutely no movement toward your life's goals which will shut out any 'light' that would guide you.

What's the fix?

Gravity is overcome by movement. Taking steps toward your goal every day will prevent a black hole from forming.

Since my life 'story' revolves around writing, I write every day. I also look for contests to enter, other writer's work to comment on, and of course, books to read.

Gravity, or inactivity, will hold you down but when writing your life 'story,' the only movement that counts is forward.

Your Real Résumé

The first thing I did today was update my résumé. The company I work for is relocating to another state.

When I first heard the news, I wondered where I would get another job, but then I reminded myself that I am not a slave to scarcity. There are many job positions out there; now I will look for the best one.

As I was working on my résumé, I realized there are a lot of things that aren't included because they do not fit the template.

Besides my work history and education, perhaps a prospective employer would know more about me if I added subheadings like:

Personality Profile: I am loyal, honest and optimistic.

Social Interaction: I work well with others, assisting them as needed and accepting advice and critiques favorably.

Worldview: I believe that love and kindness positively affects the people around me and I always strive to be supportive to others.

Always remember that you are more than the facts on your résumé. Your life 'story' may include a job but that job does not define you.

In fact, the true you cannot even be captured in a standard résumé!

After writing these words, the sun climbed over the horizon and lit up the entire sky.

Did the Universe just 'say' that something bright and wonderful will be coming into view soon?

Yep. That's exactly what I think.

Stay tuned to see what the Universe will be doing in my life.

Ruckusmaker Day

Tomorrow, for the first time ever, the world will celebrate Ruckusmaker Day.

This event coincides with what would have been Steve Job's 60th birthday. And boy, did he create a ruckus that still ripples through the world of technology.

But as Seth Godin's blog says: Steve's contribution wasn't inventions; it was having a point of view, expressing it, and acting on it.

Sounds like something we all should be doing.

I cordially invite you to start your own ruckus by expressing your point of view in honor of Steve Jobs and to honor your life 'story,' which will be the ultimate expression of everything you think, feel, and do.

This blog is my commitment. I plan to create 365 posts this year because I can and I should.

My life 'story' is about writing and achieving. I hope to give you all some relevant thoughts on that every day.

If Not Now...When?

I am thinking about three words...

...today...tomorrow...now

And if we were playing that game where we have to pick one of those words that don't belong, which would you choose?

Let's look at the definitions:

'Today' designates a time on or in the course of the present day.

'Tomorrow' is a time occurring on the day after today.

'Now' is the present moment of time.

Based on those definitions, 'now' doesn't belong because it carries a stronger sense of urgency.

However, when you are writing your life 'story' now is the only word that matters.

When you are stepping forward toward your life's goals, 'today' is too vague and 'tomorrow' might not come.

You only have 'now' but that's really quite enough.

Mirror, Mirror

What's the purpose of a mirror?

Mirrors were made so people can see themselves. Prior to that, they caught glimpses of themselves in a pond or river. Interestingly, people considered their reflections as a type of magic.

Today, mirrors are used in many ways, like in reflecting telescopes and automobiles.

However, the general principle of a mirror is to let a person see things more clearly and in better detail.

As you write your life 'story' it's always good to look at things as they really are.

And, just like in a mirror, the reality of your life can best be seen by what is being reflected back at you.

Is your life filled with happiness, joy, peace, and love?

Or are you often encountering sadness, sickness, and frustration?

If this was a typical mirror and you didn't like your reflection, you would change how you look.

But when life is reflected back to you, the only way to change it is to alter how you see.

Because what you see is what will appear. Whatever you focus on becomes larger.

Check your mirror to see what's really there.

Are You Having Fun Yet?

Life is supposed to be fun and fantastic.

If this doesn't describe your life, you might be using it incorrectly.

Try these troubleshooting tips:

Are you 'plugged' into a mindset of hope and happiness?

Have you been 'charging' your mind with thoughts of success?

Are you removing yourself from any 'interference' like negative and angry people?

If you are doing all of the above, your life should be filling up with fun.

If not, try shaking it up with a good dose of laughter and adding a pinch of positivity.

Writing and living your life 'story' is something you should smile about.

Pick Your Path

Are you happy with your life right now?

Have you been reading this blog and (hopefully?) getting inspired to write your life 'story' and achieve your ultimate goals?

What's holding you back from going forward and being happy?

One of my favorite quotes is by Albert Einstein: "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

To live your unique life 'story' you not only have to choose that path, but you also have to turn back on the way that wasn't working for you.

And sometimes that is the hard part.

Success often comes with a different kind of price: one that makes us leave our comfort zones and all that is familiar.

But wouldn't it be insane to keep doing the same things that didn't work?

Step out of the familiar and into the fantastic!

What If?

What if...

Instead of complaining about someone, we encouraged them?

Instead of thinking about all the things that are wrong with our lives, we made a list of all the things that are right?

Instead of expecting the worst to happen, we imagine the best?

Instead of giving up and believing that we will never achieve our life's goals, we see each day as an opportunity to impact the world with our unique purpose.

You have a life 'story' that needs to be written. Don't look for people and things that are holding you back because, yes, you will find them. Whatever you focus on becomes larger and do you really want the negatives in your life to become bigger?

Turn your attention to that which is good and see what happens.

Take a Walk!

If you ever feel discouraged and think that life is just one big obstacle course ready to trip you up, I suggest taking a walk.

And no, not just for the health benefits; I'm talking about you getting some up close and personal time with reality.

Nature reflects the wonders of the Universe and its abundance.

Look at the birds who are fed every day, have places to hide during a storm, and who sing at the start of each new morning.

Watch the squirrels hide acorns and race up trees without fear.

And don't forget to think about the trees themselves. They have developed a system of growing leaves for shade in the summer, but dropping those leaves in the fall to conserve strength during the winter.

All of this activity and abundance goes on every day, without a complex arrangement of government sponsored programs, employee benefits, or even IRAs.

On your walk, think about all this and remember that you are connected to this abundance.

Your life is made to be lived and enjoyed; stop looking at the obstacles, grab hold of the opportunities, and write your life 'story' with confidence.

Lacking Leads to Lackeys

For some terrible reason, we seem to grow up believing that we lack certain key things for success.

At a young age, we are trotted off to school to get the necessary skills we need for life, but sadly, our teachers grade us below par in certain subjects.

When we are sick, we rush off to the doctor who apparently has everything we need for perfect health.

And when we get a job, our bosses give us reviews and evaluations that seem to miss the mark and require us to improve.

Perhaps the saddest part of all this 'lacking' is that we become 'lackeys' or servants to this way of thinking and never live up to our true potential.

That's where developing a mindset based in reality is so important to writing your unique life 'story.'

Every morning, remind yourself that you have all the resources you need for success. But you need to recognize them and use them.

Wake up and verbally tell yourself:

"Today, I will acknowledge and use the resources I have to live a better, happier, and healthier life."

There is nothing lacking in your life. Live in abundance.

Believe and Be Alive

Throughout the day, we believe a lot of things.

Like our car will start, the sun will rise and set, and that second cup of coffee will make us feel just right.

Interestingly, most of what we believe comes from experience. Our car usually starts, the sun travels the sky every day, and, yes, that second cup of coffee does bring clarity to our sleep-soggy minds.

Since we believe in so many things during the day (and actually take most of these things for granted) why is it so hard to believe in a few more ideas?

Like...

I was created for a unique purpose.

I have been given everything I need to complete this goal.

My life will be filled will happiness and health.

Believe in your 'story' and be alive to the possibilities that await you each day.

Happy is Healthy

Happiness promotes health.

A recent study has shown that optimistic people enjoy better health in a number of key areas, like blood pressure, serum cholesterol levels, and fasting plasma glucose.

And happiness is a choice. 

The state of happiness comes from within and is not dependent on external factors.

Since there are benefits associated with an optimistic attitude, consider it part of your plan to increase health. And let's face it, being happy might be more fun than eating extra servings of broccoli or increasing your time on the treadmill.

I don't think it's a coincidence that our health is improved in a state of happiness. This reinforces my belief that our life 'stories' are meant to be happy, successful, and, yes, even awesome.

Be sure to choose happiness at every opportunity. It has already chosen you.

                                

How Are You?

How are you?

Do people ask you that throughout the day? It's usually part of the standard greeting, but what exactly do you say in response?

Do you automatically reply, "I'm good, how are you?"

Or do you start to recite a list of things that are going wrong with your life?

Why not, (hey, let's try this crazy thing I'm proposing) come up with a better way to answer this question.

In fact, (let's have some fun) and pretend that every time someone asks how you are, you imagine that they are a waiter/waitress in the Universe and want to take your order.

Let's practice;

"How are you?"

"I am amazingly well and happy in my life and job."

That went nicely, didn't it? And no, I am not telling you to ignore things that are wrong. What I want is for you to think about what you speak.

Words create. 

When you order off a menu, you don't pick the foods that you want the least, do you? So, don't 'pick'  the worst scenarios for your life and your day.

The next time you hear "How are you?" remember that "you are how" you think.

Which Came First: The Chicken or the Egg?

Ah, an age-old question with each side claiming the right answer!

I want to look at this question from the perspective of writing your life 'story'.

Which comes first: your desire to achieve a specific goal or you receiving the resources to be able to achieve that goal?

Hmmm...good question, isn't it? Usually, the scenario is that you think of a goal and get excited about it. But then you may stop to analyze all the steps involved and decide that you first need....more time...better skills...or (fill in the blank.)

The correct answer is that when you realize what your life goal is you are already perfectly equipped to fulfill it.

Your life 'story' is not like a lottery ticket that may or may not pay out.

Instead, once your 'story' enters your mind, the forces of the Universe prepare a banquet with everything you need.

In the case of the chicken and the egg question, the egg has the potential to become a chicken and lay more eggs, while the chicken can lay eggs which have the potential to become more chickens.

The key is in the potential.

And the potential is already in you.

What's Your First Thought of the Day?

Do you remember the first thought you had when you woke up this morning?

Was it: "Wow, another day filled with endless possibilities!"

Or maybe: "What? Time to get up for work already? I hope I don't have another awful day like yesterday."

The first thought you have programs your day. Consider it a mental GPS.

If you wake up and think the worst is about to happen, it probably will. Your mind listens to your thoughts and brings them to a place of reality.

It's really just as easy to have positive thoughts. Try it for a week and let me know the results.

Before going to sleep, tell your mind that your first thought will be positive.

Upon awakening, speak that thought.

Enjoy your day!

Kick Your But

No, I didn't misspell anything in the title.

The 'but' we are kicking today is a conjunction, not the other one.

I'm sure, by now, you realize that you have an ultimate life's purpose which we are calling your 'story.'

And I'm also sure that you want to make it happen.

But...

There it is! That nasty old conjunction that joins (or in this case, separates) ideas.

You want to write your life 'story' but...

.....you don't have time

.....you don't think you can really do it

.....you don't think you family or friends will support you

Or any one of a thousand different 'but's.

Kick that 'but' right out of your life!

Use some of that creativity that is conjuring up these 'but's in the first place, and apply it to your 'story'.

Sure, a nasty old 'but' might try to get in your life now and then; show it who's the boss.

Do Your Goals Frighten You?

Is there any way to know for sure that you are on the right track to writing your life 'story' and fulfilling your ultimate goal?

Yes, there is.

Look at what makes you afraid. Does the thought of accomplishing your goal send a jolt of fear through you?

Living your 'story' means putting yourself in the spotlight and, of course, that's fearful.

Fulfilling your life's goal means spending time, energy, and important resources with no apparent guarantee, and that's scary too.

Choosing to live as you were meant to is perhaps the boldest thing you will ever do. And yes, it's frightening.

But what's the opposite of fear?

Love.

Love your goals, embrace your life's purpose, and your 'story' will flow through your mind and into the physical world.

Fear cannot stop you; it has no power in the presence of love.

Power Failure!

Don't you hate power failures?

Losing electricity creates all sorts of inconveniences and problems. But perhaps the worst thing we feel is frustration.

We know the power to run our lights and appliances is still there; we just can't access it.

This same situation can happen as you seek to write your life 'story' and achieve your goals.

Once you have a vision of what you were meant to do, you begin to take steps forward. But you may, at one time or another, experience a power failure.

This loss of power may come in the form of a lack of confidence or just good old discouragement.

If you experience a power failure of this kind, check your connections:

--Are you reminding yourself every single day of your ultimate vision?

--Did you write down your goals?

--Are you sharing your dreams with those around you?

These steps will cause the power to flow from your mind to the physical world.

The power to star in your life 'story' is always available; all you need to do is accept it.

See the Forest and the Trees

There is an expression that says: "You can't see the forest for the trees."

Basically, this refers to a person who is so bogged down in details they can't see the whole situation.

But I want you to look at this forest/tree relationship a little differently and in conjunction with writing your life 'story.'

My expression is: "Look at how the trees fill the forest and how the forest fills the trees."

Each tree is nourished by the perfect environment in the forest, from the soil to the amount of sunlight.

And the forest is filled with trees that stand next to each other, giving shade, providing homes for furry and feathered animals, and emitting oxygen for all.

Think of the forest as a small universe, giving the trees all they need to thrive. And think of the trees as people like you and me, who have a life's purpose.

The trees never worry about their future because they are in the best possible place; the forest.

And you are in the best possible place to live your 'story': the universe.

So, look at the trees and the forest and know that you will take your rightful place in the Universe.

Curiosity and Courage

A curious person asks questions but a courageous one acts on the answers.

By now, you must be convinced that you were born with a unique purpose that I'm calling your life 'story.'

But to move toward that place of purpose requires courage.

Writing your life 'story' is launching into an existence that is completely fulfilling but also one that contains a dash of fearful. 

You may experience a gamut of emotions, from anxiety (Do I really have a life goal?) to insecurity (How can I accomplish something so extraordinary?).

But once you are committed to your 'story', you will find courage coming alongside you. 

You already own your life 'story'; now it's time to claim it. 

Jump the Fence!

What do you think a fence does...

...keep something or someone out or keep them in?

The early uses of fences were to mark off property lines and to create an enclosure for livestock.

Today, it's rare not to see a fence. (In fact, see how far you can go without being stopped by a fence!)

Are fences. therefore, a good thing? It all depends on which side of them you're on and which side you would like to be on.

In terms of writing your life 'story' and achieving your ultimate goals, fences can be a limiting factor.

If you view your world as a finite amount of people, places, and things, that mental 'fence' is holding you back. Jump it!

When you start each day, look at the horizon and take a moment to marvel at the huge expanse of sky.

There are no fences in the Universe.

The Duality of Might

Might has two meanings that may seem different at first glance.

(Okay, I am playing around with words again! Yay!)

First off, the definitions:

Might:

1.) an expression to signify possibility
2.) power, force or strength

In the context of writing your life 'story,' the word might can be very influential.

In fact, I want you to see it in a whole new way. You will forever remember how the apparent different definitions actually complement and complete each other.

Consider might to be the powerful potential energy that resides in your life story.

From a physics standpoint, potential energy is stored or possible energy. When it is released, it's called kinetic energy.

Everyone's life 'story' has the might of possibility as well as the might of power.

But please don't go around saying, "I might write my life story."

The correct way to use might in a sentence is like this:

The might (potential power) of my life 'story' is a reality that resides within me.

Got Air?

When was the last time you worried if there was enough air to breathe?

Hmmm....like never?

That's because you trust the Universe to supply you with enough air to breathe. Every. Single. Day.

So why aren't you trusting the Universe with everything you need to succeed?

Let's face it; if your supply of air was cut off you would be dead. But you constantly have not only a steady supply of air, but an abundance of it! That makes me believe that you are meant to be alive.

So, if the Universe is faithful about keeping you alive, why not thrive instead? Write your life 'story' in big, bold letters because you can and should.

Don't look for what's lacking in your life (and when you start thinking along those unproductive lines take a deep breath of abundant air!) but start looking for ways to move forward and achieve your goals and dreams.

You are literally surrounded with life-sustaining elements; breathe them into your being and become the person you were born to be.

The Magic of a Snow Day

Weren't snow days more fun when you were a child?

Snow was magical then. It was a time to build snowmen and snow forts and sleigh ride down hills for hours.

But when you became an adult, snow meant shoveling and driving on icy streets, hoping you don't get into an accident. 

What happened to the magic of snow?

Actually, it's still there. Snow will always transform a landscape into sparkling whiteness. 

The difference is how you see it. Somewhere along the way, you stopped seeing the magic. And that's a shame.

Often, after we move beyond our childhood years, we  lose our sense of wonder and see only the work. 

Perhaps snow is meant to remind us of a happier, more carefree way of looking at things. 

Your life 'story' is full of magic and wonderment too. Never lose sight of the fact that you have a unique purpose in this world.  Stop looking at the obstacles; search out opportunities instead. 

The next time it snows, look up, open your mouth and catch a couple of snowflakes on your tongue. 

Savor the magic!

Good Enough is Not Enough

Somewhere in your mind is a scale that weighs all your thoughts and actions.

You get a pat on the back for 'good' things and a jolt of guilty when you do something wrong.

But this scale also measures 'good enough,' those thoughts and actions that don't stand out either way but just get you through the day.

'Good enough' is not enough. It's settling instead of succeeding.

'Good enough' is also not a part of your life 'story.' In fact, 'good enough' will stop you from reaching your goals.

Step off the scale and step up your game. Never be content with 'good enough'; it won't get you where you want to be.