Truth or Dare?

There is a party game called Truth or Dare in which a person must answer a question truthfully or perform a dare, which is usually something embarrassing.

Today, I create a new game called Truth and Dare.

The object of my game is to recognize the truths in your life and dare to act on them.

Truth #1

You are an amazing person with success and happiness in your future.

Truth #2

You are equipped with unique skills and goals that will impact the world around you.

Truth #3

You have access to all the resources in the Universe and you will make a positive difference in the world.

Now, I dare you to live like you believe these truths.

Square Peg and Round Hole

This is one of my favorite ideas.

Here's a little background on the origin of this expression:

Square peg in a round hole: 
     Its origin is attributed to 19th century British philosopher and cleric, Sydney Smith. This phrase usually refers to a person who doesn't fit into the corporate culture and therefore stands little chance of corporate advancement. 

I see that this concept can be applied to a wider area, like life.

A square peg doesn't fit into the round hole simply because that's not the place for it.

In life, we all have places and futures that have been carved out for us. If we find we are not fitting into our 'spots' perhaps we are looking at the wrong 'spots.'

If you are feeling frustrated, fearful, or angry, you may be trying too hard to be someone you are not.

Life isn't meant to be a struggle. It should be as natural as breathing and blinking.

Don't force yourself into your future; you will fit once you trust your place in the Universe.

Entrée or À la carte

How do you like to order?

Do you choose the main selection--entrée-- or do you like to pick out each item separately--à la cart?

I guess it all depends on your appetite. What are you hungry for?

But when writing your life story, do you only want certain things? À la carte is somewhat limiting since each choice really means you are rejecting other choices.

For instance, do you desire financial security but want to pass on building positive relationships? Hmmm...that won't leave a good taste in your mouth.

The entrée, however, is a better option because it's complete. 

The Universe has prepared a meal for you that is both satisfying and fulfilling. 

When writing your life story, select the main course. Take it all.

And of course, there will be dessert. 

No Joy?

"No Joy" is an expression pilots use and it means 'failure to make visual sighting, or inability to establish radio communications.'

In layman's terms, it's more like the pilot saying, "I don't see it." And it should be seen.

Isn't it an interesting coincidence that when we are not living in success and abundance, we may often say we have no joy? I'm sure you know what I mean-- that nagging feeling that there is something you are missing.

If you can't see your goals taking shape or if you know that your life story is not being written as it should be, you are like that pilot looking for something but not seeing it.

But here's something to remember--your life story is still there even though you may not 'see' it at times. Just like the pilot looking for a landmark.

If you were flying a plane, to correct this problem you would change your course. 

In life, you can change your perspective.

Remain positive that there is a wonderful future waiting for you, and it will be seen.

"No joy" doesn't mean "No way." 

How to Waste Time (Or Not)

Today I give you two important secrets.

The first is:

Time does not exist. 

Yes, I know you think that might be crazy but it's still true. (In fact, Albert Einstein agreed with me!)

Time is something that has been created for us. Consider it the playing field in which we exist. But time is relative (notice the many time zones and the dreaded Daylight Savings Time rules we have.)

Now, since time doesn't exist, it may seem that the title of this blog is now useless.

Technically, yes, but the second secret helps protect you from misusing the concept of time.

To waste time, live in the past.

That means remember all the negative things that have happened to you and replay them in your mind. Over and over again.

Think about conversations and concerns that made you sad, angry, or downright depressed and keep that chatter going as much as you can.

Before you know it, your day is over and you probably haven't moved forward.

Because your mind is stuck in the past.

The only moments that are truly real are those right now. Memories are no longer actual events.

To create a future that is abundant and successful, let go of the past and remain in the present.

This is a choice we need to make every day and often.

But it's the only way to go forward.

Are You Living in Abundance?

The answer is "Yes!"

When I ask people if they are living in abundance, right away they think of their bank accounts. Hmm..

Measuring your life by dollar signs isn't the best way to think about this.

How about looking at abundance in this way--

---You are surrounded by more air than you will breathe in a lifetime.

---Every one of your days are illuminated by glorious sunshine.

---There are a countless number of trees to give you shade.

---Water comes from the sky and nourishes our entire planet.

Now, what were you saying about your bank account?

Are you living in abundance?

You bet you are.

Raising Standards

It's always enticing to look at someone else and say, "Hey, they're not living in abundance and success, so why should I try?"

I certainly hope you are not asking that question, but if that thought creeps into your mind my short answer is:

Why are you looking at someone else's life to live your own?

Today, I ask you to raise your standards. And I use the word "standards" in a military sense.

A standard is an emblem or flag of an army that was raised on a pole to become the rallying point in a battle. 

Your standard is your life, your dreams, your goals, and your purpose.

Keep your eyes fixed on those things and you will be fine. 

Show Up and Start Up

Woody Allen is credited with this quote:

"90% of life is just showing up."

Today, I create my own quote:

"100% of your life story is just showing up."

What do I mean by this? By living completely in each moment of every day, you are available to write your story and live an abundant and successful life.

With every heartbeat and every blink of your eyes, look for opportunities and options, paths to give you purpose, and ways to share your unique expertise and energy to benefit those around you.

There are no sick days or personal days; you are literally "on" for every second of the day.

Sound scary? It shouldn't. You should find that thought exhilarating.

And here's another exciting thought:

You are 100% equipped and ready to write your life story. That's the truth.

And you cannot, no way, no how, destroy the truth.

The only way to deal with the truth is to accept it.

Today, accept your place in the Universe and write your story.

Anything less than 100% just doesn't add up.

Sound the Alarm!

As we all know, an alarm is usually a loud noise that causes us to take action.

The word "alarm" was derived from the idea of "calling to arms" or being ready to defend home or property.

Today, we are literally surrounded by alarms.

Our days start with an alarm to wake us up. (Probably followed by the snooze button.)

Then we lock up our homes and set the alarm.

We deactivate the alarms in our cars and drive off.

And depending on where we go throughout the day, we can pass through metal detectors, shoplifting sensors in stores, or even start the dogs barking in the neighborhood. All of these are alarms that watch for anything that is not normal or acceptable.

Do you know that there is a built-in alarm set for writing your life story?

Have you every felt like you were missing something, or maybe you just knew there was more to life than what you are now living?

If you said, "yes" then you heard the alarm go off.

Alarms are meant to move us into action. When you feel restless or unfulfilled, that's your alarm telling you to get back on course and write your life story.

Live the life you were meant to in total confidence.

There is no snooze button here.

Fear: The Final Frontier

The one thing that stops us from living an abundant and successful life is fear.

No matter what objection you have for not moving forward, the bottom line is fear.

What? You don't have the skills needed to write an amazing life story?

Then you are afraid that the Universe has not already gifted you with whatever you need.

What? You don't know where to start?

Then you are afraid of trusting your own instincts. Look into yourself and find that recurring dream and desire. That is what you were meant to do. Go do it.

What? You might fail?

Of course, that is fear talking. But ask yourself what's worse: failing at writing your life story or not writing it  at all? (And here's a best kept secret-- you cannot fail!)

Boldly go where you have not gone before: into your amazing future that has been designed especially for you.

When is Someday?

Someday is not on my calendar and it shouldn't be on yours either.

All of the delineations of time, from the days of the week, to the the months, and even the hours and minutes are to be considered a framework in which to write our life stories.

This simply means that we live in the moments that are actually here.

'Someday' doesn't really have a form and therefore cannot contain anything.

It would be like pouring water into an imaginary pitcher.

When writing your life story, use the existing elements of time to keep yourself on track. Put your goals into some concrete frameworks of time so you can track their progress.

If 'someday' had a place, I would say it's right before never.

Let's get rid of that word once and for all.

Lose Weight- 100% Guaranteed

Today I will give you a sure-fire way to lose weight. Immediately.

Oh, I see I have your full attention. Perhaps this would be a good time to tell you that the 'weight' I am talking about is in your mind.

Specially, the 'weights' that stop you from living the life you were meant to.

Today, I want you to find a quiet spot where you can think. And when your mind starts talking about all the negative things in your life and how you will never fulfill your goals, I want you to talk back.

Yes, have a conversation with yourself. Don't worry, no one else will hear it.

Tell your mind to drop the discouragement, heave out the hopelessness, and fling away the fear. 

Imagine all of these weights going into some cosmic landfill.

Remember this most liberating (and slimming!) thought: 

You are in full control of everything you think.

That means you do not have to be discouraged, hopeless, or fearful.

Lose those weights today. 

Planting Seeds

For many of us, spring is here and our minds turn to planting seeds.

Whether the seeds are to grow into flowers or vegetables, we are all familiar with the general idea of planting.

The seed is placed in the soil, watered, and then the wait begins.

Once the seed sprouts, the sun nourishes them and we make sure the soil stays moist.

After a certain amount of time, we will have a flower or vegetable to enjoy.

Okay, that sounds simple and stress-free right?

Do you feel the same way about writing your life story?

The process of writing your story has several similarities. You start with a seed (in this case, it's your unique skills and goals), you place yourself in the world (the soil) and wait for a natural progression to develop.

And notice I said "natural progression."

Writing your story is natural and normal and definitely attainable.

What do you need to do to make this happen?

• Accept your unique place in the Universe
• Be confident of your unique place in the Universe

See, it's really that simple.

A seed doesn't stress and neither should you. The Universe is perfectly capable of bringing your life to its expected and successful future.

To Be or Not To Be

Shakespeare had it wrong.

We don't have the option Hamlet pondered: To be or not to be.

We only have "to be."

You have a unique purpose in life, which I call your life story. It's your privilege to write that story through your words and actions.

You really can't "not to be"  because it's impossible to forfeit your special place in the Universe.

In a very simplistic analogy, consider your life story to be a package that was delivered to your house. You can pick it up and open it and enjoy it.

Or, you can pretend you're not home. But that doesn't give you the option of  "not to be." The package (your life story) has already been delivered.

"To be" is the only way to live. It's a gift.

What's the Opposite Of...?

What's the opposite of...

Happy...?

Interesting...?

Fulfilled...?

Writing your life story with confidence and excitement...?

Doing the opposite of what you were meant to do will make you sad, boring, and unfulfilled. (Yes, the answers to the above questions!)

So, do the right thing and be the person you were born to be. 

Who Let the Dogs Out?

Did you ever watch a dog as he plays in his yard?

Once that back door is opened, he will dash out-- never looking back-- and start his adventure.

Sniffing, running, digging, and then maybe a roll in the dirt or mud. Don't you love it?

The dog is writing his life story. He is doing everything, for which he was born, with wild abandon and total confidence.

We need to take a lesson from the dog.

The door is open, my friends, for you to write your life story. You know what to do.

Are You in a Pickle?

The expression "in a pickle" has come to mean being in a difficult situation.

Although there are several explanations concerning the origin of this phrase, the one that works for me is the idea of "pickling" or preserving food. In essence, when a food is "pickled" the normal progression of its life is stopped-- or preserved.

Therefore, being "in a pickle" means to be trapped in a situation.

Yes, pickling is good for food because it extends its shelf life, but it's very bad when you are writing your life story.

To halt, stop, preserve, or maintain the status quo in your life means that you are not moving forward. Or backwards. Or even sideways.

Sad.

So, what's the fix?

Focus on life...and movement...and growth.

You know that face you make when you bite into a sour pickle? Well, keep that in mind. That's how your life story looks when you are "in a pickle."

And from now on, whenever you see a pickle, remember they have their place in the food chain, but pickling is not part of your life story.

Breakfast of Champions

What's on your plate this morning?

Optimism? Hope? A 'can-do' attitude?

How you start your day is what you will take into your day.

You are much more than what you eat.

You are what you think.

Let Go of Your Ego

Your ego is the part of you that takes offense, feels discouraged, sees all the faults in life, and generally just complains about anything and everything.

But wait, you say, isn't the ego the part that builds me up and makes me feel important?

Yes, it is. But it does that by telling you that you are too good to be in a world full of stupid, selfish, and lazy people. That's not nice, is it?

The ego is your conscious mind and understandably, it will have a lot to say about what is going on around you. Your ego gets you through each day with a running commentary of how things are going. It's considered the organized conscious mediator between you and the world.

The ego helps you perceive and adapt to life which sounds like a good thing, but it's not really accurate because the ego is biased.

The ego sifts all of life's experiences through its filters which have been clogged up with years of bad thinking and poor perceptions. (Yes, you have programmed your ego to find all the stupid, selfish, and lazy people in your life.)

Even though the ego is very limited, you rely on its ideas every day.

That's why you have to let go of the ego. Tell it to stop trying to protect you with limiting beliefs, doomsday predictions, and negative thoughts.

You don't need the power or persuasion of the ego to succeed.

Write your life story because it's your story.

The ego is a poor excuse for an editor.

Victim or Victor: It's Really Your Choice

How do you view the world?

As a minefield that is full of hidden and deadly dangers?

Or is it filled with every conceivable blessing and bonus?

Your mind will create the type of life that you imagine.

So, instead of saying how terrible things are, try one of these lines:

"I am a happy and successful person."

"I have all the resources I need to make my life the best it can be."

"I love to be alive and view each day as a new opportunity to enjoy the world and everything in it."

Think of this blog post as an exercise regimen for your mind.

Everyone can see the value of exercising their bodies every day; now I challenge you to put that same effort into getting your mind into shape.

The Boss Level

Do you play video games? Come on, tell the truth.

In a video game, there is always a 'boss' which a is large and quite challenging computer-controlled character. Defeating the boss may move you up a level or end the game in victory.

Apparently, this 'boss' is really out to get you in the game and will thwart your moves and even destroy your character if you are not super careful and smart.

But here's a secret...there is no 'boss' in your real life.

There is absolutely no one who is out to 'get you.'

So, don't write your life story looking for something terrible to happen.

In fact, life is just the opposite. The Universe is filling your life with amazing and awesome things.

Go get them.

Your victory is not in doubt; you are already a winner.

My Job Search--And Find! (a true story)

If you have been reading my blog regularly, (and I certainly hope you have!) my post for February 24th shared this news:

"The first thing I did today was update my résumé. The company I work for is moving 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."

I held that thought in mind about not being a slave to scarcity and I was pleasantly surprised to see all the available jobs.

But my blog post on  March 20th brought my job search to a new level. 

I said: "I am going to take my powerful positive thinking one step further and and actually create a new job for myself."

Well, I did just that. I am the content coordinator for a newly formed local magazine. 

But that's not all. My intention that jobs are not scarce gave me another job as well. This one is on the weekends and it involves educating people about various products.

Nice. 

So, now I have two new jobs, with better pay and hours.

Be encouraged my friends. The Universe is huge and you can find all sorts of wonderful things that will make your life story all it can be. 

I can honestly attest to that.

Wishing vs. Wanting

What comes first -- a wish or a want?

My answer is that a want comes first, but we may get a little scared about wanting something so extraordinary or important.

So, we wish for it.

Wishing is different. Here's the definition:

"...to feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attainable; to want something that cannot or probably will not happen."

When you wish for something, your mind is already set to the "Do Not Deliver" status. The very nature of a wish means that you really don't think you will get it, but you want to try. (And remember what Yoda said about trying: "Do. Or do not. There is no try.")

Wanting, on the other hand, means to "possess a strong desire for something."

Hmmm...that sounds like the attitude you should have when writing your life story.

So, stop wishing. Continue wanting.

And write your life story like you really want to.

Second Guessing

Did you know that years ago umpires in a baseball game were referred to (in an unkind way) as 'guessers?'

Second-guessers were people who told the 'guesser' he was wrong.

It's always easy to sit on the sidelines and critique someone who is doing the work, isn't it?

Who is second guessing you as you write your life story?

Call them OUT and get on with doing what you know is right.

Today's Checklist

Here is today's checklist.

1. Did you wake up expecting this day to be amazing and filled with all kinds of great adventures?

2. Are you ready to write another page or two or three in your life story?

3. Do you see your goals as being perfectly attainable?

4. Are you telling your mind to stop making excuses?

If you put a check mark by each of these questions, you are good to go!

And if you didn't check them all, don't worry. Just go back and re-think them.

Remember, you are in 100% control of your thoughts. Make them work for you --- not against you.

Open the Box!

 I bet that one of your favorite toys as a child was a cardboard box.

Boxes have been favorites  for years simply because they acknowledge the power of the mind to create.

A box can be anything from a spaceship to a race car. It could even be a castle, a treasure chest, or nest for unicorn eggs.

Children instinctively know that the mind is meant to create.

As adults, imagination is still powerful. We have the ability to create our futures, achieve our goals, and write our life stories.

Everything we do first originates in the mind. 

Everything.

Let your thoughts take you in new and exciting directions. Connect with your creativity.

Today, whenever you see a box, remember the power of creation that is yours.

Perception: The Eyes Have It

We could argue for hours about what you see in this photo. Is it a duck or a rabbit?

But would it matter?

Vision, like the rest of our senses, have been programmed by the mind to 'expect' certain things based on your past history of seeing.

Here's a great example. Can you read this?

If yes, then your mind (not your eyes) have replaced the missing words based on what is usually there.

This same type of vision is often apparent when we are writing our life stories.

We don't expect something wonderful and awesome to come into our lives because it hasn't happened yet.

And that's wrong.

Get your eyes checked today and start seeing the exciting possibilities that surround you.

Money: What It Is and How to Get It

Yes, I am still talking about writing your life story, but let's face it, money woes, worries, and wants are getting in our way, right?

So, in an effort to clear the path for you, I am going to give you some money secrets.

First of all, money is only a form of energy.

Here is definition of energy from a physics standpoint:

"A measure of the the capacity of a body or system to do work."

Another definition that is important is this one:

Work: "when a force is applied to an object that moves the object"

Now, when we combine these ideas we can define money as:

"A measure of energy that allows us to move things."

Money is the form of energy we use to move (buy) things. After all, when you buy something you are moving it from the seller to yourself. Simple, right?

So, why is it so hard to attract and hold onto money?

Probably because we unplug ourselves from the energy flow.

Think about how you get energy into your home. You flick a switch. When you are done, you shut off the power.

Oftentimes, we shut off the flow of money when we say things like:

"I never have enough money."

"The rich people are so greedy."

"I have to work so hard to get money just to pay my weekly bills."

All of these statements are like flicking off the energy supply to yourself. These words tell your mind that you don't have money (and therefore you won't get any more), the rich are nasty people (and you don't want to be like them) and you have to work so hard just to make ends meet.

Keep money in its proper prospective and watch how the power of it flows more naturally.

Smile at Those Shadows!

If you think shadows are scary things, think again. By the time you are finished reading this post, you will be happily looking for your shadow.

Let's start with the definition:

Shadow: "a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface"

First of all, a shadow represents a real thing. 

Secondly, it is near the real thing it represents.

And lastly, a shadow can be seen.

So, how does this affect you writing your life story?

In your life, the shadows I want you to see today are glimpses of the skills, qualities, and attributes that make up your life story. 

Did someone compliment you on your writing? Or maybe your razor-sharp thinking that handled a situation perfectly? Perhaps you were noticed for your speaking ability and the way your presence captures an audience? 

These are all shadows of your success. They will be as individual and as meaningful as your life story.

Shadows also represent real things. Yes, you have real skills and real power to complete your life's quest and achieve your goals.

And shadows can be seen. Actually, in this case, heard and felt as well.

Be aware of the shadows that remind you of the life story you are writing.

Smile at those shadows; they signal your success.

It Will Be Okay

Those are such sweet words, aren't they?

"It will be okay."

Today, I say them to you.

If you're stressed or depressed, or perhaps feel like giving up on your goals, I say: "It will be okay."

No, that's not just positive thinking; it's more like right thinking.

Just because you can't see the end result now, doesn't mean it won't happen.

Here's a quick analogy:

You are baking a cake and put all the ingredients in the mixing bowl. At this point it doesn't look anything like a cake. But you persevere because you know that this isn't the finished product.

You pop it in the oven, wait the required amount of time, and there's the cake!

Can writing your life story be that simple? Yes.

You have the 'ingredients' (your unique set of skills and characteristics) which are carefully mixed and blended into every area of your life. Having a positive and successful result is a done deal.

Sweet....