Dream When You're Awake!

Dreams are not just for sleeping although that seems to be the first thing we think of. 

Definition of dreams: (noun)

        ..."a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep."

But there is another definition of 'dreams' as a verb:

        ..."to contemplate the possibility of doing something."

Unfortunately, we tend to confuse these two definitions. We put the dreams we have for our future in the same category as the dreams we have during sleep.

But have your ever thought about how real your sleep dreams are? Have you ever had a dream so vivid that you woke up crying, screaming, or even laughing?

When we dream overnight, the images may be in our minds, but we are able to react in a real way.

That's because our minds do not differentiate between the our thoughts and the physical realm.

That's an important fact to consider when you use 'dream' as a verb. When you think of doing something, the mind responds to those thoughts.

If you hold the image of your dreams and goals being achieved, you will respond to that image as fact. You will feel elated, thrilled, and downright happy.

Dreams may start in our minds, but if we leave them there, we are missing out.

Take your dreams into the physical world by believing them.

Dreams are for doing.

They are the stuff of your life story.

What is Fear?

A very simple definition of fear is:

    ...a separation

Whenever you are afraid, you are separated from what you should have.

Here are some examples:

Horror movies make us afraid because they separate us from reality.

An IRS audit makes us afraid because we don't want to be separated from our money.

All illness makes us fearful because we don't want to be separated from health.

But once we restore our minds to how things should be, the fear vanishes.

Are you fearful about writing your life story?

Why?

Are you afraid of being separated from your comfort zone? Are you afraid of people's opinions?

Or maybe you feel you don't have what it takes to succeed?

Scare fear away by writing your life story in total confidence.

Energy Drain

If you left all the lights on in your house every day for a year, you would see the results in a larger energy bill.

But do you know that you have an internal 'meter' that monitors your input and output of emotional energy?

On the positive side, we all know how great it feels to be around positive people in happy situations.

The feelings of joy and contentment you have come from your 'meter.'

However, when you are angry, discouraged, and sad, you are giving off negative energy.

When this happens, listen to that internal 'meter' that tells you that this is not how your life is supposed to be.

Here's a secret:

We were not born to suffer. We were born to succeed.

Once we take hold of that truth, we will instantly recognize and remove negative energy from our lives.

Stop the energy drain so you can go forward.

Write your life story.

Coloring Outside of the Lines

Is there a correct way to write your life story?

Does someone have to approve your goals and dreams?

Do you need to follow a set of rules to achieve success and happiness?

Of course not.

Color outside of the lines.

Nothing can contain your extraordinary life.

Don't try to fit in; make your own place.

Grab your crayons and go!

Know the Now

Today, you will need a pen, paper, and a calculator, unless you can do math in your head.

Ready?

We are going to look at your life in numbers.

First, what is your age? _____

Multiply that by 365 days per year.   _____

That is the number of days you have been alive. We can also think of them as pages in your life story.

Now, multiply your age by infinity to see how much more of your life is left.

Hmmm....can you compute that? I can't.

The best and most is yet to be. 

Stop looking back at how much time has passed; concentrate on now.

Today is a page in your amazing, unlimited, awesome, and fabulous life story.

Write it well.

Your Just Desserts

Desserts are probably one of mankind's greatest inventions.

Ancient civilizations treated themselves to fruit or nuts rolled in honey at the end of a meal, but when sugar was manufactured during the Middle Ages, desserts got a whole lot better.

Now, there is a dessert industry in which culinary experts create masterpieces for the palate.

Is your life story featuring your 'just desserts? (Yes, that phrase speaks of the idea of a reward that you deserve.)

Our 'desserts' are our dreams and goals achieved in all their delicious goodness.

Just like an after-dinner dessert appeals to our senses, our life desserts do the same.

Today, see your goals and dreams realized.

Taste the sweetness of living your life to its fullest.

Feel how wonderful it is to walk into your destiny with confidence.

Write your life story and wait for the dessert that is sure to come.

Water Stations

Water stations at races provide runners with a quick way to replenish fluids.

Runners can grab a cup of water or Gatorade and then get right back into the race.

I propose setting up 'water stations' throughout life. But instead of water, we can give out smiles, kind words, or a hug.

People are running in and out of our lives each day. And each and every person has a unique purpose. They all have dreams and goals.

And sometimes they get discouraged and overwhelmed. (Just like us.)

That's where our 'water stations' can be most useful.

By encouraging other people, we are also encouraging ourselves.

Positive energy flows in all directions.

Let's run with this idea and watch how it impacts our lives and those around us.

Impossible or Not Yet Accomplished?

There is a huge difference between something being impossible to achieve and and something that has yet to be accomplished.

The impossible category contains those things that defy the normal laws of nature and physics. Like a human flying (without being in a plane) or breathing underwater (without the aid of a scuba tank.)

Your goals and dreams are attainable. Your instincts have directed you to them and now, each day, you move closer to achieving them.

So, please stop playing the Mission Impossible theme song in your head.

Try the song from Chariots of Fire instead.

Stay positive and write your life story.

Yes, you can!

Detours

We all know the feeling. We are driving somewhere (probably in a hurry!) and then we see the detour sign.

Our feelings will range from anger to despair when we realize that we will not get to our destination the 'usual' way. 

Although detours are indeed annoying, there is one bright spot: the detour signs will point us in the right direction. Our trip may take a little longer, but we will still get there.

Life has detours too. You may not see a bright orange sign, but you will know the feeling of being sidetracked from achieving your dreams and goals.

But detours are only delays.

Nothing can separate you from your destiny. 

Don't give up when you encounter a detour; instead be confident that you will get to your destination.

The signs all point to it. 

Fork in the Road

People tell me that when they are writing their life stories, they are often worried about all the possible choices they could make. They think that the more choices that are available increases the possibility of making a wrong choice.

There really is nothing to support that thinking.

Of course, life offers us a lot of choices, also known as forks in the road.

Today, let's view this as a positive thing.

Forks, (the kind for eating) are a good thing, right?

Look at all the wonderful food we can place on that fork! Anything from meat, potatoes, vegetables, and, of course, dessert.

When you have a fork in your hand, you know something good is going into your mouth.

Let's transition that thinking to the forks in the road-- the choices you need to make to write your life story. Forks are not there to trip you up, they are there to show you the possibilities you have to choose from.

Trust your instincts and don't fear the fork.

Happy Ice Cream Soda Day!

Do you know the story of how ice cream sodas were invented?

The traditional story is that in Philadelphia, in 1874,  Robert McCay Green  ran out of ice for his shaved ice treats and substituted ice cream instead. His customers loved it!

That's interesting, you say, but how does it apply to me writing my life story?

When Mr. Green ran out of the ice, he could have put up a sign saying, "Be Back Later" or "Gone Fishing."

He could have just closed shop and said, "I cannot continue because I don't have what I need."

But he didn't.

He found a new way to succeed and move around the obstacle.  

Hmmm...

Do you ever feel that you won't have that amazing, successful life because you don't have what it takes?

Take a page from Mr. Green's life story and move forward regardless of your circumstances.

If there is a problem, there is a solution. Remember, Equal and Opposite

Grab an ice cream soda in memory of Mr. Green's persistence and write your own life story with the same kind of determination.

Equal and Opposite

The laws of physics are alive and well in our world. (And no, this is not going to be some boring scientific blog post.)

Issac Newton's Third Law of Motion states:

   For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Let's look at arrows. Before launching them forward, you need to pull the bowstring backwards.

Now think about that. If you didn't know how to shoot an arrow, wouldn't you think it strange that the arrow needed to go backwards before moving forwards?

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. 

Pulling back on the bowstring provides the forward momentum.

What about in your life story? Have you ever felt that you were moving backwards?

Let's not think about that as a negative action anymore. Rather, let's see it as the Universe positioning you for a tremendous leap forward.

Live each day knowing that you will hit the 'mark.'

Write your life story with confidence and power.

Lessons From a Mourning Dove

I'm sure you will all agree that the destiny of a bird includes making a nest to lay eggs. This is what a bird does.

I have been watching a mourning dove make a nest.

And it hasn't been easy for her.

On the first day, the bird brought tiny twigs to the tree and placed them carefully and orderly.

The wind came in the afternoon and all of the twigs fell to the ground.

On the second day, she brought more sticks to the tree to make the nest.

A driving rain came in the afternoon and the partially completed nest fell to the ground in pieces.

On the third day, the mourning dove made the nest. And all was good.

At no time did the mourning dove complain about what happened.

She never said that the whole world was conspiring against her and there was no way she could succeed.

She could have quit, but she didn't.

She merely started over again because she knew that this was her destiny and nothing was going to stop her.

If a tiny bird can feel the pull of her destiny and continue despite obstacles and setbacks, imagine what you can do. 

Go do it. Write your life story.

What Do You Want?

Today, I am taking orders:

What do you want in your future?

Write it down. Keep that paper handy to be reminded of it.

But wait, you say, that sounds too easy.

It is easy. Life is supposed to be easy. It's just that we complicate things with negative thoughts.

But wait, you say, there are people in my life who are opposing me at every turn.

Let me ask you: Can those people actually stop you from the amazing future that you were destined to have since the moment you were born?

No, they can't.

Claim your destiny.

Write your life story.

Yes, it is as simple as that.

Are You Afraid to Succeed?

Yes, the title of today's post seems strange, doesn't it? But I want you to think about it anyway.

I know you would all like to succeed and achieve your dreams and goals, but are you comfortable with the idea of an amazing life?

Or is there a part of you that thinks that you couldn't/shouldn't/wouldn't get it?

Do your thoughts support you or do they steer you to images of failure?

We all seem to be able to imagine the worst case scenarios, but can you also envision the best case scenarios?

Try doing that today.

And every day.

Make success your default thought.

Write your life story with confidence.

Investments: It's Not Just About Money

What's your biggest investment?

No, don't go and get your stock portfolio. That's only a money investment.

I am talking about what you invest most of your time and abilities doing.

What does an average day look like for you?

Make a list of the things you do each day and the amount of time spent on each activity. (Yes, actually write it down for you to see.)

How many hours does work-related things take up? Or maybe socializing, reading, or watching television? Don't forget to include eating and sleeping.

But does your list include any time spent writing your life story? 

Are you doing something each day to move yourself forward toward a life of success and contentment, or have all of the above activities stolen your days?

You know what to do. Take some time-- each day-- for yourself and your future.

This is an investment with infinite rewards.

Are You Following Instructions?

Our lives are filled with instructions:

Take two pills every 6 hours.

Keep your dog on a leash at all times.

Dry clean only.

In case of a fire, break glass. 

Sure, this is all useful information, but don't forget the most important instruction you need:

Write your life story.

Use your abilities to impact the world and create the successful life you were born to live.

And don't consider that just another instruction to follow; it's your destiny.

Got Parasites?

Hmmm...I bet the title of today's post is already making you itchy and uncomfortable.

But parasites are real and they can negatively affect your life.

And just to be clear, I am not talking about insects and crawling things; rather, I mean people that are stealing your time and emotional energy. 

First, the definition of parasite:

      ...a person or thing that takes something from someone or something else and does not do anything to earn it or deserve it

You will know that you have parasitical people in your life when you feel drained, angry, and depressed around them. 

These are the people who will seek you out and tell you about all their problems in vivid details. Then they will walk away and leave you in the pile of negative energy they just dumped on you.

Not good.

Love yourself enough to walk away from these people. Do not give them your time and energy.

You have a life story to write.

Don't give parasites power over that. 

"Not My Circus, Not My Monkey"

This Polish proverb has become my new mantra. It helps keep me on track when writing my life story.

Basically, the proverb tells us to keep our minds on things that matter -- to us.

Throughout the day, people will probably try to draw you into their drama.

Tell them no.

Focus on what is important to your life. No, this is not selfish; it's more about prioritizing.

Do you really need to get that involved with your co-worker's problems? Must you step into some drama-filled scene of your friend just because it's there?

No.

A trip to a real circus could be fun but don't let other people turn your life into a circus.

Write your life story. That's your reality.

Can You Forfeit Your Future?

First, the definition of forfeit:

   something for which the right is lost

Can you forfeit your future?

Good question and the answer is no.

Your future success and achievements are all part of who you are. 

Your life story has been set in motion. You cannot forfeit or lose the right to your future.

Think of it this way:

Pretend I gave you a box filled with a million dollars and put it by your front door. 

You can:

a.) pick up the box and start spending the money

b.) ignore the box

But you cannot get rid of the box. It's yours, whether you use it or not.

While you cannot forfeit your future, sadly, you can forget it. 

Don't let that happen. 

Your life is a million times better than a box of money.

Static

I love words with more than one meaning.

Static:

   1.) crackling or hissing noises on a telephone, radio, or other telecommunications system

   2.) lacking in movement, action, or change

When writing your life story, static can be more than an annoyance. 

You may encounter static when you are trying to discover your path and purpose. The world and all the noises in it may make it harder for you to hear yourself think.

When we are talking about telecommunications systems and static, the reason for the crackling noises is because the device is not aligned with the frequency of the transmitter.

In your life, you may not be tuned in to the right frequency to move you forward. The 'station' you are listening to may be broadcasting anger, despair, depression, or fear.

Now, it's very interesting that the second definition of static is 'a lack of movement.'

If you are hearing static when writing your life story, you need to reposition yourself to be in tune with the frequency that will move you forward. You need to move into a better place. Do not remain 'static' (as in standing still).

How do you do that?

Stop listening to the negative thoughts like anger, despair, depression, and fear. 

Once the static is removed from your life you will no longer be static in your life journey.

Breaking Records

Breaking records could be a great thing... or not.

If you break a record in an athletic event, that's impressive.

But if you break a vintage record by Frank Sinatra, you may be quite sad. And out of a lot of money.

What else can you break?

Dishes, mirrors, an arm or leg, and even a tooth.

What can't you break?

Your future, your unique abilities, and your place in the Universe.

Break a record if you can, but definitely relax in the fact that your future is shatterproof.

Go out and enjoy it.

As Frank Sinatra sang in his vintage hit: "I did it my way."

And that's the only way to write your life story.

What Do You Expect to See?

Little Red Riding Hood expected to see the wolf.

And she did.

Dorothy expected to see the Wizard of Oz.

And she did.

What do you expect to see in your life?

Chances are whatever you expect to see in your life will show up.

Could be bad...

Could be awesome...

It's your choice.

What Do You Do When You're Lost?

Have you ever driven somewhere only to find that you are lost?

The definition of lost:

    unable to find one's way

What do you do when you're lost?

There are several options:

a.) panic and scream

b.) keep driving and hope that your destination appears

c.) consult a map or GPS

d.) all of the above

Chances are you do a little bit of all these things.

Being lost has stages we all go through.

After the panic and anger subsides, we try hope, and then eventually consult the resources to plot the right course.

Writing your life story may have these stages as well.

At first, we may be overwhelmed with the idea that we have a unique life that is destined for success. Our fear of failure may show itself at this point and might even discourage us from going forward.

Don't let that happen. Grab hold of hope and believe that your future is waiting for you in all its amazing awesomeness.

And finally, take some time to listen to your heart and mind. Get in a quiet place and listen to your own thoughts for a while. They will direct you and help write your life story.

Remember-- when you are lost, you just haven't found your way yet. But there is a 'way' that is best for you and it's waiting for you to find it.

It's All About the Verbs

Verbs move our lives.

Look at the difference between these two sentences.

I will begin to write my amazing life story.

I write my amazing life story every day.

Notice the power in the second sentence? It says you are writing your life story. Right now.

The first sentence implies that you will-- at some point in time-- write your life story.

Here are some common passive verbs:

...am, are, was, can, should, will, would.

Avoid these words when writing your life story. In fact, stop even thinking with these passive verbs.

Fill your life story with words like:

...accomplished, created, succeeded, performed, and achieved.

Life is all about the verbs.

What Are You Known For?

Everyone has a specialty. Something they are good at or something that seems to define them.

Are you a great cook, writer, or teacher? Maybe you are especially knowledgeable about animals, plants, or history. Or perhaps you can fix computers, cars, or broken relationships.

Listen to what people say about you.

Sometimes we can't see our strengths or maybe we lack the confidence to acknowledge them.

But other people may be quick to see them.

Your strengths, skills, and unique characteristics make up your life story.

What are you known for?

Busy or Productive?

It's easy to be busy.

But hard to be productive.

Is that true?

Not really.

There is one differentiating feature between busy and productive: focus.

If you find yourself being pulled in a lot of directions, you may just be busy. And being busy only steals time.

To be productive, I suggest writing down what needs to be accomplished.

As a writer, I understand the power of words. When you write something down you are actually transferring it from your mind to the physical realm, which is where it will be performed.

Write a list of things you need to do each day.

Write a list of your goals.

Write your life story.

Let Go of Your Limits!

We have quite a few limits in our lives.

Like the speed limit and even a limit on how many of a sale item you can buy.

Why?

Okay, the speed limit is for safety, but the reason it even needs to be posted is that our vehicles are capable of travelling at higher speeds.

As for the sale items, the limit is to ensure that other people can take advantage of the sale since we are capable of buying more than the limit.

Do you see a pattern here?

Limits lower what we are capable of doing.

When writing your life story, you may have accidentally put limits on it. 

Can you really have an amazing, successful life where your dreams and goals are fully realized?

Or, do you need to 'limit' your happiness in some way? Do you need to have a certain number of problems or disappointments to make your life more 'real'?

Nah.

Let go of your limits and watch what happens.

"Birds Born in a Cage Think Flying is an Illness"

This quote by Alejandro Jodorowsky is powerful.

And also sad.

If all a bird knew were the bars of a cage, flying would be abnormal.

In our lives, we often imprison ourselves behind fear, anger, or discouragement. These emotions literally hold us in place, not allowing us to move forward to our true destinies.

Many people think that a successful life is an 'illness' and not part of their 'normal' existence.

Why?

Because we do not know anything else.

Because we listen to the voices of other imprisoned people who tell us that life is only a struggle.

Break free of your cage.

Fly.

You were born to succeed. You were born to enjoy life.

Write your life story.

Hide and Seek

Do you know the best part about playing Hide and Seek?

No, it's not finding something.

It's knowing that what you are looking for is there.

Just like your amazing life. It's waiting for you.

Go and write your life story.