Caine Monroy, a nine year old boy, literally created a cardboard arcade inspirited by his ingenuity and creative imagination.  He perfected the design and detail, down to its implementation, security system, prizes and more.  His entrepreneurial spirit is apparent in his ability to create a business opportunity, proof that age has little bearing on when you should start as a business builder.

His arcade was created while spending his summer months in his Dad’s auto parts store.  He took the initiative to construct an intricate arcade, out of cardboard.  His hopes were more than the construction, he was guided on a deeper level; his dreams were bigger, that customers would visit and partake in his creation.

Unfortunately, the location of his Dad’s store deemed little traffic.  Then fate took the upper hand. By kismet, Nirvan Mullick, a filmmaker and digital strategist for ‘social good’ campaigns walked into the parts store.  Now that is all history.  A short film was produced, the story about ‘Caine’s Arcade’.

To watch the video, click here.

You have an ambition . . . an aspiration . . . a dream . . . a desire.  You think it is unattainable.  You think it is the unthinkable, likely impossible; it is too large or it is too daring.  You think you cannot achieve a goal; the challenge is colossal.  You think it is impossible.  Think again.

It is your thoughts that can either create opportunities and triumphs, or create roadblocks and disappointments.  Your mind determines what you realize and attain.  It may be difficult to digest; nonetheless, reasons are simply excuses.

Look for opportunities to say YES!  One inspiring man will motivate you.  Watch this video, and you will understand about one man’s achievements.  You will be touched by his inspirited energy, his heartfelt emotions . . . his gusto and jubilation, his pursuit and passion to live a full life.

Kyle Maynard is an extraordinary man.  Kyle is a motivational speaker, best-selling author, entrepreneur and an award-winning athlete.  Kyle has never given up, gone beyond other people’s expectations.  He has turned his adversities into challenges, difficulties into opportunities, and disabilities into capabilities.  Kyle Maynard is a true champion!

To view the video, click here.

Every year, precisely the third Monday in the month of January we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, even though he was born on January 15, 1929.  This year his day of recognition and tribute will be honored on Monday, January 16^th.

Often we hear qualifying attributes of why we give witness to a distinguished leader as one of greatest; for the record, Martin Luther King, Jr. surpassed many by his virtue and integrity, a man of outstanding character.  He was an influential leader of high regard.  It was never about only affirming the rights of Black citizens; it truly was about equal rights for everyone.

In my book, he personified a man of honor, respect, excellence and achievement.  Like Mahatma Gandhi, he firmly believed in using the power of love instead of the abusive force of hatred.  Much the same as Gandhi, he believed in settling disagreements by peaceful measures.

“If humanity is to progress, Gandhi is inescapable. He lived, thought, acted and inspired by the vision of humanity evolving toward a world of peace and harmony.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Forty nine years ago, in 1963, he led a historical march on Washington.  His memorable speech, invigorated with passion, gusto, and strength, spoke of his grand dream.  As he so energetically stated … "I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character … I have a dream that one day little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers … I have a dream today."

It is hard to envision that it was only in the 1960’s that our nation changed the laws that prohibited the horrendous display of “White Only” signs.  Those signs, a form of control, were an ugly reminder of a time of discrimination and humiliation.

January 16^th is a day of recognition of his fight for freedom, equity, and dignity for everyone and the power in his message to create change through nonviolence.

“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Silence can be as impeding and inhibiting of positive changes, and as cancerous as detrimental behaviors of discrimination.

“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Paving the way to freedom, a world of peace, a place that we all can co-exist together through mutual respect, trust and value only can be achieved through love, faith, honor, honoring each others difference, for the betterment of mankind.

Congratulations, you have launched the New Year with purpose, conviction and command, the power to embrace every occasion as an opportunity and an adventure instead of as a difficulty or a problem.  So, I ask you, have you?

Life as an opportunity is a conscious choice to view all circumstances or situations as a benefit.   It is a chosen journey.  It is the choice to be the sole creator of your own destiny.  It is about maintaining your virtues, intentions, aspirations, and goals applied each and every day.   It is the power of a purposeful life … it is the journey.

The journey begins with the discovery of direction, meaning and purpose, the attainment of personal achievements. Firstly, your success formula begins with a vital task, to quantify and affirm your positive attributes, strengths and innate talents.  Reinforcing and applying those characteristics to your life will bring personal victory, a sense of well-being and accomplishment.

Foremost, are you living the life that you define as extraordinary instead of living by some else’s standards or the prospect of what they affirm as the wealth of success? You will never achieve the true meaning of success if you try to satisfy someone else’s expectations of you.

So, how do you tap into your powerhouse for success? One method is unlearning what you have learned, let go of old restrictive patterns. Dare to discover, find a fresh perspective, be consistent with positive thinking, learn to adapt, be courageous, take a risk, and take BIG leaps.

Do you remember as a child how you dared to dream BIG? Dreams are what move us to visualize, empower our desires, intensify our passions, and plans are what create actions to formulate our success.  Get started today.  Creating an empowering plan is the beginning of the process.  It is easier to course correct one’s direction than to never begin.   You can fine tune it along the way.

So, were your first dreams to be a horticulturist, a teacher, a lawyer, a writer, an artist, and somewhere along the way life got in the way?  Well, whose life is it anyway?

To recapture and expand that state of mind, simply start journaling.  Strengthen your thinking by tapping into your inner voice; reconnect to your inner child.  Write limitlessly, write candidly.  Create a relationship with yourself, honoring your own truths.  Know that there are never any limits.  To say, it is not the right time, I am too old, I cannot afford it is placing restrictions. There is always a way when it is comes from a place of passion.  Learn the art of letting go, letting go of resistance, simply allow.

Now I challenge you. Stop the inner chatter of negative talk, self-sabotaging behaviors and begin to create your ‘inner self love’ box.  You ask, what is an inner self love box? Each day on a small piece of paper write one word or a phrase that affirms a positive statement about who you are.  When you get stuck in negative self talk, simply retrieve a self-made affirmation card from your box and read it out loud, actually read it out loud in front of a mirror. Your own conviction, your heart-to heart eye contact will reaffirm who you are.

Be full of passion, passion to live a magnificent and remarkable life.   Yes, I agree having monetary rewards is an acquisition that everyone desires and there is absolutely nothing wrong with the desire or the attainment.   It is when we lose sight of who we are and forfeit our self image that we forgo the richest gift of all, our well being.

So, you see the biggest obstacle is often ourselves, our inner voice telling us we cannot do this or that, because of … when in reality we can do anything we want.   After all, whose life is it anyway?

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Success doesn't come to you – you go to it. ~ Marva Collins

In order to reach success, you must set everything in motion, take action immediately and get started NOW.

Make a commitment to achieve your own personal success.  To get on track, schedule your 20-minute Laser Coaching Call with Gary Loper, Life, Business & Social Media Coach.

Create a personal winning plan for a successful year.  Get Started NOW.

Thank you for supporting us in making this world a better place to live in, we appreciate you!

Whatever you may celebrate, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and the New Year, celebrate it in recognition of love!

From Our Home to Yours,
Happy Holidays! Love ~ Gary & Caryl

Listen to these beautiful pieces . . .

• MAKE A DIFFERENCE – WORLD PEACE NOW!
• JOHN LENNON – IMAGINE
• LOUIE ARMSTRONG – WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD
• SKYE DYER – YOU INSPIRE ME
• ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO'OLE – SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
• NATIVE AMERICAN – AMAZING GRACE
• GRATITUDE, ABUNDANCE and THANKSGIVING

What are the reasons why I would or anyone get involved in a cause?  Why this cause?  What do you know about Human Trafficking?  How can you make a striking difference?

Above all, it has been my ambition and aspiration to make a striking difference in this world.  As my Mom would say if there was a wounded butterfly or an injured bird, a lost dog or an abandoned cat, a hurt child or a disabled adult, I would look for opportunities to assist, mend and support.

I hold life in high regard without exceptions.  Fearlessly, I catch trapped wasps in a cup and release them to the outside world.  I believe I have never gotten stung simply because of my respect and love for all of life. Health, happiness and freedom have been a strong component in respect for all living creatures.  Everyone has their mission or purpose; for me, it has been how can I provide comfort, safety and love for others.

In recent years, my husband, Gary and I have been advocates for assisting feral cats, helping within our community and where I work, feeding over eight cats.  ­Our passion has extended to helping the homeless.  Over the years, like many, we have donated our clothing and other items for great causes.  One holiday season we made a decision to go down to a part of town where homeless men and women live under a bridge, and physically handed blankets and winter coats to individuals.  I will never forget that moment when life’s tempo stopped, the time element and my senses of sight, smell and sound were all non-existent; the only emphasis was the connection I made with one woman. Our eyes intertwined, as I handed her my winter coat.  It is not charity but rather love.  I do believe love conquers all.

Why would I get involved in … “STOP Human Trafficking?”

About a month ago after going to the Hay House event and listening to Wayne Dyer’s daughter, Serena speak about Human Trafficking, more specifically Child Trafficking, I knew I needed to get involved.  There are some things in life that are so enormous, a magnitude that is inconceivable and colossal.  And, to think it exists right here in the United States, not just Third World countries, is astounding.  I have flirted with adversity enough to taste it remnants, but have never experienced such gargantuan consequences; it is unimaginable, absolutely mind-blowing.

Here are mind-boggling facts  . . .

Every day somewhere, children are sold to strangers for sex slavery, some as young as four years old.  It is not as hidden as one might think.  It exists in exclusive, beautiful, sandy beach resorts, $500 a-night resorts, places in Cancun, Mexico.  In ‘The Washington Post’, a celebrated journalist covered the shocking horror story, an exposé on child abuse and pornography.

TAKE ACTION NOW – MAKE A STRIKING DIFFERENCE!!!!

Did you know . . . ? Human Trafficking is more profitable and less risky than drug and arms trade.  Even in cities and towns right here in the United States, twelve and thirteen year olds are sold to strangers for sex, both girls and boys.  Sex trafficking is not specific to gender, ethnicity, race, education level or socio-economic status.  Typically they are sought-out children who are vulnerable, isolated, or do not have a father figure present.  The adult may be a priest, a coach or a teacher, a trustworthy member of the community.  As stated on ‘Stop Child Trafficking’ site . . . “Human Trafficking is a $32 billion worldwide industry, and an estimated 27 million people are enslaved, 1.2 child victims.  America is now the number one destination in the world for child sex trafficking.”  *    Take a look at these statistics.

Did you know that besides child sex trafficking there are children that are held against their will, as slaves and work on your behalf?  Slavery, “the state or condition of being held in involuntary servitude as the property of somebody else,” elicits such words as: bondage, captivity, oppression, enslavement.   Shockingly millions of people are enslaved around the world in debt bondage, forced labor, child labor and sex trafficking.

TAKE ACTION NOW – MAKE A STRIKING DIFFERENCE!!!!

Download a FREE bracelet here. After filling in your information on the form, be sure to scroll down to view the list of additional resources and organizations.

GET INVOLVED!

Wayne Dyer’s daughter spoke at the Hay House event on November 11, 2011.

Listen to Serena Dyer’s message, Creator and Director of ‘Stop Child Trafficking’.

Learn more; follow ‘Stop Child Trafficking’ on Twitter. HELP Serena Dyer’s mission, be a part of the picture, help ELIMINATE child trafficking!

If you have been a victim of Human Trafficking, call the National Trafficking Tip Line: 888.373.2888.

Stop the exploitation of children; help make a huge halt to sexual abuse.
To learn more, go directly to Stop Child Trafficking site.

TAKE ACTION NOW – MAKE A STRIKING DIFFERENCE!!!!

* Statistics taken from Stop Child Trafficking site

‘What we know’ and ‘how we live our life’ are two different realms.  The ‘what we know’ person is the sophisticated, educated reader.  This learned individual is a vessel of information.  As I see it, essentially it is someone who has accumulated data, details and evidence.  Knowledge has merit, but leaves little room for true comprehension and understanding unless applied.  In contrast, ‘how we live our life’ takes ‘what we know’ to a much deeper level.  The sage transcends to a profound level through application.  Conclusively the application of knowledge and understanding expands to wisdom.  The sage consistently applies his teachings and produces astounding results through repetition.   In my estimation, the best pathway is to encompass both realities.

Recently Gary and I went to the Hay House event, “I Can Do It!”. Louise Hay, internationally and renowned motivational speaker, is the founder of Hay House Publishing, publisher of motivational and inspirational books. She has had an instrumental role in shifting the world consciousness.  Louise used her personal obstacles, her childhood abusive conditions and her challenges with loss and cancer, as a vehicle to move through her strife and discord.  She transformed her experiences through the power of positive thought, healing her body.  Louise is known for her dynamic role in leading people through the practice of affirmations, author of the book, “You Can Heal Your Life.”

On 11/11/11, with anticipation and eagerness, we had the extraordinary opportunity to hear my idol, Wayne Dyer, known as the ‘Father of Motivation’. He has been an impetus in shifting my thinking, a dynamic influence in my life.  Distinguished author and speaker in the field of positive self-development, he has written over 30 books, programs and videos as well as being on PBS.  Through his own ‘Power of Intention’, Wayne was able to overcome his personal hurdles, the many obstacles he experienced living in orphanages and foster homes.  He has taught individuals the method of changing their lives through the transference of thought processes.  Wayne Dyer is the epitome of inspiration and motivation, teaching others how to shift their mindset into constructive, positive thoughts and attitudes.   Notably, being conscientious about your attitude shifts negativity into a positive vibration.  It is not about forcing yourself to be positive, it is simply moving closer to that vibration, a better feeling thought.  A positive mindset is the number one element that creates total wellness.

My road to self-discovery has been a collection of pertinent information: reading books, listening to motivational CDs, attending workshops, and absorbing Gary’s mentoring and coaching.  With all my studies, I have transcended to a higher level of consciousness, most particularly through application. In awe, appreciation and gratitude I acknowledge the gifts I have received.  I am now walking down both pathways.

When you live in gratitude, you begin the life you want.  Gratitude is the hand on the heart, the reflection of the spirit, the mirrored image of Source Energy, the bountiful emotions that radiate love.  Fundamentally, it teaches you to live your life in richness, abundance and wealth with grace and appreciation.  To metamorphose life’s challenges, it begins with perceptions, first the recognition for what you have instead of what you desire.  Living a conscious, responsive life awakens the state of gratitude.   When we live within our heart, we are present with the moment instead of focusing on the past and future.  Living with heart intent creates powerful and intimate relationships.  Most importantly, acknowledge those individuals, ‘walking angels’. If you simply squint, you actually may see iridescent angel wings shimmering off of their shoulders by their inspirited gifts.  Simply notice life.  Love all of life as if it is magical stardust surrounding your heart in a midnight enchanting evening!

Years ago my husband, Gary Loper, Life, Business and Social Media Coach introduced me to new way of dialoguing,  Imago Intentional Dialoguing, a healthy way to communicate, especially in times of conflict.  The basic structure consists of some simple steps that when implemented will foster an open, conscious and positive relationship.

Intentional Dialoguing is 'Active Listening', born out of Imago Therapy.  The breath of Intentional Dialoguing is mirroring, validating and empathizing with your partner’s feelings.  Harville Hendrix, a maverick in his own time, captured this extraordinary process in his book, “Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples”.

The book builds upon these specific tools, techniques for communicative skills along with in-depth explanations why you have selected your partner and explicit exercises to foster growth and change.  Although the book’s title is indicative of Couple’s Intentional Dialoguing, the tools can be used in other relationships both personal and business, with our parents, children and friends, and business associates.

Embracing these techniques will take your relationships to a more meaningful level, the true path to intimacy.  When we keenly listen to others we awaken a part of ourselves, to be present, active, supportive and loving.

Here are a simple set of practical and spiritual laws taken from Harville’s book and other spiritual mentors:

• STAY FOCUSED — All your attention focused on the present moment, in the NOW, on the Speaker. Focus on the speaker rather than allowing your mind to wander.  When our mind begins to wander essentially we embark on playing our own movie, and become lost in our own thoughts, feelings, emotions and visual images.   Fundamentally when we are absorbed in our own thoughts, we display an attitude of self importance rather than valuing the other person’s experience.

• LISTEN ATTENTIVELY – Resist the temptation to INTERRUPT.   Interruption is a self-sabotaging mechanism, displaying to the speaker your need to be heard first, and lacks regard and understanding.  As expressed by Harville Hendrix, the speaker has to be fully validated, understood and empathized before switching the conversational platform.  It is at that time your valuable thoughts are welcomed.

• BE IMPERSONAL IN YOUR REACTIONS – Listen without reacting to the speaker’s thoughts, feelings, emotions, tone, and body language. IT IS ABOUT the SPEAKER’s experience.  Remember to listen with the HEART, be KIND.  Buddha’s gentleness can be observed in the following dialog.  In his interactions with an individual who appeared most belittling, difficult, harsh and unkind, when asked by one of his students how he could be so kind to such an unkind individual, Buddha replied … “when someone offers you a gift and you do not accept it than the gift is theirs”.  It was about the individual.  Buddha never took ownership, he simply listened.  Always, it is the speaker’s experience.

• EMPATHIZE with validation and understanding — it is not about offering your own narration, as if to ‘top’ their story.  It diminishes their experience. It may appear to be a caring reflection; however, simply put, it is a manifestation of “WOUND BONDING”.  It deflects the speaker’s experience and creates self-importance, a need for the listener to be heard.

• AGREEMENT is unimportant and unnecessary – ONLY acknowledgment is relevant. Discounting, not acknowledging the speaker’s words, only negates their experience.  Your internal support, maternal or paternal display of love should focus on a feeling of safety, security, and clarity for the speaker.

• REINFORCE and CLARIFY – NEVER JUDGE. Judgment creates another dilemma, your observation and analysis of the situation lays out a picture of criticism, and dis-empowers the speaker and minimizes who they are.  Judgment only reinforces FORCE instead of allowing the speaker to find his or her POWER.

• ALWAYS REFLECT – NEVER try and fix the problem.  One of the quickest manifestations to stopping the flow is to offer a solution, a quick ‘Band-Aid’ fix, when the speaker simply wants to be heard.  Your part is to aid with LEADING QUESTIONS rather than answers.  The speaker needs to find his or her solutions, a method of SELF-EMPOWERMENT.

Finally, listening is a learned skill, a tool that can be taught and acquired with desire, repetition, and reinforcement.  It is the most effective manner to hearing what is truly being said.

So, are you listening to Active Listening?

To order "Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples", click here.

On the right side under 'Browse by Category' click on 'More Self Help'.

Childhood days capture such sweet memories of the summer months, picturesque images of breezy, balmy surroundings, echoes of laughter and splashing water about, days of carefree play. The fun-spirited festivities, the freedom of child play would swiftly come to an end; and shortly thereafter, the start of the school year would be marked by the 1^st Monday in September, Labor Day.  Even though as children we learned the historical facts about Labor Day, most of us have long gone forgotten the significance and foundation.

To remind some of us, its origin initiated on the threshold of an industrial revolution, the creation of restructured work conditions and lifestyles.  The typical American in the late 1800's worked exhausting hours, 12-hour days / 7 days a week without a break.   Most disheartening, employers engaged in outrageous practices by hiring children, derived for the purpose of cheap labor.

Over time there was an uprising of workers, literally civil disobedience, workers walked off their jobs demanding changes to such oppressive conditions.  Labor unions became a major component with this transition, the voice that spoke and acted for the survival of Americans, an achievement in a movement of valuing one's self worth.

Labor Day is an example of how to create life altering changes and freedom with group unity.  The unified voice can be the driving force to foster self-empowerment and to shift group awareness, to cultivate the morality of right and wrong.  Standing firmly, holding onto one’s convictions proves that principles and persuasion can be an impetus to creating the victorious life.

We must consistently recognize what we view as appropriate, acceptable and creditable and employ methods of change.  If any action is deemed unacceptable then let your voice be heard, stand up for your rights and create the change that is needed.

In closing, learn from the past.  Yes, we have gained exponentially from history's transformations.  In order to continue to create change and freedom, never conform to the masses, adhere to your ethics, attitudes and actions.

After all, our great country is a huge melting pot of ambitious, aspiring individuals enthused by self-respecting values to be our best.  In recognition of Labor Day, we can pay homage to freedom, based on our own choices.

National Homeless Animals Day – August 20th

The measure of one’s character begins in the course of an honorable walk.  One’s degree of honor is qualified by the integrity and regard for all of life’s existence.  When we value the life of the smallest creature, we respect and appreciate life with dignity.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

The conduct in which animals are treated coincides with how we act towards others. My philosophy has been … “minister others with kindness and love, all of Gods’ creatures, both large and small; and, our world will flourish with compassion and generosity of spirit.”

Those that have a strong affinity and rapport with animals, all of nature and life, and live in servitude – serve and act from a heart of gratitude, appreciation and love.  When we have reverence, we honor ourselves, our fellowship with mankind and all living creatures.  If we wish to strive for world peace, we must honor life.

To extend world peace from nation to nation, we need to develop and build a leadership role; our own personal obligation is to portray and exhibit a union of conscious respect and virtue to all aspects of life.  It begins here, at home, in the heart.

"Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace." ~ Dr. Albert Schweitzer

It has been my mission, one step, and one day at a time, to be an advocate for animals, rescuing critters, both domestic and feral.  In recent years, in a community effort, Gary and I and our neighbors contributed our care and love, and trapped and released the network of feral cats in our community, all presently being cared for.

Except for one, one feral cat ‘Torrie Bell’ adopted us.  Torrie Bell and her kitten have taken residence in our home.  Small baby steps, sitting and playing with Torrie Bell have been a feat of accomplishment to winning her heart.

Irrefutably, feral behavior signifies the effect of our environment.  To contrast, an attentive environment that nurtures us will cultivate a healthy emotional foundation.  In distinction, a neglectful environment that abandons us can scar and daunt our being, fill us with trepidation and fear, stunt our natural fortitude to love and be loved.

For Torrie Bell she came upon us with deeply rooted levels of fear and mistrust.  By demonstrating gentleness, compassion and love, we have shifted her frightened and anxious behavior to one of comfort and calmness.

In recognition of ‘National Homeless Animals Day' August 20^th make a difference in an animal's life.  Pay homage to this day, volunteer at a rescue center, adopt an animal, or donate money to assist an organization that helps in the plight of homeless cats and dogs.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." ~Martin Luther King Jr.

Anne Frank, her essence emits such optimism.  As she clearly states …

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank