Follow Your Path

Could God Be Playing Games?...

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:33:00 +0000

This blog is all about personal growth and development, and that can include a wide range of subjects, simply because life is so complex and diverse.

Today's post is about the larger things in life - the meaning of life and the Universe. There is no one here on earth who really knows what's going on, so for most of us it's fun to speculate. Here's a little fun speculation for you. It's not meant to offend anyone, just provoke a little thought or a smile. Enjoy!

Imagine you are GOD - All That Is, The Everything and the Nothing, The Universe - and you are all alone. Because you are everything, there is nothing else.

You are bored, and you want to have some fun and entertain yourself. You decide to create entire worlds - worlds so vast and diverse that it will keep you busy playing within them for millennia.

Within some of these worlds, you create sentient beings, who are actually YOU, but they don't know it, otherwise they couldn't have fun playing with each other because they'd all know it was just one entity playing. Interestingly for you, you can now 'watch' yourself through the eyes of these sentient beings, as you can simultaneously watch the entire cosmos.

Here's one little game you might set up:

You create beings on a hospitable planet, and although they are in essence all identical you endow them with physical differences, as well as a variety of perspectives, emotions, desires and tendencies. The beings on this planet are capable of free choices and can spend as long as they want, generation after generation, playing here (unless they happen to destroy themselves). The object of the game, although the beings don't consciously know it, is to overcome their perceived differences. Because they started out in various 'groups' based on skin color, traditional cultural behaviors and other divisive categorizations, they feel as if they are not only separate, but also that the 'others' are somehow lesser or wrong.

Over time, as the game progresses, the beings awaken to the fact that they are all similar inside, and they begin to appreciate and value their differences rather than letting them be divisive. Slowly, the groups begin to intermingle and to create offspring that is mixed. This, to some, is disturbing and threatening, and to others opens up exciting new possibilities and ways of connecting that haven't existed in the game before.

Then, in an unprecedented climax to the game, all of the beings realize that their outer shells and conditioned behavior means nothing at all, and that they are truly all connected, and in fact identical. Eventually, they prove this physically by all looking the same...they have been interbreeding for so long that they are now homogeneous, and thus all one again both inside and out. Game over! Time for another one.

Another game then:

Because as 'All That Is' you can create whatever you want to, you create a planet where there is a wealth of things to do, see and experience. You create out of your own essence beings with the capacity - the senses, the self-awareness and the free choice - to enjoy and play with all there is to experience here. You do not interfere, nor do you tell them 'what's up.' You simply sit back and lovingly allow them (you) to play.

The world is a world of the physical, and of duality, so that the sentient beings living on it can make conscious choices. They can know hot and cold and choose to create and enjoy whatever they prefer. They can know pain and pleasure and define these and seek them as they choose. They can choose to hurt each other or themselves and can experiment in any way they want. You may even decide to set it up so that there are other realms of existence they can think about and perhaps even draw upon - spirits? Ghosts? Multiple lives? Contracts with others before birth?

There is enough mystery on this planet to allow for many hundreds of generations of play, and for myriad theories to be formed and experimented with. You know, although they don't, that no matter what happens on this planet, everything is in reality 'OK.' No one can really get hurt because that isn't really the truth. In fact, from what may seem to the players like tragedy or difficulty, will often come - eventually - some of the best times and insights in the game.

It's all fun and games, even when someone loses an eye...

What Appreciation Feels Like

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:44:00 +0000

"...all that was going on and we never noticed. Take me back -- up the hill -- to my grave.

But first: Wait! One more look. Good-bye , Good-bye world. Good-bye, Grover's Corners....Mama and Papa. Good-bye to clocks ticking....and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new ironed dresses and hot baths....and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you are too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it -- every, every minute?"
~ From Emily's 'Farewell, Earth!' monologue in Goodbye, Grover's Corners Our Town

Emily's lament above is one of my favorite quotes of all time. It is so poignant and beautiful and such a great wake-up call. Don't let any of us ever be like Emily. Now you can't see you weren't warned!

TODAY

Walking outside, I am surrounded by dazzling color as the Fall splendor shows off for everyone. From brilliant red to pink, orange and yellow, the leaves of bushes and trees look as if they are glowing from within...and they are! They are infused with the light and love of the sun, and they are full of life, for a few more days...until they fall.

I am grateful to be able to stop and look at whatever calls to me, and to not worry at all about what anyone passing may think. Perhaps I can bring them a little smile also, as they stop to notice. I'm alive today and can walk with my beautiful strong body, see gorgeous things with my amazing eyes, and make connections with other spirits also walking on this earth. We all share in this grand adventure, and I'm so grateful I can feel it in every cell of my body. How exciting it is to realize that even though we seem separate, we are each the same essence of spirit, disguised in different 'outsides.' I have known this intellectually for many years, but have felt it lately, through and through. For this I am grateful also, as it seems nothing is more important than recognizing and cultivating this connection. I need it...you need it...our planet needs it.

Inside again, I feel the warmth of home envelop me and I'm grateful. I run a hot bath and swirl my feet in the warm, fragrant water. How lucky I am to enjoy this solitude and peace. As I sit in the bath I feel the water bubble and gurgle around me, and I marvel at the fact that I'm waterproof. What a cool thing! My shampoo and conditioner and soap are all pretty colors and smell amazing, and I know I've helped a long line of people be prosperous - or at least pay their own bills - by buying, using and appreciating these items. How good it feels to be clean and fresh and to enjoy a sense of renewal.

As I get ready for bed, I reflect on all the things I have attracted into my life and all the things I still want to attract...are they really that different? Since everything already exists in the realm of time and space, then I am simply moving through it, touching some things and people and not others, and it's all OK.

Each moment and each experience is truly a gift, and I for one will not look back at the end of my life with regrets nor songs unsung...I will enjoy each experience and look at each moment with fresh eyes and appreciation, and with champagne and strawberries (chocolate-covered!) having been enjoyed to the fullest.

Remember to live in this moment, NOW, as from that moment your future moments are created. To end, another favorite quote:

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Champagne in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride!" ~ unknown

Are you a Conduit for Money?

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:33:00 +0000

This is a really interesting question, don't you think?

I had never really thought about this before.

I have, rather, thought about money as flowing all around us, and often use an exercise to illustrate this to people (imagining the money passing hands in just one tiny block around you -- from the gas stations to the online and actual banking, to things being bought and sold...there is literally money [well, the idea of money] streaming constantly, in a swirl, around you).

In Joe Vitale's latest book he makes the following analogy, and I thought you might love it as much as I did. Perhaps it will bring some new 'aha!' moment that will have you rolling in money sooner rather than later. :)

"You are not a stopping point, but a conductor," Joe tells us. "Imagine that you are in control of all the traffic lights on a busy street. The cars flowing by are dollars. If you try to jump out in the middle of traffic and capture the dollars, you do nothing but cause chaos. Likewise, if you set all the traffic lights on 'red' in an effort to keep as much money as possible, you completely stop the flow of traffic."

This is a great way to look at things, and helps us remember that we are in the flow of ALL life, all energy. We are in it, and we are part of it, and by aligning ourselves vibrationally with what we want, and remaining open to the flow of things - money and everythying else we want - we can attract things with ease.

TIP: For your own copy of this book, visit AttractMoneyNow.com. For Joe's amazing program Money Beyond Belief, click here. You might also enjoy Money is Love by Klaus Joehle.

Follow Your Path Update

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 20:21:00 +0000

Welcome back!

It's been a busy time these past few months, and as my businesses and investing interests morph and grow I've been neglecting my posts posts, as some of you may have noticed.

In between posts, I trust you will enjoy the large amount of free personal and professional development content here and at my other websites and blogs (for instance, IncreasingVelocity.com, Live-with-Power.com and BreathingProsperity.com and the popular blog).

I just wanted to acknowledge that I haven't been around, and encourage all of you to do the same - get out there and learn and grow and create your future consciously! I'll be writing more soon, but just wanted to say 'hi' in the meantime.

I'll leave you with a couple of my favourite quotes:

Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. But it's not. It takes patience, it takes commitment, and it comes with plenty of failure along the way. The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won't. it's whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere." ~ Barack Obama

How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone." - Coco Chanel

Analyzing Your Strengths and Weaknesses

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:09:00 +0000

We hear about the importance of assessing our strengths and weaknesses in many a success article, and this is an important subject to be sure. A key step in developing personal awareness is to know ourselves – to work with our natural strengths and eliminate or compensate for your weaknesses.*

This is a strength and weakness article with a twist.

Why not, instead of letting others determine and label your strengths and weaknesses, forge your own character by taking stock of what is important to you? What kind of person you want to be, and what traits will help you build yourself into that person, decision by decision?

The truth is, of course, that we all have an endearing combination of character traits and personality features which make us unique and interesting. We are all doing our best to enjoy and make the most of our lives, and we learn and grow at the pace which feels comfortable at any given time.

Even so, it is possible to take conscious control of our growth and learning, as anyone in the personal development field will attest to. This makes life juicy and exciting, and whether for you it means travel and adventure, artistic expression, volunteer work or inner, mind-based exploration, the result is always the same – conscious, choice-based living gives us feelings of accomplishment, fulfillment and the pleasure of growth.

With this in mind, here are some examples of a new type of strength and weakness assessment – my own personal list. Knowing what makes you, specifically, feel strong and weak is another way of looking at the strength and weakness analysis. After all, when you feel strong, centered and true to yourself, you perform your best, you give your best self to the world and you attract the best things to you.

I feel weak if I do the following things. Sometimes the feeling of weakness does not come over me until I have reflected on a situation, and sometimes it is immediate, depending on the circumstances. It is through recognition of these feelings and regrets that I learn what will make me feel wonderful, powerful and true to myself the next time I am faced with a similar choice:

Break a promise I should have kept to myself or to someone else I know
Choose conflict over harmony when I have the choice
Hold on to the treadmill handles
Take the easy road to avoid a challenge
Neglect to call or write someone when I ‘should’
Am lazy...I also feel that not being able to be lazy might be a weakness...I’m working on it!

I feel strong and centred when I do the following things, as examples. Some of these may conflict with the previous list, and that is partially the point! We all experience conflicts in our feelings and intentions, and only by looking honestly at them can we make better choices in the future, leading us to enjoy more happiness and peace of mind.

Get rid of my list of ‘shoulds’ and decide what I want from inside.
Step back and look at things from the ‘observer’ point of view and release conflict, the need to be right, and judgement.
Decide (remember?) I don’t care what people think of me, and just enjoy being me – expressing my joy and fascination without worrying what it looks like to others
Exercise in some way – whether walking outside, running on the treadmill or doing yoga, exercising my body never fails to make me feel great. I feel ‘back in the groove,’ connected, and whole, like I am doing what’s best for me.
Take time to enjoy the ‘little’ things, such as listening to great jazz, enjoying fresh flowers, stopping during a walk or drive to enjoy a beautiful view or wildlife.

If we filled our lives with moments of presence – of enjoying what is surrounding us NOW – we would live in perpetual happiness and appreciation. Isn’t that what we all want?...

*Note with profit that while most school systems teach children to try and balance their skills, the vast majority of successful entrepreneurs will tell you that what’s really important is to develop and harness your strengths and forget about your weaknesses. You can hire help to compensate for any weaknesses, but no one can utilize your innate and unique strengths like you can – use them and build them to your advantage!

Recommended:

The Power of NOW by Eckhart Tolle

Personal Development - Worth Every Moment!

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:35:00 +0000

If you have just discovered the concept of personal development, you're in for a wild ride.

While the phrase personal development can mean many things and encompass many areas of life, I'll define it as:

The conscious and intentional exploration and development of our individual skills, thoughts, beliefs, tendencies and personality traits in order to improve and enhance our lives, and create and sustain our personally defined versions of happiness, success and abundance.

How's that? I'm sure I could expand on that, but essentially, my version of personal development includes ANYTHING that is part of my conscious sphere and which I notice and want to improve or change.

One beautiful thing about personal development is that when you work on an individual aspect of your life - finances, say, or physical fitness - it affects all the other areas. Changes in perception or habits snowball, and have positive effects on our lives as a whole.

Some examples of this synchronistic effect include:

Discipline: You have decided that due to a newly made commitment to physical fitness, you will arise each day at 6am and go to the gym. Not only do you have to develop your capacity for wielding your willpower and discipline, this new habit will have far-reaching effects on your lifestyle: you will find yourself more disciplined in other areas, such as spontaneously wanting to file your paperwork or clean out your junk drawers; you will enjoy renewed vigor and confidence, both from the workouts and from your pride in what you're doing; in turn, you will have more energy and time in each day and get more accomplished.

Awareness: Let us say you are exploring the part you play in your closest relationships. You have decided to take responsibility and change any disharmony by improving your relational skills and by being more appreciative of what you have. After you have swallowed the bitter pill of having been the creator of what you may have been blaming others for, you suddenly realize you are now free to create differently. Not only will this affect your personal level of happiness, but it will affect all of your relationships. You'll be happier, more proactive and more responsive to the needs and moods of those you love. You will find yourself more aware of what is going on around you, which in turn will lead you to notice opportunities you may have missed before, both personally and professionally. You will be open to more things, and in turn you will find new information coming to you which will benefit you.

Expansion: Imagine you have set a financial goal that is fairly lofty, and you need to develop new skills to achieve it. In the process of pursuing this goal, you will not only be improving your financial situation, but yourself in general. As business mentor Jim Rohn has said his own mentor taught him, "Set a goal to become a millionaire not for the money, but for the person you will have to become to achieve it." Along the way, you will discover many things about yourself - mental blocks and limiting beliefs, holes in your plan and your skillset, unproductive habits and discouraging relationships - and in pursuing your financial goal, you will need to work on these things. In turn, you will yourself feeling more empowered, positive and confident, characteristics which have no choice but to manifest elsewhere in your life.

With just these small examples, you can see that personal development involves a complex, powerful and very exciting journey which is entirely unique to each individual. There is so much you could do that it can seem overwhelming, but know that no exploration can be bad. It;'s all good, and it's all part of being an awakening human being.

Whether you start with an audacious goal or some tiny steps doesn't matter - just start. Personal development can be fun, challenging, frightening, confronting, maddening, exciting, and without a doubt extremely rewarding - it's worth every moment!

What is Love?...

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:52:00 +0000

Today is about sharing and spreading warmth that should not be saved for just a couple of 'holidays' in every calendar year. Enjoy and pass it around!!

1) This 'FREE HUGS' video is fantastic, and has been around the blog but is always wonderful to watch.

2) You've probably seen this before, but it's so heartwarming I thought I'd include it here...this way you'll carry that feeling from Valentine's Day on into your week and hopefully your whole life.

When Children Ages 4-8 were asked What Love Is:

'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and
paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all
the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.'

Rebecca - age 8

'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'

Billy - age 4

'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving
cologne and they go out and smell each other.'

Karl - age 5

'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your
French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'

Chrissy - age 6

'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'

Terri - age 4

'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a
sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'

Danny - age 7

'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of
kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy
and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss'

Emily - age 8

'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop
opening presents and listen.'

Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a
friend who you hate,'

Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it
everyday.'

Noelle - age 7

'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still
friends even after they know each other so well.'

Tommy - age 6

'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I
looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and
smiling.

He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'

Cindy - age 8

'My mommy loves me more than anybody
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'

Clare - age 6

'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'

Elaine-age 5

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he
is handsomer than Robert Redford.'

Chris - age 7

'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him
alone all day...'

Mary Ann - age 4

'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old
clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.'

Lauren - age 4

'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little
stars come out of you.' (what an image)

Karen - age 7

'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it But if
you mean it, you should say it a lot.. People forget.'

Jessica - age 8

And the final one:

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was
an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old
gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little
boy said,

'Nothing, I just helped him cry'

P.S. Speaking of love, are you getting married? Check out all the tips and resources at the ALL NEW Wedding-Planning-Makes-Perfect.com!

Follow Your Path is on Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:31:00 +0000

I have resisted for a long time, as new social bookmarking sites seem to pop up every day and I can't possibly keep up with them!

I have finally added a Twitter profile to my shortlist of such memberships, so be sure to come by and check it out!

Twitter Updates
Follow me on Twitter

25 Random Things You Didn't Know About Me

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:15:00 +0000

I've been tagged at least twice now for this little meme that is going around...so I guess it's time I addressed it. Originally my friend Ellie Walsh of LivingtheLawofAttraction.com tagged me, so I'll give her credit here. :)

...Of course these things are never random, are they? If we choose to make a list, we are still making decisions about what we want people to see or know...and of course people don't really care that much, so what's the big fear about saying things? Perhaps we are afraid we'll dig deep and say something we may regret or can't take back...because if we don't dig deep then it's kind of pointless making a list, isn't it?...

To help make up for you having to read a post about 25 things about someone - :) - here is a really cool video from youtube:

Without further ado, here are 25 things you didn't (likely) know about me:

I am the happiest and most excited about my future I've ever been in my life
I feel old and young at the same time - and I'm not too keen on either feeling, as I'm neither
I have recently decided to not eat meat anymore, and I feel fabulous...lots of yummy vegetables and fruit and sprouts...mmmmm
Exercising is one of my favourite things -- when I am walking or running or doing yoga or lifting weights I feel amazing and happy and powerful
I have huge ambitions -- many readers here will know, but I want a LOT of things and money -- for my own experience as opposed to for impressing someone
I also have big dreams when it comes to giving back - building with Habitat for Humanity, hurricane and flood relief, respectable places and programs for homeless people, etc..
I gave up my volunteer work with my local Hospice after 12 years or so...I felt selfish but needed to focus on myself for a while and it was definitely the right move
I am leaning more and more towards adventure and eco-travel - fun!
I want to climb to Macchu Piccu in Peru, and hike/climb in Tibet
When I say I want to do something I'll actually do it
I am sitting on an exercise ball rather than a chair while typing, and have been for weeks - wow, what a difference (abs, etc.)!
I have several books on the go, and although I love writing, I find I become blocked sometimes when I 'have' to write...this is my latest challenge.
I have discovered that I love designing and playing with websites more than writing, but writing will bring me passive income (always my goal) so I'm at odds...
My first real boyfriend - we were 14 - broke my heart, and I felt my first insecurity when he told me about the other girls he liked
I'd like to prevent my beautiful daughter from feeling insecurity and comparing herself to other girls
My daughter is the most amazing person I've ever met and I feel priveleged to be her Mother
I am ALWAYS open to learning and changing my perspective
My Mom says I blame myself too much but I feel I look for my own resonsibility in what happens around me
I enjoy my own company and keep to myself a lot, possibly appearing anti-social but really just not needing small talk from acquaintances - I'm very happy!
I actually love people and learning about them when I do engage, but I'm often busy learning about myself and my motivations, thought patterns and beliefs
I remember high school fondly - I had a great time!
For a long time I wished I was 17 again, but I now would not change places for anything (OK well maybe lots of money - LOTS)
I baby my parents and need to relenquish this behaviour
I don't like the status quo, being mediocre or being like everyone else
I belive - think - hope that we as humans are in a new era of awareness and growth and expansion and that we can change EVERYTHING with the right intentions

There you have it! Thanks to those who got me involved. Have a fabulous day!

Happiness: Solution or Symptom?...

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:20:00 +0000

Thinking of happiness as a symptom of something may sound funny, but this is what many people believe.

Just like saying 'If I get in a car accident I will feel sad and may be in pain," many people attribute happiness to outside circumstances:

If I get into top shape I'll feel far happier and better about myself.
When I finally make the kind of money I want or deserve, then I'll be happy.
I'll be so much happier once I've left this relationship, or once so-and-so begins treating me better.

What is this but treating happiness as a symptom?

"If only we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time." ~ Edith Wharton

As a society, I fear we in the Western world have allowed happiness to become something elusive: we have been indoctrined into the belief that happiness is something outside of us - a difficult-to-achieve ideal, something that must be chased, captured or reached for unendingly.

Much of this phenomenon can be traced to advertising, and sadly, the personal development community. Even the American constitution refers to happiness as something to be pursued!

The Happiness Challenge

Sometimes we believe that we can either have abiding happiness OR all the material things we long for.

For instance, many people secretly fear that if they 'settle' into their current lives and just BE happy the way they are, then the message they are sending out to 'the Universe' is that they are content; they no longer wish to have anything more. This couldn't be further from the truth!

The opposite is really true, and once you can see this clearly perhaps you'll let your natural joy bubble to the surface.

Here is an example to illustrate the point:

Say we have a woman who is wallowing in loneliness, and longing for a man to 'complete' her life. She wishes someone would adore her, and feels that her dream man's love will make everything OK, and she will finally be happy.

In reality, anyone she attracts while in this state will be someone who is feeding off of her unhappiness and the relationship will not be a healthy nor a happy one.

Now, let's say a man appears who absolutely adores this woman from head to toe and thinks she is the cat's meow. Unfortunately, for whatever reason this is NOT the man she was hoping for, and thus none of this affection gets into her heart.

Now to the point: his adoration will not get into her heart unless and until she opens up and loves him back. You see, it's HER love and inner happiness she will feel if and when she does that...not his. There is nothing outside of her that allows her to feel this way. In fact, the man in question could be perceived as annoying and even kind of creepy if she doesn't feel the same way about him.

That feeling of adoration and love we think we get from others is really us letting our love out to shine. It's our own adoration and love we feel, and of course this can happen with anyone - your neighbor, an acquaintance or a beloved child who 'belongs' to someone else.

Every wonderful - or not-so-wonderful - feeling we have comes from within us, NEVER from outside. If instead our hypothetical woman decided to be happy no matter what came her way, she would shine like a beacon and many people would instinctively be attracted to her...she could then choose from that point of happiness and attraction and the results would be far more enjoyable and positive.

When it comes to improving finances or any other life situation we are dissatisfied with, being unhappy about it serves no purpose other than to perpetuate more of the same. While being aware of what we don't want helps us to define what we do, unhappiness is just misery, plain and simple.

"Happiness is a form of courage." ~ Holbrook Jackson

That's a wonderful quote, isn't it? Happiness really IS a form of courage these days, if only because it takes a soul willing to eschew the traditional pursuit of it in order to experience it. One needs to slow down, look inside and realize that all the elements for happiness have always been there, regardless of outside circumstances. You are alive, you are capable of love (even if there's no one around right now to shower it on, you've got your wonderful self!), you have a whole world of experiences and opportunities open to you, and every new moment brings new input and allows you a new choice. What's not to be happy about? What more fabulous adventure could you have signed up for, if you could have imagined such a thing (and I believe you did)?

Never want all your desires to manifest at one...for then what would you do?...

Some books you may enjoy:

Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnac: This book is a fabulous tool and follows Sarah's journey within as she explored the real meaning of abundance...it's not what she thought and it may not be what you think either! There is nothing ascetic nor sacrificial in Sarah's approach; rather she encourages us through example to define our own meaning of decadence and richness. Perfect for January as this book contains a whole new year of daily entries, but a great read any time!

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey: This lovely and insightful book has become a success classic partly because it transcends most personal development-type material by entering into deeply personal territory, and by looking at the very big picture of why we do what what we do and what meaning our lives ultimately have. An excellent read and a very important step in creating the future YOU choose.

Happy for No Reason by Marci Shimoff: A look at being truly happy from the inside, this book contains interviews with people who have already made this decision, and will leave you with new joy and the natural happiness you are meant to experience on a daily basis.

Is the Financial Crisis a Blessing in Disguise?

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 22:22:00 +0000

Financial Turmoil

Companies are dissolving at alarming rates, people are walking away from homes, and corruption seems rampant in formerly trusted institutions. Consumer confidence is at historic lows as American industry scions teeter and fall, or threaten to.

With the recent financial turmoil on the minds of many millions of people the world over, it is safe to say that worry and fear have become pervasive. If you have not lost your job, chances are good that you know someone who has.

While job loss can be a devastating prospect, especially around the Holidays, there may be some hidden gems hidden within the difficulty. If you are able to take a deep breath and step back mentally from your personal situation, you may find that while one door is closing others are opening for you. This can be a time to re-group and gather your thoughts...to consider the path you have been on and to make adjustments as necessary based on your conclusions.

Often, in decent economic circumstances, people drift along at jobs they don’t care for, dreaming of someday starting their own businesses, or pursuing jobs they love and which bring fulfillment. Because of the steady paycheck and the very human characteristic of falling into habitual behaviour, however, these same people never take action on those dreams. Alternatively, they don’t act because they are afraid of losing their security and stepping into the unknown. Sound familiar?

Well, guess what? Many people are now being forced to step out into the unknown – that fear they unconsciously avoided has hit them full center and they are forced to confront it and deal with the new reality. Is it possible that this could be the best thing that ever happened to them?...

The Silver Lining

Throughout the literature and popular theory in the world of personal development and achievement, you will hear of the concept of opportunity hidden in adversity. Napoleon Hill, author of the success classic ‘Think and Grow Rich,’ tells us that within every adversity is the seed of an equal or greater opportunity. What does this mean, and how can it help those who are struggling to deal with job loss and uncertainty?

Think about your future and the future of your nation, your town, and your family. If your future has been tied to a large organization – whether through employment or investments – then much of the control has been out of your hands. The days of trusting a company seem to be long gone, however, and perhaps this is a good thing for the average citizen. For isn’t it a good thing when a person awakens and undertakes the necessary introspection - and subsequent action - to ensure their own financial future looks bright?

While it is never advisable to blindly jump into an entrepreneurial venture or to change paths without deep consideration, it is always a good idea to take a long, hard look at our current behaviours and habits. Are we taking ourselves where we want to go? Have we lost sight of our goals, or have we veered off our chosen paths entirely? Do we even know what we want anymore?

Hope for the Future

Perhaps this financial crisis will serve as an impetus to a fundamental change in the paradigm of popular culture.

Perhaps we can all give some long-overdue consideration to how we educate our children, and why we do not teach them the basics of money management and business skills. Perhaps we'll all consider how best to use our strengths, our skills and our passions to contribute both to a thriving society and a financially secure future for ourselves and our families. Perhaps there will be a wave of change which is both created by all of us and washes over all of us, leaving in its wake more aware, concerned and action-oriented citizens.

Look to yourself, and look to what YOU can do to turn things around. Look inside to discover what you REALLY want for your life, and then ask HOW can you make this happen? Trust, though difficult, that maybe there are bigger, better plans for you, and that all you need to do is orient yourself to that which you want, and stop focusing on the fear and worry, and the Universe will open some new doors for you. Maybe they've even been open all along, but nobody was looking...

My Christmas Wish List

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:23:00 +0000

Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, you have likely heard of the concept of making a list of things you want for Christmas. Traditionally, children make up a Christmas Wish List and send it to Santa Claus. It's a fun part of a child's Christmas and can also help parents to know what their little ones are really wishing for.

Now let's see if we can't translate this concept into the adult world, and use the idea to create our own Christmas Wish List. We can include both things for ourselves - in the vein of creating our realities as we would like to see them - and also to help others and remember that not everyone will be happy on Christmas Day. Many will miss far-away loved ones (such as those at war); many will pine for loves they have lost, and many will simply not have enough resources to fulfill their children's Christmas Wish Lists.

I love the song 'My Grown Up Christmas List,' especially as sung by our own (Canadian) Micheal Bublé, even though it is very schmultzy. In case you have not heard the song, it is - you guessed it - about a grown-up making a Christmas Wish List, and on this list, not for himself, 'but for a world in need,' are things like no more families torn apart, no more wars, and mended hearts. This year, I find it to be the perfect inspiration to create a Christmas Wish List of my own.

I wish that some day we will meet our sponsored child in Costa Rica, a beautiful young girl who we hope will grow into a thriving, happy woman. I wish that our kind Christmas wishes and sponsorship will help her through her tough times, and that she will go on to inspire herself and her peers.

I wish that my daughter will continue growing into a conscious, caring young adult and will share her spark and wisdom with her friends and with everyone she meets.

I wish for a beautiful, sparkling new Mercedes SL500 - had to throw that in there!

I ~~wish~~ create that more and more people are awakening to their potential to create their lives and that we all use this power with respect and for the good of all mankind. May we each enjoy the happiness and joy that comes with learning to control our destinies, within any belief system that brings us peace, comfort and a sense of endless possibility.

I wish that I will have the presence of mind to be patient and kind when my 'buttons' are pushed and that I will expand emotionally because of this intention.

I wish that anyone who is feeling sad, lonely, or desolate over the Holidays will somehow sense, perhaps for the first time, that they are not alone in this world. I wish that they will feel a small, thin but heart-warming connection with me and with all of us as humanity, and that they will be able to draw on that, to build on it, until they feel whole and happy once again.

I wish that my life and my words serve as something valuable to those who are witness, and I wish/intend to always be grateful for the faculties I enjoy - my brainpower, my eyesight, my computer, and so many other things to be thankful for.

I wish to appreciate and expand my friendships within the coming year.

I wish to experience clarity, wisdom, peace of mind and excitement as I journey through each new day. May I never miss an opportunity to grow and learn as I wander about life experiencing its many wonders.

I wish to continue traveling and visit more of the wondrous places on my 'to-visit' list, including Victoria Falls in Africa and Machu Picchu in Peru.

I wish for all of us to feel connected and to use that connection to mend the rifts in our world - to ensure all have enough to eat and drink, that all are protected from violence (if that protection is what they want from a higher perspective), that we heal our planet and that we all can follow our dreams.

May all of your dreams come true, and may 2009 be your best year yet!

Peace on Earth

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:16:00 +0000

On this Remembrance Day, as on every other in my memory, I feel deep emotion...regret, sadness, gratitude, love, sorrow, hope, and so much more.

I struggle with ambiguous feelings...I watch our veterans and I feel such compassion and gratitude for their lives, their choices, those friends they miss and whose futures were sacrificed for the freedom we - you and I - now have to pursue whatever we want. Would you like to be rich? Thank someone who went to war. Want to lie around on your couch all day in relative obscurity? Thank someone who got up and went somewhere far away, terrified or perhaps brave, and physically fought for your right to do so.

Remember, too, the 'other' side, full of the same passionate, courageous and often afraid young men and women, far from home and hoping to get back some day...many never fulfilling that hope.

At the same time I am feeling gratitude, I feel a deep abhorrence for war, and for the devastation of lives which results from it. I am not naive, and I understand that sometimes ideals must be fought for...but somewhere deep inside, I fundamentally believe that WE ARE ALL ONE. I do not believe there are truly such things as enemies, and I know that each of us is only human, wanting the most and the best for ourselves and those we love.

If we are to cultivate peace on our beautiful planet, we must begin to cherish our similarities and to celebrate our differences. This is an over-used saying - 'celebrate our differences.' Here is how to do it: start with yourself. When you meet someone whose opinions strongly differ from your own, be curious instead of judgemental.

Patience, tolerance, PEACE - all start from within each of us. Peace is not 'out there' and 'they' should not stop fighting.

When my child sings remembrance songs in school assembly today, I can sense a hope for mankind. They do not truly understand what they are singing about, but because we have bothered to teach them about our history, perhaps they will create a different and better future. Remember, though, that we are still here. It is not just up to the children, and it is not up to the future...it is up to each of us, NOW, in every moment and with every choice, to cultivate PEACE ON EARTH.

Abraham-Hicks on the Financial Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:02:00 +0000

Hi, everyone;

How are you doing financially and emotionally these days?

With every TV station on the continent covering the current 'financial crisis,' it can be difficult to focus on the abundance you want for yourself and your loved ones. When you are worrying about foreclosures, job losses and rapidly dwindling or fluctuating retirment savings, remaining positive and keeping your spirits up can be a tall order.

To remind you how to keep your thoughts on what you WANT and to attract the prosperity and security you seek, here is a video recently posted by Abraham-Hicks. Enjoy!

**Also of great inspiration in remembering what is important and in pursuing goals that are bigger than we are - goals that are important to our planet and our children's future - is the following movie:

THE SHIFT MOVIE

Your Reality: Don't Get Used To It!

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:19:00 +0000

Do you look around at the circumstances of your life and feel elated and joyful, or like many, do you feel frustration at those bits which are not that way you want them?

This post is not about how to get used to your life (otherwise known as settling). No! It's about remembering something you may have forgotten, or perhaps not even heard of...a little concept sometimes referred to as the Law of Gestation.

If you are studying the Law of Attraction or perhaps seen the movie The Secret, you may have heard about the Law of Gestation. This principle works within our physical boundaries of space and time, and essentially tells us that what we are looking at right now as our current 'reality' is really just our past choices coming to fruition.

In other words, consider that the thoughts to which you gave power and emotion yesterday, and even a year ago, took 'time' to develop - to crystallize, if you will, in the physical world. There is a complex process involved in the way the physical world manifests, taking into account such things as your clarity of thought and intention, other people's intentions, and the ideas your 'higher self' might be holding for you.

I believe both Joe Vitale and Esther Hicks point out in The Secret that if we look at our current lives and assume that 'this is just the way things are,' we will get caught in a loop. Thinking that things are permanent and static, we will not realize our power to create otherwise; we will not look to the future and change our thoughts in order to create something different.

I don't pretend to have all the answers, however I do know that conceptually this makes sense and that if we remember it, it can relieve a great deal of frustration we may feel in looking at our 'present' circumstances and feeling dissatisfied. The key to understanding this principle is to realize that as you look around, everything you see is just your former thoughts coming into the physical. Isn't that a fun thought?

You have grown since you created this 'reality,' so be patient and let your physical world 'catch up' to what you are now thinking. Don't make the mistake of focusing on what you see, or you will simply hold yourself in that place!

Imagine things as you wish them to be, and HOLD THAT THOUGHT. Hold it, and enjoy it and refine it in your head until it comes to be in your physical reality. The end.

My Life and The Matrix

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:05:00 +0000

The other night, one of my all-time favorite movies, The Matrix, was on TV. Although I have seen this movie almost countless times and can pop my own copy into the DVD player any time, I still stopped what I was doing and sat down and watched in fascination.

Even if The Matrix isn't your kind of movie, you can still appreciate the concept of discovering a beloved film is on and the pleasure of watching it unexpectedly...right?

As I became engrossed in the storyline and characters - once again - I also enjoyed an underlying parallel of fun in remembering my own first-time reactions to certain parts. I can remember what it was like when the movie's full impact hit me, and how interesting it was to discuss it afterwards with the friends who accompanied me originally. I felt excitement and satisfaction at anticipating certain parts - like licking one's lips before a great meal - and I found that certain parts still made me think deeply.

The Parallel to Life

Remember when you first watched a movie that is now well-loved...and at every new twist and turn you marveled and sat on the edge of your seat? Or maybe you laughed, you cried, you smiled in recognition at the poignant parts. Whatever it was, it touched your heart and resonated with you in a way that it became part of you, and now each time you see it you enjoy knowing what's coming because you anticipate the pleasure it's going to bring you.

Maybe life is like this. Maybe we are simultaneously experiencing both the first-time viewer's thrill (through our 'me' selves) and the joy of anticipating connections, emotions and events (through our 'larger' selves). Perhaps our 'higher' selves are full of glee as we (our lower, present selves) navigate the circumstances of our daily lives. Even though we may be carried away on our seemingly-very-real emotional roller coaster, they've 'been here' before (ie. watched this movie), and they know how deeply rewarding each moment really is. Perhaps every time we connect with someone, enjoy a new insight, make a heartfelt wish, the spark of emotion - of life! - is like a gift to our higher selves, who I can picture just watching it all in total bliss. If this is true, it both lightens the load of everyday life, while also potentially deepening and enrichening our interactions.

In this vein, there is a recent post by Steve Pavlina, whose writing I always enjoy, about losing a friend and re-connecting with him. I was just going to quote from it, but it contains so many gems that you ought to read it for yourself. The content may not be for everyone, but the lessons should ring true for all of us. HERE is the post should you care to read it. In the meantime, enjoy your movie - YOU are creating it, and YOU are the star! Make it exactly what you want it to be, and savor every moment.

Can I Trust You?...

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 20:32:00 +0000

A Strange Dilemma

I have always thought of myself as a trusting person. Some might even say I am a bit naive - TOO trusting. I'm always looking for the best in people, and giving others the benefit of the doubt. Even when faced with proof that someone is acting like a scoundrel, I tend to not believe it, or to think that in their own minds they feel justified for doing so, and that no harm is meant.

Strangely enough, when it comes to business dealings, I have a different mindset. I tend to invest in projects which require hands-on responsibility, so that I may retain control. One brilliant way to acheive financial independence, however, is to own businesses or investments which throw off positive PASSIVE cashflow. Passive means I DON'T WORK for the money. I have found - and am exploring the reasons behind why - that I always gravitate towards things which do not involve other people's work or insider access. I realize to my dismay that it is because I don't trust people. If I leave you in charge of my store front, who is to say you won't be tempted to steal from me? If I allow you access to my accounts, how do I know you will not use that information to cheat me or hurt me? What if I hire you to re-stock my merchandise or count my money...how can I know you won't skim a little off the top?

While it is intelligent to be prudent in our business dealings, and naivete is not an asset in the business world, I believe this goes deeper than simple street smarts. If I have a basic mistrust of humanity in general, I hold myself back from owning and operating larger businesses where delegation is a necessity. I am also putting up a psychological wall which prevents me from things I'm not even aware of..better relationships? Enriching and profitable new business experiences? Who knows?

So What's the Solution?

Part of being successful is being willing to look at our own limiting beliefs, explore them and break through the barriers they represent. I am not sure yet whether this mistrust I have noticed serves me well or not. Certainly it keeps me from making foolish decisions with my money, but I will never expand my world as much as I'd like by controlling everything myself.

For now, I can contemplate my dilemma simply because I am aware of it. Hopefully, this will lead to insights which in turn lead to progress. So...can I trust you?

An 'Inside' Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:02:00 +0000

"Circumstances does not make the man; they merely reveal him to himself" ~ a paraphrase of a quote credited to Greek philosopher Epictetus

"Luck is what happens when preparedness meets opportunity." ~ Wonderful quote attributed to everyone from Donald Trump to modern-day self-help gurus. Does it matter who said it?

Is Opportunity an Outside Job?

We all have the capacity to turn our dreams into reality. Whether it's outstanding career success, outrageous fitness, magnificent wealth or relationships full of passion and happiness - or all of the above and more! - we can ALL accomplish our deepest wishes.

As everyone from Victor Frankl to Stephen Covey have told us, there is a gap between what 'happens,' and our potential reaction to it. We are not our circumstances.When we separate ourselves from circumstances which seem like 'ours' for a moment, we can observe more objectively and see that there is a vast range of potential outcomes, all dependant on our own choices and actions.

An assistant waiter we recently met represents and illustrates beautifully such choices. While on a lovely cruise vacation last week, my sweetheart and I had the pleasure of getting to know this exceptional young man, who embodies so much of what it takes to be fulfilled and successful in this world. For instance:

Our waiter at dinner each night, who presumably had to attain a level of service delivery and people skills to get the job, was as dry and unfriendly as they come. He barely spoke with us and was extremely inattentive. Granted, he was a very busy gentleman, but as his salary relies in large part on gratuities, he might have at least attempted to provide gracious service. In contrast, our assistant waiter was a delight in every way, stopping at nothing to ensure we were happy, running around busily but always with a smile on his face and an endearing attitude. As a result, while we tipped the minimum suggested amount to our waiter at week's end, our assistant waiter received a generous gratuity along with a heartfelt thank you note from us. We exchanged contact information as well, and have already connected via email. Interestingly, we did not feel any such connection with the fellow diners at our table, who - coincidentally? - barely paid any attention to the living, breathing staff all around them.

When in Las Vegas last fall, we met a cab driver who hailed from El Paso, and had been 'stuck' in Vegas for the past 12 years. "Whaddya gonna do?..." he lamented. Contrast this attitude with that of our wonderful assistant waiter: he hails from Turkey, and wishes to study hotel management in the UK. Having already attempted the mandatory English test once and failed, he took a job on this cruise ship in order to meet people and improve his written and spoken English. Not only was he not deterred by failure, he also took the necessary steps to put himself where he needed to be to learn what he requires. While other crew members were busy complaining about working, this refreshing gentleman uses his spare time to study, and to dream. We know that his dreams WILL come true, because he is making sure of it.

Who are you, and what do your reactions to circumstances reveal to you?...In any given situation, there are people who whine and there are people who ask what they can do to make things better.

What kind of personality - what kind of LIFE - are you forging with your choices?

Is That Voice on YOUR Side...?

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:44:00 +0000

Take a moment and listen to the little voice in your head. It is always there, and the messages it whispers to you are more crucial to your success - or lack thereof - than you may now realize.

If you heard something like 'What little voice? I'm always hearing about this little voice, but I'm not sure I really have one...' - that's the voice I'm talking about.

We spend our lives having conversations with ourselves...does it not make sense to consciously listen, and perhaps literally question, what this voice is telling us?

For most of us, the voice in our head is so familiar that we don't even notice it, and it seems so much a part of us that we rarely stop to think about what it's saying. You may find upon examination, however, that the voice actually streams a constant barrage of limiting beliefs, overly cautious warnings and even outright insults at you day after day. Rather than being a friendly, helpful voice of intelligent instinct, this 'helper' is actually spewing fragments of belief and input from others which have been building and mixing over a lifetime. We often knock ourselves down internally, thus treating ourselves in ways we would never treat a cherished friend.

Your Self-Image

In every aspect of your life, you hold an opinion of yourself. This opinion, however formed, largely determines your behavior, and thus your outcomes.

As one of my favorite mentors, Brian Tracy, tells us, we have an opinion of what kind of parent or sibling we are, how good we are at certain sports, whether we're kind to others, how tolerant, capable, or patient we are, and on and on, in each large and tiny facet of our lives. But where do these ideas come from? Are they true? Are they permanent and unchangeable? These are important questions...to question ourselves.

As it happens, this has come up in several books I am reading lately, and in giving the idea attention I have been able to radically change some of my interactions and even relationships. After all, if it is my thoughts that create how I react and behave, and those thoughts are constantly delivered to me by the little voice in my head, all I have to do is really listen...and then make some conscious decisions about whether I wish to believe and perpetuate what I'm hearing.

To Change

We can alter our destiny by changing what we ask and tell ourselves. With simple, conscious changes in the way we choose to perceive our lives, we can radically improve our results. As a very simple example, when the instinctual 'I can't' response to challenges becomes the pre-chosen 'How can I...?' we completely change our approach to life. (If you think you never say 'I can't,' you haven't been listening!)

As Byron Katie says in her wonderful book I Need Your Love - Is That True?, much of what we think is about winning the approval of others, and many of the things we believe are simply not true. We must take steps to ensure that what we are listening to is the voice of truth and reason, rather than the twisted and mixed-up beliefs which have been brewing in our minds and imaginations since we were children. If we don't, we are robbing ourselves - and the world - of BEING our true selves, which is a most magnificent gift.

Wayne Dyer, another of my favorite mentors, goes into great detail about listening to and living from our inner wisdom in his beautiful book Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling. For today, a great first step is just to notice the little voice, and see if what it's telling you really resonates with you, serves you, and supports you. Is that voice on YOUR side?...

Who, ME? I Can't Have THAT!

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:19:00 +0000

I was raised to accept less; to settle. My parents would be mortified to read this, and may, in fact, disagree, but the proof is in the pudding. I do not think I am worthy of the best. (Even in my mind as I type this, the little voice inside my head says 'Yes, I do! I LOVE the best!" )

Despite having made magnificent progress with my wealth mentality and my capacity to create and accept abundance these past few years, I noticed a distinct phenomenon the other day while out walking. I'd like to share it with you in case the insight can help you overcome a limiting belief that you share with me.

"I can't have that," is my limiting belief. Discovering this, I was shocked! Where did this come from? I certainly do not think this most of the time...

How I Discovered I'm Limiting Myself

I was walking along in one of my favourite neighbourhoods, and I came across a beautiful and unique house I had not seen before. It stopped me in my tracks and I was looking it over, feeling oddly guilty...as if someone was going to come out and say 'Hey, you! You don't belong here - get outta here!' I don't even know where that mentality comes from...

There are many beautiful homes in my neighbourhood, and I love lots of them. This particular house (as seen in the picture) is a little more unique and special, and there was something about it that struck me.

Then I noticed it was for sale! Now, here is the acid test of abundance mentality: my mind should have said nothing other than "Awesome! That's a sign from the Universe! How can I go about getting this house?" Can you guess what my mind said instead?...perhaps something like what your mind would say: "That's probably waaay more than I can afford. It's too big, anyway...plus, imagine the TAXES! They are probably about $20,000+ per year, and then I'd need a garderner and a full-time housekeeper, plus I'd lose my gym and swimming pool that I have now in my condo, plus blah blah blah..."

Ack! It was as if my mind had been taken over by the lack monster, whose job it was to show me 'reality.' I even noticed, as I walked down the street deflated but fighting myself, that I would look at other, lesser, older homes that needed fixing up and I would resonate with those instead. Now why would I identify with a crappy fixer-upper? Aside from my business instinct and love of fixing up real estate, there was a deeper belief at play here. Something inside me feels that I am not worthy of a fully landscaped, completely furnished, gorgeously decorated house with elegant lighting, an inground gunite pool and a waterfall. I haven't earned it, and I don't deserve it.

I thought I had purged all of my lack mentality. As this recognition dawned on me, I realized I had reached a new level which requires work. OK! I'm up to the challenge. I vowed to myself instantly that I would seek out things, places and circumstances I love, and that I would tell myself I am worthy until my entire self feels fully worthy. It's already working, and I can feel that old thought system dissolving away. Luckily, I have progressed enough to know how ridiculous that limiting thought process is, and I know that I will never have everything I want if I am the one telling me I can't have them...

(For those of you thinking, well you're right - you probably CAN'T have that - you're right - for YOU!)

Thinking it over, I notice that whenever I am presented with options, I'll choose the one that is slightly less. I'll leave the BEST for someone else; someone more worthy and who belongs with it. Ugh - what a horrible thought. Here are some examples which may help you identify any similar pattern in your own life:

When someone asks you what you'd like to do for the evening, do you choose an option that is the least bothersome and most 'easy' and familiar for all involved, or do you throw out some really exciting things you'd like to do? Sometimes a lack of self-worth is hidden within behavior that seeks to please everyone but self.

When you get dressed, do you always try and look your absolute best, and when you buy clothes, jewelry, etc. do you tend to gravitate to that which you really love and brings you joy, or to that which you can afford? We often broadcast what we think of ourselves by our choices in dress and in purchases. Would you feel more comfortable at an upscale, chic mall or at your local stripmall?

This isn't about what you can afford at the moment; it's about what you feel you are worthy of. Even at the supermarket, do you pick the best, most luscious produce, or the measly lightweights...and why?

Relationships: From whom you find attractive to the person you develop a relationship with, your choices speak of your mentality. For instance, when I see a handsome gentleman I think I could impress or be the equal of, I feel sexy and empowered and I have no qualms giving him a second look as I walk by. If I see a super-good looking guy who is well-dressed and has a look that I feel almost intimidated by, I'll look down...I will not want him to notice me, and I'll assume he wouldn't anyway. He'd like a gorgeous, rich, tall, skinny and blonde Swedish model type, I'll tell myself. How bizarre! Now I realize there are many issues being manifested here, such as class mentality (perish the thought), natural selection, etc.. It's the issue of self-worth - of thinking there are men or any people who are too good for me - that I am addressing.

So. I have been left with a refined taste and appreciation for the exquisite things in life, coupled with a little voice in my head which assures me I can never have them. How daunting! Well, not for long. I can guarantee you now that I've found this limiting belief system, I'll purge it.

This is personal development at work, in real life. What will YOU do with your limiting beliefs...?

TIP: Have you ever heard of EFT? Short for Emotional Freedom Technique, EFT is a ground-breaking process used by highly skilled practitioners to help us bring up our limiting beliefs (which are often buried where they are hard to get at or even notice), and get rid of them. The technique is fantastic for a number of uses, and is based on the body's natural energy meridians.

Before experiencing this amazing process for myself, I was a skeptic. Having
seen the incredible, almost instant results, I am highly recommending you try
it, even if it doesn't make a lot of sense to you when you begin. Some resources
for EFT include:

Money Beyond Belief: The brilliant name of this program says it all, because that's what it's all about! Created by Brad Yates, one of the best-known EFT practitioners, and the wonderful Joe Vitale - aka 'Mr. Fire' - whom you may recognize from The Secret movie - this EFT program is specifically geared toward money issues.

Attracting Abundance with EFT: This book is by Carol Look, a renowned EFT practitioner with the gift of explaining it simply and teaching it to the multitudes. Carol has helped many people overcome a variety of issues.

ThrivingNow.com: This is the website of Rick Wilkes, an EFT practitioner who is passionate about his craft and down to earth in his approach. His site is an an in-depth and informative resource, with articles that explain the many facets of EFT and the possibilities for its use.

Gratitude Equals Expansion

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:08:00 +0000

Good day!

I'm guessing that anyone reading this blog will have expansion as an intention - expansion of lifestyle, expansion of financial means, and of happiness, satisfaction and overall well-being. Forging your own path means all of these things and more.

While many of us have heard that having - exercising - gratitude will help us attract more into our lives, few of us practise this amazing and transformative process. It IS a process, just like every other action in our lives, which unfold in space and time.

To demonstrate today how quick and effective this process can be in expanding your heart and your life, I propose a little exercise - perform if it you will! There is no one to force you; however, hopefully the future you are longing for is also calling to you, telling you in a tiny voice to just try this...

This little exercise is so simple and powerful, I once sent it to myself in an email, entitled 'To Shauna, from YOUR FUTURE SELF' and every time I come across it, it startles me anew. I open it, read it, perform the exercise because I trust myself (as I did today and having been reminded, I am sharing it with you), and am amazed at the flood of gratitude and sense of remembrance I feel.

This exercise combats the boredom people sometimes feel when they have committed to the habit of writing gratitude lists every day, but cannot plumb the depths to find 'new' things to be grateful for, and so end up just going through the motions. This type of forced but heartless activity does NOT create expansion and in fact feels like a chore. This is NOT what we're after!

Here is my note to myself, verbatim, lest I mess with the magic in trying to paraphrase it:

Have You Thanked the Universe Today?

Shauna;

Today's reminder is -- gratitude.

Sure, you've heard it countless times before...be grateful for what you have, and the Universe will send you more. But have you ever noticed how hard it is sometimes to sit and appreciate things, and how EASY it is to appreciate something once it is gone?....

Today, look around you and consider for a moment that you have lost each item or person in your life, as your eyes and mind come to rest on it. It will only take you a moment to appreciate it much more than you did the second before. Take a few minutes right now and perform this little task....and then say Thank you!! You are truly blessed.

S

That's it! If you let this work on even a few things which surround you, I guarantee you'll have a big smile on your face when you're done. The possibilities are endless as you take the time to look around you. I find myself saying, for instance, 'Someone took my windows' and then imagine sitting in the dark and remembering wistfully how much I loved the light streaming in. This is especially effective for me, because I sometimes complain that I don't have enough windows, ie. enough sunlight.

I once feared that by trying to be grateful for what I already have, I would in essence be settling for just that...I would be saying to the Universe that I am satisfied here, thank you, and I require no more. It has been my experience that just the opposite has occurred. As my heart expands with gratitude for how wonderful my life already is, and how beautiful and miraculous life is and our earth is, I feel as if I might explode from the enormity of it. This happiness creates expansion in all areas...I find more friendly faces, I connect with people and animals more readily, and I tell the Universe 'bring it on!' instead of 'I can't take it - it's too beautiful!' which is what I used to say. This expanded feeling, coupled with focus on my goals, has brought about radical change in my life, and I'm telling you from experience...prosperity floods to the person with open arms, NOT into a closed cup.

TRY IT, and enjoy the positive consequences!

Each New Choice

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:52:00 +0000

In my quest to help others live their dreams, I talk with a lot of people about the subject. As you might imagine, a question I commonly ask others is 'Are you living your dreams?' Of course, if they are not, then the next question to address would be 'why not?' This usually begins an important discussion about a person's beliefs and their exposure to goal setting, positive environments, role models and the principles of success.

A second and equally important question involved in this discussion is 'Have you defined your dreams and decided to LIVE the characteristics and traits of that dreamer personified?'

Many of us who are on the personal development road get caught in the 'waiting for our dreams to come true' trap; while we are happy and grateful most of the time, we expect we will be much happier and even more grateful when our 'dreams come true.'

What we all need to remember is that life is NOW. Will we look back when we've achieved some of our bigger goals and see that we have wasted countless days and hours longing for a better future?

While having goals and striving for them with focus and persistence is important, so too is living our now moments with fulfillment and richness. Isn't that what we are striving for anyway?...

As an example, if your 'future' ideal self is one who is excited, positive, free from fear or worry, do you assume it is because he/she has plenty of money or lives in a dream house? Step back for a moment, because this thinking is definitely on the wrong track. There is NOTHING outside of you that can make you feel powerful, happy or satisfied. While you may gain a temporary inflated feeling from getting a new car or buying your dream home, those feelings are simply internal ones, being amplified by the newness of your accomplishment.

All feelings are inside of you, and start with a choice you make beforehand and in the moment. While it may sometimes seem as if feelings take you over or come from somewhere else, I invite you to explore the part you and your thoughts have played in their creation. In doing so, you can begin to consciously choose to create otherwise, and then you really will be living the way you want, and attracting your dreams closer and closer to you.

Consider the 'feelings' a person may have after cultivating the following hypothetical thought patterns:

A: "Why do things always go wrong after a few dates?" "What is wrong with me that I cannot attract anyone good?" "Why does this always happen to me?" "Why can't I ever get a break?"
B: "This is useless. I don't know why I bother." "Sam always gets the plum jobs. God, I can't stand that guy." "She's such a phony. Whay can't everyone see through her like I can?"
C: "What a great day! I wonder what exciting things will happen today?" "What can I learn from this so I can do better next time?" "I have decided that I will always bounce back, no matter what happens. Nothing can stop me." "Do I feel like running today, or swimming?"
D: "Let me think of five good things about that person..." "I'm so grateful for all the good in my life, and I'm open for even more!" "What is needed here, and how can I contribute to this situation?" "What can I do right now that will move me toward my dreams?"

Follow the trajectory...as daily life unfolds, person A and person B will 'experience feelings' of frustration, anger, hopelessness, resentment, jealousy, and possibly even seething hatred. The physiology caused by such thought patterns is also dangerous for one's health.

Persons C and D, on the other hand, will likely 'experience feelings' of happiness, satisfaction, contribution, joy and gratitude, and the powerful feelings associated with achievement and anticipation of success. They will feel vibrant, energetic and excited about life.

As psychologist Daniel Gilbert points out in his amazing and deeply thought-provoking book 'Stumbling on Happiness,' we as humans are not fabulous at predicting how we will feel in the future. All the more reason, in my mind, to make conscious decisions about how we wish to feel and behave in any given situation.

By cultivating the thought patterns associated with the dream life we want and the dream person we want to be, we can begin to live that life NOW, with each new day. Each new choice puts you in the driver's seat of your life - begin making your choices consciously!

Exploring Your Influences

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:16:00 +0000

You are what you eat, they say...and you are also who you hang out with.

It can also be said you are the books you read, the TV you watch and, in general, the influences you allow into your daily life.

Every little thing that floats across our awareness - conscious or subconscious - affects how we think and behave, which in turn affects the results we achieve (or don't!). For those of you interested in fine tuning your results in life, I encourage you to explore the influences which surround you. In fact, it's the subconscious influences which have the deepest affect - doubly so because we don't notice them.

For instance, most of us have heard all our lives that the slim, beautiful women in magazines affect the self-image of 'normal' girls and ladies. I simply have never felt that this influence applied to me. I'm too smart for that, I thought; too confident, too happy and centered to worry about such things. In fact, I find myself inspired by slim, beautiful women most of the time. However, I recently discovered how deep these influences go while pondering the seemingly simple choice of changing my hairstyle. My mind began regurgitating judgements about what is feminine, how old is too old to have 'x' length of hair, etc. etc.. Where did I get all this from?? Answer: TV, magazines, in-store posters ... in short, every ad I've ever seen that attempts to tell me what I 'should' look like at my age. What we REALLY should be doing, always, is looking to ourselves and deciding what we love and what is best for us.

TIP: If you don't listen to your own inner voice very often, start now. Your inner self knows more than you do, and this is one important skill that develops with practice. In fact, it's one of the most important things you can do on your journey to create your own authentic, powerful future life. There has never been an occasion when I asked my 'self' for an answer and didn't receive it. Without fail, I have received answers or suggestions that are right on the mark.

As another example, a woman in a Law of Attraction group I am a part of was trying to overcome some financial problems. She was learning about finances and maintaining a positive attitude, but felt she was being held back for some reason. One day, she was cleaning off her desk at home and it hit her like a ton of bricks that she was surrounding herself with negative influences. She related that all over her desk were piles of bills that needed to be paid. Imagine the draining and negative subconscious messages being imprinted in the brain of someone sitting at a desk looking at piles of bills all day!

The Untapped Positive

While we may all have people or situations in our lives that are less than ideal, there is much we can do to we can widen our perspective and explore ways to increase the positive influences.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + +

As just one example of things you may be missing, I was recently brainstorming for a book a I am writing. As part of my research, I decided to interview any and all millionaires I know personally. While my few millionaire friends automatically made the list, I began to wonder if there was anyone I might have overlooked. As I considered people I know or have known, quite a few names 'popped' as I realized that these people likely have at least a million dollars' net worth. There's the quiet, unassuming executive who lives in a modest home but takes his wife to places like Venice on the occasional weekend, and the owner of the factory, and my uncle who has always handled his money carefully ... isn't it possible - even likely - that these people and possibly many more I know are millionaires? Most of the time I am lamenting that I don't know/hang out with nearly enough wealthy people, knowing how important our influences are. With this fun new discovery, not only am I bound to get some fantastic insights from these inspiring people, I got a lasting infusion of encouragement and connectedness from the realization that so many like-minded people surround me. This is also a brilliant and inspiring story I can share with my blog and book readers ... after all, surely YOU are surrounded by such people too!

Go ahead and explore your influences, both positive and negative. Such personal development work can lead to exciting and powerful insights, which in turn can lead to quick and lasting changes. Whatever influences you'd LIKE to have in your life are closer and more possible than you think, and by also eliminating some of the negatives, you are well on your way to creating your dreams with more power and energy than ever. Enjoy!

Recommended books:

How Do You Define Happiness?...

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:44:00 +0000

NOTE: Much of the dialogue below was written back in February, however I did not post it. I was inspired instead to think deeply on my answers - for my sake and yours. I have therefore put in quotes the original writing and then followed below with my thoughts from NOW.

"How do you define happiness?...

This is the question that fellow personal development blogger Alex Shalman wrote to ask me. While I know he wrote to many people, this question seemed to beg answering.

Such a simple question...yet if we could all answer it - and live our answers - the world would change overnight.

Alex has created what he calls The Happiness Project.

You may have already heard about it, however if you haven't, there's plenty of insight and inspiration to be soaked up with this one. He is in the process of interviewing top personal development bloggers about their views on his simple questions about happiness, and all interviews and answers are posted for us to enjoy and reap benefits from.

Thanks, Alex, for the inspiration. Without further adieu, here are my (current) answers to the questions posed by Alex's Happiness Project. Be sure to spend some time reading the many inspiring answers yourself by CLICKING HERE, and if you are a blogger, by all means participate as well!

How do you define happiness?

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your happiness now, versus when you were a child?

What do you do on a daily basis that brings you happiness (and how consistent is the feeling of happiness throughout your day) ?

What things take away from your happiness? What can be done to lessen their impact or remove them from your life?

What do you plan on doing in the future that will bring you even more happiness?"

Excellent questions. However, I've changed this to suit my own questions and my deeper answers. I thank you again, Alex, for the inspiration and I apologize for not participating in the way that you requested.

The following is a list of some of the things that make me happy...and the why.

Sunny days, sparkling water: sheer exuberance and joy and 'NOW' feelings
The sound of rain, and the misty sunny time after the rain: the first is relaxing and both are calming and refreshing
Beautiful classical music: that poignant, 'too beautiful I can't stand it' feeling
Birds: sweet little birds and beautiful macaws and flamingos..they are so different from us, and I love to stand and listen to them talk to one another for a few minutes when I'm out walking
Travel: that feeling of going new places, exciting experiences

Turquoise water and palm trees: sheer appreciation for beauty and a scene that feels like I'm meant to be there >>
Beautiful clothes and exquisite jewelry: the feeling of elegance and decadence
Well-dressed men: sexiness, confidence, appreciation
Accomplishing a goal: satisfaction, pride, more confidence in myself
Helping someone else: sharing a connection and feeling worthy and compassionate
'Getting' something I've been struggling with: Relief, and self-validation ie. all the struggle was worthwhile
Exercise: physical exhaustion, strength, power
Adventure: feeling like I'm squeezing the most out of life
Laughing, children giggling: the joy of life and lightheartedness
Compliments from people I admire: this is deeper than feeding the ego. When someone I admire says they admire my work, it validates something deep inside and motivates me to keep going
Suddenly remembering not to take myself seriously: The literal feeling of lightening up
A breakthrough in thinking, a new insight: 'Aha!' moment when perspective changes, altering life
Waterfalls and bubbling water: the jumping, bubbling spirit of water makes me feel renewed and full of joy
The human spirit: Reminders of our connectedness

After contemplating the overall meaning of these things, I realize there is a common theme running through them, and that happiness is neither a journey nor a destination nor a choice...all of the things I had thought it was. It is, for me, a feeling that we strive for. I feel it most in moments when I feel closest to:

My higher self
My best self
My vision of how things 'could be' if they were even more wonderful than now
Simplicity
Connectedness with others
The sanctity and quietness of NOW
Self-confidence
Honoring and knowing my self
Living by my own voice
The spirit - the force - of life

Here is my daughter, demonstrating. Enjoy!

The Power of Underachieving

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:35:00 +0000

What? UNDERachieving?

That's right. I've made a fun discovery, and I want to share it with you. No doubt many others have discovered this before me, however in my years of studying and applying personal development tenets I have recently read this for the first time, so I'm guessing it's a little-known idea compared to other, more well-known principles. Perhaps we have heard it but put another way, and if even one person reading this has a light-bulb moment, then my sharing it is worthwhile.

I credit one of my mentors, Robert Kiyosaki of the famous Rich Dad franchise for introducing me to this, and he in turn credits Canada's Raymond Aaron. Both gentlemen are very successful, so there must be something to this advice. Robert Kiyosaki has helped me profitably change my mindset when it comes to money, business, and what really matters financially, and Raymond Aaron's advice has helped me with consistency, which in turn has helped me accomplish far more than I otherwise would have. Who knew?

Questions: Do you have big dreams and goals? Are you on the path to amazing and awe-inspiring achievements? If you look inside and are honest, are your goals and dreams so big that they sometimes intimidate and overwhelm you with their enormity?

While we have all been focusing on our goals, reaching for the stars, striving to change our thoughts and behaviors and achieve ever more, this new (to me) idea brings up the opposite point of view. In a simple and stunning swipe at everything I have believed to this point, Aaron tells me to try underachieving. After my double-take, I began to think about what he was saying. It doesn't actually conflict with my beliefs, but complements them. Essentially, the point is reiterated that we put so much pressure on ourselves to accomplish things that sometimes it can be overwhelming. If this feeling of 'too much' begins to feel too heavy, often people will end up doing nothing at all, rather than taking the necessary steps to pursue their dreams.
Solution: try taking the pressure off. What if, every day when you contemplated going to the gym, for instance, instead of thinking you must lift heavier or run faster or last longer ('But I'm still sore from yesterday!' you're thinking), you just said to yourself 'Well, as long as I do a little something, I'm satisfied,'? If you might have even skipped your workout because the prospect was so intimidating, perhaps now you might do that 'little something' and not feel so guilty about not doing more.

You know what? LITTLE SOMETHINGS every day are what add up to success in the long-term.

While this idea seems to fly in the face of conventional wisdom, in reality it fully supports them - and you! With less pressure on yourself, you can feel OK just performing little tasks every day which lead you toward your dreams. The world was not meant to be conquered in a day. Haven't you read a million times that it's the little steps you take every day which lead to your dreams being fulfilled? So why do we try to do so much, and often end up curled up in bed whimpering?

The proof: Since reading this, I have been more consistent with almost every important aspect of my life: exercise, eating habits, cleaning, communication, work and goal-achieving activities...you name it, I've been doing little bits every day. With the pressure off, I can relax and just do what feels right in the moment, and somehow everything gets done, little by little. It's amazing! I feel better about things that have been weighing on me, and they are getting done. A huge pile of filing I'd been avoiding, for instance, is slowly going down, because instead of hiding from what seemed like an insurmountable pile, I'm doing a portion each day.

Perhaps with this new idea you'll even enjoy goal setting and thinking about your future more. Instead of being secretly scared or feeling incompetent, you can relax and assure yourself that with every little bit you do, you're moving along just fine, thank you. And it's OK this way. Slow and steady turtle, anyone?